Watercolor Plein Air Painting: Pro Tips and Techniques

I'm enjoying this beautiful Spring day in the best way possible--hiking and painting outdoors! In this video I share my thought process for choosing WHAT to paint and take you through step by step through a watercolor painting while on location!
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These are the supplies used in this video:
🎨 Ultralight Bamboo Magnetic Sketch Easel Handmade by Taylor Seamount ➡️ www.etsy.com/listing/11979612...
🎨 Sennelier French Artists' Watercolor Set - Metal Pocket Box, Set of 12 half pans ➡️ bit.ly/3CjELlg
📜 Arches 7x10" cold pressed paper block ➡️ bit.ly/Arches7x10
🖌️ Escoda Size 12 Round Travel Brush ➡️ bit.ly/Escoda
🖌️ Silver Black Velvet Voyager Travel Watercolor Brushes ➡️ www.dpbolvw.net/click-9110133...
📜 MACTREM Camera Tripod ➡️ amzn.to/43z6x97
🎒 REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack ➡️ www.rei.com/product/168486/re...
🎥 Film & Editing Gear 🎞️
- Canon EOS R Plus RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM Lens Kit ➡️ amzn.to/3pC8mR9
- (for filming with my iphone outdoors) Manfrotto 196B-2 143BKT 2-Section Single Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket ➡️ amzn.to/3OEkSLN
- Manfrotto 502 Video Head MVH502AH ➡️ amzn.to/35QTU0w - pangshi 11inch Adjustable Articulating Friction Magic Arm ➡️ amzn.to/3CkT73X
- Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
Please note, some of these links are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This allows me to continue creating helpful and entertaining free content! I only recommend products that I use and love.

[@ellencrimitrent]

I can't believe you go on the hike alone- never not me doing that!! Bears, ppl- very brave Emily!! I have zero issue being alone anywhere else but the woods! great tips!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I love solo hiking! I grew up in the woods, so it feels like home. :)

[@ivi122]

You’re missing out! Hiking is amazing. I love hiking with my husband and kids but also sometimes by myself!

[@shellyparker8960]

It was so crazy as you were painting, the scene on the paper fell right into the natural background. I just love it! Amazing job!!

[@lisamessina5952]

Try the desert! snakes, scorpions, cactus, etc…I don’t take really long ones alone.

[@ellencrimitrent]

@@ivi122not really my bf lives in CO she told me she will not hike w/o a gun - me sorry seen way too many horror stories as a teen 😂

[@LauraGYoung]

High-altitude light and dry air is such a challenge! And painting while filming only adds to the difficulty. You knocked this one out of the park. 👏 🎨 Bravo.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I really appreciate that! 🙌

[@LauraGYoung]

@@EmilyOlsonArt 🥰 🎨

[@chiarasola826]

You are a beautiful person, your videos bring me joy ✨

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Aw thank you!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Emily, thank you for sharing your lovely hike with us and your extraordinary painting experience! I especially liked listening to you explain your process, like toning down that red shadow with some blue, marvelous! I enjoyed listening to you say, squint to remove those details. I did joy seeing you hike past wonderful scenic wonders to find a lovely scene that moved you to unpack your paints and get started! I did enjoy hearing you say “ take a picture” and this is true for any possible future painting that might just not move you during the hike. As the collection of flowers or the lonesome pine one. Thank you for sharing this hike with us. It is the perfect time of the year before it gets to hot and after most of the snow has gone. I hope that you are able to share another vista from this hike in a future video. An in home plein-air without any hiking or exposure to the elements! Please take care and have yourself a lovely day!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I always appreciate your nice comments! Thanks so much for stopping by and watching! :)

[@charlescallery4420]

Wonderful plein air art. I'm so glad you included the intro material on the variety of possible subjects. Your paining technique is simple and accessible yet sophisticated. You emphasize the basics that we all need to review. Thanks so much for your positive and unassuming attitude!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I appreciate that so much! Thanks for watching!

[@jilleverett9981]

Brilliant, Emily! Lovely to see the scene develop and view it through your eyes 😊

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you, Jill!

[@Jw16mosier]

I love how you just seem relaxed and put it down,then fix what you feel needs adjusting, like when you over did the branches, then correct it. Most people would have started over… Thank you sincerely 🌳 ME “over do-er “ LOL

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My husband likes to remind me that "freaking out" helps....never, hah hah! So we calmly paint on. :) 🙌

[@adelleatwood9242]

Amazing plein air painting! I had to replay twice more as I just loved watching it all come together ❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks so much! It was a lot of fun!

[@jesiegirl80]

Absolutely love your plein air adventures Emily they are my favourite! The hikes and they way you select your subjects are so inspiring 🙌

[@blueviolets2022]

Beautiful painting and scenery. It was so interesting watching the pencil and brush reflection dancing around on the paper. But then I'm kinda weird and distractable, too. Lol 🤪

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I noticed that while I was editing, too! :)

[@DeborahRHintz]

Amazing day to hike and paint! Wonderful therapy…..thank you for sharing!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jacquekelly1689]

Beautiful painting! Enjoyed watching your process.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

So glad!

[@nellkrams3698]

The scenery…..so many places to pick from! I think there are enough beautiful spots that you wouldn’t have to go anywhere else for quite a while. I was really impressed with your thumb nail sketch. That in itself made a nice painting. However, your finished painting….I love it! The sunlight and shade on the boulders, the tree, your background trees….everything was fantastic! I was spellbound watching you. I would love to see something like this ( or the pile of rocks and the partial tree, the clump of flowers …on Watercolor Mastery. What would be even better is if you would take us with you and paint along with you. Some of us don’t have the awesome scenery you do.). A wonderful tutorial…a spectacular plein air painting. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks so much, Nell! I’m really glad you liked it

[@brianwood1451]

Love your painting Emily. Makes me want to be back in the US again. We're just back from a trip to the Maine area, also beautiful. Took my paints, but left them in Boston! Cheap basic set did the trick for my half dozen sketches. Now back in rainy England. Great channel. Thankyou, Brian

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I haven't yet had the pleasure of visiting Maine! Or England--both bucket list locations for sure!

[@Patti5d]

This was so beautiful! Everything! The tips you shared were very helpful. I have everything I need for plein air but just haven’t gone out yet. Your art is beautiful too. I find your teaching style very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing and taking us along this hike and painting experience. ❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ivi122]

Yay I love your plein air videos! You’re so talented. I love hiking and nature in general so I wish I could meet up with you and paint one day! I’m fairly knew at watercolors and I’m loving it so much

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

It's the best! 🙌

[@dianeo]

Good pacing and helpful instruction. You knew just when to time-lapse it as well as real-time the process. Beautiful work! Such gorgeous scenery. Thank you. I wouldn't mind attempting plein air painting in an isolated area like this. It freaks me out when people watch me paint, LOL.

[@artieross9537]

You're such an inspiration to me. Thank you!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@foltz-art]

Very excited for ya luv what a beautiful place to do a painting 🎨 and it was definitely meant to be ❤😁✌️🏞🌞 I enjoyed this immensely Great Job 🖼🖌

[@VaishaliBakore]

Even your value study looks beautiful ❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Oh thank you!

[@vanessalynch7985]

Such a beautiful painting! Loved this video. Thanks for taking us with you!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@sherivanderhoof7106]

Incredible Emily!! Thank you for sharing your hike, the majestic views and your very lovely painting!! I live in Salt Lake City, if you'd ever like to do some awesome hikes and painting, I'd love to be your tour guide!!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure! And Utah is a treasure trove of beauty!

[@user-zi8qi9ip2g]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful Colorado day and the magnificent views. I really appreciate you talking through your painting process as I learn and remember key elements of watercolor painting…en plein air. You are a fun and skilled painter! Thank you so much for sharing.😊

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@pattibrougham5030]

Your video inspired me to go out today and paint! Thanks for the nudge!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Have fun!

[@ltietjens8555]

Thank you for sharing, lovely start to finish 😊

[@loiscox2754]

What an amazing job! I love the trees and the rocks, you absolutely make it come to life.....Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@marygrider5377]

Wow! This was amazing. I thought there was too much white space but the boulders are perfect! (Newbie here) learning importance of white space!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@chaoticgood8645]

I just went plein air painting today (my first time!!) and I came back and watched this! Now that I've tried it, a lot of your tips in this video really mean a lot more to me and I learned a few more tips than I would have before :) Really glad to see you explaining when you're getting too caught up in the details, when you're alternating colors in the background, and how you handle a large ground covering without getting stuck. I think your plein air painting videos are the best out there :)!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I’m so glad you enjoyed this! Thank you for the nice comment!

[@theroadhome_Liz_Summers]

Beautiful painting and beautiful video sharing of your process - Thank you! I am a very new watercolor "artist" in Northwest Montana. I am doing Pleinairpril ... WAY above my skill level and April 1 was my first ever Plein Air experience. I have adjusted everything from kit to what I am painting to my expectations. Thankfully, I had decided to go small at 4x4 and finally realized I needed to "zoom in" and simplify. It was interesting to hear you speak to that as well. Even with gorgeous landscape, for me, I need to work on basics! Helpful information through the entire video - thanks!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Way to step out and go for it! 🙌

[@theroadhome_Liz_Summers]

@@EmilyOlsonArt I have watched this twice more and 2nd/3rd times appreciated the pre-painting value study!

[@terayahm6873]

I always enjoy your plein air tutorials. Thank you so much.

[@susankolpack7044]

Delightful plein air painting adventure😊

[@barbaras.7135]

Love this, Emily.

[@pastorswife1998]

So well done! Thank you! Beautiful painting

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you!

[@MissKats13]

It's a stunning painting! Thank you very much for sharing this and teaching your technic.

[@craftykat]

Wow, that came out so beautifully, and such a gorgeous area!

[@carolturner1976]

Your painting turned out beautiful. You are so talented!

[@maneeshgoswami-edm]

Hollywood star who paints so well 😊

[@marjapulan]

Thank you for sharing. I follow you on instagram too! You never fail to inspire me❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@smoothsketch]

I like how the pencil has a magical bright reflection on it like a magic wand as you draw on the canvass

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

It was a fun little light show! 🙌

[@deboraheliason188]

These are my favorite of your videos, plein air, mountains, hiking, just perfect. Thank you.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

More to come!

[@stilton1348]

You are a joy to watch!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much!

[@lyndacoles]

I’m an English watercolourist, now living in Colorado Springs for the past 24 years and it was such a shock trying to paint when you only have about 20 seconds or less before your paint is too dry! I must have got used to it though, because at the moment I am back in the UK visiting my Mum and having the opposite problem of getting bored while I wait for what seems like a lifetime for my paint to dry. I also brought a hand poured and dried set of some M. Graham paints with me…big mistake, they are almost back to tube consistency with all the damp 😂. I found that you definitely have to use 100% cotton paper in Colorado, cheaper papers just don’t hold onto that moisture as well. I also finely (and carefully) mist my work with water from time to time.

[@deborahtaylor7902]

such a great video Emily!! and your painting is beautiful! thanks so much for sharing your outdoor adventures..

[@danieldoyle8646]

Love it! Missing CO for that view

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

It's the best! 🙌

[@joanbauman1571]

Super wonderful watching planning your painting I have been so inspired!! You and your sister reminds me of me and my sisters. You know what I’m planning!! 😂. Would you ever do an in state group plein air painting group?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much for watching! 😀 There is actually already a group of plein air painters in Colorado-PAAC. They do weekly paint outs! You can check their website for dates/locations. :-)

[@stephenoliver572]

As always thank you for a beautiful video

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure!

[@bethw7]

This is SO wonderful! I love looking over your shoulder and hearing your thought process as you paint. The tree is my favorite part - I had no idea how you were going to simplify it, but it's gorgeous. Love, love, love this!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much!

[@BarBaraWhorleyCrawfordESS]

Thank you. It’s gorgeous. ❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure!

[@lumberjill439]

What an inspiration! Thank you!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@amyheyseart]

Thanks for this breakdown. I’ve always enjoyed watching you plein air paint. I think this will be the year I finally give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You got this! 🙌

[@MedievalMary]

I love pleinair videos!

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Loved this.❤️

[@gailcartee2100]

Just what I was looking for. I'm thinking of trying plein air painting and your example was the perfect instruction. Love the break down of value painting before taking on the whole painting, then layering in the different areas. So much help today.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I need to remember to do a value study every time--it's SO helpful!

[@carollegros8671]

Wonderful still cold here. I appreciate the scenery when you live in the city.

[@emoooooly7350]

These plein air videos are my favorite of yours.

[@ChantelleArts]

This is so good, I love it ☺☺

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you! 😄

[@danemeow8]

Super fun, thank you! I get a little nervous doing plein air with other people around possibly stopping and all, but I love doing it so much. Being in the Colorado area myself ive learned the hard way as well how difficult and complex those mountain scenes with all the twigs and leaves and branches and rocks etc etc etc! can be to paint. You gave great advice about simplifying the shapes and not getting lost in the details, as well as changing the scene just a little here and there to suit your needs, all super helpful stuff. Was fun watching your pick-a-spot thought process haha cuz its very similar to my own when I do that. Looking to try and find a casual plein air group soon in NOCO, cuz i think id like to try and get more comfortable painting with a group like that, i think it probably allows you to feel more confident while doing plein air.

[@maneeshgoswami-edm]

Wow 😮❤😊

[@jajakaborge]

Love watching your videos while I get ready. They always make me want to stop what I’m doing and get some practice in! I aspire to paint rocks like you!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I'm so glad you enjoy the videos! 🙌

[@lisaannef]

Love it Emily!

[@lisabennett5078]

Thank you! I hiked 6 hours yesterday in this Spanish forest, your lesson is very timely! Meant to be!❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Sounds like a great day! :) 🙌

[@elizabethdillinger8735]

Lovely painting and a joy to watch you accomplish.. It’s so hard to not stress on things and worry about if it’s coming out well. My perfectionism is not helpful.. Watching you made me realize it’s what holds me back. Amazing work Emily

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks, Elizabeth! I struggle with perfectionism too…consistently practicing positive self talk really does help! 🙂

[@sharonsunshine2532]

Beautiful painting

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@melindaavila498]

I really enjoyed this tutorial. You gave us great tips! I lived in Littleton back in 1972-74. The air was certainly dry! But we enjoyed it, good neighbors. I don't know if I will ever do plein air, but you are an inspiration.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barryedgington6812]

Hi Emily, what a beautiful area you chose to walk and pick out a perfect scenery! You painted this so quickly and beautifully. You are so talented and also so beautiful! Thank you for taking us on your adventure. ❤Helene

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Aw I appreciate that so much!

[@artonthecreek]

That’s a great hike-glad you got out! Thanks for making this video-it’s such a joy to watch you paint and I can’t wait to get out there! Waiting for our next 75° day…..

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fichoudhury4432]

impressive. im gonna watch more videos of yours. love from India

[@crystalheart9]

Beautifully done and enjoyed watching you paint and in the beautiful mountain scenery.🖌⛰💚

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@lissataylor12345]

Wonderful. I’m just learning watercolor now. I’ve spent the last year practicing drawing-everyday. I love it . Thanks for sharing.❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure!

[@LisaSDonovan]

Beautiful painting! Love hearing you speak about your process, and watching the painting develop- so helpful!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I'm so glad!

[@lesliebow4241]

Thank you Emily! It has inspired me to get out there and try painting on a hike. Your tips are great and your enthusiasm is infectious!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

So glad! 🙌

[@antheablackmore5838]

Two beautiful paintings thank you

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow gorgeous view & great painting of some beautiful subjects! Thanks for sharing your tips for Plein Art Painting. Great setup for painting too!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@marysesatz4294]

Enjoyed your demo so much, thank you!

[@barbarabonner131]

What a wonderful tutorial Emily! You are a great teacher. Including how you find your subject and the process you go through to get started was so helpful. The painting is beautiful and I loved your rocks! The tutorial rocks!!!

[@monicaj3023]

Youre a beautiful inspiration ! Thank you

[@criswalton7636]

Oh my goodness, just delightful!!

[@TariqNU]

Amazing

[@theroadhome_Liz_Summers]

Thanks!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Aw thanks so much!

[@roxannerosecrans4441]

Absolutely gorgeous 🥰 you make it look so easy. Great tutorial, ty

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

So glad you liked the video!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Superb composition ❤

[@user-do7bj5cr3w]

Beautiful❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@hectorrobledo6412]

Que hermosas montañas 👍🏻🏔️

[@MikeBrown-bi1lq]

This was so helpful and a terrific teaching video.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I'm so glad!

[@kymbellerose4831]

Beautiful! You inspired me to paint! Where is this beautiful place ?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Boulder, Colorado!

[@diegoclark7743]

❤

[@SchubertFan]

I’ve watched this video at least 5 times - you do such beautiful work! I purchased the same easel after seeing you and Steve Mitchell using it, and I love it! Can you share the brand and size of clip you use to clip your pad to the easel? I have ones that look the same but the orange part constantly pops off and is annoying lol. Love your work!

[@diegoclark7743]

🙌

[@shawnas464]

How do you DO that!? So good!

[@Chadsolderbrotherbrad1111]

❤🎉

[@sanimepillar]

I wanna live in a forest like that , Miyazaki said "that in now days people's dream are cursed and we are harming nature by accomplishin our dreams ", but my dream is to live peacefull life in forest

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

That's a beautiful dream! 🙌

[@UraniaOfTheGalaxy]

Magic, as always. Emily, does the Escoda Ultimo brush keep its point without hooking? I haven’t found a synthetic brush that doesn’t hook.

[@revinakeener7299]

have you tried using sea sponges for trees? I like tearing small pieces for pine trees...

[@deborahtaylor7902]

such a beautiful video Emily and your painting is awesome! I am thinking of getting the easel you have too..the tripod looks great too, but it looks a bit heavier? is it 8 lbs? Did u use a different one previously ? thanks a bunch!

[@nphmacungie]

LOVE your cap! Where can I get one?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My sisters Etsy shop : www.etsy.com/shop/StrongMommaStudios

[@jenwilly7260]

What specific colors do you have in your plein air palette? I am assuming a lot of earth colors (yellow ochre/raw sienna, burnt sienna, raw umber, burnt umber), some kind of green and yellow for trees and foliage, and some kind of blues for water. I have a small ceramic travel palette with room for 12 colors, and I am trying to figure out which colors to include...

[@amybair3205]

Wow! Great job. How long did the painting actually take you?

[@joanbauman1571]

Emily, Do you have special wet panel carrying case for your finished pictures? Do you carry those in your back pack also?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You don’t really need a wet panel case for watercolors because they dry so fast. I usually work on blocks, so the paintings stay protected inside.

[@Lucille-bg9xh]

Will underpainting with water colours make it appear real

[@DeborahBroach]

This is not Emily. It is Anna Rose Bain