Starting to paint more outdoors in watercolour
Short walks : traveling light : quick sketches : picnicking
I have never done much in the way of ‘plain air’ painting and yet when I do then I really enjoy it. It’s lovely to combine the creative process of painting with being out in the countryside.
I think one thing that can put us indoor painters off is just the practicality of packing and carrying what we need and I would like to talk about that. Generally we all carry too much…..it’s like we want to be prepared for every eventuality . We are not sure what medium the subject may call for so we take a lot……paints, coloured pencils, pens, pastels etc. Maybe I am exaggerating but you know what I mean and not only does it take half a day to pack your bag it is very heavy! I have been guilty of this but have recently whittled things down to a minimum of what I need for painting in watercolour outdoors when I am not too far from home or the car. Hope the blog helps you out and if you have ideas and experience of your own please let me know in the comments.
A few days ago we went on one of our favourite short walks in Carmarthenshire where we live. You can see the Bannau Sir Gaer , Carmarthen Fans, looking a lovely misty blue in the distance. I took lots of photos as I usually do and collected lots of reference material of may blossom, wild orchids and thistle. I plan to do some paintings from them. I also did a bit of outdoor painting and you can see the kit I took with me below.
I find this new large, light tote shoulder bag good for carrying my art materials….as well as doggie treats and poo bags and insect bite cream ! The length is about 14inches, height 13inches and is 5 inches wide. Enough separate pockets but not too many and side pockets for a water bottle. Bought on Amazon where you will find a good selection. It is the right size for my clear plastic zip bags which are just under 14 x 9 inches. I keep my paper in one, light plastic palette in the second….already filled with colour, and a few brushes and pencils and a pen in another. I take a plastic bag with kitchen roll and an empty pill container to put a small amount of water in from a small water bottle to use while painting. I find this bag and kit very manageable and light for short walks.
I am going to take these materials with me on most of my walks as I think I am much more likely to use them than if I plan a ‘real’ painting trip. I do often use a little notebook and pencil if I spot things on my walks and I am hoping I will now do more painting even is it just 10 minutes while we sit down for a picnic or a short rest ….as we do pretty often. I think it is better to get into the habit of working outdoors by starting with small sessions like this and then maybe building up longer ones. Get into the habit of making it part of your regular outings and not a special trip…..I plan to.