FALL 2025 PLEIN AIR PAINTING SUPPLY LIST:
*Do not get overwhelmed by the supply list! Start small and add on later. Easels are a lifelong investment that you can use beyond this class.
You will need: an easel, canvas, palette paper, paint, and solvents. There are more expensive and more affordable options for all. Here are some recommendations:
Easel: Your easel is your most important tool in plain air painting. I am providing a link to the French easel I recommend, you are also welcome to use a less expensive foldable tripod * Please note if you choose the tripod version you will have to hold your palette, as the French easels have a palette inside
Canvas: Blick offers canvas packs. I recommend getting 5 that are no bigger than 16 x 20, smaller if you work slow. Remember class is 3 hrs. You are also welcome to stretch your own canvas or work on canvas paper
Brushes: I personally prefer synthetic brushes for oil paint. I recommend starting with at least three different size brushes. I like to choose them based on size
My Favorite Brushes (I like filbert sizes 6, 4, 2)
Palette Pad: I recommend a small enough size to fit inside your French easel
Paint: The recommendation for the class is oil. Blick makes oil paint sets which I have linked. I would recommend adding a large (200 ml) tube of titanium white, as you will use it the most. I would also add cadmium yellow hue, brilliant rose ( you will want a pink!), and phthalo blue.
The primary colors are Red, Yellow, and Blue, I like to have a warm and cool version of each. Colors I always have in my palette:
Titanium white (please note this is different from mixing and flake white) (200 ml)
Ultramarine Blue (40 ml)
Phthalo Blue (40 ml)
Alizarin Crimson (40 ml)
Cadium Red (40 ml)
Hansa Yellow Light (40 ml)
Cadium Yellow Hue (40 ml)
Rose Madder (40 ml)
Phthalo Green (40 ml)
Mediums: Paint mediums are how you thin oil paint. You will need a solvent. I recommend odorless Gamsol. You will fill up your mason jar with this for travel. I would start with a 16oz or larger. Gamsol can also be reused.
I also recommend buying a small container of Linseed Oil for easier flow, if you are worried about drying time, my favorite addition is Solvent Gel
Other items to pack:
a small bag for trash
Paper Towels or rags
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Tote bag or backpack to carry everything in
A small jar or mason jar for your gamsol