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:
-Paper towels or rags
a small bag for trash
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Tote bag or backpack to carry everything in
A small jar or mason jar for your gamsol