How do I select my kit for painting en plein air?
The unique challenges of painting in the field require a somewhat different approach in terms of selecting colors, mediums and supports. Panels are a great choice for painting outdoors because they are thin, durable and light. Sketch boxes and French field easels normally have slots in the lid to hold one or two wet, finished paintings on panel. Utrecht offers traditional canvas panels and professional-quality linen panels as well, primed and ready to accept paint. In terms of which colors and mediums to choose, for plein air painting the goal is to have a compact assortment that allows easy direct mixing of any observed color. Select a small assortment consisting of a warm and cool of each primary, one or two greens (viridian and sap green are ideal), several earth colors (yellow ochre, burnt sienna and raw umber) and a large tube of titanium white or Utrecht white. Alkyd-based painting medium will help speed up drying; Utrecht Alkyd Gel (item 11412) is easy to dispense on the palette
The unique challenges of painting in the field require a somewhat different approach in terms of selecting colors, mediums and supports. Panels are a great choice for painting outdoors because they are thin, durable and light. Sketch boxes and French field easels normally have slots in the lid to hold one or two wet, finished paintings on panel. Utrecht offers traditional canvas panels and professional-quality linen panels as well, primed and ready to accept paint. In terms of which colors and mediums to choose, for plein air painting the goal is to have a compact assortment that allows easy direct mixing of any observed color. Select a small assortment consisting of a warm and cool of each primary, one or two greens (viridian and sap green are ideal), several earth colors (yellow ochre, burnt sienna and raw umber) and a large tube of titanium white or Utrecht white. Alkyd-based painting medium will help speed up drying; Utrecht Alkyd Gel (item 14121) is easy to dispense on the palette
