Painting en plein air (on site outdoors) didn't really catch on until the 19^th century. Today it is very popular, even in areas where the weather doesn't always cooperate. First-hand observation of the subject is one of the benefits of on-location painting, which may lend a more convincing feeling to your painting or drawing. Here are some tips to help you pack up and go on your outdoor painting excursions. Planning ahead will make your trip a lot more fun and more productive, as well.

1. Painting equipment ranges from a lightweight backpack to an outdoor studio, including easel, chair and umbrella. My personal kit consists of a minimum of materials for watercolor sketching. Adapt to your own medium and necessities: 9" x 12" watercolor sketchbook; folding palette box; small paint tubes; water bottle, water container; assortment of brushes in a Ziploc bag, sketching pens, pencils, pocket knife, pocket stencil knife; masking tape, tissues, white eraser, natural sponge, pencil sharpener, correction pen, empty 35mm slide mount viewfinder (small items in Ziplock bags); a color wheel (you might know I'd have one of these!)

2. camera, film, batteries: Use your camera to gather information to supplement your sketches.

3. Personal comfort: lightweight folding chair or blanket to sit on; layered clothing, sunshade or hat, comfortable shoes; bug spray, sun block, sun glasses; simple first aid: aspirin, tissues, bandaids, ointment, hand wipes; drinking water, LUNCH!, litter bag

4. Selecting a site: Unless you're a rough-and-tough mountain man, choose a site for safety and comfort (Check on restrooms before you settle in.), away from traffic and not too remote. Paint with a buddy. If the site is on private property, ask for permission.
5. Choosing your subject: Make it simple--bite off a small piece. (If you can't decide, turn around twice with your eyes closed, sit down, and paint what you see before you.).

6. Getting started: Use your viewfinder to isolate the main subject and make thumbnail sketches for composition & values. Concentrate, Eliminate, Simplify, Combine.

7. Don't expect a winner the first time out. Make lots of sketches and plan a return trip if you want to do a more complete painting.

8. Packing up: Leave the area cleaner than it was when you arrived and thank the property owners. In fact, show them your painting--you might make a sale!

See also: Campbell, Judith. Watercolor Painting on the Trail. Appalachian Mtn, 1993.
Hill, Tom. Painting Watercolors on Location. North Light, 1996.
Johnson, Cathy. The Sierra Club Guide to Sketching in Nature. Sierra Club, 1997.