Different Types of Plain Air Set Ups

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I have been creating art for over 10 years, specializing in oil paintings and charcoal sketches. My work has been featured in several local galleries and exhibitions.

By Martha Fulghum

The main easel I’m using here is the En Plein Air Pro Watercolor Travel Easel with included tripod and backpack. Sitting on the tripod tray is a separate Cup Easel Palette which is made in Canada. I’m painting in gouache here so I’m mixing on the glass palette insert and have my paints in the divided tray. The cover for the divided tray is magnetized and sticks to the back of the lid. I like having the Cup Easel because I can also set it on my lap if I want more portability. I use this easel set up for watercolor too but the watercolors go in a separate sealable paint palette with divided tray (Amazon). I’m also using a collapsible artist cup (Amazon) and inexpensive short handled nylon brushes (Amazon). In the dropper bottle and in the small cup with lid built into the Cup easel, I have W&N Watercolor Blending Medium which helps the paint move when painting in gouache. Also (not shown in photo), I use a Shade Buddy Plein Air Umbrella which sticks into the ground. I have a smaller plein air easel that clamps to my chair or easel (Amazon) when the other is too big to transport. I make my own gouache panels to paint on. There are less expensive easel and palette set ups that work. I have added to and upgraded my set up over several years.