Joan Vienot – Introduction to Plein Air – Supply List

Joan Vienot’s Supply List for “Introduction to Plein Air” Using Oils, A 3-Hour Workshop

 Oil painting of late light on two palms at Grayton Beach, FL, from Pat's yard

Painting “en plein air” is painting on-site, in open air. Plein air painting is the single best practice for improving your compositional skills, color-mixing, power of observation, and patience with your art. This workshop is an introduction to plein air painting tools and supplies, choosing a scene or subject, and getting started. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. We will be outdoors. We will find shelter if it is raining. 

The following are suggested supplies for oil painting. Note: Please do not buy new supplies if you have similar. Please notice how minimal this list is. To keep plein air painting from being a chore, pack as few things as possible.

  1. Pencil and an old sketchbook.
  2. Bring a container for your solvent, heavy enough that it won’t blow or spill, or something you can fasten down. (Joan will have Gamsol odorless solvent for you if you don’t have any, and she will have Gamblin solvent free gel medium, which is an excellent medium for outdoor painting.)
  3. A canvas panel approximately 8×10 or 9×12.
  4. If you have one, bring your portable easel with palette attached. Practice setting up your easel the day before, and practice clipping or taping your canvas to it so it won’t blow off. If you don’t have an easel with attached palette, then bring a flat surface to mix your paint on and perhaps an old lightweight TV tray to set it on. Bring tape to fasten it down if lightweight, especially if using a disposable palette. Bring a campstool if you are working with a TV tray. Joan likes to stand when she paints so she will have a taller easel.
  5. Brushes – a few well-shaped “flats”, maybe #2, #4, #6 bristle, moderately stiff, and a small “round” soft brush and a “rigger”.
  6. Palette knife for mixing.
  7. Paper towels.
  8. Paints: We will work with a very limited palette of oil paints – blue (ultramarine if you have it), light yellow (cadmium yellow light or pale), and cadmium red light (a medium red), and titanium white
  9. Apron or over-shirt and painting gloves if you use either.
  10. Small trash bag. A recycled grocery bag is good.
  11. Optional for your comfort: broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen, repellent, drinking water, stool or chair if standing is difficult, and painter’s shade umbrella if you have one.
  12. A carrier or open box for your finished wet painting.

I look forward to painting with you! Call if any concerns.

Joan Vienot, Instructor (850) 259-8394