There’s something magical about making art in the wild—whether you’re capturing the light dancing across a mountain ridge, sketching your local coffee shop patio, or painting in your backyard with your toes in the grass, we have some awesome outdoor art tips. Outdoor art-making, including plein air painting, is a great way to stay inspired and connect with your surroundings (while maybe also avoiding that suspiciously loud AC unit in your home studio).
Before you pack up your favorite brushes and run out the door, a little planning goes a long way. Unlike indoor projects, nature doesn’t come with a “clean-up sink” or a stable lighting rig. But with a few outdoor art tips and the right tools, your sessions can be downright dreamy.
Pick a Spot That Sparks Joy (and Comfort)
Location matters—but don’t overthink it. The best spots for outdoor art are the ones that feel interesting and easy. Look for somewhere that has a little shade, a spot to sit, and something fun to observe. That could mean a mountaintop overlook, a quiet garden, or the sidewalk outside your favorite taco truck. Here in the beautiful PNW we are so lucky to have endless options for short, or long, creative sessions.
New to plein air? Start small. Your own front porch or a neighborhood park bench can be just as inspiring as a postcard view. And hey, shorter walks = more energy for painting.
Time It Right (Especially in Summer)
We love the summer sun, but your art supplies—and your forehead—might not. Midday light can be harsh, hot, and hard to work in. Aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Not only is it cooler, but the shadows get longer and the colors get juicier.
Dress in light layers, throw on a big ol’ sun hat, and always keep water handy—for you and your brushes. Hydration = better brush control and better decision-making. (Ask us how we know.)
Pack Smart, Not Studio-Sized
Let’s talk gear. The key to loving outdoor art-making is portability. You want to bring just enough to feel ready, but not so much you’re juggling 17 tubes of paint and a tripod in a windstorm. Thankfully, we’ve nerded out on this and found the sweet spot.
Here are a few of our favorite outdoor art supplies at Art Supply Center, including some gems we carry from the folks at Art Toolkit:
- Compact watercolor palettes like the Art Toolkit Pocket Palette (tiny but mighty!)
- Water brushes that carry water in the handle—so you don’t need to bring a rinse cup
- Mechanical pencils or waterproof fineliners for lightweight, no-sharpening sketching
- Small, high-quality sketchbooks, preferably cotton paper if you love watercolor
- Collapsible silicone cups for rinsing, or mixing if you’re feeling fancy
- Zippered travel cases to keep everything tidy and ready to toss in your bag
If you are an oil painter looking to start painting outdoors, check out Gamblin’s Why Paint Outdoors for some tips, tricks, and a great supply list specifically for oil painters.
We’re always happy to help you build a kit that fits your vibe, your budget, and your backpack. Our goal? To get you outside and making magic without the “ugh, I forgot my water cup” moments.
Let the World Around You Do the Talking
The best part of outdoor art-making? It’s unpredictable. Maybe your paper gets a little wrinkly. Maybe a squirrel judges your brush technique. That’s the charm of it all. You’re reacting to real-life light, movement, and sounds—which gives your work energy you just can’t fake indoors.
Binder clips can help keep your paper from flapping in the breeze, and a portable stool or foam pad can make longer sessions more comfy. But mostly, just go with the flow. Art outside is more about observing than perfecting.
Start Simple, Stay Curious
Whether you’re a seasoned plein air painter or a sketchbook newbie, outdoor art is all about the process. Bring a couple of tools you love, find a cozy spot, and let yourself explore. There’s no perfect setup—just the one that gets you making marks on paper. Keep it simple and build your must-have favorite tools list as you go.
And hey, if you ever want help putting together a custom travel kit, we’ve got you. We’re not just here to sell you supplies (or provide cool outdoor art tips)—we’re here to nerd out with you about brushes, paper textures, pigment flow, and how to rinse a water cup in a creek without losing your brush cap.
Stop by Art Supply Center to explore our outdoor-ready sketchbooks, travel palettes, and water brushes. Whether you’re painting in the park or on a mountaintop, we’ve got what you need to pack light and create boldly. Tag us @artsupplycenter so we can see your outdoor masterpieces!
No responses yet