- Dress in layers for the elements. When painting outside, weather conditions can rapidly change and should be considered. Protection from the sun is important. Use a good level of UV protection cream and apply it regularly. Wear a wide brimmed hat and a collared shirt to keep your face and neck from exposure. Long pants with shorts underneath is perfect for plein air painting. If it becomes hot, trousers can be removed--just as a long sleeved shirt can be.
- Carry a bottle or container of water for brush cleaning. Pan-type watercolor paints are perfect for this type of painting since they are easy to carry and don't take up much space. Working with them is also simple due to their ability to dry and reconstitute often. Tube paints become covered with a thin skin when they start to dry. Paint cups are also easy to carry oil paints or acrylic paints in. They allow for the covers to be snapped in place when not in use. A small fold-up stool is lightweight, easy to pack and great for sitting. Moist clothes for brush and hand cleaning can be packed in a plastic bag and washed out later.
- Easels are available in suitcase form and include a tripod with a base and/or upright easel for holding paper or canvas. Paint brushes and can be stored in a quiver or inside the plein air easel case. Pastel chalks can also be stored inside the easel case. These easels tend to weigh several pounds, so take that into consideration prior to purchasing one. Single, lightweight sketch boards have a hole handle drilled into them for ease in carrying. They're available in small, medium or large sizes and pack up easily in a carry-all.
