Plein air prepardness and supplies
This is my equipment all packed up and ready to go
A few years back I attended my first plein air workshop on Mackinac Island. I had spent hours planning efficient methods for were hauling my equipment around and finally after duct taping my French easel back together draping it with different bags that held painting supplies I attached a TV-tray to it and encased the whole thing with bungee cords.
The instructor, Kim English, and many of the other students were very accomplished plein air painters and I was awed how they could be up and painting on site in a matter of minutes. My well thought out preparations became a source of kind amusement for the instructor who commented on how “interesting” it was to watch some people set up. With bungee cords popping and duct tape not sticking I came to realize the most important aspect in plein air equipment is this
Keep it light-Keep it simple
You need the following 
This is my easel set up for painting
A portable easel preferably one that contains a palette and wet canvas carrier. I use an EasyL by Art Work Essentials. It is a lightweight box that screws on to a tripod and can hold up to a 16x20 canvas. It has a glass palette inside and a wet panel carrier on the back that can be adjusted. It also fits my pastel box which I can place across the palette area. Here is the web site for this box: http://www.artworkessentials.com
A tripod-for the easel
A clamp on umbrella
Backpack- I keep it packed with the following 
Inside the backpack
Paints- A limited palette works best. I use Titanium White, Cad yellow medium, Permanent Red Medium and Ultramarine Blue. I also use Indian Yellow, Permanent Rose and Windsor Violet
Brushes- One large house brush for washes and a selection of filberts and brights.
Small jar of turpentine that fits in the water bottle pocket
Paper towel with a cord tied through the middle
Plastic bag for garbage
View finder
Water bottle
Protein Bar
Sunscreen
Different sizes of canvas panels- I like Raymar panels cotton smooth surface (I really like double primed linen but it is very expensive). Do not go any larger than 11x14 if you are a beginner. You can only buy them online at http://www.raymarart.com
Hat- with a wide brim to keep the sun out of your eyes.
For Pastel Painters 
My pastel box sits on top of my easel
Sturdy pastel carrier- With foam inserts that do not let the pastels slide around. I bought mine from a friend who had it made specifically for plein air. Dakota Pastels sells a good travel box and easel as well. Their website is: www.dakotapastels.com
Different sizes of sanded paper taped to foamcore. 8 x 10, 9x12 and 11x14
Cheap Brushes- for turpentine washes or for erasing.
Small jar of Turpentine
I have inclueded photos of my set up. The configuration changes depending on the weather and medium I am working in.
Happy Painting!
