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 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!