Tips from someone who both teaches and routinely paints plein air: 1. Location doesn't have to be far away. You can sit on your balcony or step out your front door and paint the buildings across the street. If you want nature, go to the nearest park or paint trees in your neighborhood if you have any. 2. Keep your painting kit simple. Use a small 4" x 6" sketch pad, a pencil and eraser, I like to use use a bleed proof pen like Micron PN, a water brush, tissue and your smallest watercolor set. You can use three primaries or even just one color if it's dark and has a range of values. 3. Keep it quick and simple, no more than 30 minutes. The painting will be more of a doodle with a little paint than a formal watercolor. You can take a photo of the scene if you want to work on it more later, but seriously, lower your expectations. 5. Paint a simplified version landscape in front of you. The scene will be interesting if you decide it is. Don't paint a branch or a rock, you can paint still life at home. The whole point is you are outside, so paint the land before you.

I'd recommend putting together a set of paints/brushes/etc specifically for plein air painting, especially when you're just getting started with it. Take a smaller palette with fewer colors (one of those little tins that allows for 12 half pans or 6 full pans), just a few brushes that you use all the time, etc, and other things that are dedicated to painting outdoors, and keep them in a bag/backpack that is always ready. Then all you have to do before you go out is ensure you have water.

It was good to see the good and the not so good in this video, thank you.

I wouldn't call this an epic fail! I really like the painting that you did. I really enjoyed your honesty and video of actual frustrating things. It just shows that Plein Air painting takes some forethought to be prepared in all sense of the word. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to seeing more of your videos.

Oh my gosh. I did the same thing. I spent hours collecting all I needed. I got to the location and realized after setting up.....I forgot my paints. So many components to remember. You do have some good insight into the challenges of plein aire painting.

I, too, have struggled with plein air painting. Yes, the light changes so quickly! Take a photo first. I set up a backpack with all of my supplies dedicated to plein air only. I don't remove anything from the backpack so I know I have everything I need. That said, I learned what I needed the first couple of times I went out to paint. I carry a small foam pad to sit on, a pocket knife, clips to hold things down, a magnet clip to hold my metal palette, bug incense and a lighter, rubber bands, a few different size brushes plus a water brush, a small palette with half pans of my normal colors, a sketchbook, micron pen, fountain pen, paper towels, mechanical pencil, eraser, spray bottle, scrap paper to test colors, water. When I get home, I replace anything I used up. That way, I'm ready for the next trip without having to think.

I love this video you did. You are so real. Just by being human, I’ve learned so much and you were so entertaining at the same time. Thank you so much for not editing out the mistakes.

I liked how you persevered despite the uncomfortable feelings. Your paintings are going to be different in plein aire. I look forward to see where that goes. It's a learning curve alright. Thanks for sharing.

I commend you for being honest about the difficulties you experienced. This is more helpful than other videos where people only show their successes. Great job!

I wouldn't call that a fail of any kind, the branch is beautiful. It was a learning experience that ended well.

Yay to you for getting out there and giving it a try!😊The best quote I remember about plein air painting is to “expect the unexpected”.🤪 To always sit comfortably, bring a gardening knee pad, carpet piece or small rug. Great video! We have all had a tough plein air painting day. I am a watercolor plein air painter of about 3 years and learn a way to get better at preparing and making more successful paintings with each outing.😊

The branch came out superb👌👌👌

Best Plein Air painting video I have ever seen. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Funny :-) Anyway, what I really find difficult when painting in plein air is to find the right scale and frame my painting. Last time I failed and took a photo first to refer to even if I saw everything right in front of my eyes. The organization of the working space is also hard. And the light, as you mentioned :-) keep it up, thanks for your videos and cheers from the Czech Republic!

Reallly enjoyed this Christian. You'll be better prepared on your next excursion. Maybe a fold-up camping stool. Pine needles - Ouch!

I make a list. Just my small lightweight, fold up stool in a shoulder bag, a cup, 1 bottle of water, a fold up paint pallette, 2 brushes 2 8x10 papers already taped to both sides. All in a bag. I just sit the board on my lap to paint.

Awesome painting. 😄 video. Entertaining

Well done👏

Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed your painting.

That isn't even a failure, and certainly not an epic one. :) Well done!

Brilliant, you have inspired me to try plein air. Thank you,

Nice sketch!!

Great video ❤

It’s so funny that you did this today as I tried my first plein air outing yesterday…and had a lot of the same issues! At least I’m not the only one!

Loved watching this. The whole time you were walking I was looking at the beautiful trees and the forest and how the sun was dancing on the foliage and I found myself saying, " Turn around and you'll see a beautiful scene to paint..." That being said, the "stick" was beautiful and well rendered. This taught me when I'm looking for a place to paint to check all angles so I won't miss any opportunities!

I’m just learning plein air painting and so far I’ve learned to use the back of a clip board as my easel. It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much room in my bag. I think I over-prepare because my bag is chocked full and heavy. I need to work on lightening the load lol

Loved your sense of humor and I never laugh while watching art videos! Liked your branch too! Very entertaining! Thank you!

Very nice study of the branch! I enjoyed your video 😊

I know someone said to not paint a branch, but yours turned out very well! Kudos to you! My first attempt at plein air will be in a week. Thanks everyone for your great tips.

Good job you persevered through many trials, which is the first and most important trait or rule or perspective of all sucess no matter what field. I think you did a great job on that branch. Keep going!

I like, that you started with something simple like this branch. And it's a good idea to start somewhere, where people won't bother you with questions and attempts to look over your shoulder. I like your work, will follow your channel!

This was fun to watch! I feel like going into the woods to paint with you!

I loved this. I’m doing my first Plein Air session tomorrow. I laughed out loud at your adventures but learned a lot. I’m going to check my supplies right now. Wish me luck.

Greetings from Nehalem, Oregon, USA. I just discovered you on youtube. This Video made my day! You are too funny. I want to try plein air watercolor painting as of today I have not BUT you have inspired me. Take care.

I'd also like to say, I take a small setup with me everywhere I go. These are things less precious, and if they fall in the dirt, or I accidently leave something behind, it's not the end of the world.these items literally never leave my side. We can't predict humidity or wind. So just relax, your going for walk or a hike, and when and if conditions are right, break out the goods and get to painting. I find when I don't put any pressure on myself it's a far better experience all around. Have fun. That's why we do this, because we love our paint, our brushes, our paper, and creating.

The first time I went out, I set up a camp chair on a slight incline. At one point I r eached for my spray bottle, which began to roll away. I continued to reach out after it which shifted my balance and created a slow-motion tumbling fall. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Beautiful spot (shade non withstanding) and a fun painting. Sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon :)

just discovered you today...and like how you are so ordinary and finding things going wrong as you are setting up...it makes me feel so much better that I'm not the only one who has difficulty...😊 and loved ur watercolour of t little branch x I wouldn't of thought to lay it on my drawing pad...that's a great idea...instead of laying it down on t ground x defines it more x thank you for sharing and teaching me today x 🙂😉

Where to start? Thank you for taking us with you on your adventure. I also refrain from plein air. I do have a couple of plein art set ups though. Small, limited palettes, travel brushes. I refrain because most of my paints are M. Graham, made with honey and insects love them. My suggestions, use or make a watercolor block so you don't have to fiddle with too many things. Same goes for a portable palette. 10 or 12 colors with small water basins that attach. You are out in this beautiful expanse and instead of painting the vista you paint a stick? I do the same thing,, details bring me joy. Take a picture with your phone, do a value study in the field and refine it in the studio. This video made my day, I would have had the same experience. Except I live on the plains of the Midwest, so forests are out of the question. My thoughts have always been that I would take a "sports chair" with built in cup holders, small paint set up and learn how to paint looser. Looking forward to your next attempt. I love your art, your channel, and your willingness to share your work. Thanks again.

Keep trying these they’re very entertaining

Nice video, I like the concept ☀️🍀😀

Oh goodness! I laughed when you said you forgot your paints. I'm new to plein air and have a few sessions under my belt. I forgot my brushes once and decied to just paint with my fingers and then found a stray brush in my pack. And I keep chasing the light. I love the ants and bugs entertaining you.

Good first try. The painting is an exquisite rendition of the real thing, but you could have done that in the studio. The vista or even a section of the forest floor could be alternate subjects. A folding stool of some kind would work. Will keep watching and thanks for the laughs. 😂 No, really, do it again, it will be better each time. Also, make a checklist.

I live on the edge of a beautiful view and wooded area that inspires me to paint, but I can't seem to start. I've never painted outdoors, but you have given me the courage to try. I'm nervous about being in the wild outdoors alone, but I am going to start small and give it a try. thanks to your examples, I learned a lot of rules without the trial and error that I undoubtedly would have gone through. I would have forgotten my water! Thank you for sharing!

Congratulations on a successful first! I love the painting you made too. Nice study. You did learn a few things which is what happens to us all who have done it. There is a lot of good advice here on your travel kit and several videos on KZfaq about cheap setups too. (I made my own out of foam board and it even has a half glove attached to it to make it easy to hold and am thrilled with it and it is so compact and lightweight but yet let's me paints up to 12 x 18 inch paper. You will get more comfortable and confidant with each trip you make. I can't wait to see you out in the plein air mode again!

I really enjoyed your video. Don't be hard on yourself, it was instructive and inspiring for me as a beginner. I think your painting is beautiful, it would have been nice to see more of it though. Thanks, and keep going 👍🙂

That was so entertaining Christian!! I have to admit I’ve never liked plein air painting: uncomfortable, light changing constantly, paper drying within seconds ( especially in the summer in Italy), breeze shifting things around etc. I suppose you have to be really prepared, is the secret. Your branch turned out beautifully, of course. Lovely natural colours. The next plein air challenge is landscape! Thank you for sharing.

Undoubtedly digital photography changed painting manners and has hudge impact on art to the point where painting outdoors became something unusual for many and made also paintings looking more like photographs. This was a funny and illuminating experiment. I never tried to paint in location.

I loved your video, Christian! I have tried plein air a few times with both watercolor and oil, but I can relate to the difficulties you had. I live in Arizona, so there are additional challenges to deal with: the heat and the many desert critters that are always nearby (some small and some much bigger). I have found that it's faster and easier to sketch a scene or do a small study like you did, then do a finished painting in the studio.

I will of course finish watching, and read comments later. Therefore forgive me if I’m expressing something already covered in the 77 comments preceding this. I always carry a small, relatively thin cushion. On some outings I carry a folding fabric camping seat that has me sitting right on the ground w back support. I’ll send a photo later. As to beginning with pleinair I find it’s an ongoing evolutionary learning process, which changes constantly. I look to evolve guidelines, rather than ‘rules’ in this, as well as all aspects of the glorious adventure one might refer to as ‘my life’. As I’m looking to view the journey of life from ‘beginners mind’ I’m always learning. My current kit includes a very v tiny kit. A few brushes; including one with water in the handle. A v tiny box of Windsor Newton half pans with its own flip out mixing pans area, and a small pad of good quality paper. I think of pleinair as a wonder full experience in and of itself, not a place where I carry along the burden to produce a ‘work of art’ . I do studies and take photos and look to immerse myself in nature, or more accurately allow the experience of oneness with nature’s exquisite canvas. As to subjects; what an amazing subject you considered as a ‘warning’. A jewel presented by the Source. Ok enough rambling. I’ll now go on with your video journey. Thank you for taking us along. In gratitude, achille

Oh, bummer that it was such a pain for you. Hopefully you see the humor in it. I hope your next time goes better. I do love your painting of the branch.

I always like to think of painting plein air with juggling. Like some said on here, lessis more for plein air. I also just try to focus on plein air as a quick sketch...just a rough idea of an initial glance. This wouldn t be a finished painting, but more about taking in the experience. I also like to journal on the painting, time, temperature and other tidbits that help me "capture" the moment on paper.❤

I thought all artists did a bit of plein air painting, but I suppose it's not everyone's usual choice. I live in Madrid, where there is generally good light and comfortable weather for painting- except in the summer when temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. So the timing of when and where to go are important. My plein air "sketchers' list" would be: 1. Water, to drink and to paint with. Plus, one or two of those collapsible water cups. 2. Hat and look for a spot to sit in the shade. 3. Comfortable clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and possible weather conditions. 4. Suncream and insect repellent (depending on location). 5. A small portable stool or chair to sit comfortably for an hour or two. 6. Small palette (8 to 12 max.) with mixing tray and sketchbook, or pre-cut sheets of paper from a pad attached to a clipboard with bulldog clips or elastic bands to hold paper down. Arches, Hahnemüelle or Canson, 300g/m2 paper is my usual choice of paper. 7. Two or three water brushes and 3 or 4 normal brushes of different sizes - 1 mop, 1 x flat, 2 x round (No.3 and No.6). I also take a small selection of pencils and drawing pens. 8. Drying cloth and tissue papers. 9. Mobile phone or camera to take pictures for reference later to do any final touches back at home. 10. Light healthy snacks - depending on duration that I'll be painting I haven't used an easel yet, although I made a DIY set up to use on an old camera tripod stand. I think this might be my next step, because it's not easy painting with the paper/sketchbook in the hand or on the lap or resting on uneven surfaces. However, this will mean more stuff, and therefore extra weight to carry. For more natural surroundings, I practise in my local park or go on a daytrip to the hills and forests north of Madrid. I don't have any problem with drying the paint here, because relative humidity is typically around 30%. So for me, the problem is the paper drying too fast when I'm painting. This means I have to work faster or use more water to wet the paper, but that leads to more buckling of the paper. In the end, I have to compromise in some way or other. There is something unique and intrinsically challenging about painting in plein air, because we are away from all our arsenal of tools and materials at home/studio. The light and shadows are living and dancing. The subject is in real 3D, not a 2D photo, so positioning oneself and choosing a good composition is key from the start. I don't usually take a viewfinder, but I made one to use one day. Experienced plein artists often say that a viewfinder is one of the most helpful tools to have when painting larger subjects. So, that's also on my "to do" list, together with taking a small tripod.

Hi Christian I wouldn't wear wellies for starters. When outdooors painting I like to have waterbrushes, Pentel are the best, however the £2.99 from Lidl work well too. An enamelled tin pallette with a limited pallete of tube colours. A block of good watercolour paper. Water is very useful and here in the UK an umbrella. Pen and wash works well outdoors.

Loved your video, had to laugh at your funny misadventures and your deadpan comments. What I learned: Have fun and don't take life or your art too seriously (although you are obviously a very good artist). P.S. I just pack minimal stuff, a pencil, sketchbook, my tiny Winsor Newton paintbox, and a waterbrush. I don't last long in the great outdoors (I'm old and there's no toilet:-) so I just do a quick colour study, take notes and photos. I hope you took that lovely skull back to your studio.

I’m sorry but I had to laugh at the way you explained your lessons learned. We all make those mistakes but what I found different was your solution. When I have left my paints out of my kit I don’t go back for the but use alternative supplies, pencil, pen, charcoal or watercolour pencil. Then I add colour back in the studio if I feel it’s needed. You are clearly a good artist and will,learn quickly.

This is like a found footage horror movie :)

Oh that soo reminds me of my first plein air experience where I carried all the full size materials, and no platform, chair, or anything. Giant block of expensive paper. A huge set of 52 pans, and some big dreams. Now I have a small set of 12. Tiny water container, a handmade sketchbook with cotton paper, and no expectations, lol. I am impressed with your choice of subject. When you go out and sit on a log or hill and find the only good place in the shade to set up, just paint something small, something close up. Just the act of being out there in person with what we paint will greatly influence our work in the studio. Just don't give up. It's all about keeping the set up simple.

You actually made me laugh!… lol

I think you might have a nicer time if you paint the woods around you. You'll find that you can choose your light and get that sketched in. When it changes (which it will) work on the formal stuff. When the light comes back make more notes or go with whatever light you see when you get to that point. In some sense the works always capture the moment and have that nice sense of spontaneous perception. It's like trying to quick sketch people walking down a street. You don't get to wait for them to stay where they are so you learn to be quick and ok with change. Life moves. Allow it to change in your work

Seems a like a smooth transition to outdoor painting! Instead of more comments I’ll give you some suggestions. I’ve seen some of your work and it looks like you’re real strong on composition. So don’t hesitate, pick out a nice view, sketch it loosely on the paper, decide a point of interest and shoot. Squint, look, squint. It will be fine, and by the way, as you probably are used to sit while painting in the studio - stand up, grab your large brushes and your body will adapt to a whole new experience. Good luck. I will follow you!

Thanks for the laugh! Hahaha😁😅 It will get better..... maybe find a nice spot with insects that would be a nice study. Thanks for sharing!

I have a checklist in my Plein air painting bag...to check it out before leaving. I find light changing fast is most frustrating

Your painting looks great (realistic), so you won the war. Best lesson of course, be prepared, but since you are obviously an experienced and quality studio painter, you are way ahead of most of us. I agree with Amanda, get a separate plein air kit, smaller palette, couple of brushes, etc. I'm also thinking definitely a smaller water container (unless you're gonna drink some of it), I use a collapsible silicon 16 ozetc. In one kit I take along and use, water brushes and small refill bottle, although some people don't like them, . I also use smaller paper, journal style, especially if you're just doing some quick studies. I just wet the back of the paper, insert a piece of velum to protect the sizing on the next page and then tape the edges. I believe that helps to keep buckling to a minimum. I also made a lightweight plein air "table" from a paint panel, that mounts onto my tripod (video on my KZfaq page). So a small backpack for gear, lightweight tripod...and for when I'm not walking too far, I have a small folding chair with a shoulder strap attached. While that may sound like a lot for some folks maybe, I also have an ultra-minimalist kit I can hold in one hand. Love your work. I subscribed too.

I have never tried it but I’m going to give it a go I live in australia so a hat sunscreen and a fly net would be a must …..lol

When you first sit that spot the view was good. In this video if you stop the video in 2:52 it looks like one of your paintings. But I think turning back and taking paints made you little tired. Some artists starting to paint outside then continue at studio. They paint only basic parts, after that at home making details. They are taking photos first of course. You can also take an outdoor chair with you, like directors chairs. By the way I'm one of your Domestika students. Thank you for all these contents.👍

You can bye battery operated hair dryers! You could also try a smaller watercolour sketch book and a smaller palette this might make your plain air experance a little easier.

🙂🎨

I’m sorry .. I feel your pain, but I’m laughing my aaa off.

I've often said what makes European painters the best is that they grew up painting en plain air. If one can handle that challenge the rest is gravy.

from viewer's perspective, i don't think the outcome from plein air would be more appealing than the work finished in the studio with reference photo. What make plein air interesting is the process the creator enjoyed and not so much with the painting itself.

Lovely. Nature is so wonder full in her expression when we stop for a moment. …if we but have eyes to see. The miracle that is Life itself. Would you b ok w my doing a painting of the Jewell presented @ 4:30?

I live this video...but....you could have just brought the stick back to the studio to paint. I just started plein air and I feel your pain!

Your failures are way better than my non-failures.

I tried to plein air once and it was a disaster. You aren't kidding when you say it's so different from studio painting. I feel like it's an important skill though.

I find that the paint dries too fast when I paint Plein Air

@ 4:34 in answer to your question, I think Life has just presented a jewel for you to consider as a subject for a study.

I don't think it was an epic fail, as you call it. I think it went well because you chose a very simple subject to test out.

I would had at least sketched the deer skull

I find Plein air very interesting but failed many times...but still keep doing it..sure

I don't consider this a fail. I thought it looked very nice. Maybe you were uncomfortable doing something new?