First Plein Air of 2021 & Fine Tuning My Watercolor Sketching Gear

First Plein Air of 2021 & Fine Tuning My Watercolor Sketching Gear - Vlog

Рет қаралды 22,968

3 жыл бұрын

I'm off on an afternoon plein air sketching excursion. A great chance to review my watercolor plein air gear and give it a dry run. Come with me.
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Пікірлер: 115

@shenahicks140 3 жыл бұрын

After a long search I purchased the fjallraven singi stubben backpack for plain air painting. It’s geared to hunters, but is light weight, nice looking, and you can sit on it like a stool! It holds everything for a hike out with all your gear. I think it would do what you want beautifully. I also purchased the gear pouch and pocket you can attach to the sides of the bag to carry my larger tripod. Check it out! I have never seen it used as a plein air bag besides myself and I wish I had a KZfaq just to share how awesome it is!

@lulujordaan1103 3 жыл бұрын

I also love watching you, thou blessed one. I am from South Africa, living between walls and burglar bars😁, but that does not put me on a pitty potty, I'll just travel with you.

@kristischeele2939 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve! Always enjoy your art adventures.

@MadebyDawn23 3 жыл бұрын

Glad that you are have fun. You should please do a video on the pros and con of plein air for those that doesn't know the benefits of drawing from reality. I enjoyed this video

@ljjumble 3 жыл бұрын

You need to look at the Lowepro camera backpacks. They are designed to fit camera gear and other stuff for either hiking or everyday carry. A lot of the bags are designed to fit laptops and or tablets which would be great for your easel and most have side pockets that are designed for water bottles and smaller tripods. The one I bought even has its own raincoat that I can pull out and over in case it rains. They are really good quality and will last for years and years.

@DavidPurviance 2 жыл бұрын

That R2D2 pencil holder!!!!

@pr4360 3 жыл бұрын

I was feeling pretty down today; sleepy and sad with some headache, maybe felt good enough to read a book. Then this little piece inspired me. Thank you Steve!

@JanetBackhaus 3 жыл бұрын

Raven... I am here and know how how you feel. Smile.....please, it helps some days.

@krisyoungsteadt9139 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool. I really like the sketch you made, Steve. Thanks for sharing.

@HelenMcLean 3 жыл бұрын

Love, love, love your painting - and only 3 colours! 👏👏

@Angela-jy8um 2 жыл бұрын

Also very clever modification of your palette, how it folds into your backpack. Great idea!

@maryanharrell5642 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Steve. Glad to have trees in the first vlog of the plein air of 2021!

@dmoke 3 жыл бұрын

A pack that you might consider is the 511 Rush 12 or Rush 24 pack. Lots of space, but not a large footprint. Many pockets both inside and out. I've been using one for years and carries all of my watercolor and sketching gear with room to spare. I'm sure it would easily handle your camera gear along with all of your other painting and drawing supplies.

@geraldineconway1865 3 жыл бұрын

Turned out great Steve.

@essietangle9931 3 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the location and video. I had to laugh, when I try outdoors I way over pack stuff. You took just what was needed and then just used 3 colors, now that’s the way to plein air in a beautiful setting. Thanks Steve, Happy Easter, hope all is well your way.

@arlenealennox3136 3 жыл бұрын

I love that Art Toolkit. It held my art supplies on a trip to New Zealand.

@TammyLML 3 жыл бұрын

My hometown! I live in Simpsonville now but was so excited to see Greenville! Ironically, I was combing through KZfaq literally less than 24 hours ago, trying to find reviews for plein air gear. (And wound up choosing a bag from your Amazon "Gifts For Artists" link, so thank you, Steve!) I'm waiting for "pollen season" to pass before getting back out there. Great video as always!

@corneliahanel-vogler1579 3 жыл бұрын

Gefällt mir sehr gut. Danke Cornelia aus Deutschland.

@cassymidgley3775 3 жыл бұрын

Thankyou steve,looks a really nice place,watching from England..love the scetch.

@francesschatz3131 3 жыл бұрын

Good

@flyinghaggertys9362 3 жыл бұрын

I love the trees!! 💕

@tdelphia1 3 жыл бұрын

Steve, I sure love your custom easel! I check etsy periodically to see if someone is making something like that at a price I can afford. This is one of those market gaps that you’d think some company would figure out because your original version seemed it could be made fairly inexpensively.

@GM-yn9nc 3 жыл бұрын

Love it when you take us along sketching! Trees and rocks are my developmental area and with your encouraging videos I am stepping up my game. Thanks for being awesome!

@philipdown3147 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your enjoyable video inspiring us to have ago, intrigued how you achieve amazing details in your picture only doing the base of the trees and ground foliage. Thanks greatly appreciated stay safe and healthy from the UK

@moma-b 3 жыл бұрын

Your easel is crazy. I wish I could make something like that for myself. Right now I'm using a hard plastic kitchen cut board, which is just slightly better than nothing. 😂

@ShahanoorMamun 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice to see you friend💥 Have a great day! Enjoyed you video 💚 beautiful work!

@carolhestand2561 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Steve! Love wilderness scenes. I'm blessed to have 3 wildlife management areas near me.

@juliawhite7938 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve . It’s always nice to see a video from you. I must admit I am wishing we had the nice weather you are experiencing. Joyious Easter to you and your family.

@lulujordaan1103 3 жыл бұрын

It's lovely. I think most of us are feeling pretty happy with your results as well.

@sarah4264 3 жыл бұрын

Falls Park is wonderful except for the parking.

@cassiescreations9828 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful work! Lovely trees. Such a peaceful looking place, especially deeper into the woods. Thanks!

@paulalister80 3 жыл бұрын

Picture looked great, looks nice a nice day to go on an adventure.

@colleenmcchesney1482 3 жыл бұрын

Yes I completely understand about combining the art supplies with the camera 📸 supplies. I am still working out my setup too.

@ladyt1277 3 жыл бұрын

I’m less than two hours from that park. I haven’t been yet, but hope to go soon. I’m currently struggling with my plein air gear bag. The two setups I’ve used so far didn’t work out as well as I had hoped. Back to the drawing board.

@Veronica-yy2or 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to see you got out to enjoy the sunshine :) Nice little sketch.

@scmarinemom24 3 жыл бұрын

In your intro driving through downtown I recognized Greenville immediately. I live in Travelers Rest and have lived in Greenville county my whole life.

@TammyLML 3 жыл бұрын

Me too! I'm in Simpsonville!

@scmarinemom24 3 жыл бұрын

@@TammyLML do you know of a place to take watercolor classes?

@TammyLML 3 жыл бұрын

@@scmarinemom24 I don't know, unfortunately. Have you checked the Metropolitan Arts Council? They're usually pretty up on things like this! :o)

@sarah4264 3 жыл бұрын

I'm here too...

@jennibee5943 3 жыл бұрын

Hi neighbors! I’m just down the road in Spartanburg county! 😁

@eileengoldenberg270 3 жыл бұрын

So glad you are getting out to sketch. Yes the sketch kit is a evolving project. I have a few option. And I am not carrying video equipment, just my phone.. San Francisco is just opening up and I am so happy about that. Take care!

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Eileen! Awesome to hear! My son in law is from SF. Most of his family still lives there.

@cheryllapham6279 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Thanks! I rarely bring my big camera, but paint outside all the time. I’ve finally just made four different kits, depending on purpose: big backpack for oils, small backpack kit for all day watercolor, crossbody bag watercolor kit for travel or just keeping in my car all the time, and a tiny 5x8 bag that stays in my spouse’s car. The only common equipment is my tripod. I love your DIY easel.

@denisemckenna1942 3 жыл бұрын

We all continue to search for the perfect sketch kit. Sigh. I think it just depends in what I'm doing. Happy sketching.

@bruceosborne1892 3 жыл бұрын

Some great ideas Steve! Thanks.

@rebeccalyons1327 3 жыл бұрын

I hope to get there one day.

@magdalenaholt2967 3 жыл бұрын

so Beautiful, thanks for sharing

@erinaceus 3 жыл бұрын

As always, thank you for the inspiration and hard work. I hope you and your family had a blessed Easter!

@ginabadeaux9319 3 жыл бұрын

happy easter i love your channel

@indigodande4345 Жыл бұрын

Ive decided I dont like standing for hours. I like my plein air lazy. The best day I had was oil pastels and just sitting on a rolled up carpet I keep in my car. However for painting which I want to do more of. I'm thinking I still want to be comfortable with something like the Nemo stargazing hammock seat. I also tend to like to water my paper down onto an acrylic block to hold in my lap. The nemo chair is 7 lbs. which is significantly less than some of the tripod craziness ive carried around. Also on the acrylic block idea - you can mix on acrylic. I put acrylic glass into the amazon search bar. they are having a sale on the 12 by 16 for 15 dollars currently.

@mindofwatercolor Жыл бұрын

I'm right there with you. I can't stand very long anymore (arthritis in my feet). I'm carrying a camp stool with me most times now. But I need to be able to sit straight up and even lean forward a bit. I can't hold the sketchbook due to a wrist numbness problem, so I still have to carry a tripod and easel for maximum comfort. I agree though. Comfort is key to a good plein air experience.

@acatinthecradle 3 жыл бұрын

Really lovely plein air painting and so peaceful looking. Great video Steve! Thanks for sharing with us. Enjoyed it very much.

@suemauer5965 3 жыл бұрын

I'm a beginner watercolorist, and really learn a lot from your "gear" videos. My favorite tip from this one is seeing your painted palette colors clipped to your board - I can't easily distinguish similar colors on my actual paints.

@darleneplant.6284 3 жыл бұрын

That was great!

@bertabl 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely ! It looks like you found your perfect kit, so now just go and do it! I love the painting that you have done, keep them coming

@dianethoroughman9541 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Steve, that is a beautiful painting. I like your gear. I hope you had a wonderful Easter today. He is risen.

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

He is risen indeed!

@cathyriach1285 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for these videos! So inspiring :)

@brucenunn3268 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the Vlog.. Helpful.! 👊😎

@isabelleperezcade9967 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video, very interesting, thank you for sharing ! 👏🏻

@Mochicchino 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, as always. ♥

@amygschwind1643 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you I really enjoyed the video!! But you forgot to pack a snack. Being a mom we always pack a snack!

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

So true!

@darkmoonlady2002 3 жыл бұрын

I use an Eagle Creek Messenger bag from about ten years ago, which fits everything. Have you seen a Stabio board? They are made in France and are engineered specifically for watercolor plein air. I have tried a lot of permutations, made my own version of the Cheap Joe's kit, kit bashed from stuff on EBay, gotten down to just a fanny pack of supplies. The Eagle Creek bag has beaten out all the others.

@Frieda_Kamstra 2 жыл бұрын

Stablo it is if i’m not wrong 😑

@MDCampbell 3 жыл бұрын

So, I just posted a video on the Etchr Field Case and all the brushes I keep in it. I love the Etchr products. But, what's funny to me is that with such a wide variety of brushes I've collected over the years, it's the simple waterbrush that often offers the most satisfying experience. Have you tried many other brands besides the Pentel? I've used the Holbein, Sakura, and Arteza, but I keep finding the Pentel to be the best, overall. I keep the Pentel Mini in my case and it's been very good for me. Anyhow, I didn't have an issue with your "mistake," as it was still thoroughly entertaining to watch. The painting was wonderful and so nice to see you in your element! I hope you all had a lovely Easter and are all doing well! Cheers! ~ Mark

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Mark! Yes, I keep coming back to the Pentel. And you're so right, the simple water brush just really does the trick in so many situations. I did a comparison video several years ago for water brushes and even as newer ones come along I still prefer the Pentel. The Derwents aren't bad as an honorable mention. Thanks for the vote of confidence and the compliment. Because 2020 was what it was I didn't do much plein air so I'm a bit rusty in the delivery, LOL! All well here, hope you are too. Thanks for stopping by.

@Frieda_Kamstra 2 жыл бұрын

But Etchr is very pricy!

@MDCampbell 2 жыл бұрын

@@Frieda_Kamstra arguably, perhaps; however, what is spent in higher quality results in a world of lower frustration and disappointment.

@richardlevasseur6771 3 жыл бұрын

Nice!

@tombryan720 3 жыл бұрын

Great video

@annajavier5712 3 жыл бұрын

You should design on your self. You are pretty good as y tuber I think you can easily find some one to make it

@RhondaStockArt 3 жыл бұрын

I'm definitely going to have to check out that toolkit. I'm planning to try plein air for the first time this year!

@captivatednightshade1432 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video Steve & love that piece you did.😸Trying to get better with my landscaping so we'll see how that goes. Also, I ❤ your Fangorn shirt!

@nattyw495 3 жыл бұрын

😷😁🎨🖊informative

@theforgedone 3 жыл бұрын

Very cool! Really enjoy seeing your setup and ideas. I'm currently struggling through the setting up for myself as well. James gurney seems to have a good setup, I've been looking at his videos. I'll have to go back and look at your earlier videos on the subject Next time show your palette too :)

@curiouscolour8336 3 жыл бұрын

You might like the XD Design backpacks. They have one version that fits 2 cameras.

@maritzamachuca4251 3 жыл бұрын

cool

@elaineporter182 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great video. I too have been looking for the perfect satchel for plein air I might have make one that will carry a tripod and camp stool. Have you seen /tried cupeasel?

@annajavier5712 3 жыл бұрын

So the bag your using just needs a added place on the back for your tri pod

@mendyhand3895 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Steve, GENIUS how you redesigned your clip board! What kind of screw or hardware did you use to make the top board be able to move like that?! A flat screw and nut maybe? Have a blessed day! 👩🏻‍🔧🖌🌿🎨

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Yes, but with a wing nut.

@allanpennington 3 жыл бұрын

How did you achieve the white/lighter portions of the vines? Did you lift out first and then darken the edges? Huh...guess I should have watched to the end. Ball point and then white gel pen.

@PauseCreative 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely painting and video! 🤗 you use only penbrushe for this painting?

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

Correct.

@waymire01 3 жыл бұрын

I've never had any interest in plein air.. I'm a homebody and am very comfortable in my studio area... plus I tend to paint at night which makes painting outdoors basically impossible. I do like to go out and photograph for future use though.. I've been considering buying a tablet to condense the photo/reference process. If anyone has a tablet recommendation on the low end of cost please let me know. I would want something large, but it doesn't have to do much except take decent photos and preferably have a way to disable the touch screen.

@cynthiafrancis4197 3 жыл бұрын

No place for snack stash?!

@socratesthecabdriver 3 жыл бұрын

🙏🌊🔱🌪🌪🌪

@teresahill7035 3 жыл бұрын

What colors are you using here for sketching in your Art Toolkit palette? I really like the new larger Art Toolkit that will hold my A5 sketch books.

@eileenvalachovic9435 3 жыл бұрын

Curious, did your plein air setup work out? Love your videos. Thank you.

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

Yes it does

@maryhazlett 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Steve, I've been enjoying your videos - - new to your channel. My father was a professionally trained watercolorist (Cleveland Inst of Art) and painted and exhibited until his stroke in 1994 at age 67. He died in 2007. It's a long story. Anyway, as I watch your videos, both recent and old, I wonder about your background in art. Have you talked about it on a video?

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

I've shared some yes. Did this interview with Liron. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r71nrMyA3LDVpKc.html Not much to tell actually. Fine art major. (small local college). Professional graphic designer and illustrator for 35 or so years. Always love watercolor best. Started making videos for KZfaq almost 7 years ago. Went full time with that in 2017.

@barryschreiber5436 Жыл бұрын

Steve, what portable tripod do you use, the kind with extendable legs and made of aluminum?

@mindofwatercolor Жыл бұрын

It's this one but seems to be currently unavailable. amzn.to/3k0ojky

@marynorby9530 3 жыл бұрын

How did you attach the little expeditionary palette so it wouldn’t slide around? You mentioned a magnetic clip but I don’t think it will attach by magnets will it? (I’d check myself but my art room is a disaster right now and I can’t find it!)

@maryhazlett 3 жыл бұрын

I've just paused the video to yell CHECK OUT TOM BIHN! www.tombihn.com is a small company in Seattle known for backpacks and luggage that can can convert into backpacks with the purpose of one bag travel, even around the world. The products are heavily/lifetime warrantied. And no matter how many items purchased at one time, shipping is one price: $10. There's also a 2-month return time, and the $10 return shipping is simply deducted from your refund. At the very least, check out the website. Oh, all bags are waterproof - they are in Seattle, of course. American-made. If you end up with something, I'd love to know your thoughts. (I'm not affiliated. I have simply used their products for years.)

@evelynpeavy 3 жыл бұрын

So how did you like your bag on the trip?

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

worked great!

@barryschreiber5436 Жыл бұрын

Steve, as you know, your tripod is no longer available. Can you suggest another? And do you recall the approximate price you paid?

@mindofwatercolor Жыл бұрын

I can't really recommend any others since I haven't tried them but if it's for a plein air easel, don't go too lightweight and I recommend a ball head over a pan and tilt head. Just check the Amazon reviews. Like this for example, though I've never used it. amzn.to/3S3SZOh

@mindofwatercolor Жыл бұрын

I paid about the same priced.

@Frieda_Kamstra 2 жыл бұрын

Could not hear which green you had in your palet. Can you tell me please? Because I kniw you always are using transparent colours..😊

@Angela-jy8um 2 жыл бұрын

What brand is the very first bag for grab and go. It's grey colored. It looked really cool, but you never said a brand name and didn't link it in the description. I love the look of it so much I typed this before I watched the rest of your video, so if you say it later, then you can ignore the comment. Thanks!

@mindofwatercolor 2 жыл бұрын

It's in the video description. It's the Art Toolkit.

@Angela-jy8um 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your answer. Not the art tool kit which is gray with a blue stripe around it. At minute 2.47 you say "the art tool kit will go in these really small ones" and you have a gray bag in your left hand that is teardrop shaped. That is the bag I am asking about. I tried to zoom in on the logo but was unsuccessful.

@mindofwatercolor 2 жыл бұрын

@@Angela-jy8um Aah, ok. I don't have a link for that. I got it several years ago at banggood.com. There are several similar styles there but I don't see the exact one anymore.

@Angela-jy8um 2 жыл бұрын

@@mindofwatercolor That'll do! Thanks!!

@christinastepp4870 3 жыл бұрын

You may have to commission someone to make it to fit your needs.

@aj4vr 2 жыл бұрын

Fun fact: I would not have noticed the funny camera angle if you would not have mentioned it - I just got focused on your painting... Maybe I'm weird, or just maybe not everyone cares that much...

@maryhazlett 3 жыл бұрын

Tell me that sketchbook isn't $122! Really?

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

You get 2. Thats from their signature series. Not cheap, but probably the best watercolor sketchbooks available.

@marynorby9530 3 жыл бұрын

@mindofwatercolor 3 жыл бұрын

It is magnetic yes. Although in this case I just clipped it to the extension by the lid.