Take Your Art Making Outdoors - Painting & Drawing Tips

Do you hike up a trail, pause at the spectacular view, take a photo and walk on? 

Does it feel there is something missing from that moment?  Somehow, you want to feel more, taste more, capture more.  

That's how I feel. . . 

Outdoor Sketching Class - June 27: I love to capture mini environments. A baby Barred Owl watched us as we painted by this little stream.   

I take my photo but it doesn't always give me that sense of fulfillment.  I feel not ready to move on but don't  know what else to do.  

That was before I started Outdoor Sketching.

It was exciting to just stop and spend a bit of time sketching in the Roman Forum. I knew this was my one chance to capture this memory.  

Now, when I wonder about and reach a spot that is special, I sketch it.  Capturing that moment doesn't have to be exotic, like this scene from my trip to Italy.  It can be a moment that is special.  

Rocks on Erickson Beach, Texada Island. - 5 x 7, ink & watercolour. SOLD

I loved this little sketch from Erickson Beach.  I really like the movement of colour in my rocks and the line work echoing and flowing in the sky. 

But not only that. . . .

I remember the other artists that were with me.  It was a beautiful sunny day by water and 5 island artists joined me for a Paint Out.  I loved painting, talking, sharing stories and ideas.  Also, there was a heron that hung out with us for hours and I got some awesome shots of him.  An eagle swooped down on the water to fish, seals were bobbing up and down.  So many memories with that painting.  

Memories aren't made with a quick photo and moving on . . . 

MORNING CALM, Texada Island.  - 4 x 4 - Watercolour - SOLD - The view from our campsite early in the morning before the sun was high and hot. We watched a mother seal teach her baby to swim as they went back and forth across the bay.

Capturing a fragment of the moment brings back so many memories.  Sitting for an hour or two to sketch or paint means you see things you would have missed with just a quick visit.  

But to Capture the Moment you must be ready. . .

When time is of the essences, it helps to be prepared. Many years ago I was canoeing with a group of 12 on a 10 day trip.  I learned early on that if I wanted some time to sketch I had to 'get to it'.  No looking through bags and packs for my paints and brushes. Just grab. Open. And paint.  

Since that trip I have tried several combinations for my travel kit.  Each one a little smaller than the last. I am really not sure there is a perfect kit but the one I have now is 2 years old and seems to be still working.  My post:  My Really Smallmendous Art Kit. will tell you all about it.   I have tried several mediums but have finally settled on ink, graphite and watercolour.  These are all found in my kit.  Have a look.  It may help you in putting yours together.  

Since I paint a lot on the go I am often writing about it.  Here are some other posts that others have found helpful in organizing their materials: 

Travel Kit Saves the Day - looks at different types of small travel kits for painting and sketching

What does a Plein Air Trip Look Like - how to plan for a lengthy trip which will involve lots of Plein Air Painting.

What does a Plein Air Trip Really Look Like - how to enjoy outdoor sketching and painting on a trip when you travel companion doesn't paint.  

Good luck with your Outdoor Sketching this summer.  You are welcome to join me for a few outings.  I will be taking small classes out each Tuesday, starting July 28, 2020.

 Do you have big/small projects on the go?  

Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.   

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

If you are looking for Live Outdoor Sketching Classes they are now underway.  See info below.  Contact me to set something up. 

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  

Class Size: 3  Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  

Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Saturdays 10-12:30.  

Cost: $45  

July Dates: Tuesday, July 28, 10-12:30pm

August Dates: Tuesday August 4. 11, 18, 25: 10-12:30:pm

Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy    More information: artbywendy.com 

 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

My Really SMALLmendous Art Kit - Painting and Drawing Tips

Your SEARCH is OVER!!

I have found the best darn Art Kit you could ever want.

Small. Compact. Great Materials. Light weight. Always Ready. Draw, Paint, Write with Ease.

Don't believe me, it's true.  I have tried many combinations, read tons of blogs, spent copious amounts of money, getting smaller and smaller. 

  But finally I am there.  

Hey, I bet you aren't ready to paint JUST ANYWHERE!! Fishing with my family on Blanchford Lake, NWT.  (Well I wasn't fishing alllllll the time)

645 grams and that includes the sketchbook . . .
Weight doesn't seem important if you want your kit to pull out at home and do a bit of work.  But once you leave the house it becomes a factor.  Don't forget you need your wallet, phone (surprising how heavy they are), keys, sunglasses, water, snack, hat,  . . . .  There always seems to be so much even when you try and whittle it down. So 398 grams  is great.

Small compact and almost the same size as my sketchbook

Materials are Artist Grade.  
I have tried lots of little kits and although they are nice and compact the paints are weak.  I spend ages trying to get some good darks.  Or the colours are opaque.  I like transparent colours.   My secret, get my own empty metal pallet and put my colours in it.  My paint tray is a small metal case approx. 12 x 7 x 2 cm.  (I have provided Links to Amazon on many of the items I mention.  It is not an endorsement of Amazon only a means of showing you what they are like.)  I use the half pans and have 12 in my case.

This little case goes everywhere with me.  Little trays means you mix paint on any little surface.  

Setting Up your Own tray: 
It is a bit of fiddling to set up your own tray but once it is done, your are ready to Rock and Roll.  Paint Pans are held in place using Tacky Putty. Fit the trays in the case before filling them.  Allow them to sit at least 24 hours or until they have a good film over them before closing the tray.

 As a good rule of thumb to choose your colours you want: 2 reds, 2 blues, 2 yellows (a warm and cool of each) and brunt sienna and a premixed green.  My colours right now are: Hooker Green WN, Aureolin DV, New Gamboge WN, Cadmium Orange WN, Permenent Rose DV, Quinacridone Red DS, Brunt Sienna DV, Cobalt Teal Blue, DV, Ultra Marine DS, Indanthrene Blue WN, Winsor Blue Gr Shade WN

Don't worry if you don't fill all your pans right away.  Paint a bit and see what colours you like.  Cad Orange was a late addition for me and although it is not transparent I like it.  It gives me a good shot of orange, when I want it and used thinly it makes a nice warm yellow.  My Indathrene Blue is on the way out.  I find I prefer the Ultra Marine more. I thought at one time I liked Indanthrene Blue but our love affair seems to be over.  I think a nice premixed Purple would be good, still deciding on the right kind of Turquoise and maybe Prussian Blue should join me.  You can get a good dark with Prussian Blue. 

January 2025 Update: I have changed the Aureolin for Daniel Smith – Quinophthalone Yellow (on Trial) I filled the empty spot with Payne's Gray, I changed Hooker Green for Sap Green (both are good and I waiver back and forth) New Gamboge may be replaced with Raw Sienna but the jury is still out on that.  The spot for Indathrene Blue is still open, as I have tried a few colours and not sure what will go there)  The big thing to note as I have a set group of colours and I work with them for quite some time. Then I make a change.  I find working with them I learn what I do and don't want. 

Great having the mesh cover so you can see what in there and where it is.  

Case
The Case is really crucial.  It needs to be lightweight, strong enough to protect, big enough for EVERYTHING, easy to use.  Impossible right.  My secret is my Travelon Packing Square.  (The middle one).  It is mesh on the front so you can see in, long enough for pens, pencils and paint brushes and even has a pocket at the back for business cards and special things. 

There not that expenses so it is surprising how nice the brushes are.

Extras
- Two waterfilled paint brushes, one with some water in it and one empty.  I find the water in the brush often keeps the brush too wet so I like a dry one for the detail at the end.  These are reasonable in price, don't go too cheap though. You want something that holds the water and has a decent brush. 

I know hey, lots of little things in that kit.  Somehow I need them all!

- Two Micron 03 pens.  I use to carry just one but after having one explode on the plane I like to always have an extra. 
- 2B Derwent Pencil
- vinyl eraser cut with a point
- putty eraser
- small pencil sharpener in small plastic bag
- few pieces of paper towel
- small ruler
- water tin 3.5 cm diameter (a small tea leaf tin from Davids Tea)
business cards
- few paper with some pictures on them (see last post on Prepping Your Sketchbook for more info on this)
- Special thing: My little book on John Constable's work from the Art Gallery in Edinburgh.  (Haven't been able to part with it yet.  Still a great memory from an old trip) 

Yes, believe it or not,  all of that fits in my case with ease.  That's why that case is sooooo important. 

Other Extras:
Yes, there is still more I often add.  I love to draw with my pens so I take a thinner pen 01 and thicker one 05 for more detail.  Since I use watercolour for colour I don't take coloured pens.  But 1 or 2 coloured pens might be something you would want.  If I am traveling I also add a pair of small folding scissors (these are surprisingly sharp) and Scotch Double sided mounting strips.  (Strips can be cut into small squares and used to attach brochures, pictures, artifacts from the trip.  I like to journal as well as draw/paint when traveling. Fun to do on planes, trains or where ever your waiting.

Do you have some favourite Extras in your kit?  Do you keep your kit packed and ready to go?

Next week, its time for a Test Run - see you then.

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, prints and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Time to Register - Note Date Change

**Tuesday, April 30 - Workshop Day for Spring Show - South Burnaby

Want to experience the joy of watercolour?  Learn about the supplies? See paint in action as you create your first Masterpiece?  - Join Audrey and Myself on May 1, 10-12pm for a Beginner Watercolour Class - $40 all supplies incld. 

Itching to create but want some direction? Want to make exciting cards and notes for the special people in your life? Add design to your sketchbooks and journals? - Join Myself and Audrey on May 1, 1-3pm for a Creative Card Class - $40 all supplies incld.  This year's theme: Flowers and Ladybugs.  

Few things you can do with with Ladybugs and Flowers

Audrey Bakewell and Myself include this Workshop Day as part of our Spring and Fall Shows at Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby.  Both classes are very popular and fill up very quickly.  

REGISTER NOW

SPRING SHOW:     Paints'n Bloom Workshops & Art Show & Sale

 in Support of the Alzheimer's Society of BC

 Wednesday, May 2  to Friday,  May 3, 10-4pm Saturday, May 4, 9-12pm

Gardenworks at Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby

Workshop Day: Tuesday, April 30

10-12pm - Beginner Watercolour Class

1-3pm Spring Card Making Class

$40 ea. All supplies incl. Beginner to Advanced Welcome

Registration Happening Now Contact Wendy 

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy