Painting En Plein Air in Rome: Materials Checklist

Many often ask for one, so it seemed like a good idea to finally put together an official checklist.  Please see the attached image, right.

  1. Portable seat (optional)
  2. Small bag to dispose of your wet wipes and paper towels
  3. Oil medium + metal cups for your oil medium
  4. Pochade box with tripod or portable easel + palette
  5. Canvas or canvas board  (18 x 24 cm is good size, but I usually have several sizes with me and choose what suits my subject and mood)
  6. Brushes.  Bring a variety: hog hair, bull hair, synthetics and sable
  7. A bottle of water
  8. Good company (optional, but always welcome)
  9. Good subject matter
  10. Wet wipes and towels (not pictured, but necessary!)

Above: painting en plein air with Louise B. in the Summer of 2018

Plein Air Palette

My palette varies, but as of August, 2018, here’s what I’m using, all Michael Harding brand:

  • Titanium White
  • Warm White
  • Neutral Grey
  • Alizarin Crimson
  • Cadmium Red
  • Transparent Oxid Brown
  • Cadmium Orange
  • Cadmium Lemon Yellow
  • Sap Green
  • Ultramarine Blue
  • Kings Blue Deep

Above: With Nadia C. in the Spring of 2018.