Materials for Patrick's landscape painting course
Here is a list of materials from Patrick Jackson for his Landscape Painting Course. This list gives suggestions of lightweight and practical materials that you can use for plein air painting.
Materials
Lightweight field easel - Alternatively pochade boxes are a great option but significantly more expensive. Traditional French box easels tend to be quite bulky but are very sturdy.
Prepared wooden panels – (6mm plywood prepared with 1 coat of PVA glue and 2 coats of Acrylic Gesso on back, front & sides) I tend to cut mine to 2 standard sizes 8”x10” and 8”x12”
Oil and acrylic paper - Great for practice and playing around with different formats
Palette or here or here, depending on your budget. I use a small plastic tray as I like to clip it to the easel. I got mine from Nisbets catering supplies.
Paints (my basic primary palette):
- Lemon Yellow - A cool yellow
- Ultramarine Blue - Warm blue and a staple of plein air painters
- Alizarin Crimson - A cool red. I tend to use a student grade paint as it’s less punchy
- Titanium White
- Burnt Umber
A mixture of synthetic & hog brushes such as;
Cut down water bottle – used to hold the brushes by clipping the bottle to the easel
Airtight metal brush washer. Make sure it has a good seal to prevent leaks.
Zest-it or low odour Sansodor for thinning paint and cleaning.
Paper towels or a cloth
Bin bag ( for paper towels etc)
Clips and/or G-clamps for attaching items to your easel
For composition sketches:
Technical fineliner pens, marker pens or pencils
Winsor & Newton Promarkers (a selection of greys and a black)
Other useful items:
Value finder – made with red acetate and card (pictured above)
Disposable gloves – for keeping your hands clean
Clothing appropriate to the conditions and environment.
A hat with a brim (whatever the weather) – this helps prevent the light of the sky shining in your eyes
Camping stool or an insulated foam mat for sitting
Rucksack (we recommend 30-35L min) Remember as well as containing your materials you may also need to carry food, water and additional clothing for the day!! Make sure you have a way of attaching it to your easel. Adds weight to it and helps keep it upright when windy.
