2025 PLEIN AIR Gouache Materials
Gouache Plein Air Palette
I’ve switched from my old palette to this trifold one that can hold the paint box. It works great after pulling out the tray rails for watercolor tins.
Air-Tight paint box
This thing is a game-changer. Spray with water and mix up the wells regularly. Using distilled water, a little alcohol or clove oil will help combat mold (reds are the worst). When traveling I also slip a piece of release paper on top for extra water-tightness.
Small rig Carbon Fiber Tripod
I’ve recently added this to help my posture :/ It folds up to a really narrow size and uses clamps instead of twist locks (way better).
NEODYMIUM MAGNETS
Whatever your setup, magnets are really handy for snapping things together. They help brace against wind and just makes things easier to organize without needing extra ditty bags. I use Gorilla Glue to attach.
Edge Pro SMALL PAINTBOOK
To aid in painting standing up, I use this to clamp my trifold palette to. My sketchbook or pad clips easily to the clamshell. Well-engineered with magnetic inlays.
Spring clamps
Always handy to have a few with you. Clip then to your tripod, bag straps, etc. for transport and use for extra security when attaching the palette to the easel.
Ultralight setup: Notice the thin piece of 1/2” wood under the lower tray. This fills the gap and lets the clamps better secure the whole thing. Also notice the second sketchpad underneath that spans the gap between the palette and the primary sketch pad. I would use this format for ultra-light situations or maybe standing on a bridge or something where I wouldn’t need a tripod
PAINTS, PAPER & BRUSHES
Holbein Gouache
Viridian
Cad Green
Leaf Green
Cobalt Turquoise
Naples Yellow
Opera
Permanent White
Princeton
UMBRIA Brushes (PRIMARY)
Princeton
Aqua Elite Brushes (ALT)
Strathmore Toned Tan/GRAY 6x8” Paper
OSprey Soelden 32
For long distance hiking, this bag has the right depth of pockets and good hip straps. The side loops perfectly hold both a tripod and portable chair.
CHROME Hip Pack (for Ultralight)
I love this little bag! It’s waterproof and can hold my paint/brush pouch, water bottle, clips, palette, and 6x8” paper pads. I can also strap my small tripod chair to it for ultralight mode.