Short answer
When painting outside, keep your canvas and palette in shade, lock in the light and shadow shapes in the first 20 minutes, paint small, and plan around wind more than temperature. Tell someone where you're going, and leave the spot cleaner than you found it.
Working with light that keeps moving
- Commit early. In the first 15 to 20 minutes, mark where the shadows fall and where the light comes from. Don't chase them as they move.
- Paint at golden hour, and plan for it to be short. The best light lasts about an hour. Set up before it starts.
- Come back at the same time. For a bigger piece, return on another day at the same hour rather than painting through a changing afternoon.
- Know the sun's direction ahead of time. PleinScout's Light Window shows where the sun will be at a spot on any date.
Glare, shade and color
- Keep the painting surface out of direct sun. A canvas in full sun looks brighter than it is. Back indoors, it'll look dark and muddy.
- Shade your palette too, or use a mid-gray palette so you judge values correctly.
- Skip sunglasses while you paint. They shift color. Use a wide-brimmed hat in a neutral color instead.
- An umbrella helps, but it catches wind. Clamp it low and weigh down the easel.
Weather, wind and heat
- Wind is the real enemy. Over about 15 mph, easels tip and paper lifts. Hang your bag from the easel, use clips, and pick a spot behind a wall or tree line.
- Watercolor dries fast in heat and wind. Work in smaller passes, spray the palette with a mister, and carry extra water.
- Oils stay wet. Bring a wet-panel carrier so you can get the painting home without smearing it.
- Watch the tide on the coast. A sandy spot at low tide can be underwater two hours later.
- Dress in layers. You'll be standing still for hours. Morning coastal fog can be cold even in summer.
Staying safe while painting alone
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. PleinScout's free safety check-in does this for you.
- Stay back from cliff edges, unstable banks and traffic.
- Keep your phone charged and your keys on you, not in the bag.
- If a place doesn't feel right, pack up and leave. The painting can wait. In an emergency, call 911.
Plein air etiquette
- Don't block paths, doorways or other people's view.
- Respect private property and posted rules.
- Pack out everything, including used paper towels and solvent rags. Never pour solvent or paint water on the ground or into a drain.
- People will watch and ask questions. It's fine to say you're mid-painting and happy to chat after.
Common questions
How do you deal with changing light when painting outside?
Decide on your light and shadow pattern in the first 15 to 20 minutes and stick with it. Paint small so you finish within one to two hours, and come back at the same time another day for larger work.
Should my canvas be in the sun or shade?
In the shade. A canvas or palette in direct sun makes colors look lighter than they are, so paintings come out too dark when you bring them inside.
How do you paint outside in the wind?
Find a sheltered spot, weigh down your easel by hanging your bag from it, clip paper to the board, keep the setup low, and skip the umbrella on gusty days.