Wednesday, August 1, 2007

my plein air setup by BJ Wright

I'm glad that we're sharing our ideas concerning our painting set-up. The little folding stool was $5 at the Dollar Store. I am using a Winsor-Newton watercolor easel because that's the one I mistakenly picked up - but I like it because of the tilt factor. My husband, who can make anything out of metal, made the tray which holds my palette, used brushes and the clip on tuna can for turp. Office Depot was the source of the roll around studio which holds everything - cost was around $20. Various kids' pencil boxes hold brushes, paint, mediums, etc. I ordered some cardboard wet panel carriers from Dick Blick - couldn't afford the $80 for the nicer wooden one. They hold several wet panels or stretched canvas. I've also used pizza boxes; they protect the wet painting and can be stacked. A bungee cord strapped across the top holds everything securely and I'm off to paint again.

You can click on the image for a closer view.
Contact me at beejw@charter.net. I'd love to hear from other plein air painters. :o)
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6 comments:

Lori McNamara said...

I like your set-up! You have the twin of my rolling file, same color and everything!

Your painting is looking cool too.

That car looks interesting, you should paint that, its a perfect composition formed by the edge of the photo and edge of your panel. The tree leaning over it shows it is abandoned so there is a story there, is it stolen or just broken?
Its red too, the best color, hehehe! I'll paint it if you don't want to or you will let me!

bj said...

Sure you can paint it. :o)

Do you need another photo of it? It's parked on what my husband calls "death row". It's for vehicles that have no hope of ever running again - just waiting for the scrapman.

wanda knight said...

BJ, Your set up is neat. Makes me think about trying plein air painting. I think I will check our Office Depot for one of those rolling files for my studio.

bj said...

I've tried several other ways to haul my PA stuff, but this one is way better than any I've seen. It's sturdy, easy to pull and holds probably more that you would need to take. I pack my things in handy see-thru boxes, zip lock bags, etc so that I know at a glance where everything is. For awhile it will be a little trial and error until you figure out what works for you. Good luck. If I can offer any ideas, just let me know. If I don't know, I'll ask Lori. She's been doing this longer than I have.

Chris Ousley said...

Pizza boxes. Great tip and Good set up. Damn it's been hot here in Middle TN! I don't like the heat. I will post some soon here. I did some water color sketches that I will scan.

bj said...

Glad to hear from you, Chris. :o)