Plein Air painting (on location) in colder weather can be a lot of fun if you prepare for it. Obviously, dress warm in layers from top to bottom. Here in the south (NC) the mornings can be in the 20’s and by afternoon in the 50’s so layers are good. You can peel off some as needed. Keeping your feet warm is really important and easy to overlook. You will be standing on very cold ground for up to 3 hours so your feet need to stay warm. I usually don’t wear gloves but I do have some fingerless gloves for really chilly days. I sometimes bring along my thermos with coffee to sip and just hold warming up my hands.
I have found that my acrylic paints don’t start to dry out or skin over on the palette for at least a couple of hours. I put out just enough at a time as needed. The water in the brush cleaner bucket stays fine as I am cleaning brushes quite a bit.
I love the really clear and colorful winter days to paint outside and I try to get out as much as I can. I have a lightweight and portable setup that I use that enables me to paint at least 2 panels in a day. I use a small pochade just big enough to carry my 7 colors and hold a canvas panel up to 9 x 12. I usually paint 8 x 10 panels as they are big enough but fast enough to catch the changing light. I use a tripod shelf to hold my brushes, paper towels and garbage bag. For brushes I bring 3 bristle and 2 nylon. I use the bristles for most of the painting and the nylon brushes for smaller details at the end. When I am done painting, I clip the panels together face to face using office clips with craft sticks separating the panels.
I love the changing seasons and enjoy painting in each one. The only things that change are what I wear. Next time Spring Painting (and sneezing).
As always, Paint…Relax…Repeat.
jeffreyjbowers