Easy DIY CHEAP Plein Air Urban Sketching Setup and Demo

Here are the plein air supplies used in this video:
- Pencil case
- Folder
- Spray bottle
- Metal tin
- Spray bottle

🎥 Film & Editing Gear 🎞️
- iphone 13
- Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro

Please note, some of these links are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This allows me to continue creating helpful and entertaining free content! I only recommend products that I use and love.

[rizzart]

I built an easel from 2 bamboo cutting boards I found on Amazon. Drilled a hole in one for the quick realease for the tripod, attached it with hinges. I also made some recessed areas for rare earth magnets. I've yet to useit but it was a fun construction project.

[ShuvahHim]

You could add a 1/4x20 internal thread blind nut on the bottom to put on a tripod

[MeribelNova]

Literally on my way to Colorado! Found this video by searching for easy travel watercolour kit ideas, since I left ALL my art supplies at home 😭 this couldn't be more perfect!

[wendyvancamp]

I love your set up. Nice and simple. Lightweight. I do something very similar to this, except I bought a premade fiberglass board with a cutout that holds a 2oz Nalgene jar for my water. Otherwise, I keep my brushes, pencils, and pens in a cloth rollup and a small canvas pouch for everything else. I like your storage idea for loose paper, but I tend to use a notebook for my urban sketching. Thanks for the great video. :)

[shazlawrence]

Thank you so much for these great ideas for people like me who are just starting out painting and can't afford a more professional set up you have shown in other videos. This has encourage me to want venture outside to paint as I have a small lake within walking distance from my house, with a wonderful array of birds and landscape painting ideas

[suzisandpiper]

This is very clever and easy to make, thank you. And thank you for all your wonderful tips. I have a lot of back pain so finding something super light is really important for me. ❤

[kathryncurry]

Love these ideas. I have everything but the board to paint on, bought a small watercolor notebook, but still love this idea. Never thought about using magnets either. Genius!

[pamelacolander]

Emily, thank you so much for this video. I’m going to try my first plein aire paintings in a couple of weeks in Silverton, CO with Fall colors happening. I wanted something simple and inexpensive for this trip. I think it will work very well. Love your so very helpful videos and am in awe of your talent!

[beebee]

Ingenious! I have wonderful art materials that I have collected over time and constantly use, but this little kit of yours is perfect for those just starting out. Well done.

[grannieannie]

I just use two clip boards with clip end cut off. If you really want get fancy you can buy an adjustable bag strap and hook it through the holes in your clips and put over one shoulder and around your waist for a more hands free set up.

[carolefreeman]

This was actually what I had in mind for a plein air kit. Not expensive, small but enough room for paints, paper and water as well as easy to use and put away.

[marikareimer]

I just love this idea!! Thank you to Vika Kvasnik for her fabulous idea!! As you mentioned, I have all of the supplies that are listed except the 5" clips, but I can substitute them for something I have. Can't wait to try it out. :)

[jeanfugate-besalke]

What a great idea!! Thank you for taking your time to educate us Emily Olson!

[Bratzilla]

This was exactly what i needed to see!

[Maorissa]

thanks for this brilliant idea! I got Schminke watercolor set and Clairfontaine Aquarellbook for my birthday with the thought that I'm gonna use it while traveling. Now I know how tu upgrade it 😃

[barbarasmith]

I love this idea, thanks! Can’t wait to try it.

[frances]

Love it. I just got reconnected with your videos and I love your no nonsense approach and ability to include us all. This was a great look around and make it work idea. I’d love to see some outdoor painting tutorials. On to the trees and water now! Thank you. My first video with you was the four songbirds.

[ChristinaTodd]

This is such a good idea! I have a really nice, really expensive pochad box made out of cherry wood that folds out into a French Easley that was gifted to me and I have yet to use it. I'm afraid of breaking it and it's super heavy. I would totally use this set up.

[ArtistRebeccaLS]

Super painting and great idea for cost effective plein air setup 👍

[cindybtanner]

Perfect timing and very practical setup! Thank you Emily. 😊