Scott Ruthven's Ultimate Guide to Plein Air Gear - Everything you need, with links!

Want to take your oil painting outside but not sure what gear to buy? This 38 minute video is just for YOU! Join me while I share each piece of gear in my plein air setup. I'll explain what it is, why I use it and where to get it. Jump start your plein air adventure right now!
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This video isn’t sponsored but some of the links below are affiliate links which means if you buy something, I’ll receive a small commission for referring you. A real win-win and it doesn’t cost you a penny more!

0:00 Intro
2:10 Backpacks
24:46 Thumb Box / Cigar Box
27:25 Setting the Palette
29:45 Palette of Colors
30:13 Traveling With Oil Paints
31:20 Painting Demonstration in Germany

Paints and Mineral Spirits:

Backpacks

[EllenR]

I just stumbled upon this video (4 years after the fact) while looking up pochade boxes; wow! I’m glad I found you! This video was awesome, you covered everything! I appreciate your calm manner and concise explanations, and I was blown away by the Heidelberg painting, and I love the little flower seedlings container! I’ve not seen this much description about plein air gear and set up anywhere; Thank you!!!

[gregballenger]

From a young artist that is trying to rediscover a love for painting, thank you.

[dawnreardon]

As a beginning artist hoping to paint plein air, I enjoyed this tremendously!

[virginiagrey]

Thank you so much. Concise, full coverage and a great lessening of
stress from all the confusion and
hype from others.

My greatest pleasure was seeing
your subject in Plein Air. I have
not been turned on by Mountains
and trees. Enjoyed your variety.

[jmdfineart]

what a gorgeous, gorgeous painting! - truly a masterpiece!

[bonniegeiger]

Scott, thanks so much for this wonderful video - you, the equipment you showed & described so well, and the great painting from Germany — all so informative and enjoyable. No, it’s not boring to watch you.

[sherryhaney]

Thank you for this video. Don’t like to wear gloves, but tried a comparable pair from Lowe’s and now I’m sold. Saved so much money time and water.

[margaretsmilligan]

Loved this informative video, thank you so much from Scotland

[Paunguliaq]

Scott,
I have painted plein air for decades but am only now finally switching to oils. Your guide and advice is well done, comprehensive, and most helpful. You are obviously a great painter. Thank you for your help.

[angeladavis]

Thanks for sharing these helpful tips! I'm a newbie Plein air artist so this was definitely what I needed to watch!

[lowslow]

Great video! Thank you!
I really like your backpack. It's simiIar to the one I currently use, but mine is about 5-6 lbs heavier, empty. I'll have to look those up and order one.
I used to use those old shopping store bags for trash like in this video, but now I bring a roll of dog-poop bags. They are inexpensive and compact, and you can also get a little dispenser for them if you want.
I prefer the blue shop paper towels over the thin paper towels too.

[SharonWadsworthSmithart]

Great information Scott. I have been painting Plein Air in acrylics on canvas for years and my easel has just packed it in. I need something light and larger for big canvases. Your knowledge and suggestions are welcome! Keep your wonderful videos coming!

[candelariomedina]

I was stationed in Germany (Darmstadt ) 68' to 77', too bad I didn't paint back than. Beautiful country. Thanks for the memories. Walked across that bridge more than once.

[sandramoorewilliams]

Excellent information and nicely detailed. Beautiful finished painting -- wonderful sense of ambiance, and atmosphere. Thank you for sharing your process and professional expertise.

[maxheadroom]

Excellent video, thanks for making this Scott, so helpful to someone new to the Plein Air scene! Loved your painting of the bridge and towers over the river in Germany!👍🇦🇺😎🙏

[frozencancukfinearts]

Great video, I have been painting 2 years and ventured out to work plein air a few times. It is demanding. Great little painting to wrap up the video.

[AndriyDemchuk-nyvf]

this very good, good job and thanks for sharing!

[paulperry]

Very enjoyable video and your concise description of your gear, thanks for posting.

[celestesmith]

Wonderful video and full of useful information! And your German city painting was spectacular. It is evident you enjoy your work and are a very talented artist!

[Michelle-hgsv]

Thank you, Scott. I paint en plein air now and then but I got a few great tips here.