En plein air painting is back, baby and this spring, the grass is green, the light’s just right, and your art supplies deserve a field trip. “En plein air” is French for “in the open air,” which is fancy talk for painting outside and pretending you’re Monet

(with better snacks and bug spray). From balcony sketchers to park bench pros, Aussie artists are grabbing their travel kits and ditching the beige studios for some Vitamin D (looking at you, art uni students)

Whether you're keen to dip your brush into something new or level up your landscape skills, we’re here to give you the rundown on everything en plein air. Think cheeky tips, artist inspo, beginner-friendly advice, and a stash worthy spring art gear list. Ready to turn that picnic rug into a pop up studio? Let’s unpack the best en plein air painting supplies, how to get started, and why Art Shed is your go to this season.

What is en plein air (and why it's worth stepping outside for)

Back in the 1800s, artists like Monet and the Impressionist crew stepped outside to chase the light literally.

They wanted to capture the colours, shadows, and movement of real life in real time. That spirit lives on today, with plein air painting becoming a go to for creatives who want to breathe fresh air into their practice.

Painting en plein air is all about working fast, reacting to your surroundings, and embracing a bit of chaos

(birds, wind, that one curious dog). It's messy, intuitive, and addictive. And spring? She’s a show off. Warm enough to be comfy, cool enough to stop your paints from melting, and full of colour.

What to pack in your plein air kit (and a few cheeky extras)

Spring’s great until you're 2km deep with no white paint. Here's your Art Shed approved checklist:

Easel A lightweight easel is a must have for plein air adventures. Pack something that suits your vibe, whether it’s a Mont Marte French Box Easel, a trusty tripod easel, or even a tabletop box easel for balcony bangers.

Watercolour picks Try the Mont Marte Half Pan Set or the Kuretake Travel Set (both slap for portability).

Acrylics? Stick with Mont Marte Dimension or a mini flow set quick drying and bold.

Brushes Travel sets or brush rolls that won’t hog bag space.

Canvas panels, pads or watercolour paper Lightweight = no regrets.

Palette / mixing tray Bonus points if it has a lid.

Spray bottle Not for your face. For keeping acrylics alive.

Wipes, rag or chux Your future self will thank you.

Hat, snacks, mozzie spray, sunnies Artistic survival kit.

Tips from the Shed:

Pre squeeze your paints at home (less juggling).

Clip a bulldog clip to your shirt for rogue pages.

If you forget your water, we’ll try not to say “told you so.”

How to paint en plein air without losing your cool (or your light)

Painting outside isn’t about perfection it’s about energy. Light shifts. Shadows change. The clouds have opinions.

Do what Monet did: block in the shapes and tones first. Don’t stress the details he wasn’t out there painting every leaf either. Start big, bold, and loose. Add the fun bits later.

Focus on shapes, light and shadow.

Limit your palette it forces creativity.

Bring a viewfinder to frame your scene.

Start a new piece if the light changes too much. (The Greats did it. You can too.)

Layer up with glazes or pastels once you’re home.

Tips from the Shed:

Treat it like speed dating for paintings. Quick, passionate, and maybe a little messy.

Name your painting after your snack of the day e.g. “Sultana Scroll Sunrise” (because why not)

Take a photo at the start it helps if you want to finish it later inside.

Best mediums for outdoor art (and why we love them)

Watercolours: Breezy, lightweight, and great for washes and dreamy florals. You’ll want absorbent paper and a water container that doesn’t leak all over your snacks.

Acrylics: Quick dry champions. Perfect for punchy colour and impatient painters.

Oil pastels: Great for bold marks and blendy magic. No drying time required, no palette needed. Just go.

Oils: For the patient and prepped. Use quick dry mediums, and pack like a pro (you’ll smell like one too).

FAQs – in our signature answer first style

What does en plein air mean?

"En plein air” is a French term meaning “in the open air.” In art, it refers to the act of painting outdoors, directly in front of the subject, with natural light and surroundings shaping the work. The movement was championed by the French Impressionists in the 19th century, who valued capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere.

Can beginners try plein air?
Heck yes. If you’ve got a brush and a sunny day, you’re good to go.

What is the easiest en plein air setup for a first timer?
Keep it minimal. A sketchbook or pad clipped to a board, a small watercolour set, and a portable stool in the shade will do the trick. Simple gear makes it easier to focus on light and colour without lugging too much.

What if I forget something for en plein air painting?
Adapt and keep painting. Forgot your palette? Use a plate or bit of card. No water? Do a quick pencil or pastel study. Every plein air session teaches flexibility, and you can always restock at Art Shed later.

What is the best time of day for en plein air painting?
Early morning and late afternoon, the golden hours, are best. The light is softer, shadows are longer, and colours are easier to capture. Midday sun tends to wash things out, so aim for times with more forgiving light.

Can I paint en plein air from my car boot?
Yes. Many artists use their car boot or front seat as a mobile studio when it’s windy or too bright. It offers shelter and stability so you can still work comfortably.

Do I need expensive gear for en plein air painting?
No. Many artists start with affordable, durable supplies and get great results. Portability and reliability matter most. A travel kit and a few good surfaces go a long way, and you can add premium tools later.

Why Art Shed is your plein air bestie

We don’t just stock art supplies we stock gear that actually makes you want to use it. Our team is full of artists, outdoor dabblers, and gear nerds who’ve tested this stuff on the streets, beaches, parks, and probably one too many hiking tracks.

From the Mont Marte French Box Easel to the Kuretake watercolour travel tin, we’ve curated a spring friendly range of plein air painting kits, brushes, boards and bonus bits to make your painting sesh smooth.

Swing by the shop or chuck a few cheeky bits in your online cart. We’ll pack it with love, and maybe a shedload of inspiration.

Final note from the Shed

Don’t wait till summer to fry your paints. Spring is the sweet spot. Load your brush, pack your snacks, and go make something messy and magic outside.

Go on paint like it’s 1880 and the Impressionists just handed you the brush.