Sandhill Lake
7×5″
Oil on panel
©2013 Lucinda Howe

This weekend I was sorting out my painting supplies and eliminating extra weight so I could put it all in a backpack.   On recent trips to the mountains, I felt my equipment was heavy and awkward.  I wanted to be able to carry my pack on a short hike (without needing wheels) on an upcoming painting trip.

I started with my Soltek easel.  It’s a bit heavy, but sturdy and useful, and it has room for palette, paints, brushes, and painting knives inside.  I took a limited supply of oil paint tubes, 2 reds, 2 blues, 2 yellows, and white.  Other supplies were a Raymar wet paint carrier with two 5×7″ panels, paper towels, camera, trash bag, bug spray and drinking water.   Altogether the backpack weighted about about 17 lbs.

So I went over to Sandhill Research and Education Center to try it out.  I walked the trail around the small lake near the Lake House.  It was a short hike, but I was able to go further than usual.  I set up my easel and painted this small piece quickly as rain was on the way.   I made a list of forgotten supplies (bug net and drawing book) and got back home before the downpour.

So now I feel better about my packing and ready for the next plein air excursion.

I hope you are planning some travel this summer.   Don’t forget to pack your painting supplies!