Katie’s Plein Air

Curious about what you really need for plein air painting? In this video, artist Katie Liddiard shares the outdoor painting setup she has refined through years of research, testing, and trial and error.

Katie’s kit is built around a padded photographer’s backpack that keeps her supplies secure during outdoor trips. Her tripod clips to the front for easy access, while her Edge Pro palette/easel combo slides out from the back pocket and attaches directly to the tripod.

Because the setup is magnetic, Katie can paint more confidently in windy conditions without worrying about her palette tipping into the dirt. Magnetic sliders hold the canvas in place, while trays keep brushes and mineral spirits close at hand. The whole system assembles quickly, keeping everything organized and within reach.

Katie uses this compact setup outdoors and in her studio. Mounting the palette on a tripod helps reduce arm strain during long painting sessions, and cleanup is simple when the work is done.

As you gain experience with plein air painting, Katie’s setup will help you decide which supplies are truly essential and which items you can leave behind.