I have been mentioning in previous posts the weather changing. I have a whole new appreciation for human beings' ability to know something about the weather with a few taps on a screen. Having some idea if it will be warm or cool, wet and/or windy, and a general approximation as to when is remarkable. With that, I wanted to put together a few things here that may actually help other people who want to get outdoors and do some painting. I am a watercolor painter and this medium is greatly impacted by the temperature, wind, sun, and moisture. As it gets colder, yes, the paint and the water can and will freeze on the paper. It's important to know the temperature! Obviously, I take paper but the kind and format changes. Alas, I desire comfort in the outdoors if I am going to paint, so I dress for it!
Clothing: Layered clothing is a basic but vital part of this list. As it gets colder, the layers are at about two for pants and shirt. I wear a pair of somewhat athletic stretchy pants under my jeans and a long sleeve under a t-shirt for starters. This is for casual indoor wear and should it get warmer outside, its still the most basic.
Outerwear: Next, a warm hat (beanie or knit) and hooded sweatshirt paired with tall socks. Just as extra insurance, I also wear a scarf or some other neck cloth (once used for masks during 2020). If the wind picks up, these are great to cover the lower part of the face. I pack with me a thinner coat and a thick down coat that I inherited from my dad, it's from the 80s and will probably give me cancer or some other health problem down the road, he used to work in a mercury mine after all. I also pack cheap knitted gloves, but to be honest I don't always use them. I lose a bit of dexterity in them while painting and if they get wet (which is often) they just get colder than it would be without.
Shoes: I do not get paid to say the following but mean it just the same: Timberland boots are a vital part of my life, period. I cannot stress enough how important footwear is just in general. However, with all the walking, hiking, and moisture that I encounter as a painter I can't imagine trying to do this with a lesser shoe. #timberland can pay me later. Maybe I could even start some awesome line of shoes just for outdoor artists. Hmm. I could do notches for paint or something stupid like that and ask for a lot of money. All joking aside, I understand this brand of shoe may not be your cup of tea or unaffordable. In any case, I would recommend a waterproof at least ankle-high boot of some kind.
Backpack: This is something I always carry when I am out painting regardless of season. I bring a little less extra water for drinking in this season, but always at least one jar of water for painting (I use an old Trader Joe's watermelon jam jar) a spray bottle (an old downey wrinkle releaser bottle), A variety of paintbrushes (two flat, one large and small, same with round). Pencil(s), eraser, painter's tape, and a waterproof ink pen of some kind. Since I work in watercolor, you'll see my palette is a homebrew and messy.
I also started using my painting easel more in the last few weeks as the grass is becoming increasingly cold and wet. This means I also lug around that big easel and it's bag with a board. I highly recommend bringing snacks! For me, it is trail mix and an apple or something along those lines. If you're like me you also may want to pack some toilet paper or some kind of paper not used for painting. You just never know what nature's callings can mean.
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