Annie Strack news: Packing for plein air painting overseas

I like to make sure I have what I need when I arrive at my destination, but I also want to travel with as little as possible. Over the years I’ve streamlined my equipment and supplies and perfected my packing so that I can travel with just one small suitcase. I’ve already posted tips for packing the suitcase, you can read that article here.

watercolor pans and travel brushes

When it comes to equipment and supplies, I carefully consider the weight of each object that is going with me. My aluminum watercolor easel is lightweight and folds down compactly, and I pair it with a standard piece of closet shelf that hangs from it like a tray table. I wrapped some wide carpet tape around the shelf to keep my brushes and other small items from falling through it. The shelf is 12x16 inches, the same size as my 12x16 canvas panels and watercolor blocks, so it fits snugly against them when I pack it all in my suitcase. See more about how I use this shelf in this article,here.

Shelf on a watercolor easel

My plein air umbrella is cobbled together with parts from different units. I like the BestUmbrella and it’s extensions, but the mounting bracket that came with is incredibly clumsy and heavy. I found a lightweight gooseneck clamp from a different umbrella at a thrift store that fits on it and works much better. The umbrella, extension rods, and clamp are all lightweight and take up very little room, and fit in the same carrying case with the easel.

weighing an assortment of plein air umbrellas and clamps.

Some artists prefer to sit and hold their painting panel or sketchbooks on their lap while painting, and choose to forego using an easel and umbrella. It’s up to you – you don’t have to bring an easel if you don’t want to. Whatever you choose, be sure to test it all out a few times at home to make sure you like it before you bring it on a trip.

Plein air easel, umbrella, and shelf

Notice that I write my name on everything – this just makes it easier when traveling with groups of artists so everyone can easily identify equipment, and makes it easy to find the owner if something gets left behind somewhere. Notice, too, that I label each item with a description for use! I don’t want baggage inspectors or other security drawing the wrong conclusions about what these disassembled metal components will be used for, and possibly causing delays while they sort it out. Labeling everything just makes it go through security a heck of a lot easier and faster.

plein air basics for travelers

Speaking of which, make sure you pack your equipment and supplies on top, so that they are easy to get to if you have to open your suitcase for inspection.

Although the artists who travel with me are welcome to paint in any medium, I find it is easier to leave tube paints behind and only travel with watercolors in pans. If artists don’t have a set of pan watercolors, I suggest filling the wells of a folding style palette with watercolors and letting them dry thoroughly before traveling.

Dried watercolors in a folding watercolor palette

If you do want to use oils or acrylics, be sure to bring only what you need. Leave your big tubes at home and only bring small tubes of just the colors that you need, and pack them in a clear ziplock bag in your checked bag. Be sure to print out and use the appropriate labels on these items, and also print out the Fact Sheets from each paint manufacturer and pack it with the items. Do NOT attempt to carry on paint tubes. Don’t even try it – not even with watercolors! Also, don’t bring any solvents of any kind, not even in your checked bag. You can get solvents after you arrive at your destination. I recommend you bring panels and not use stretched canvas. If you’re using oils, you should invest in a wet panel carrier that will fit in your suitcase. Remember to label your paints as artist ‘pigments’ or ‘colors,’ and if you use the word ‘oil’ be sure to modify it with the adjective ‘vegetable.’ Do not use the word ‘paint,’ as it is a flag that will require further inspections.

TSA label for plein air painters

If you use pastels, be sure to label them as artist “colored chalk” for inspections. If you are using oil pastels, do not use the word ‘oil,’ instead label them as artist crayons. Luggage with pastels in it usually gets pulled for further inspections at airports because a box of pastels looks just like a box of rifle cartridges when it goes through the x-ray! Pastels will take up a lot of your weight allowance, so bring small sets and short sticks (half sticks) if possible. Don’t forget to pack your backing boards, glassine, and tape to keep your pastel papers from getting damaged.

You can carry on brushes or pack them in your suitcase, but you can’t carry on anything that is sharp or pointy or can be considered a weapon. If you want to bring painting or palette knives, pencil sharpeners, paint scrapers, scissors, etc., you must pack them in your checked bag.

Annie Strack teaching plein air painting in Spain

I always put an extra set of watercolor pans, a few travel brushes, and a small block of paper in my carry-on bag when I travel. That way, if my checked bag gets delayed or lost, I still have the basics that I need to get started painting right away.

All of my painting trips are sponsored by artists materials companies that work with me to generously provide free samples of art supplies to my students. Be sure to check the listing for your specific workshop to see what will be in your swag bag!

Also, I give everyone a commemorative sketchbook, assorted mediums for drawing, and a few other gifts when they arrive for one of my workshops. So be sure to leave some room in your suitcase to bring extra things home!