I them very useful for exploring different compositional ideas in a scene. I like that particular view catcher because it can adjust for any proportion of length:width, and it fits easily in my pochade boxes. I do wish there were a larger version of it available. I should probably just make a larger one out of matboard or something. It wouldn’t be hard to make, but I haven’t gotten around to it!

You can use your two hands to form a viewfinder. Use your two index fingers and thumbs to to form a square or rectangle. It’s very useful to have a sketch book with you and do quick small thumbnail sketches to work out composition and tonal arrangements. The less equipment you take with you the better, the paraphernalia will distract from the reason you are painting outside.

Dave.

I have a small card viewfinder and value scale that I recieved as a freebie, to be honest I seldom use it.

I am more likely to use my hands to block out part of the view to help me focus on what I want to see and paint.

More important to me are paints, brushes, a snack, and a bottle of drinking water. These last two are important than you might think. It is hard to paint well if you are distracted by hunger and thirst. Plein air painting often puts me in the field through meal time and I want to be able to carry on painting.

It is very easy to find yourself trying to lug along the entire studio and then some. Simplify to the absolute minimum you need to paint with. If you find you have left something you really wish you had, make a note and bring it next time. I have forgotten paints, brushes, palette, water for watercolors, even parts of my easel. This despite having a painting backpack that I was certain was fully stocked.

When I forget my paints I am frustrated but try to enjoy the time outdoors.

I’ve seen people using them but never have myself. The UK artists I’ve seen out seem to have as simple an outfit as possible although I don’t think they make a point of it. Why not get one and see if it works for you?
>>>There are a number of UK plein-air painters on Wetcanvas and you should be able to connect with them.
Have fun, Dave

I’m in the UK and I’ve never used one of those. The clouds/light tend to change so quickly that you have a different view every few seconds anyway!

The most useful things I’ve found are: something to drink (especially something hot on cool days, which is most days I suppose) and many extra layers of clothing – scarf, hat, gloves etc. (it’s surprising how cold you get without realising). If you will be sitting then an inflatable mat prevents the dreaded numb bum! In summer (those fleeting months) suncream and midge repellent are pretty essential.

Have fun!

Thanks tadjray.

I think if you can plan for and survive a camping expedition in Wales you will cope with plein air painting quite easily!