Creating a Limited Watercolor Palette for Painting Outside

June 2, 2023.Reading time 1 minute.

In my most recent episode of Behind the Brush on Patreon, I shared my strategies for creating a custom limited watercolor palette for plein air. These are all Daniel Smith colors chosen from my larger studio selection. But I just thought this diagram was a fun way to explore it, and was worth sharing here. […]

Painting Outside Every Day in April – PleinAirpril 2023 Recap

May 13, 2023.Reading time 12 minutes.

Gouache Forest River Plein Air Sketch by Sarah Burns

Let’s talk about the 30 day plein air challenge known as PleinAirpril. I’ll also show my sketchbook scans from the entire month and share some thoughts about what I learned.

My Ultralight Travel Sketch Kit (6.24oz / 177grams)

January 4, 2023.Reading time 18 minutes.

Hiking is one of my greatest passions. Combine that with painting and I’m a happy girl. The biggest lesson I’ve learned after hiking hundreds of miles with heavy packs is that if I don’t make sketching as easy as possible on the trail, I just won’t do it. If my sketch kit is buried in […]

Sketching Nature: Foundations Course | New Skillshare Class

February 16, 2022.Reading time 3 minutes.

This class is the perfect starter course for anyone who wants to learn how to sketch nature! With lessons in drawing, painting, color theory, perspective, composition, and more, you’ll leave this class with a stronger foundation in all aspects of sketching nature.

Etchr Slate Mini Setup Guide (for watercolor, gouache, and drawing outside)

February 5, 2022.Reading time 15 minutes.

The Etchr Slate Mini setup guide shows how to maximize space and efficiency with a few customizations.

Making Art Books – Sketching Scotland & Brush Mileage

October 31, 2021.Reading time 4 minutes.

Brush Mileage and Sketching Scotland books

Some behind the scenes information about making my art books: Sketching Scotland and Brush Mileage

How I film my plein air painting videos

October 20, 2021.Reading time 18 minutes.

The best gear for filming yourself while painting outside

Plein Air Painting “GO BAG” – everything I need to paint outside

September 18, 2021.Reading time 5 minutes.

All of my favorite plein air gear that makes my life easier! I keep this bag by the door so I’m encouraged to paint outside as often as possible.

The Authentic plein air experience – “Why is this so hard??”

June 25, 2021.Reading time 8 minutes.

What I’ve come to realize is that plein air is not about painting the perfect painting. It’s not even about painting. Wait what? Yea – Hear me out. What is Plein Air Painting? Just a fancy way of saying “painting outdoors.” The term is borrowed from the 19th century movement of French artists who started […]