Painting in Your Backyard This Summer: A Simple Outdoor Art Kit

You don’t have to travel far to find beauty. Step into your backyard, set up in a shady spot, and let the sounds and light of summer become part of your painting practice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, painting outdoors (plein air) can help you slow down, observe more closely, and reconnect with why you love making art in the first place.

Here’s what I recommend for a simple backyard painting kit — nothing fancy, just what works.

1. Sketchbook Pick one with a sturdy cover. You want something that can handle being in the sun, on your lap, or tossed into a tote bag.

2. Drawing Pencils & Sharpener Carry 1–2 pencils in different lead weights (HB, 2B, or 4B are great for variety). Use a handheld sharpener and bring a small container or bag for shavings — especially if you're out in nature. (We pack it in, we pack it out.)

3. Waterproof Pen or Fine Liner Ink pens are great for quick sketching and capturing movement. Use them to outline your forms before painting or to add texture afterward.

4. Travel Watercolor Set A compact watercolor set with a small palette and brush is ideal. Some come with built-in mixing wells. I like using a water brush pen, but you can bring your own brushes too.

5. Small Water Bottle & Container with Lid Use a small screw-top bottle (like a recycled water bottle) to hold rinse water. Choose one with a lid so you can bring it home to dispose of safely — no paint water in the garden, please.

6. A Portable Stool or Blanket If you're painting for more than 10 minutes, you’ll want to sit comfortably. A folding stool is great, but a thick towel or picnic blanket can work just as well.

7. Insect Repellent & Sunscreen Trust me. If you're in South Texas in the summer, you’ll want both. Paint peacefully, not itchily. And don't forget your hat.

Bonus: Snacks.

Because every art session is better with a cold drink and something crunchy.