Woodland painting guide: tools, techniques and outdoor tips

Woodland painting is a beautiful way to connect with nature, whether you're deep in a mossy forest or on the edge of a shaded park, painting outdoors or plein air painting helps you capture the ever-changing light, textures, and mood of the natural world.

In this guide, I'll cover the essential tools, techniques, and considerations I've learned by painting in the woods, so you can head outside confidently and creatively.

Why Try Painting Outdoors?

Painting under the trees isn’t just inspiring, it's great for the senses. The smells, the light, the sounds of the rustling leaves make woodland paintings a complete sensory experience. Here are just a few of the reasons why I love it:

• I can work with real-time observations of light, texture, and shadows

• It's chance to simplify and loosen my brushmarks

• The peace and quiet makes painting a mindful, immersive experience in nature

• I'll often have the sound of birds or the rustle of small animals for company
  

Painting in the freezing woods of Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia

Essential Tools for Woodland Painting

When painting outdoors, especially in woodland areas, traveling light is key. Here are the tools you'll want to pack:

1. Portable Easel or Pochade Box

I personally paint in sketchbooks when I am outdoors, but if you want to try painting on canvas or something larger, than you need to choose something lightweight and stable. A pochade box that mounts to a tripod is a popular choice among plein air artists, and there are so many to choose from!

2. Sturdy Sketchbooks or Canvas

Choose canvas boards, watercolor blocks, or sturdy sketchbooks. Clip or tape them to your easel to prevent wind mishaps.

3. Acrylic Paint

I'm a converted oil painter, and particularly for painting outdoors, acrylic paints just make more sense. They dry fast and don't require chemicals to mix or clean your brushes. A simple spray bottle of water can keep the paint moist for that little bit longer, but chances are if you're painting outdoors, you're working pretty fast! Transporting an already dry or tacky painting is much easier than juggling your materials and a wet oil painting. Watercolours are great too as they are compact, make minimal mess and can be mixed with other mediums. My tip: Place your tacky works on your dashboard (secured down, of course) to dry whilst you drive home!

4. Paintbrushes and Tools

Travelling light is key, so only bring what you really need. Depending on your painting style you could choose 1 round, 1 flat brush and a palette knife, as well as some pencils, watercolour pencils, palette knife and other scraping/textural tools. Some of the best examples I've seen for creating texture include:

• Silicone brushes and wedges

• Sponges, tissue and kitchen roll

• Expired bank cards and rulers

• Gnawed up, destroyed and crunchy brushes - don't give up on them just yet!

• Pastry brushes and old toothbrushes

• Ink droppers

5. Palette and Water

I always forget something, and it's usually either the palette or the water. Get yourself a collapsible water pot and spray bottle, and keep them in your go-bag at all times. You'll also need something to mix your colours on, whether it's a plastic palette or a disposable plastic food tray, if you don't have a fancy pochade box setup.

6. Comfort and Weather Protection

Don’t let a little drizzle stop you! Bring an umbrella (with a clamp), waterproof bags, and maybe a rain cover for your easel. The always in fashion pakamac can be folded in your bag at all times, or left in the car, and can double up as a wind-break, floor covering or easel cover.

My Top Techniques for Painting in the Woods

Woodland painting comes with its own rhythm and challenges. Here’s how to make the most of your session:

• Start with a Thumbnail Sketch

• Take 5–10 minutes to block out your composition and values. This saves time and reduces frustration later.

• Block in Large Shapes

  Begin with the biggest forms—trees, paths, sky—before focusing on detail. This helps establish a strong foundation.

• Observe Light and Atmosphere

  Pay close attention to how light filters through the canopy or how shadows fall across the forest floor. Use color temperature and contrast to convey time and mood.

• Add Texture and Depth

  Use dry brushing, broken color, or palette knives to suggest bark, leaves, and distant foliage.

• Keep It Loose

  Let go of perfection. Focus on capturing the feeling of the place rather than every single detail.

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Practical Tips for Painting in the Woodlands

Painting outdoors is as much about preparation as it is about creativity. Here are some practical things to consider:

Time of Day Matters

• Morning: Soft, cool light

• Midday: Strong shadows and vibrant color

• Golden hour: Warm, dramatic tones

  
  

Stay Safe

• Let someone know where you’re going

• Carry a fully charged phone and map

• Bring insect repellent and check the weather forecast

Leave No Trace

• Be mindful of your surroundings:

• Avoid dumping water or solvents in nature

• Take your rubbish with you!

Stay Comfortable

• Dress in layers, bring snacks, water, and consider a lightweight stool if you’ll be out for hours.

• Gloves are a must, during set up, packup and snack breaks!
  

  

Final Thoughts: Let Nature Be Your Studio

Woodland painting is a rewarding, grounding experience. With the right setup and mindset, you can transform an ordinary walk in the woods into a powerful artistic session. Remember, it's not about creating a masterpiece every time, it's about observing, learning, and expressing the magic of nature.

Your Quick Woodland Painting Checklist

•  Lightweight easel or pochade box

•  Canvas board or watercolor pad

•  Paints (acrylic, oil, or watercolor)

•  Brushes, palette, and water/mediums

•  Weather protection and sun hat

•  Insect repellent spray, snacks, water

•  Journal or sketchbook

Chloe

"Bluebell Woods" Original Woodland Painting on Canvas

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