When you paint outside, en plein air, just assume it’s going to be uncomfortable.
Here are a few tips to deal with discomfort:
Prepare for all types of weather
Perfect weather is rare. It will be too hot, too cold, too buggy, or too windy. Preparation is the remedy. Wear light, breathable clothes in the heat. Wear layers, a big coat, and hat in the cold. Bring bug spray. Weight own your easel. The elements are unyielding. But so are you, if you prepare.
Bring minimal gear
Keep your setup small and lightweight. This let’s you focus on your painting. Don’t carry a heavy load. Don’t bring a dozen tubes of paint. Just the essentials. This constraint yields creative outcomes. It’s amazing what you can create with so little.
Be kind to yourself
Making a bad painting makes you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. Especially after the effort of being it outside. So call it a practice sketch. Reflect on what went wrong. Be kind to yourself. Plein air is hard! Get out there another day. Consistency and continuous improvement eases discomfort.
Do those 3 things and you’ll paint plein air with more and more comfort.