Plein air landscape painting with a pizza box: A lightweight, inexpensive approach
Light weight painting set up can be packed away in to a backpack.
Embrace the journey of outdoor painting with minimalist tools
Over the years, I’ve focused on developing the most efficient and affordable plein air painting process. The more I think about it, the more I’ve come to believe that simplicity is key out in the wild. It's better to abandon the idea that you need to create a finished, gallery-ready artwork outdoors. What matters most to me is the experience of being in nature, feeling its inspiration, and capturing that essence on canvas. The act of painting should serve as a means to express what moves you in nature—not as a burden or distraction.
With this in mind, I’ve arrived at a minimalist, low-fuss approach that allows me to focus on the landscape, not the gear. After all, painting in nature should be about the joy of the environment, not the hassle of transporting easels, brushes, and bulky equipment. The goal is to enjoy the walk, find inspiration naturally, and avoid getting bogged down in the search for the “perfect” composition.
Inspired by the Australian Heidelberg School painters, who in the late 1880s used cigar boxes as portable sketch easels, I’ve created a lightweight, cost-effective setup perfect for outdoor painting. My "pizza box painting process" offers an affordable and accessible way for beginners to explore plein air oil painting without feeling overwhelmed about where to start
Materials Needed:
Small pizza box
Baking paper
Masking tape
Prepared paper or canvas (primed for oil painting)
Oil paints (suggested limited palette: red, blue, yellow, white)
Brushes (no more than 4) and a palette knife
A camp stool
2 clothes pegs
Backpack
Preparation
Creating the Palette:
First, order a pizza and enjoy a meal with a friend. Once you’ve finished, open the pizza box fully. Tape a sheet of baking paper to the bottom of the box—this will serve as your palette for mixing paints. The smooth, greaseproof surface of the baking paper is ideal for oil paint, as the oils don’t absorb into the paper.
Setting Up the Support/Canvas:
Next, prepare the top of the pizza box to hold your painting surface. Tape your pre-prepared paper or canvas (primed for oil painting) to the inside lid of the pizza box. This setup creates a portable canvas that provides a sturdy, elevated surface for painting. In the example bellow I am using hot pressed Arches watercolour paper with 4 coats of gesso primmer.
Painting Process
Choosing a Scene:
When hiking or exploring, find a spot that inspires you. The beauty of the pizza box setup is its portability and simplicity—it’s quick to set up, allowing you to capture fleeting moments of light and atmosphere without the hassle of traditional easels and bulky gear.
Mixing Colours:
With your paints and brushes at the ready, begin mixing your colours on the baking paper palette. Using a limited palette of red, blue, yellow, and white simplifies the process and encourages creativity. The pizza box can be propped open using two clothesp, keeping it steady while you work.
Painting:
Start painting on your prepared paper or canvas. The compact size of the pizza box’s lid encourages quick sketches and studies, perfect for capturing the essence of the scene without getting bogged down in details. Use your brushes and palette knife to apply paint, experimenting with different textures and techniques.
Storing and Transporting Your Artwork
One of the key advantages of this method is the ability to protect your wet painting once you're done. Simply close the pizza box, which keeps the artwork safe from dust and damage during transport. The compact and lightweight setup ensures your painting remains secure in your backpack, making it easy to continue your journey.
Conclusion
Plein air landscape painting with a pizza box is a wonderful way to connect with nature and create art. It requires minimal materials, is easy to carry, and provides a simple, protected way to work with oil paints outdoors. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, this method offers a lightweight, cost-effective approach to exploring the world of plein air painting. Embrace the journey, and let the natural world inspire your creativity.
Finished painting mounted on a cradle ready to hang.
