Painting Tip r Tool

Q: How can I transport wet panels from an outdoor painting excursion back to my studio? Do you have any panel carriers you recommend?

A: Painting outdoors is challenging in almost every way – getting the wet paintings home afterward is no exception.

I’ve used all kinds of methods, from placing them on paper towels strewn across the trunk of my car to keeping a single painting held in my easel until I got back to my studio.

Painting Panel Carrier Sienna

Most artists today prefer to use multi panel carriers, like this Sienna I purchased years ago (available for $65).

It worked well for me, but I kept experimenting with other carriers anyway.

Painting Panel Carrier Easy L

One of the panel carriers I tested was the ezPak carrier by EASyL (available for $15-$45).

I quickly discovered that I didn’t enjoy using the screws and clips that hold the panels in place. Eventually the holes the screws fit into would become weak and the screws would get loose, allowing the clips to move around. To keep the clips tight enough also required carrying a screwdriver around with me which was often inconvenient when I was trying to put a wet painting safely in the carrier.

Painting Panel Carrier PanelPak

Today, my favorite panel carrier by far is the PanelPak (available for $13-$60).

It can work as a quick frame to show off a painting on location, or as a helpful composition finder. But what I truly love about the PanelPak is that it’s incredibly sturdy – I have no fears when I toss one filled with paintings into my backpack or car since heavy-duty tire-tube rubber bands hold the panels in place.

On top of that, it’s convenient and compact – which makes sliding it into my backpack along with my palette and other plein air supplies an easy task.

It’s probably worth noting that we aren’t sponsored or financially affiliated with any of the above-mentioned companies – I just wanted to share my experience.

Want to read more about outdoor or plein air painting?

Click HERE to read about my favorite brush carriers.

Click HERE to read about the top Plein Air Easels.

What’s the best method you’ve discovered for transporting wet paintings back to your studio?

Do you have a question or tool you’re wondering about? Comment below and it might just end up as our next Painting Tip ‘r Tool!