So why do I have a web page about a Harley Davidson? Actually, I make frequent plein air trips on my Harley. When I travel and paint on the Harley, I can’t decide which is more fun…the trip there, or the painting while there!
Many people ask how I do it, so thought I would add some information on what painting equipment I take. For Harley enthusiasts, scroll down for more info and accessories I have on the FLHRI Road King.
Basically, I have miniaturized and reduced all my equipment down to fit in the two hard saddlebags on the back of the Harley. Although my primary plein air easel is a Soltek, it won’t fit in the side bags and is a little cumbersome to strap on the back of the motorcycle. I don’t want anything strapped on the back, hanging off the side, etc.
I purchased an Open Box M Palm box, which fits perfectly in a side bag with room to spare for other items.
Below is a list of equipment I pack in the saddlebags:
- Open Box M Palm box (paints are stored in the box)
- Camera Tripod (to hold the Palm Box. Most any tripod will do)
- Several 6×8 and 8×10 canvas boards (usually RayMar brand)
- 3-4 Brushes (usually a size 6, 8, & 10 Bright)
- Shop Towels (I just take enough for the day…not the entire roll)
- Small water spray bottle (if painting in Acrylic)
- Paper Palette (if painting in Acrylic. For oils, I just use the Palm Box palette)
- Small brush washer (if painting in Oil)
- Small container of Goop (For cleanup)
- Viewfinder (Check out Artworkessentials.com for a really great viewfinder)
- A few miscellaneous items such as sun tan lotion packed in small plastic containers.
- RayMar 8×10 Panel Carrier which can hold six wet panels. The Open Box M Palm box can hold two wet panels, so I carry this only on days or trips when I might do more than two paintings.
This gives me room to spare to take other items like baseball cap, lunch, etc.
The Palm box holds two wet canvases, so when I paint in oils, I may also take a RayMar 8×10 Panel Carrier which can hold six wet panels. This cramps the sidebags, but I still have plenty room.
Lately, I have wanted to do larger format paintings, so instead of the Pochade Box, I have been carrying my Soltek easel and a wet box in a T-Bag on the back of the bike:
- Soltek Easel
- 12×16 Panel Carrier from Raymar
- T-Bag.
This allows me to do up to a 12×16 size painting.
Below are some pictures of me, the Harley and painting.
2003 FLHRI Road King
- Gunmetal Pearl
- EFI
- Laced
- Factory Security AddonsSeats, Racks, & Rails
- 100th Anniv Detachable Sissy Bar/Backrest
- Mustang Studded Solo with Backrest
- Detachable Rack
- Chrome Saddlebag Guards
- Motherwell Solo Luggage Rack
- Stage I Breather with ECM Flash
- SE Touring Mufflers
- RK High Handlebars mounted on 6 inch risers using a Carlini Nacelle Kit for Road King.
- Helmet Lock
- Backoff Taillight Modulator
- Headlight Modulator
- Saddlebag Liner Bags
- Kuryakyn ISO Hiway Pegs
- Blondies Clock
- HD Brake Light Module
- LED Brake Light
- RideTek Lid Hauler
- Saddlebag Liner Kit
- Oil Temperature Dipstick LCD Readout
- Formation Temperature Guage
- HD Factory Smart Siren
- 100th Anniv Windshield Bag
- 100th Anniv Derby Cover
- 100th Anniv Air Clnr Cover
- 100th Anniv Windshield Trim Kit
- 100th Anniv Fender Medallian
- Chrome Inner Primary Cover
- Chrome V Inspection Cover
- Chrome Front Axle Covers
- Chrome Front Caliper Covers
- Chrome Rear Passenger Footrests Cover
- Chrome Trans Cover
- Chrome Brake Pedal
- Chrome Rubber Shifter Peg
- Chrome Wind Deflectors
- Chrome Air Baffle
- Chrome Voltage Regulator Cover
- Live to Ride Grips
- Headbolt Cover
- 44 Mag Windshield Bolts
- Paint Film Coating
- HD Touring Tank Bib