Painting Trips on a Harley Davidson

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:

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
    Functional
    • 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
    Decorative
    • 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
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