I know it's best to keep my plein air paintings to five values--or fewer if possible--but if you're like me you're overwhelmed by the value range you see outdoors. A helpful tool I've found is this "Tiffen Black and White Viewing Filter." Looking through the viewer eliminates the color in your scene, so consequently the values are much easier to see and combine. The viewer has a little handle and you put it up to your eye like a monocle. It is attached to a cord, so you can hang it around your neck and easily grab it whenever you want to check those pesky values. It's small, lightweight, and also comes with the nifty pouch you see in the photo. The cost is around $30 and it's available online through several outlets--just google "Tiffen Black and White Viewing Filter."
Hey, the weather is getting warmer and you know you're going to do some plein air painting soon. It's the hardest (in my opinion) kind of painting, so why not make it a bit easier?
PS Don't forget the bug spray!
