Painting Iceland's Landscapes — Supplies & Tips for Artists
Why Iceland is an artist's paradise
Few places on earth offer the raw visual drama of Iceland. From black volcanic beaches and moss-covered lava fields to towering glaciers and the ethereal light of the midnight sun, the landscape practically begs to be painted.
Whether you're a visiting plein-air painter or an artist living in Iceland, having the right supplies makes all the difference.
Best mediums for Icelandic landscapes
Watercolours
Watercolours are the classic choice for plein-air painting in Iceland. They're lightweight, portable and perfect for capturing the soft, atmospheric light. We recommend Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors — their PrimaTek mineral colours like Amazonite and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise echo Iceland's geological palette naturally.
For paper, choose at least 300gsm cold-pressed paper to handle Iceland's unpredictable weather.
Acrylics
If you prefer acrylics, their fast drying time is an advantage in Iceland's ever-changing weather. Liquitex Basics and Mont Marte offer excellent coverage at accessible prices.
Oil paints
Oil paints reward patience with unmatched richness and depth — ideal for capturing the layered skies. Nevskaya Palitra Masterclass oils deliver professional quality at a fair price.
Essential colours for Iceland
- Payne's Grey — moody skies and lava rock shadows
- Raw Umber + Burnt Sienna — warm earth tones of moss and geothermal areas
- Cerulean Blue — Iceland's clear-sky blue
- Viridian Green + Sap Green — intense moss greens
- Titanium White — glaciers, snow, crashing waves
- Lamp Black — volcanic sand and basalt columns
Practical tips for painting outdoors in Iceland
- Wind: Clips or tape to secure paper. A French easel with a ground anchor helps.
- Rain: Always carry a plastic bag to cover your work.
- Light: The light changes rapidly — photograph your scene first. In summer, the midnight sun gives almost unlimited painting hours.
- Cold hands: Fingerless gloves are essential in spring and autumn.
Where to buy art supplies in Iceland
Föndurlist carries over 2,800 products from 50+ international brands — all in stock locally. Order online with free shipping over 20,000 ISK, or visit us at Einhella 11-107, Hafnarfjörður (15 minutes from central Reykjavik). The entire store is available in English.