My Supply List:
Its Simple:
6-8 Oil Paint Colors
This list has taken years for me to refine and build. It changes because I'm always experimenting. Parts of this list go way back to when I met John Doyle and he introduced me to Windsor and Newton Artist Oil Colors.
I had been using the Winton student grade paint and was really struggling with them. When I switched to Windsor Newton Artist Oil Colors (that's what they call the professional grade) it was like night and day.
These are my current favorites & suggested professional brands. Bring what you like or experiment with my list.
The most important thing: Once we are at the workshop, please be able to carry all of your painting equipment in one rolling bag.
Please test your easel (if it’s new) before you arrive so that you have everything you need. You may work in any medium you wish. I will be working in oil.
My Favorite Brand of Oil Paint:
Windsor Newton Artist Oil Colors / Professional Grade.
One 1.25 oz tube of the following:
Two Blues:
Manganese Blue Hue
French Ultra Marine Blue
Two Yellows:
Yellow Ochre Light or Yellow Ochre Pale
Cadmium Yellow Light
Two Reds:
Permanent Rose or Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Red Light
Burnt Siena (optional)
Titanium White - 1 Larger tube or multiple small tubes.
My second favorite brand is Gamblin
Or, a good solvent-free oil option: Cobra H2O Water Mixable Oils.
SOLVENTS for OILS
Gamsol Solvent
Brush washer + small bottle w/ lid for solvent.
For U.S. Class - Bring your favorite solvent.
For Italy Class - Solvent will be supplied.
Bring a brush washer + a bottle or small jar with a lid. You may be able to purchase a specialty solvent or your favorite solvent at Zechhi in Florence. Even if you have all of your art supplies, you will enjoy a trip to Zechi's. It's a real treat for the artist's soul.
BRUSHES & Other Tools:
3-4 Bristle Brushes in Bright or Filbert Shape
Robert Simons Signet Brand (my fav)
Sizes: # 4,6,8,10
2-3 Soft Synthetic Brushes, Bright Shape
1 Soft Synthetic Brush, Slanted Shape
1-2 Pallete knives - small pointed & long narrow rounded
1 Silicon shaper
A small bottle with lid for mineral spirits
Small brush washer or container
2 bulldog clips or clothespins
Small bungee cord (s)
2 Sharpies - one fine, one thick
Sketchbook
1 soft pencil - any kind
Trash bags
To Buy In Italy: Paper towels upon arrival at the pharmacy. Zecchi Arti, Florence Italy is the best supply store. Via dello Studio, 19, Firenze - They have sporadic hours, so call ahead. Even if you have all your supplies, going to Zecchi's is a special treat for the artist's soul.
For Italy Class: Bring a tiny bit of duct tape, 1 piece of sandpaper, a few cable ties, 2 small bulldog clips. All great in case of repairs needed on your easel.
Painting Panels:
I love the very thin Featherweight panels from Raymar. They come in linen or canvas.
CanvasPanels.com.
Claussen's #13 double oil primed linen panel is great.
Both take a bit of time to arrive, so order early.
But I also experiment a lot with other panels from online. I encourage you to experiment and test your panels before class to make sure you like their feel. Panels work much better than stretched canvases for travel classes.
For U.S. One Day Class - 6 small panels.
Your choice of 6 x 6 in., 6 x 8 in. or 8 x 8 in.
For Italy Class - 2-3 small panels per day
Your choice of 5 x 7 in., 6 x 8 in., or 8x10 in.
EASEL
Bring any travel easel you like.
Except avoid a Julian French easel – it's too heavy to carry down the street or on an airplane.
Please test your easel before coming to class.
My New Favorite: The Lightweight Plein Air Sketch Easel by Silver Lock Designs/ Etsy $150. It comes with a very light tripod. Test result: I love it. It's tiny and not heavy - won't hold up in a stiff wind but it's great for taking on an airplane when space and weight matter most. It's been on 2 trips now and has held up well.
Traveling with Paint
Your painting supplies should fit in a small rolling suitcase.
For Italy Trips: I use one small rolling suitcase for my painting supplies and another one for my clothes. I usually check one and carry one on. Be sure to carry on the plane any medicines and one change of clothes. Important: All bags should roll. Do not travel with shoulder bags that do not have wheels.
*It's best not to ship your supplies to Italy.
AIRPLANE TIPS – If you carry on your paints:
(I usually carry my paints on the plane)
I put my paints & my liquid cosmetics in two separate quart-size baggies and show them to the security people. I tape my pallet knife to my easel so it can been seen. My tripod fits in my suitcase. I pack extra passport copies & ticket printouts in each bag.
Traveling back with Wet Paint
Raymarart.com makes a great
Clothing FOR ITALY Painting Trip
Light layered clothing. 2 pairs of walking or sports shoes, socks, T-shirts, a sweater, a light jacket or sweater, a shawl, a swimsuit, and a painting hat.
I will be teaching and instructing in oils. If you choose to bring other mediums, completely ok. Just make sure you have experimented with them so that you have what you need.
If you have any questions or are curious about any of these items, please contact me:
843-754-0494
Karen
Updated 10/03/24 (kh)