As told by Janette Garbuio
Below is how I approach my trip to have a relaxing, trouble-free painting workshop. With many restrictions imposed when travelling by plane, it can be difficult to keep up to date with how, when and what to pack for a watercolour painting workshop overseas.
The primary rule: Ensure everything is no bigger than A4 or A5 size (we are travelling after all…). I would suggest bringing the following:
- An A4 Plastic document holder – This can be purchased in any department store and its can also be used as a board.
- A thin plastic palette with a lid – Squeeze your preferred amount of watercolour paint and let them dry. This process can take one to two weeks. Bring only ½ tubes in order to save space and weight. My six most used colours are Ultra Blue, Red, Raw Sienna, Burn Umber, Burn Siena and Yellow.
- Four Brushes – Ensure one of these brushes has a nice mop head for overall wash. Cut a piece of cardboard to fit the brushes and use an elastic band to secure them to the cardboard and these can be placed in your plastic document container.
- Two 2B pencils , two waterproof pens – These are great to mix with your watercolours.
- Two soluble graphite pens – This enables you to draw, then wash over with water and instantly – a painting!
- A collapsible water pot – I usually purchase these at any art shop. Quick and easy and I can take it anywhere.
- A4 or A5 300gsm sketchbooks – if you have the space, bring both so one can be used for a diary/illustration purposes as It is a great way to record your overseas trip.
- Good quality watercolour paper – You can purchase a pad of A4 or A3 watercolour paper. Otherwise, cut a full watercolour sheet to the size of your painting board, which can fit inside your carry bag, before you depart. This is my preferred option as I then place the paper with the painting board and place the plastic document holder on top. I then secure it with a bull clip or elastic so nothing gets damaged. Estimate for 2 pictures per day.
Other items:
My Easel is the lightest tripod, which the attachment is super glued to a piece of wood which is secured to the painting board. There is no need of any stools unless you really want one with you. If you feel you need one a cheap light fold up stool is all you will need. I also carry one small water bottle with lid (for water) and masking tape.
Everything is placed inside my medium size suitcase for easy travelling and when I arrive I take out my art bag and everything is placed inside.
Light, easily and simple is the way to go for your overseas painting workshop.