Packing your Gear

Have you started to think about what painting gear you will need to take along?

It is very important to think minimal and keep it light! You will need to carry your things as we tour villages and out in the open. There will be times when we will just take out sketch books, but most likely you will want to throw your kit into the van just in case.

I will post my complete list of supplies soon, but to get you started here are a few ideas to keep things simple and portable.

1. A rolling backpack works well to cart painting equipment.

2. A small water flask for drinking or painting. There will be jugs available in the van, but you may wish to have a small container.

3. Watercolour paper.

4. A small piece of plexi-glass cut to size to fit your pack.

5. Brush caddy and brushes.

6. Light weight wooden board. Cut to fit in your pack.

7. Clips or clothes pegs to stop your masterpieces from blowing away.

8. Palette.

9. Sketch book(s) and marker.

10. Collapsible water container and small water sprayer.

11. Pencil case with pencils, markers, sharpener, watercolour pencils if you wish to use them etc.

12. Paints in a sealed container.

13. Small sack or paint bag to use when travelling extra light.

14. Tissue! Bring several packages - multi purpose... there may be times when there is no TP in the public toilettes. Here is a bit of reading to bring you up to speed: http://www.travellady.com/Issues/June05/1520atoilettimidtourists.htm

http://gofrance.about.com/od/travelplanning/ht/toilet.htm

Don't worry - once you get the hang of it you might actually enjoy the adventures that each new day brings!

15. Binoculars/bird watching book for Karin and Pat.

16. Paper towel and a terry-cloth hand towel. The cloth towel works well to sit on if you find yourself on a hillside or other natural perch.

17. Wet wipes

18. How about your camera? Of course I used mine to take the pix!

** note that most things go into your kit in zip-lock bags so as to protect the rest of our equipment and clothes.

No doubt there are more things you will want to add - a light rain jacket, snacks, sun screen, bug repelant (you can purchase small individual wipes rather than bringing big heavy bottles), candy for the teacher...

If you can think of things that I have left off the list, please leave a comment. Why not leave a comment if you can't think of something/anything.. or even if your mind is blank?

L.