Supplies and Tips for Painting Retreats

Portable easel. Lori’s “go-to” kit is EdgePro Putnam Signature, large. If you need to order one, do not delay. They take 4-6 weeks to receive. You can order the entire kit with tripod, or just the palette and a tripod you may already have. Remember, your tripod should be lightweight!

Wood or neutral gray mixing palette (may be included with your portable easel).

Paints:

Feel free to bring any color palette you are comfortable using. These are the colors Lori uses. The four marked with an asterisk (*) are all you really need, especially when packing for plein air. The others are optional for fun or convenience. These are Gamblin Artists Colors available at www.dickblick.com and other retailers:

• Cad Yellow Light*

• Cad Yellow Medium

• Transparent Earth Yellow

• Cad Orange

• Napthol Red*

• Brown Pink

• Quinacridone Violet

• Ultramarine Blue*

• Phtalo Green

• Permanent Green Lt

• Portland Cool Grey

• Asphaltum

• Radiant Turquoise

• Titanium White*

TIP 1: Lori loads her EdgePro palette full of paint before going out to paint. In her backpack, she only takes the three colors marked with an asterisk above in the paint list. These will serve as replacements in a pinch. There is no need to haul around two dozen tubes of paint. 

Brushes and tools:

I use a combination of natural and synthetic brushes, as well as other miscellaneous tools, to achieve a range of shapes and edges. Here is a link to brushes Lori will be using: Rosemary & Co

In addition, Lori uses all sorts of fun tools and scrapers. This is one of her favorites: Rubber Brayer

TIP 2: Limit the number of brushes you take with you. Do you really need a brush that you hardly ever use? If it is a brand new brush (oh how beautiful) be sure you at least try it at home so you know if it is worth toting around with you.

Surface:

There are many good sources for painting panels. The panel that Lori will most likely be using is available from RayMarArt.com. It is the #15 dp oil linen. These are more expensive than the cotton ones, but the surface is really lovely, allowing you to achieve different effects. If you order from RayMar, enter code PUTNAM at checkout. Sometimes you get a 15% discount from them. Another company that is fabulous is Multimedia Artboard. Enter code LPWK25 to receive a 10% discount. If you're looking for a less expensive alternative, try the Centurion double oil-primed linen pads and some Gatorboard for stapling or taping. However, remember that you will also need a way to transport your wet paintings back home. The sizes Lori uses are 8x10, 9x12, 10x12, and 11x14. You should bring what feels comfortable for you.

TIP 3: Be mindful of panel sizes. You do not need a variety of different sizes; only different proportions are required. For instance, if using a 9x12 RayMar wet-panel, you can also fit a 10x12 in the same carrier. If you are using very thin panels, you can fit six in the same carrier by placing two back-to-back in each slot. They also offer carriers that accommodate multiple widths. Alternatively, consider using PanelPak carriers, which are thinner; however, they can only accommodate two panels of the same size. Think about how you work in the timeframe of one, 2-hour-ish session.

Other:

• Wet panel carriers for transporting your work home (see TIP 3 above)

• Plein air umbrella

• Small sketchpad and markers - light gray, mid-gray, and black

• ViewCatcher

• Empty, small, sealable, non-breakable, spill-proof container with lid for mineral spirits

• Paper towels and trash bags

• Mineral spirits or solvent-free painting medium such as Gamsol Artists’ Grade Odorless Mineral Spirits (OMS) or Michael Harding Miracle Medium.

NOTE: IF TRAVELING BY PLANE, OMS should be purchased at your final destination. DO NOT PACK AND BRING. IT IS ILLEGAL TO BRING OMS ON FLIGHTS. Do not bring contractor-grade OMS that is available at hardware stores. It is not good for you, the people around you, or your pants! On an international retreat, we generally provide Gamsol (or a close substitute) for you to purchase on-site.

For your physical comfort:

• Dress in layers, or bring a change of clothes, to adjust as the weather changes

• Wear a neutral-colored top or jacket

• Hat, visor, or umbrella for sun or rain

• Long sleeves/pants/shorts, depending on the weather of the retreat location

• Bug spray

• Sunscreen

• Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (Some people bring a lightweight, foldable stool. These may also be available from your workshop organizer.)

• Bottled water or a refillable water bottle

TIP 4: For plein air retreats, it is best to be able to pack all of your gear in a backpack if possible. Be sure it is not too heavy for you to tote your own stuff. We realize that you may need to “roll” your kit instead of carrying it on your back. We will do everything possible, but please try to keep your supplies to a minimum. “Please,” “thank-you,” and “free drinks” go a long way to getting extra help. lol.

The most important supply you must bring is your sense of humor. Do not expect too much of yourself. Learning can be frustrating, but oh so worth it. Relax, have fun, and follow Lori’s instructions to make the most out of your experience.

NOTE: This is a general supply list. Be sure to ask your retreat/workshop organizer for specific supplies that may be needed.