Paint, Palette and Paper!
Travelling with Paint
With air travel, it is essential to know how to transport your paints. You must put your paints in your checked baggage! Do not put them in your carry-on.
With your paints in your suitcase you will want to be sure that your clothes are protected from squishy paint tubes. I pack my paints in plastic seal-tight containers, such as Tupperware or a cheaper version. Then the box of paints is placed in a ziplock bag.
I suggest that you mark on the outside of the container and bag as shown above: Watercolours - Non-combustible, Non-toxic, Non-flammable and any other "Non" you might like to add. Best not to use the word “PAINT”. You may be able to get a safety information sheet from your supplier to include. I have had my bags inspected regularly when flying as evident by the notes that are left to indicate that it has been searched. With the paints labeled and stored in this manner, I have not had a problem. Of course there is always a first time. So let's hope everyone will pass through without any trouble.
I will post a list of my colours but do bring your own favourite colours and brands. Artist's quality tube paints are superior!
I suggest that you mark on the outside of the container and bag as shown above: Watercolours - Non-combustible, Non-toxic, Non-flammable and any other "Non" you might like to add. Best not to use the word “PAINT”. You may be able to get a safety information sheet from your supplier to include. I have had my bags inspected regularly when flying as evident by the notes that are left to indicate that it has been searched. With the paints labeled and stored in this manner, I have not had a problem. Of course there is always a first time. So let's hope everyone will pass through without any trouble.
I will post a list of my colours but do bring your own favourite colours and brands. Artist's quality tube paints are superior!
Palette, Water Container and Spray Bottle
I've included a collapsible water container and mist bottle in this picture - complete with their own plastic zip-bag.
Palette
Bring your own favourite travel palette. This is mine!
https://www.jerrysartarama.com/mijello-fusion-air-tight-watercolor-palettes
This folding palette is great because the lid doubles as a mixing area that has a clear removable plastic tray. This tray can also be used as a second mixing space! In addition the lid has a soft plastic seal which keeps the palette from leaking and keeps your colours from drying out quickly.
There is also a larger version if you wish something bigger or use large brushes.
You may wish to fill the wells now and give the paint a chance to set up before you hit the sky.
Bring a palette that you like and that fits into a ziplock bag. You may wish to hunt around for an additional mixing surface, such as a white plastic plate.
This folding palette is great because the lid doubles as a mixing area that has a clear removable plastic tray. This tray can also be used as a second mixing space! In addition the lid has a soft plastic seal which keeps the palette from leaking and keeps your colours from drying out quickly.
There is also a larger version if you wish something bigger or use large brushes.
You may wish to fill the wells now and give the paint a chance to set up before you hit the sky.
Bring a palette that you like and that fits into a ziplock bag. You may wish to hunt around for an additional mixing surface, such as a white plastic plate.
Palette Preparation
Amazon and most art supply stores carry folding palettes. They are small enough to tuck into a zip-lock plastic bag and they have a rubber gasket in the lid so there is less worry about paint leaking and ruining the stuff in your suitcase. They are light-weight and very sturdy. This one is lovely and clean, it won’t look this way for long!
When we are painting, you will see that most of the time I squeeze fresh paint onto my plexiglass board, rather than working from a palette. When I am finished for the day, I scoop leftover colour into the palette.
Paper For Your Masterpieces
Watercolour paper is surprisingly heavy so consider how many paintings you might do each day. Always work with good quality rag paper. Coil pads may seem like good value but will only result in frustration and poor results. Blocks will do but I like loose sheets, pre-torn to my favourite sizes.
Bring your choice of paper, weight and surface. I will bring an assortment of Arches 140 or 300 lb cold press, Saunders Waterford 200 lb CP, Strathmore Gemini 140 or 300 lb and Strathmore Aquarius II 80 lb.Tear your paper into the sizes you like to work on before you leave home. I recommend that you work small, such as a 1/4 sheet or 11 x 15". For travel, the dimensions I choose are 5.5" x 7.5" and 7.5" x 7.5", the largest being 11" x 11".
Carrying Your Paper
The torn papers are stacked and sandwiched between two pieces of cardboard or mat board and bound with an elastic band or tied with a string. Neat, organized and light! Each day I select 4 or 5 pieces of paper in a variety of sizes to take along. The extras can be left in the studio for another day to help keep the pack light.
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