Supply Lists

Supply Lists

KAREN’S SUGGESTED PASTEL SUPPLY LIST

There is no need to go buy a lot of supplies for the workshop. Plan on bringing what you

have and your own preferred materials. I have put together a list of suggested supplies.

These are the materials I will be using. We will be working outside (plein

air) so I am including some suggestions for plein air supplies and packing as well.

Feel free to email me kemstudios@yahoo.com with any questions about supplies.

• PASTELS: A selection of soft pastels. It is also helpful to have a selection of harder

pastels such as Nupastels for wet underpaintings. It is best to have all of your pastels

in one box which makes it easier to handle for plein air painting.

• PAPER: Sanded pastel paper. Note that LaCarte sanded paper cannot be used for

wet underpaintings.

I suggest at least 5 pieces for each day in a variety of sizes: 5x7, 8x10 , 11x14.

• (optional) Rubbing alcohol and a cup. I use 70% rubbing alcohol.

• (optional) workable fixative for texture techniques. I use Blair Low Odor workable

fixative

• small watercolor set (any kind)

• Brush. Inexpensive brushes are preferred. Either stiff or soft.

• Backing Board. Foam core is fine.

• White artist’s tape or clips to attach paper to backing board

• Easel and small table for pastels

• A small sketchbook

• A pad of tracing paper to store finished paintings.

• A selection of reference photos. (in case of rain) Preferably your own photos!

Suggestions for Packing for Plein Air with Pastels

Keep it simple so plein air can be easy and fun!

All of the pastel boxes, easels and carts sold for plein air look so enticing but the lighter

your load and the easier it is to set it up, the more you will want to go outside and

paint.....so remember to keep it simple! This list cover the basic equipment you will

need for a successful plein air outing. Feel free to adjust it to suit your needs.

1. PASTELS

How should I carry my pastels?

There are many pastel boxes and systems you can buy and the best is the Heilman Box

backpack size which also makes a great box to bring to classes and workshops.

I encourage you to just make your own box and keep it packed and ready to go. It is

easy to make a box using a cigar box and foam.

How many pastels do you need?

You only need a small selection of pastels for your plein air kit. If you break your pastels

into smaller pieces you will fit a bigger selection. 60 pastels is a good number to have.

Make sure you have a warm and cool version of each primary and secondary color and

5 steps of value for each color.

*Depending on your painting location you may want to add special colors, for example

more turquoise for the caribbean. Look at photos of the location for colors.

2. EASEL

A french easel is a nice thing to have but it is heavy and takes time to set up. All you

really need is a lightweight portable easel such as the Bristol easel. I use a Heilman

sketchbox with an easel attachment and a tripod. Keep it simple and manageable!

3. PAPER & SUPPORT

• You need a support board for your paper. I use foamcore or gator foam cut to

about 11x14. I use artist tape but you can use bankers or bulldog clips to attach paper

to board.

• Paper....you will probably want to work no larger than 8x10 so bring an assortment of

your favorite paper. Bring several small pieces (5x7, 6x8) for field studies. I put my

paper in a clear plastic folder/envelope or a thin portfolio book.

• You need to protect your finished paintings. I put my finished paintings back into the

portfolio book. A pad of tracing paper works great!

• If you only plan to paint 1 or 2, bring 2 support boards with paper and glassine already

attached. Hold the boards together with binder clips for protection.

4. OTHER SUPPLIES

I like to put my extra supplies in a small zipper pouch. Some of the items I carry are:

artist tape, small scissors, pencil, markers and mini sketchbook for thumbnails, extra

clips.

* sometimes I bring a leakproof container of rubbing alcohol and brush or small

watercolor set for underpaintings.

* Baby wipes for clean-up

• garbage bag to pack out trash

5. COMFORT ITEMS

You will be outside in the elements so be sure to bring along items to make sure you

stay comfortable. I pack mine in another small zipper pouch. Some of the things you

might bring:

bug repellent, sunscreen, small first-aid kit, plastic bag in case of sudden rain

6. BACKPACK or WHAT TO CARRY THIS STUFF IN!

You need something to carry your supplies in. I recommend a lightweight cart on wheels

or a backpack.....something that you can leave packed and isnʼt too cumbersome to lift

in and out of your car.

Final thoughts.....Donʼt forget your cell phone and camera. Dress for the weather and

wear a hat. Bring water and snacks.

Above all......enjoy the experience of being outside and experiencing nature with all of

your senses!