2010 Painting Adventure in France

Farewell to Limoux 2010!

2010-07-07T12:26:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all the wonderful friends who shared the French landscape with me.

It was great to get to know you as we painted,

dined and raised a glass of two.

The dates are set for my next painting trip to the south of France

May 5 - 19, 2012

I hope you will join in the adventure with me.

I have saved a place just for you.

What I Saw - What I Made

2010-07-07T12:12:00.000-04:00

My view at Rennes le Chateau - what I saw

-what I made

Here I am happily working on the above painting.

My points of interest were the bright green field, the big trees at the

edge of the cliff and the winding road in the distance.

Making Choices - Selecting and Eliminating

To Simplify Your Paintings!

We all had our cameras clicking with so many wonderful things

to see and paint. Now that you are back home it is time to get

out your photos and paint. The first step is to decide what it is that

you find most interesting - why did you take that photo?

Is it the flowers? The bridge?

The landscape between the bridge supports?

They are all magnificent and worth painting, but the secret

is to choose just oneto focus on.

When the focus is on the trees and layers through

the bridge your sketch might look like this:

When the focus is the flowers your painting

might look like this:

Now it is your turn - happy painting!

Special moments

2010-07-06T15:16:00.000-04:00

Great skies make dramatic subject matter!

Love those layers

A peaceful day in Lagrasse

Night sky at the farm

Looking up

La Cargarol

St-Polycarpe garden

From the bridge in Puivert

Puivert wall

Rainbow on the way to the farm for dinner

A roadside stop to take in the view

Enjoying the view 1

Our roadside view 2

St Hilaire

A sunset behind a castle - view from Isabelle's

The road home to Limoux

Mirepoix colour

A quiet place to rest

Special people

2010-07-06T14:51:00.000-04:00

Trouble x 3

Dinner at the farm with friends

Fashion show in the garden

Friends on wheels

Our fearless leader Chris

Our team - TIBCO

Brooke at the starting line wearing the coveted red shirt - first in Sprints

Hard at Work

2010-07-06T14:37:00.003-04:00

Gary and Biljana capture a castle or two in Lagrassie

Gary explains his plan of attack

Marguerite likes a close-up view - Vals

Isabelle giving directions - Minerve

Nermin happy at painting on a windy day - Minerve

New friends and painting pals - Rennes le Chateau

Photo ops everywhere - our courtyard in Limoux

Robert goes exploring in La Cagarol

Special Memories - Group 2!

2010-06-01T23:20:00.004-04:00

Now that we have all headed off in different directions...

here are some special memories for group 2.

Meet the gang!

Our first of many fields of poppies!

Lynda

Nermin

It pays to explore back alleys in Puivert

Hen-pecked

A quiet moment. Lynda sue does her first sketch.

Bugarach revisited.

Cooking for us. wild bore anyone?

Gary's view

Liza is a great subject for a painting!

I know you love those shadows, but think SHAPES!

Special Memories Group 1

2010-05-16T16:45:00.005-04:00

My drive through the mountains!! (Linda's idea of fun)

Isabelle and Jamie --- on the look out for wild boar and wilder students.

Painting at Rennes la Chateau (Linda's other idea of fun)

When Shirley Hawaii's walet went into the drink, it was Jim to the rescue!

The river was a little deeper and colder than it looked....

Thanks JIM! We would offer you a bottle of wine, but I know you would rather have a beer.

Barb is a great hiking pal!

A friend at the fish dinner.

Looking down on Collioure

Are You Hungry?

2010-05-16T16:37:00.000-04:00

Dinner is served!

The gang ready to feast!

Duck!

Cucugnan

2010-05-08T16:35:00.002-04:00

Sue and Jim hard at work

Kathleen and Barb

Shirley - not Hawaii (we will make a painter out of you yet!)

Shirley Hawaii

I'd like a door just like this!

What an amazing view.

We spent the afternoon painting and sketching in a vineyard.

View from the vineyard of Cucugnan.

What a great day of painting.

Janine

Lagrasse

2010-05-08T12:05:00.000-04:00

Our approach to Lagrasse

Anne and Janine sketching on the hillside above the Abbey

The view from one of the bridges - wonderful frogs singing to us in full voice!

Barb and Linda hit the water - if you have pictures of Jim in the swim, please send them to me for posting.

Abbaye Sainte-Marie d'Alet, Alet les Bains

2010-05-08T11:46:00.003-04:00

8th century abbay Sainte-Marie

So many photos to take!

WC inspection

Light patterns - look at those negative spaces and shapes!

Don and Gale

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/abbey-alet-les-bains.htm

"Abbaye Sainte-Marie d'Alet (more commonly known as the Abbey of Alet les Bains), is situated between the Aude river and the Pyrenees mountains in the heart of Cathar country. The abbey is considered by some to be the most beautiful ruin in France.

History

Founded circa 813 AD and consecrated to the Virgin Mary, the monks of the abbey adopted the Benedictine rule. The abbey was damaged by the attacks of the count of Carcassone in the 11th century, but survived due to its relics of the True Cross which attracted pilgrims. Repair and further construction were undertaken in the latter 12th century, including the addition of defensive walls and trenches in 1197.

In 1318, during the stormy period of the Cathar Crusade, the abbey church became a cathedral. A Gothic choir was added. In 1577, the abbey was destroyed by Protestants during the Wars of Religion. It was never completely rebuilt, and what remained of the abbey was further destroyed in 1792."

Snow Storm in Southern France

2010-05-04T09:48:00.000-04:00

Today's execitement.

Home away from home

2010-05-01T16:29:00.004-04:00

Limoux - the river L'Aude -late day

On our first day we enjoyed exploring and sketching in Limoux.

Our first walk up the river l'Aude

Anne - It's getting the shot that counts!

Sue working on a sketch

Don hard at work.

Too bad there is nothing good to eat

2010-05-01T16:21:00.000-04:00

Here is a peek at our dinner in the courtyard.

Hello from all of us!

2010-04-28T04:43:00.000-04:00

After a bit of worry with flights we finally all arrived in Limoux! We want to say hello to everyone at home. So here we are on a storn bridge in le Grassie. The weather is perfect.
From left to right..Anne, Linda, Kathleen, Janine, Shirley, shirley, Barb, Sue, Jim, Gale and Don.

Off We Go!

2010-04-23T11:52:00.000-04:00

Most of group one is headed to France! I am out the door as soon as the airport shuttle arrives in about 45 minutes. I am really looking forward to spending time sharing the French countryside with you! We will have a wonderful adventure.

For those of you in the May 8 trip, I should be able to receive your emails when I am in Limoux, but it is best to contact me through this blog or thinkpaint2@yahoo.ca rather than my studio email.

Off we GO!!!

Plan A, Plan B, Plan C

2010-04-20T16:11:00.000-04:00

Hello my friends! Our painting adventure has certainly become more of an adventure than we had planned. Who would have guessed that a volcano would create such a concern for our trip to France? This being the case, I want to keep you up to date with emergency information that you may need to get you to Limoux.

1. Here is how things stand for today:

-At this point two of our group have had their flight cancelled (Kathleen and

Shirley had planned to spend a week in Paris before traveling to Limoux). They were able to re-book and so will join the group a bit later.

-Janine and Shirley (2) were to fly from Toronto last night - the last message I received was from the airport and they were checked in - so I am assuming that they were able to fly.

I also just received an email from Isabelle, our wonderful guide and commander, who tells me:

"Things are starting to get better airport wise. All flights in Toulouse are flying and apparently the one through frankfurt too. By this week-end it should be all in order. In any case for those that are not arriving saturday, let us know who and when thy are arriving we'll go and pick them up. Tell them not to worry.

Isabelle"

Plan A
You will be picked up in Toulouse on time! Once you have your luggage make your way to the waiting area. It is a small airport and you will easily find benches and washrooms. If you arrive early you may be on your own for a little while - don't panic - more guests are on their way. Stay in the airport. You will recognize another guest when they drag in with suitcases and look eager but rather dazed and tired. If they have an art case it is another good clue.
I arrive at from Frankfurt at 9:45 on Sat. April 24. I will also look tired, but enthusiastic and happy to be in France! Someone from le Monastere will come about noon to drive us to Limoux.

This of course depends on flights going as planned, unfortunately due to the volcanic ash and flight delays this may not be the case. When I travel, I am always sure to have a piece of paper with the address and phone number of my final destination! So I want you to have that information too, whether you are traveling by your arranged flight, train, bus or by foot.

PLAN B...

Your final destination is:

Le Monastere

3, rue de la Mairie, Limoux, France

Phone: 01133468310909

Here is how the phone works - if someone is calling from Canada you need the whole number

If you are in France at apay phone you do not need 01133

If you are in Toulose call 468310909 - if that does not work try again but do not include the 4

This is the number for Le Monastere - however, there will probably not be anyone able to take the call at that moment, so leave a message to tell us

1) who you are

2) where you are

3) what you anticipate your situation to be

4) what time you will call back - give us a couple of hours to retrieve the message and someone will stay by the phone to receive your call.

The drive from Limoux to the airport takes about 2 hrs so it may be some time before someone can come and pick you up. When we speak we will sort through those details.

Please stay together as a group and if possible stay at the airport. If overnight accommodations are necessary you can get a hotel shuttle and we will pick you up the next day. I have stayed at the Novotel Aeroport or Ibis Toulouse Blagnac Aéroport hotel - both are close to the airport and a good price.

PLAN C - more adventurous

If you arrive in Toulouse and for some reason you decide to get to Limoux on your own you can go to the Toulouse train station and take a train to Carcasonne. It is a shorter drive from Limoux and we can pick you up closer to when you might call.

Fingers crossed that you will only need Plan A!

Please...

2010-04-13T11:46:00.000-04:00

send your flight information to Rosemarie and to me so we can be sure to arrange your transport to Le Monastere!
Rosemarie monastere@compuserve.com Linda thinkpaint2@yahoo.ca

Thanks!

Answers to your questions...

2010-04-13T11:37:00.000-04:00

Thanks to those of you who have emailed me questions!

What size tubes of paint do you take?
I use the large tubes of watercolour - 15 ml. I go through lots of paint and like it freshly squeezed. The little 5ml tubes are too tiny for me and cost wise much more expensive! I do know that DVP and the lines they make come in larger tubes - great value and good stuff, but of course it does add to the overall weight and prob. more paint than you will use in two weeks.

Can you take your brushes in the carry on or do they have to be in the checked baggage?I would put your brushes in your checked luggage. There really shouldn't be a problem, but the security will take away knitting needles from little old ladies and I did have a pair of pliers taken so, best not to take a chance.

What size suitcase are you taking?
You should check with the airlines to see what is allowed for luggage. Most limit to 2 bags checked, max 50lb each. It is surprising how quickly I reach that weight limit. My plan is to only take one bag and my back-pack or smaller case. My suitcase is 24 x 18 x 10. It does have expendable sides that increase the depth by a couple of inches. I notice lots of people at the airports with much larger bags.
Have you seen those nifty vacu-pack bags? I have a couple for packing sweaters - they work great! The ones I have are just "zipped" and rolled to compress the air. They are easy to use and allow you to pack more in less space. (they don't reduce the weight!) You can find them at department stores, Walmart, and good old Canadian Tire.

We do need to lug our stuff up a long set of stairs so perhaps two lighter bags would be a smart idea - just figure out a way to hook them together for wheeling though the airport.

Dress code?
The dress is very casual - there is no need to bring fancy clothes and shoes. You might like to bring one nicer outfit, but there is no where that we go that casual won't work. I pack mix and match, wash and wear - makes it easier. There is a laundry mat down the street, but most people just wash socks, unders, and Ts and hang in the shower or out on drying racks in the courtyard on warm days.

What is the weather like?
I have added a link to weather in Limoux at the right side of the blog. I do remember that it was on the "fresh" side. You will need to take a jacket and a sweater/sweatshirt or two.

Getting organized..

2010-04-05T22:59:00.001-04:00

Here are a few things for you to add to your check list!

- voltage converter and plug adaptor
- extra memory card for your camera
- extra batteries or charger for your camera
- PASSPORT!
- Check with your airlines to see what your baggage limit is - remember to travel LIGHT!
- liquids, gels, aerosols that are carried on to the plane in containers of 100ml/100gms (3.4 oz) and fit in ONE clear, closed, resealable plastic 1 qt bag. Do check with your airlines to confirm.
- Do not carry on your paints - they must be in your checked luggage.
- Leave your prescriptions in their containers with your name (must match ticket) these do not need to go in a zip bag, but must be declared to screening authorities.
- Wear comfie shoes and socks while flying. You will probably have to remove your shoes and put them through the x-ray
- TAG all of your luggage on the outside - include your destination
- TAG all of your luggage on the INSIDE - just in case the outer tag gets ripped off. This does happen and bags are lost
- give family and friends this blog addy so they can see what we are up to www.2010paintfrance.blogspot.com
Please invite them to add their comments. We would all love to hear from them!

Colour? Color? How ever you spell it- you need it!

2010-04-01T12:16:00.002-04:00

Have you started to think about packing your art supplies? You will certainly want to bring lots of beautiful colour in your kit. The larger tubes of paint are better value and there won't be a concern about running out of your favorites. My preference is Holbein Watercolour, but bring your choice of manufacturer - remember that Artist's Quality is generally more reliable for better results.

For your reference I am including a list of some of my standard colours, but please feel free to bring your favorites! I have included the pigment code for those of you who want this information.

Transparent Non-Staining Pigments: Cobalt Blue (PB14), Burnt Sienna (Pbr7), Raw Sienna (Pbr7 or may contain PY43)
Transparent Staining Pigments: Marine Blue (Phthalo Blue PB15), Bamboo Green (Phthalo Green PG36), Rose Violet (Quinacridone Violet PV19)
Opaque Sedimentary Pigments: Cobalt Turquoise (PB28) or Cerulean Blue (PB35), French Ultramarine Deep (PB29), Cadmium Yellow Orange (PR108), Vermillion (PR108) or Cadmium Red (PR108)

The following colours are used only occasionally. PLEASE don't purchase especially for this trip, just bring what you might have or add your "can't live without" favorites.
Holbein Leaf Green (PY 154, PG7), Cad Yellow (PY37), Cad Red (PR108), Cobalt Violet LT (PV14), Shadow Green (PBl31)
Specialty opaques: Holbein Jaune Brilliant 1&2, Holbein Blue-grey, American Journey Blue Stone, Sag Harbor, Costal Fog, Coffee w Cream, Olive Green, Sour Lemon, Holbein Acrylic Gouache Ivory and Peach.

Now is a great time to "top up" the wells of your travel palette with fresh paint and leave the lid open to allow them to solidify.
You will need to also pack fresh tubes to replenish the supply, so when you are at the art supply store or checking out on-line supplies be sure to peruse the palette department.
I reccomend the Heritage folding palette! You will find it at a number of sources such as: http://www.cheapjoes.com/art-supplies/5555_heritage-folding-palettes.asp
The smallest one has been my favorite travel partner, but I have just picked up one of the larger models. I am working to modify it - I will let you know how that goes and post a picture.

You will find information about brushes and paper on an earlier post.

Things to start organizing for our adventure

2010-02-22T20:10:00.001-05:00

Is your passport up-to-date? If not, now is the time to get this done right away.

How much and what kind of money should I bring?

Good question! Although I don't know how much you personally will want to spend, I will give you an idea of what worked for me in the past.
As far as how much cash you will want for daily expenses, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how little is needed. Our breakfasts are great and very plentiful and most of our fantastic dinners are at home. These meals are already paid for in your fees. We are responsible for our own lunches and these can be very simple with cheese, breads, fruit, pastries etc. that can be purchased quite inexpensively at the market or shops in Limoux and taken along with us. Wine is very cheap! "Coca light" is not. Although traditionally dinner is served late in France, our hosts recognize that westerners prefer to dine earlier and so they accommodate us. We are responsible for just one dinner out per week at a local restaurant, of your choosing, or you can bring something home from the market.
Our daily activities and visits to villages are arranged so you will experience real French life, rather than tourist traps. Therefore, you will not have to be constantly putting out euros to pay for admission etc. Money for souvenirs is up to you, but it might be wise to use a credit card for these, or why not give a little painting that you did to friends or family?
My suggestion is that you only carry in your pocket or money belt what you are comfortable with (or comfortable losing!) There is an ATM just down the street from our home base and although there is a fee to get cash, I think it wise not to carry too much money with you. My bank charges $4.00 for the service and there will most likely be a fee in France. I would rather pay $15.00 to get extra money, when I am running low, rather than risk a stash disappearing from my pocket or pack. We are in a very safe area and no one on my trips has had any problem, however it is wise to be cautious.

DEBIT CARDS - Do go to your bank and ask if your debit card will work in France. There are a variety of symbols on the back that your bank will check to confirm this. Also ask which account it will work with. (Most likely only your chequing account.) You will want to be sure to have money in that account. Unless things have changed in the recent past, bank cards works only in bank machines and not at stores.

CREDIT CARDS - work at most shops. Traveller's cheques are not happily accepted, if taken at all.

EUROS - I checked just today on the exchange rate to convert Canadian dollars to euros we are able to buy about 70+- euros for $100.00. The rates change daily, but this will give you an idea of the rates. Most banks will have euros on hand, but be sure to get your money changed a week or so ahead of our trip, just in case.

So to sum it up: bring along a few hundred euros and if you need more, walk up the street to the ATM machine.
Linda

Our Gang!

2010-02-18T15:20:00.009-05:00

What a great group of people we have for our trips! I would like to officially welcome each of you and take this opportunity to introduce you.

April 24 - May 8

Anne Yundt
Barbara Rohde

Kathleen Dean

Shirley Clur

Janine Sobiski
Shirley Lancaster
Gale Abbey

Don Beaton
Sue Roth
Jim Roth

May 8 - 22

Biljana Baker
Liza Carter
Marilyn Roth
Margueritte Dastoor
Lynda Eads
Gary Duncan
Nermin Tekes

Please let me know if you have a web site or work posted on the internet - you will find a link to Biljana, Gary, Barbara and Tony's art at the right.

I will up-date our list with info. as to where you call home (I have requested this from the office). Do I have the correct spelling of your name? If not send me an email so I can make the correction.

Thanks for the corrections Gale, Anne and Janine!

February 15, 2010 - Collioures

2010-02-15T17:41:00.000-05:00

Plans are well underway for our trip! .

As mentioned in our earlier information I am arranging for us to have one night in Collioures - "City of Painters". You can find lots of information on this Mediterranean village on the internet. To get you started, visit: http://www.collioure.com/gb/index-gb.htm

We will stay at a local hotel for this one night. This cost of the hotel for the one night is an added excursion that is not covered in our fees. The cost should be approximately 75 - 110 euros for a double room. There are also more expensive rooms available, but I would like to keep these additional costs as reasonable as possible. It is important to note that the accommodations are not of the usual "American Standard", but our host has checked them out and we will enjoy the village charm and "French Standard" such as smaller rooms with single beds. You will also need to cover your breakfast.

***This trip is optional! Should you decide that you don't want to participate, you may stay at Le Monastere.

In order to reserve the correct number of rooms I need to know if you would like to join me in this beautiful seaside village, or if you prefer to stay at Le Monastere.

Where possible, I plan to pair up students - so you would share with your regular roommate. If, however you would like to have a room to yourself, please let me know so that I can reserve the correct number of rooms.

I feel very confident that once you have a look at the photos of Collioures you will be as excited about this extra adventure as I am!
Please let me know as soon as possible what your thought are and if you wish to spend a day on the French Mediterranean coast!

Do You Need Help Booking Your Flight Plans?

2009-12-03T18:24:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for a travel agent to help with booking your flights, Ingrid at Brinkman Travel is my agent. She is up to speed on the dates and times you will need to be at the Toulouse Airport. Ingrid does a great job and several of my participants on the last trip found her services were excellent.

Ingrid Raakman

Certified Travel Counsellor
Brinkman Travel Inc
3 Mountainview Drive
St. Catharines, ON L2T 3H3
Canada

Tel: 905 988 9100 extension 2

Fax:905 988 9400

ingrid@brinkmantravel.com

www.brinkmantravel.com

Pack Your Painting Gear - We Are Off To France!

2009-11-20T21:13:00.000-05:00

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 have posted more detailed information and photos of brushes, my palette etc. below but 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 will want 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 (see below)

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 (see below)

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. (see below)

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

15. Binoculars/bird watching book if you are into birding

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, extra memory cards and battery charger? There is so much to see and many photo-ops,

** 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.

Brushing Up On Brushes

2009-11-20T20:58:00.000-05:00

I will take along a minimum number of brushes. Fewer to carry/fewer to lose - I have also marked my name on the handles.

Best not to bring along expensive sable brushes. Of course, you may bring your favorite selection of styles and sizes.

My kit includes, from left to right:

- A #2 or 4 rigger or signature brush

- 1.5" flat wash brush (Loew-Cornell Skywash 7750 or Robert Simmons Skyflow)

- 1" flat skyflow ((Loew-Cornell Skywash 7750 or Robert Simmons Skyflow)

- A small stiff craft brush for spatters and lifting

- Round brushes - sizes 14, 12 or 10 - your choice of size, but go for bigger, rather than tiny.

- One or two 1" badger type brush. (Kemp Badger or a Skipper from Cheap Joe's Art Stuff) *If you can not find a Badger brush you can purchase one from me and I will mail it out to you before the trip.

How to carry your brushes
This particular brush caddy, shown in the picture above, came from the drugstore rather than the art store. It is intended for make-up brushes, but I like it because it is much smaller and lighter. A rolled bamboo place mat works well too and allows your brushes to air dry.

Paper For Your Works Of Art

2009-11-20T20:42:00.000-05:00

Selecting Your Paper
Watercolour/watercolor paper is surprisingly heavy, so consider how many paintings you might do each day. (Don't bring along old paintings! It is amazing to see how often students drag the sad old things along with them wherever they go.)

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, torn to size.

Bring your favorite paper, weight and surface. My choices include Arches 140 or 300 lb cold press, Saunders Waterford 200 lb CP, Strathmore Gemini 140 or 300 lb and Stathmore 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 then 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 you can select 2 or 3 pieces of paper of a variety of sizes to take along. The extras can be left in the studio for another day.

Have Paint Will Travel!

2009-11-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

With all the changes in travel these days, it is essential to know how to transport your paints. You must put your paints in your checked baggage! You can not put it in your carry on.

That being the case, you will want to be sure that your clothes are protected from squishy paint tubes. I pack mine in plastic seal tight containers, such as Tupperware or Lock and Lock. The locked box of paints is then further encased in a zip lock bag.

Mark on the outside of the container and bag as shown: Non-combustible, Non-Toxic, Non-flammable and any other "Non" you might like to add. You may be able to get a safety sheet from your supplier it include. I have had my bags inspected regularly when flying as evident by the note that is 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 an trouble.

I will post a list of my colours, but do bring your own favorite colours and brands. Artist's quality tube paints are superior! Small tubes will most likely be enough for you.

Palette, Water Container and Spray Bottle

2009-11-20T20:24:00.000-05:00

Artist Palette
I have recently found this wonderful palette! It is made by Hommee (also called Heritage Palette) and is available though Curry's in Canada and Cheap Joe's or Jerry's Artarama in the States.

http://www.cheapjoes.com/art-supply/HWP18_4568_heritage-folding-palette-well.asp

Here's what Joe has to say about it:
The Heritage Folding Palette is a great travel palette that won’t put a crimp in your travel plans! The Heritage Folding palette is one of the nicest travel palettes that we have seen in a while. It’s unusual because the lid doubles as a hearty sized mixing area that has a clear removable plastic tray. This tray can also be used as a second mixing area! In addition the lid has a soft plastic seal, which keeps the palette from leaking and keeps your colors from drying out so quickly. Each well in this palette holds approximately 5ml. of paint. Here’s a tip! If you hold the tube over the deep end of the well then come back towards the shallow end while squeezing the tube, then hold the palette in both hands & gently tap the palette on a flat surface- the paint settles nicely in the wells. 18 Wells

I couldn't have said it better myself!

You may wish to fill the wells ahead of time 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 zip lock bag. You may wish to hunt around for an additional mixing surface, such as a white plastic plate. I have a tray from my last flight to France that the flight steward gave to me - honest!

I've include a collapsible water container and mist bottle in this picture - complete with their own plastic bag.