Monday, May 5, 2014

Gathering the gear....

Those who know me won't be surprised that I have an open suitcase sitting here.  As I unpack from the latest trip and rummage in closets, I pull out things I know I'll need for Ireland. 

 Found the correct plug adapter but now  I need a triple plug to give me more places to charge.  Plugs are always an issue in rooms and with two of us and our many electronics, I need to be prepared.

My  shopping list is growing, inflatable hangar, 2 gal zip lock bags, and a new easel.  I packed my backpack, minus the stool, tripod, and paper and found it was REALLY heavy.  And I still needed another bag for the other things.  Way too much to lug around the Burren!!  So out goes the pochade box and tripod. Because I am using watercolor and hard pastels, I don't really need it, though it works nicely most of the time.   A light easel will work  instead and the stool becomes a table with the addition of gator board top. (I pack my paper between two gator boards and use a tracing paper tablet to store pastel paintings for travel home)      I will still need to lug a chair out there that the art center will loan out.  A bit of a pack horse feeling sets in the second week!!

Most of the art supplies will travel in my suitcase so the easel needs to fit inside.  I doubt if there is an elevator so don't want to lug anything larger than the 25" suitcase up stairs!!  At least they are probably not spiral this time.  A few pencils, pens, and a small sketchbook with 140# paper will go in my carry on bag just in case .....

Clothes will be whatever can fit in and around the art supplies...mostly black as it doesn't show dirt or wc paint and goes with everything..right!!   

George thinks I am nuts to work so far ahead but this planning usually pays off and makes for an easy life away when I have what is needed 90% of the time.

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