Tony usually works on Arches or Kilimanjaro 140lb. cold-press, but like to test several other papers as well. Most students work half-sheet size. Allow about one full sheet per day and just in case, add a extra sheet or two.
Drawing Papre :
This is IMPORTANT! An 18 x 24 pad of all purpose smooth drawing paper (not newsprint) for preparation sketches and class assignments. (SM400-8) Cut at least 5 sheets to 15x22.
Brushes:
Tony sticks with ox hair, synthetic or synthetic blend brushes. Large flats: the 1 1/2" Magic Muslin brush is available through Cheap Joe's (L276N-150). For the smaller flats, Tony uses a 3/4", and 1/4" one stroke brush, (RS721-75, RS721-25). "One Stroke" have longer bristles and hold more paint. In the rounds he uses a #6 (RS785-6) and a #12 (RS785-12). For calligraphic details, he uses a #6 script brush (CJGFR-6) and for spattering, a #5 hog bristle fan brush. (WWFAN-5) This last one is a long-handled oil painting brush. Never clean it. It has to have "snap" to get the best results.
Sketchbook/Notebook:
For taking notes, to plan paintings and for sketching. PLEASE write your name in it, so it can be returned when lost. Thank you, thank you.
Sketchbook Tools :
Have fun exploring. Try pens, pencils, felt tipped pens, etc.
Water Container and Bowl :
Use a plastic bottle with a leak-proof cap. Consider the compact and duel function possibility of a hot water bottle or ice bag. A rectangular food storage container makes a good mixing bowl that can be clipped to the easel.
Seat :
To watch demos, a sturdy, light-weight folding seat. If you need to sit down to paint, avoid those with arm rests. You want to be free to swing that brush.
Board :
It should be non-transparent, rigid and light-weight. Tony fastens his paper with clips. The 15-1/2"x22-1/2" board accomodates a half and a quarter sheet sized paper. Cheap Joe's has Gator Board cut to the right size (GAB-1). If your board is too big, clips can't reach all four corners of the paper, allowing it to flap in the breeze. That is not a comfortable way to work under windy conditions. PLEASE get the right sized board.
Fasteners :
Six big "binder clips" available at office supply stores. Four for the paper, two extra clips always come in handy. Planning to tape? Use 2" masking or paper tape.
The Easel :
A field easel must have individually adjustable legs for uneven ground and a top clamp to prevent the board from blowing off. Less expensive are the tripod easels with watercolor attachments. The device which holds the board should be of a sturdy design to prevent wobbling. Easilt adjustment fasteners are another great plus.
If you are DRIVING to the workshop Tony prefers the half-sized Jullian French Easel (JE100-Fullbox, JE200-Halfbox). For similar styles easels, see the Cheap Joe's catalog.
If you are FLYING to the workshop the Winsor & Newton Bristol watercolor easel (WNE7006119) is recommended since it is light weight and fits in most suitcases or duffels. If you need to sit down and paint any of these easels will work fine.
Palette :
Avoid those with small, resricting mixing areas and wells. Get one with a lid. The Pike palette, will with minor adjustment shown on request during the workshop, fit inside the full-sized French easel. For the half-sized one, Tony uses the Anderson metal folding palette (AN020) 5-1/2"x12" since it fits inside the half french easel.
Paints :
Professional quality in large size tubes. Take the colors you prefer. Use the palette setup you prefer. Tony's palette set-up will be explained during the class. Colors are subject to change, especially after reading "Wilcox Guide to the best Watercolor Paints"
According to Mr. Wilcox and manufacturer's testing, most of the following colors are rated as Extremely Permanent, Permenant Lightfast 1 and 2 in available brands such as Winsor & Newton, Grumbacher, Holbein, Da Vinci, or American Journey.
Cadmium Yellow Lightt
Cadmium Orange
Quinacridone Gold (small tube)
Cadmium Red Light
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Cerukean Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Permanent Sap Green
Phthalo Green
Burnt Sienna
Paynes Grey
Alizarin Crimson is not as lightfast as the newly labeled "permanent" type. After examining the Wilcox book, you may consider eliminating the less permanent colors such as New Gamboge, Manganese Blue, Scarlet Lake, most brands of Alizarin Crimson and some brands of Sap Green.
Thoughts :
This is an outdoor workshop. Keep supplies in your car. Do not bring them inside. To start, you'll only need a notebook and pencil, plus a folding seat for the outdoor demostration
Odds and end include a sponge, tissues, pocket knife with a round tip blade, bungee cord, hat, cap orr sun visor, etc. Don't use intect repelant in spray cans. Intead use the stick, liquid or wet towel kinds. Perspective problems? Bring an inexpensive wooden folding capenters ruler and ask for a demonstration.
A spare set of keys hidden outside your car saves alot otf time. Bring your cameras instuction book and charger.
Be prepared for the rainy day. Brin your "problem child" wich you may wish to tackle with "fix-it" help from you intructor. Bring sketches and photographs for further demonstration.
