Tools of the Trade

Although it may be fun to experiment with various media, tools and styles, we can create well if we get comfortable with a few favourites. 

Using a few basic pigments and good brushes, with specific favourite tools may allow us to explore our own "handwriting" in painting more effectively. 

Here are MY PREFFERED TOOLS OF THE TRADE FOR OUTDOOR ACRYLIC PAINTING:

Currently I prefer fluid acrylics as they flow well and do not dry too fast and if they do they can be mixed with glazing medium.

My preferred colours include: Cobalt Blue, Primary Magenta, Primary Yellow, Napthol Red, Ultramarine, Umber and Titanium White.

I use large, medium and small filbert synthetic brush like H.J. Isocryl or Acyrilex, as well as a round with good point. I have recently added a few flats. You may want to only try flats at first. A tiny brush (00, 01) for details and signatures is also a good addition.  

Stay wet Palettes can help keep paints moist but any white surface that shows the colours when mixed is good.

Pallet to mix paint on: Stay wet Palettes can help although any white surface that the colours can be seen well when mixed is good. I have also used large ice-cream bucket tops and even regular white foam board cut into two long strips and taped together so that can they fold on each other and cover the wet paint for transport (in a plastic bag). These dry eventually but can to be reused.

Easel: half box French easel by Julian or a sturdy wood easel that stands sturdily into the ground for support is what I have used often with acrylics (shown below).

Two water containers that do not tip such as half full 500 ml clean plastic deli containers are a favourite. Smaller portable caps from laundry detergent are good too.  Also a small spray bottle to mist paints can help moisten paints.

Paper towels, soft rags or even old socks can be helpful to wipe paint and brushes.

I use an adjustable viewfinder to compose a scene and check my compositions in a mirror from time to time. By looking at the painting in reverse you may see things that stand out that may need to be changed. Note: turning the painting on its side and upside down are also ways to check how elements are working or not.

All in all, I feel it is important to have tools we are comfortable with and be open to many possible ways to use them. With a good attitude, we can try new things and learn how to use our tools a unique way, and be thankful for the experience. 

Lastly, Creating in an attitude of openness to possibilities and gratitude may be one of the most essential tools to bring along. 

For Jane's art classes: www.janeappleby.com/events