Blog

During my recent workshop in Italy I posted some photos of my sketch kit in action.  A lot of you asked about how I made it so I decided to take advantage of a beautiful summer morning and share the info with you by setting up the sketch kit and working in the less exotic locale of my own backyard.

This kit is a modification of the one I made several years ago.  It is simpler and lighter and tucks nicely into my purse.

The kit has two main parts.  The board and book that attach together when the board is folded up.  I also have a bag of painting accessories.

This is what it looks like when it comes out of my purse.

I unfold the board which is made of corrugated plastic held together with duct tape on one side so it can fold.  Magnets are glued to the board to hold the painting materials.  The rubber band helps me hold the board while painting.

The bag of painting accessories includes: a metal paintbox with 12 half pans and three brushes inside, a water-brush, a clip for attaching the book to the board, a small spray bottle, an old spice jar for holding water, and an Altoids tin which holds paper towel, a kneaded eraser, and small clip.

The first step in assembling the kit is to attach the book to the top of the board using a large clip.

Next, attach the metal paint box to the magnets.

Third, attach the Altoids box to the remaining magnet.

The spice jar has a magnet glued to the bottom and sits inside of the Altoids box.

I slip my thumb under the rubber band to help hold the board while I paint.

All set to paint- just add water!

This morning's sketch:

Pencil drawing:

Foreground wash:

Background wash:

A peek at my subject matter:

If the previous page is blank, I like to write the date and other notes on the page.  My sketch book has become an important record of travels, teaching, and special moments. There is no pressure to create something great or exhibition worthy - just play with paint and capture the moment.