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| 'Island Reverie' 5x7 plein air pastel ©Karen Margulis available $75 |
The trip was an amazing experience for my husband and me. We took a cruise from Manaus, Brazil up the Amazon River into the Atlantic Ocean. After crossing the Equator we continued into the Caribbean with stops at some wonderful islands. I was actually an art instructor on the ship so it was a working trip but we had time to explore and I had time to do some painting.
No matter what the reason for a trip I always bring my pastels. I never know when I will have inspiration and opportunity so I want to be prepared. I have found an easy way to bring my pastels ANYWHERE!
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| My lunchbox full of pastels and supplies and my portfolio book for paper and paintings |
My goal was to have a pastel setup that will fit in a backpack, purse or carryon bag. It needed to be compact and self contained. Something easy to throw into a bag and not so cumbersome that I would feel bad if I didn't get to paint. For the longest time I used a small cigar box for my pastels. It worked fine but I have graduated to the Heilman single sketchbox. It is the perfect size for travel. I fill it with an assortment of pastel bits. They are usually my smaller leftover pieces. I have a range of colors and values that work with any subject I come across. Since I am working small the small patel pieces are really all I need.
I keep the box in a zippered book cover. It has pockets for my paper and wipes. I have also used small lunchboxes which also work well. As long as the case is light and compact it will be good. In this case I keep paper, wipes and a small piece of foamcore and clips. I don't need tape since I use the clips to attach my paper to the foamcore.
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| I use the Heilman single sketchbox which is a great size for travel |
I bring my 5x7 pastel paper in a Profolio portfolio book. When I am finished with a painting I slip it back into the book for protection.
I didn't get to paint as much as I wanted to on this trip. Instead I was taking photos and doing a watercolor sketchbook. It was a fun change of pace for me but I was happy to have my pastels available!
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| 5x7 pastel |
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| 5x7 pastel Terre de Haut, Isles des Saintes Guadeloupe |
1 comment:
Thank you for sharing your tips. I was on a caribbean cruises too and I had my pastel with me, but I was overwhelmed by all the impressions, that I only tooks photos. I traveled alone and took excursions from the ship and unfortunately there was not enough time to paint. I should have done better with the teacher (painting in Acryl) from the Ship, but, I have seen too late that was offered.
Next time, when I take a crusis, I look, that you teaching on the ship. 😂
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