The Best Solution Ever For Traveling with Pastels

'Memories of France'            5x7            pastel           ©Karen Margulis
available $45

It has been quite a week. My Florida family left this morning for home only to turn around when it took 3 hours to go 60 miles. Talk of traffic and no gas and no power at home made a difficult decision easier. Here in Atlanta we did feel the effects of the tropical storm Irma but fortunately I had only a small leak in my basement studio.

While cleaning up the studio I came across some paintings done on my trip to France a couple of years ago. I have not shared them so I thought it would be a good time to share them and my solution for keeping my pastel papers and paintings safe while traveling.

One of the most important things to consider when traveling with pastels is how to carry and store your paper and finished paintings.  I have been using this solution for several years and It has been the Best!! Read on to see how I transport my  paper and paintings.

Plastic portfolio books by Itoya

•  When I travel I bring an assortment of my favorite sanded pastel papers. Uart, Pastel Premier, 

       Tip: Bring paper that you are familiar with. Unless you have a lot of room and want to                     experiment and play it is safer to work on paper you know.

• I cut full sheets of the papers into smaller sizes both 5x7 and 8x10. I use a ruler and scissors or utility knife to cut the paper. (saves money)

• I sometimes tone some of the Uart paper in my favorite plein air color (a medium value gray)

• I fill my Itoya plastic portfolio folders wit the cut paper. These folders have plastic sleeves that work great for protecting and transporting paper.

• I put finished paintings back into the plastic sleeve of the folder. This is how I transport and protect my finished paintings. (yes a little residual pastel dust is left on the plastic but not enough to harm the painting.)

• The plastic folders are great for sharing your work with others and keeping the paintings safe. 

• The loaded folders are slipped into my backpack. The perfect solution for keeping both paper and paintings safe!

'Memories of France II'      5x7      $45