Materials List.
1. Plastic cloth to protect table. (available bargain stores)
2. Two sturdy water containers.
3. One water spray.
4. A couple of palettes (I like those plastic chopping boards from bargain stores.) They are light and easily washed.
5. A few palette knives, plus a set of scrapers, (not the heavy duty type for removing flaking paint…more flexible, probably for applying polyfiller etc… They are rectangular and come in a set of three.
6. An apron to protect your clothing.
7. A selection of brushes mostly large ( eg. sizes 10 to 12), round, flat and filbert, a soft haired wash brush plus a rigger or liner brush. Include one house painting brush for applying gesso (Monarch is a good brand…soft and doesn’t lose hairs.) Available paint stores or Bunnings.
8. Glad wrap for covering your palette between painting sessions.
9. Paper. Cartridge paper or a sketch book plus drawing materials, charcoal, pencils and ink plus four sheets of a heavier paper suitable for painting and mixed media.( ie., won’t buckle when wet.) Canaletto is an inexpensive option (around $4.00 per sheet).
10. Canvas x 3. Preferably already prepared with two coats of gesso so they are dry and ready for use. At least 1 or 2 large ones please. (approx.. 760cm x 610). Other canvas’s could be smaller. By all means gesso over some old paintings for spares.
11. Paints. If you already have a selection of paints that you’re keen to use by all means bring those. If you’re new to acrylics I would suggest that you buy a minimum number of colours in a good brand. Essentials are a cool and a warm of each of the primaries (ie. Two reds, two blues, and two yellows…..one warm and one cool) plus white and black.
12. Mediums. A jar of gel medium (regular consistency) and a jar of acrylic painting medium (a milky fluid that dries clear).
13. Gesso for preparing canvas, and for editing.
14. A few small dishes for mixing washes and a couple of paint rags.
15. Finally your own reference material, from photographs and drawings that particularly interest you. Bring at least few options. These may include unusual subjects that lead to ideas for abstracting, or more traditional options.
