I will send a zoom link the morning of our circle.

For this class, you need

• paint
• brushes
• water containers
• a palette
• old clothes you don't mind getting paint on or painting smock
• rags

I recommend you set up your painting area in a room where you will not be disturbed for the duration of our circle. You need to have space for your computer nearby. You also need space to move, as we begin each circle with a one-song dance party.

This list may sound like a lot, but it is almost always the case you already have a lot of what you need on hand, and if you need to get paint and brushes, you can start small and easy. There is information about where to find paint and brushes at the end of this document.

For your palette, you may choose one from the art store, or you might have something at home that will work. I have used muffin molds or ice-cube trays that are no longer in kitchen rotation. Old baking dish and plates work too. Plastic and glass are easier to clean than metal. Paper plates are also great.

I like wearing a painting smock, which is one of my favorite old comfy dresses.

You will also need one or two water jars and some rags you don’t mind getting stained; if you have it, a bar of castille soap to clean your brushes at the end is nice too.

To start out, I encourage you to play with your painting set up. Though I have used a table easel and a standing easel for the past few years, for the other 20 years I simply stood or sat at a table and painted. If you don’t mind learning through experience, it might be nice to experiment with what you have on hand, trusting you will discover what you need and adjust as you go.

Lastly, I often journal after art sessions, so a journal+pen, voice dictation app, or a word processing file are good supplies to have ready.

If you already have paint, brushes and paper at home, use these! If you do not have these, the quickest way to get what you need is to use a Blick Art list (below). They range in price from $39 to $129. To see a list, just click its link. Once you know the one you want, click the buy all button on the list page, then the list will go into your shopping cart (you can edit it at this point). The Essential kit comes with newsprint paper, the upgrade comes with thick paper that can take more dampness and friction. Choose one:

• Essential Starter Kit
• Essential Starter Kit, paper upgrade
• Abundant Starter Kit

If you want to go to a local art store or create your own selection, the information below will help you. You are welcome to work in any medium where you can express yourself through color, gesture and image if different supplies catch you attention. All the below links will take you to Blick Art listings.

Paint

If you have no paint, tempura is an easy and affordable place to start. You can start with as few as three colors: red, yellow and blue. If you add black and white, you can mix any color. If you want a few more, gold and silver are quite delicious. I recommend choosing which ever colors call to you.

• Tempera Paints

Brushes

If you have no brushes, I fully empower you to go to the store and pick the brushes that ask to come home with you. In the end, all you need is one. Below are brushes I use the most. You don’t need all of them. You can spend a lot or very little on brushes; these are a nice balance between price and quality.

• 1” hake brush
• ¾ inch angle shader
• Size 4 Fan Brush
• Size 10 Round Brush
• Size 12 Filbert
• Size 2 Round Brush

Paper

For paper, you can use anything you have on hand. This said, the first two options are more resilient and warp much less.  

• Strathmore Bristol 14x17 Vellum
• Strathmore Bristol 19x24 Vellum
  
• Large newsprint is another nice, affordable option
  

For me this amount of paper and paint lasts over a year.

If you have any questions please contact me.

I am looking forward to painting with you.