Patti Gibbons Art

I am on the road at least once a week with art supplies and and not every bag is suitable for every situation. After years of making art and being an art teacher, I have whittled it down to four different bags that I use when I travel/teach. My goal is to get the most that I can fit in my bag, and have ease of  transporting it. Starting from the top; a black cross-body bag, that I got for free from AARP.   I am saving my money for a bigger and better bag, but for now, this nylon freebie works just fine. It is my watercolor bag. In this small 9" x 6" x 3" bag I can pack the following:  3-4 of my Kremer  pan sets, fold-able cup (purchased in a camping store)  folded paper paper towels, waterproof and a non waterproof black ink pen a pencil or two an eraser brushes and water-brushes.  a pad of watercolor postcards, and a 6 x 9 or so watercolor book/pad. The red bag I purchased in a second hand shop in the Adirondacks a few weeks ago for 5.00, a...

I often work in watercolors. Though they can be difficult, and I have made a lot of rather awful paintings using them, they are an integral part of my art life. I have used many different brands over the years, ranging from school grade to the top of the line. I have done good and bad paintings with both. The main difference is the amount of pigment vs. fillers - the more expensive watercolors have a denser and richer color.  Think of it in terms of a mostly meat meatball vs one that is a mostly breadcrumbs meatball. I prefer pan watercolors because I like the ease of traveling with them. When I hike/travel, I have a small cross body bag that fits a 9 x 6" watercolor pad, 3-4 full sets of watercolor, brushes, paper towel, and collapsable cup. If I don't want to carry water on me, I bring my water brushes, although carrying water with you is always a good thing.  I discovered Kremer Pigments which is in located in Chelsea in NYC . My abstract drawing teacher/men...

  In this holiday season, many of us are trying to keep our money local, or at least some part of gift giving must benefit a local store,  artist, or company, and at the very least be made in the USA. Here are a few gift items that I have either bought, or would love to own. From Hudson Valley artist/author Paul Keskey, is a fabulous book for all ages titled Chrysalies . The book is reminiscent of some of my favorite fantasy illustrators: Brian Froud, Alan Lee, Edmund Dulac, Arthur Rackham. The nature slant to the book is educational as well as fascinating. I have a 7 year old niece and granddaughter who are very good readers; I suspect they will spend many hours pouring over the artwork as well as the text.  20.00 BARGAIN. (he takes paypal..and you can order the book under the book link and then "limited edition prints".)  Previews of the art and the book are on the website. Next is something for us ladies who need to be on our feet in comfort. I had maj...