Studio Note #4

Off we go on a grand adventure!  Ok, maybe not grand, but a much-needed adventure to a local island for a week. That’s still grand if you ask me. I have been looking forward to this trip for two years.  We try to visit this island every Summer but missed it last year, so this Summer it feels extra special.

This week has been busy. Not only getting ready for the trip but wrapping up the school year with my son. Lots of moving parts happening, but the day is finally here. We’re off!  I plan to take a traveling studio with me and have been packing (in my mind) for weeks what I want to bring. I edited it down to a reasonable number of things to bring.  It may only be a reasonable amount to me and an insane amount to someone else. No bother.

I have two projects I’d like to focus on this week. The first is work in a concertina sketchbook (also called an accordion sketchbook) on the beach. I want to use the sea water and sand and really let myself get absorbed by the elements around me. The second is to make my own journal or sketchbook. I have a new bookbinding kit I want to try out for that. I will also have my usual sketchbooks for sketchbook play, paper and three 12”x12’ boards to work on. Some other things in my traveling art kit: watercolors, inks, colored pencils, charcoal, oil pastels, a few acrylics, and some paper and magazines to work on collages. I think I have a nice variety of materials to work with. As much as I would love to have my full studio with me, it’s good to work with limited materials. A limited art kit doesn’t have to feel limiting. I see it as an opportunity to be resourceful.

Besides painting, I plan to do a lot of kayaking. It is one of my favorite spots and I plan to soak up every moment. There will also be bonfires on the beach, beach combing, eating good meals, bird watching, reading, strolling through town, early bedtimes, and early morning coffee on the beach for me. No one else likes to wake up as early as I do on vacation. Mornings are my favorite time of day. I love the peace and quiet since it’s a rarity in my normal life.

I’m going to wrap up now, so we can catch the ferry. Have a great week and I’ll be back next week with another studio note.