The fall workshop is geared for painting with watercolors and a bit of acrylics on paper and other materials. We have sponsors who send us merchandise to experiment with and learn how to use. You may not need to bring as much as you think! A better supply list will be send out later.

Each year a welcome bag is prepared for each artist. We also have door prizes. Our generous sponsors are listed on the sponsorship tab. We use these materials during the week and take them home! Pack very light as you arrive and leave space in your suitcase (bring zip lock bags for transport).

Listed below are the general materials we use. I always have acrylic painters inquire if they can use their acrylics rather than watercolor. Acrylic is very versatile and if it is used thin enough, behaves like watercolor (except it leaves a surface that is permanent rather that workable like watercolor). So, yes, you can use your acrylics!

PHOTOGRAPHY:

I have a new printer that can print directly from your phone!

Cameras with SD cards also work! (small fee for photos)

PAINTING:

You have the option of painting outdoors or the luxury of indoors. If you are accustomed to plein aire painting, you know what you need. We will be gathering images at different sites by sketching or photographing. Most artists prefer to gather photo images, print and paint in our Arts Building Studio where we have tables, cold water dispenser, toilets, a kitchen, and room to spread out plus a floor to ceiling view of the Pedernal.

*Paint palettes – If you fly to the workshop, a plastic plate or tray can work.  I use a Mujillo paint palette with a flip lid and 33 wells for paints with a removable mixing tray. It travels quite nicely!
*Brushes—one 1” flat brush, one round brush, one fine brush. Bring what you like to use. If you don't want to use your watercolor brush for acrylics, bring an extra brush or two.
*Water sprayer (with adjustable spray power from fine to "blast")

Watercolor paper --If you wish to paint outside, a watercolor block provides a stable surface and fits inside a suitcase. (I will be painting inside) Otherwise, the best paper is 140# cold press paper. You will need 2 or 3 full flat sheets for the workshop. I always bring paper to sell at cost.

*Water bowl or get something from the Ranch kitchen

*Watercolors-- Darla brings some large tubes of watercolors and sells them at no profit by the thirds--it's the cheapest way to fill your palette. DO NOT BUY “ACADEMIC” STUDENT GRADE PAINTS even if you are a beginner.

Acrylics: *Bring a 2 oz craft-type liquid acrylic that has a nozzle. You can pick a fabulous color and we will share. (Hobby Lobby has these)

Plastic cover for your oblong table (this will be your "personal" space for the week in the art building) Dollar Tree is your best friend and a shower curtain is more durable than a table cloth!

Roll of Paper Towels

DRAWING:

Pitt Pens --at least bring one medium and one fine tip black. These are waterproof, india ink markers. Microns also work but cost more. I use the set of Pitt pens available at Hobby Lobby.

Pencil and Eraser

OTHER THINGS TO BRING:

It is DRY in New Mexico. Bring body lotion, eye drops, lip balm, saline nose spray, vaseline, etc.

Flashlight--it is DARK at night--put the app on your mobile phone!

Sunscreen

Hat or visor with large brim
Water bottle or thermos
Umbrella

Sunglasses

Hair products

Medical supplies: medications/health-related items (cpap machine, etc)

If you choose to add hiking, fishing or horseback riding, come prepared.

Optional: Small portable desk light could be useful at night--bring an extension cord if it plugs and some blue painter's tape for use on the floor to prevent tripping. Our room is not real bright after dark. 

Address labels so you can put your name on the new materials you receive (yours will look like everyone else's!)

CLOTHING:

We will be doing a bit of walking (nothing strenuous but about one mile). Sturdy closed shoes are recommended. If you desire to wait in our workroom as we investigate the back area on the Ranch, that is fine--it is only one morning. The temps are "layer up, take off, and later layer back up" kind of weather. The weather is nippy in the mornings and evenings, so bring a jacket, pants, sweater. 
 

RECOMMENDED READING:
You will be in O’Keeffe Country! "From the Faraway Nearby~~Georgia O'Keeffe as Icon" edited by Christopher Merrill and Ellen Bradbury ...or any book on the life of this artist! Another one is "Georgia Becoming O'Keeffe."

The Ranch has an extensive library where you can borrow books while there--also a computer in the library to use.

FINALLY...and TOTALLY optional: We love to paint and have a munch time after dinner (Sometimes before dinner!). Bring something to share! Cheese, crackers, chocolate, etc. We have a refrigerator in our workroom. Also bring what you prefer to drink with these snacks. There is a Trader Joe's in Santa Fe and we usually meet up in the parking lot there, load up on yummies and then caravan up to Bode's General Store in Abiquiu for lunch. Then, we are off to the Ranch! 

BE PREPARED TO HAVE FUN!!

For those who fly...this is from the FAA:

"Watercolors, acrylics, pigments and most artist oil paints

Quantity limits: none

Artist paints that are nonflammable and are not regulated by the FAA and may be carried in Carry On or Checked baggage. For transportation purposes, "Non Flammable" paints are those with a flashpoint above 140 F degrees/60 C degrees. The flashpoint is listed on a product's material safety data sheet (MSDA). Section 14 of the MSDA will also indicate the product is regulated for transportation. The MSDS is usually available only from the vendor or manufacturer. Some artist paints such as alkyl gels, polyurethanes and varnishes can be flammable (flashpoint at or below temps listed above). Flammable paint products may not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. Paint thinners, turpentine and brush cleaners are flammable liquids and may not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. Aerosols paint products use a flammable propellant and may not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. Liquids, pastes and gels in carry-on baggage are further limited to 100-ml (3.4 oz) containers at the TSA security checkpoint.