Oil Colors Following are the colors I use on my palette. If you are just starting out with oil painting, you might want to buy the new type of paint that is water soluble. That way you don’t have to worry about using turpentine. It is so much easier to clean up! Or you might like to use Griffin Alkyd, a fast drying oil paint. I use Classic and Gamblin regular oil colors and alkyd white. Most of the Transparent colors are available by Gamblin, I order mainly by mail order because it is readily available and less expensive. ASW and Jerry’s are the best.

Cadmium Yellow Light*
Cadmium Yellow Medium*
Cadmium Yellow Deep*
Transparent Orange-----(Gamblin)
Indian Yellow
Cadmium Red Light*
Permanent Rose
Alizarin Crimson*
Permanent Magenta*
Mauve Blue Shade-----(Winsor Newton)
Ultramarine Blue*
Cerulean Blue*
Transparent Earth Red-----(Gamblin)
Transparent Earth Yellow-----(Gamblin)
Ivory Black (mix with the yellows to make green)
Titanium White* (a large tubes since you use a lot of white)

The colors with the (*) are required. All other colors are available at Jerry's or ASW if you are planning to get them.

Recommended Reading We follow the method of teaching that has been taught at the Cape Cod School of Art for the past 100 years. I highly recommend you read “Painting the Impressionist Landscape” by Lois Griffel because it explains the entire process and you will be more familiar with what we are doing before you get here. I also recommend you study the value chart on page 53 of the book and make your own before attending the workshop. Most people who have trouble with this learning process do not understand values or color temperatures.

Brushes and Palette Knives You will do the majority of your painting with a palette knife. I recommend using nothing smaller than a 2” knife; pointed and flexible. You will only need one size 2 and 6 or size 8 hog bristle brush to block in your work. I recommend either flats or filberts. If you are painting with water soluble oil you will need synthetic bristle brushes like those used for acrylic or watercolor. I have palette knives if you are in doubt about what to purchase.

Drawing Pencil I use a light blue pastel pencil or watercolor pencil to do any sketching on my painting surface. This type of pencil will blend in to the paint and not dirty up the colors. Don’t forget your sharpener.

Painting Surfaces I paint on gessoed Masonite or gessoed birch plywood (luan). Or you can use canvas on masinite. Good quality canvas board is also available. A regular stretched canvas is very hard to paint on outside unless you back it up with something because the light shows through the canvas. For plein-air oil painting, keep your work small; 6”x8”, 8”x10”, or 9”x12” are all good sizes. (Please do not bring larger sizes.) You will need ten panels.

Pastels You can never have enough pastels; 2000 would be a good number. However, they are expensive and you don’t need that many for a painting trip. You will need
•at least the equivalent of the Rembrandt 90-piece soft pastel set (this is the absolute minimum)
• the 225-piece Rembrandt set is better
• Nu-Pastel 96-piece set hard pastels (sharpen end with razor blade
• razor blades
• hair spray - aerosol
• pastel pencil for sketching
• sanded pastel paper is preferable Wallis and Art Specrtrum are both good (make sure half of your sheets are          white and cut sheets to 12x18 and 9x12 sizes before arriving at the workshop.
• lightweight board to attach paper to
• drafting tape
• small bottle of odorless paint thinner
• small bottle of rubbing alcohol and a small flat container with lid to put it in.
• 1” all purpose bristle painting brush from hardware store

Easels We now manufacture our own line of easel systems. I have used the Half size Jullian French Easel, and find it is great. The Full Size is too heavy. One big advantage it has over a fold up aluminum easel is the weight. On windy days, the light weight easels will blow over. In addition, it holds all of my painting supplies and my palette box rests on top. Most people who try to take up plein air painting with less of a set-up find themselves defeated before they begin. If you are planning a life as a plein-air painter, don’t buy a cheap French Easel. They fall apart very fast. Just remember you get what you pay for.

Miscellaneous Supplies

Tote Bag a canvas bag large enough to hold all your supplies is ideal.

Paper Towels Any paper towel can be used, however, the better quality, the longer you can use one sheet. I always use Bounty. I use a 2 ft. bungie cord to attached my paper towels to my easel.

Litter A used grocery store bags can be tied to your easel when painting to hold used paper towels, cigarette butts, etc. A small jar with turpentine or water for cleaning brushes is required.

Mirror I always carry a small hand mirror so I can view my work in reverse while on location. This helps find errors, including poor color choices.

Painting Clothes It is a good idea to wear neutral colored clothing while painting outside. Bright colors and white will reflect into your wet painting and make color mixing difficult. Gray and navy blue are both good choices. Please do not wear your good clothes to paint in; you will regret it.

The Elements! Beware of the sun. Always use sun screen and ALWAYS paint with a hat on. The hat is very important because it keeps down the glare and makes seeing much easier. A broad brim with no holes will do that job. It also keep the sun away from your face. Be sure to take along insect repellent, if you don’t have it, you are sure to need it. And, be prepared for all types of weather. I always have a lightweight wind breaker and a sweatshirt in my painting bag.

Umbrella An umbrella can be affixed to your easel to keep the sun off you work and off you. I normally do not use one.

Camera I always take my camera when I paint on location. Once I decide what I a going to paint, I take a reference shot to use in case I don’t finish my work and I don’t make it back to that location. That way, I can finish the work in the studio if necessary.

Always take plenty to drink while out painting. It doesn’t take too long before you need to quench your thirst!