Colour!

Have you started to think about packing your art supplies? You will want to bring lots of fresh colour to capture the amazing French countryside. 

Large tubes of paint are better value and there won't be a concern about running out of your favourites, but generally the smaller tubes will be adequate and are certainly lighter!  My preference is Holbein Watercolour, but bring your choice of manufacturer. Remember that Artist's Quality generally gives better results.

I have included pigment code for substituting manufacturer.

Transparent Non-Staining Pigments: Cobalt Blue (PB14), Burnt Sienna (Pbr7), Raw Sienna (Pbr7 or may contain (PY43)

Transparent Staining Pigments: Marine Blue (Phthalo Blue PB15), Bamboo Green (Phthalo Green PG36), Rose Violet (Quinacridone Violet PV19)

Opaque Sedimentary Pigments: Cobalt Turquoise (PB28) or Cerulean Blue (PB35), French Ultramarine Deep PB29), Cadmium Yellow Orange (PR108), Vermillion (PR108) or Cadmium Red (PR108)

*colours that are used only occasionally: Holbein Leaf Green (PY 154, PG7), Cad Yellow (PY37), Cobalt Violet LT (PV14), Shadow Green (PBl31)

Extras...Here are a few opaque colours that are fun to try but don't purchase especially for this trip, just bring what you might have or add your "can't live without" favorites. 

Holbein Jaune Brilliant 1&2, Holbein Blue-grey, American Journey Blue Stone, Sag Harbor, Costal Fog, Coffee w Cream, Olive Green, Sour Lemon, Holbein Acrylic Gouache Ivory and Peach. 

Now is a great time to "top up" the wells of your travel palette with fresh paint and leave the lid open to allow them to solidify.

You will need to also pack fresh tubes to replenish the supply, so when you are at the art supply store or checking out on-line supplies be sure to peruse the palette department. 

I reccomend the Heritage folding palette! You will find it at a number of sources such as: http://www.cheapjoes.com/art-supplies/5555_heritage-folding-palettes.asp

The smallest one was my favorite travel partner, but I have recently picked up one of the larger models. To modify it for mixing paints I have spray painted the interior surface with white "Patio Furniture paint". I will post a pix soon!