INSOMANIA - Official Equipment and Materials Suggestions List

[Layil]

Once again, the Workshop is upon us...

As during previous Workshops, we will be featuring both Traditional and Digital Demonstrations, so many of you will want to try a bit of both.

Below I've listed suggestions on different materials you may want to bring along. These are things people have brought previously and are compatible with the demonstrations. We encourage you to not only watch, but to participate along side the instructors, which will be interactive in their presentations and willing to do critiques. The Workshop is not a passive experience. Come prepared.

BASICS

-a sketchbook (or two): something comfortable to draw in, best at least 8.5x11
-a notebook: small enough to carry around, comfortable to take notes in. there will be lots!
-pencils: mechanical or wooden, in various hardnesses, extra leads, a sharpener and erasers, (kneaded and nylon ones.)
-pens: Ink brush pens, fine tip ball points, old fashioned ink and quill pens with various tips, markers, anything that catches your eye that you want to experiment with. Oh, and something to write with, of course!
-a digital camera: to capture all those memories, you’ll be sorry if you don’t bring one!
-a flashlight: its gonna be dark during the digital demos, so youll want a light to take notes with. a little LED clipped to your belt should do nicely...


DIGITAL

-A Laptop, power cords, wifi card, power strips (extra plugs),
-Wacom tablet and pen.
-Flash or Pen drive for easy file swapping. (brush sets, art PSDs, pics, etc)
-Programs: Adobe Photoshop CS2 and Corel Painter 9 (or newest versions you can get)


TRADITIONAL (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=80402)

DRAWING:
-a pad of charcoal paper or loose sheets of Canson-style pastel paper. (Newsprint and boards will be provided for gesture drawing)
- Charcoal pencils and pieces in various grades (hard to soft), vine and compressed.
- Kneaded erasers, chamois cloths, smudging sticks (optional)

OIL PAINTING:

Oils come in various qualities, from student grade to professional.
If this is your first time painting, get cheap paints to start, in limited colors.
If you’re already into painting, it’s worth it to invest in better quality paint, it WILL make it easier to work!

MUST HAVE ("if you ever wanna be an oil painter"):
Titanium white OR flake white
Yellow Ochre
Venetian Red OR Indian Red
Blue Black OR Paynes Grey

OPTIONAL ("to amplify the badassness of your paintings") :
Burnt Sienna
Burnt Umber
Raw Umber
Raw Sienna
Naples Yello
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Turquoise
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Crimson

BRUSHES:
Assortment of sizes from small detail to large-
3 or 4 will do for basics
flats, filberts or rounds, your pick

MEDIUM:
Refined Linseed Oil

OTHER:
Palette, medium cups, turpenoid (buy in montreal)
Rags or papertowels
French Easel box or cheapo travel easel and supply box
Gessoed Masonite, canvas board, stretched canvas or heavy paper with back support


NOTES:
1. taking painting kits on airplanes is a pain in the ass, but not impossible...
we recommend taking the paint and mediums and checking them, and taking the empty kit on the plane with you-
buy the turpenoid in San Francisco, taking flammeables on planes is a BAD idea
if customs gives you grief, tell em its a "art kit"- nice n vague.... no mention of "oils" or "paints", cause the ignoramuses think that means "bomb."

2. No, you dont have to buy all of the above, bring what you think you can comfortably carry and will want to use. sketchbooks are a MUST!

3. we have had issues with theft at previous events, but over all, your stuff should be safe if you keep an eye on it and a bit of common sense about you. You should be safe bringing expensive gear along as long as you dont leave it lying about screaming to get knicked.

Am I missing anything?

See ya at INSOMANIA (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=77821)!!!!

[Unbreakable]

Thank you, Layil.

[Frank Wade]

Way to be.
Thanks :)

[joelhinxman]

sweet good to know.

for mediums should we bring anything like liquin or an alkyd so our paint drys faster.

also under notes every thing says montreal ;)

[silvestri99]

thanks for the heads up! Going to have to consider the oils although I've never worked with them before.......

[Layil]

joelhinxman: oops, good catch, lemme fix that.
yes, you can bring dryer for your oil paints if you want. might make the trip home easier....
:)

[timpaatkins]

Great! Thansk Layil. I was wondering if any of the more well aquainted oilpainters on the board could maybe write down what they consider to be essential on the pallet, and why? It would be a great help to us newbies! Any tips that have come with years of experience!

Cheers
Tim

[archnemesis dbal]

For laptops, will we need to bring extension cords or will there be adequate room for standard laptop power cords?

[Layil]

timpaatkins: look above, there is an Essentials Oils section in the list. this was compiled by our painter crew for the last workshop, the same info applies this time.

OIL PAINTING:

Oils come in various qualities, from student grade to professional.
If this is your first time painting, get cheap paints to start, in limited colors.
If you’re already into painting, it’s worth it to invest in better quality paint, it WILL make it easier to work!

MUST HAVE ("if you ever wanna be an oil painter"):
Titanium white OR flake white
Yellow Ochre
Venetian Red OR Indian Red
Blue Black OR Paynes Grey

OPTIONAL ("to amplify the badassness of your paintings") :
Burnt Sienna
Burnt Umber
Raw Umber
Raw Sienna
Naples Yello
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Turquoise
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Crimson

archnemesis dbal: dont bring industrial power cords, but if you have one of those wound up extensions, that might be good, or a surge protector/powerstrip with a decent cord length will do to.

We learned from the last workshop and this time there will be free tables with power outlets set up for people to rock their laptops. :)

[Idiot Apathy]

I'm curious - I'd rather concentrate on what others are doing than work on things myself, it's not often I get to see too many other artists do their thing here in Utah let alone good artists you know? I learn so much from 'osmosis' and observation.

Am I making a big mistake? I am planning on taking a smaller sketchbook and simple supplies, but don't plan on using them too much.

[Layil]

nope, thats cool too... most people are happy just bringing a sketchbook to their first workshop... repeat customers often bring more gear, since theyve done the passive observational thing already and are itching to get their hands dirty.

that said DO bring some art stuff, a sketchbook at least, since post demos, you WILL be wanting to try out some of the stuff youve been watching, and participate in the workshop thunderdome, of course!

there will be life drawing also, where the instructors can give you real time feedback on your art and correct mistakes you may be making...

bring what you think youll want. you can alway buy more stuff later or borrow some gear from other attendees if you wanna try something new.

:)

[Idiot Apathy]

Thank you Layil :)

[Interceptor]

I'm curious - I'd rather concentrate on what others are doing than work on things myself, it's not often I get to see too many other artists do their thing here in Utah let alone good artists you know? I learn so much from 'osmosis' and observation.

Am I making a big mistake? I am planning on taking a smaller sketchbook and simple supplies, but don't plan on using them too much.

Don't forget that after each day, you'll be back at the hostel, or before / after the workshop you'll be out on the town. All that inspiration might make you want to have something a little bigger to work in.

[Idiot Apathy]

Thanks Loren, I'm such a putz. I've only just begun to use one of these pencil things...

[robinchyo]

I've been wondering if there's going to be some desks/tables/chairs available for the people bringing in their laptops?

[joelhinxman]

for easels would a table top easel work or does it need to be a full standing ealse

[Layil]

we will have some tables available for people to work on, and there will be some easels and horses for drawing, but if you have a portable easel or painting box, bring that too...

joelhinxman: you can bring a tabletop, but it might restrict you in where you can sit because there will be more easels than tables.

[55 with a bullet]

hi layil, do you have any suggestions on where we can store our oil supplies? Will there be any lockers or such? Would running back and forth from a car cause us to miss out too much on the lectures?

and as a side question.. if we are travelling by car into sf, from around sf, do you have any suggestions on parking lots and if there are any places to just leave a car for multiple nights?

thanks!!

[Main Loop]

might not wanna buy your turpenoid in montreal for this workshop

[Burnt]

i'm for sure gonna bring a sponge to clean up my face after it melts from the awesomeness

[Mike Dutton]

What kind of chairs are going to be set up? The standard folding chair? I'm wondering if it's okay to bring my own camping fold-up type chair since I'm gettin' to that age where I need something comfy to sit in if it's going to be for any length of time, which is definitely the case here.

[Layil]

sure mike, thats fine.
we want you to be comfy.
:)

[Layil]

sure mike, thats fine.
we want you to be comfy.
:)

[alti]

ok power cords and adapters, i know countries have different standards. is this supported ? http://www.accesscomms.com.au/Products/K3745.htm
or do i need to go out and find some adaptor to this cord

[dan.man.86]

Thank you Layil for the much helpful post! This'll be my first workshop and I was very worried about what exactly I should bring.

This checklist will definitely help me narrow things down.

Although since it is a first time, I'm sure I'll be too awe-struck to realize half the stuff I brought :P

[silvestri99]

Another Material suggestion...watch the weather forcasts for the area. The water front can get windy and rainy that time of year. You may consider bringing a garbage sack to put everything in if you don't have another secure, dry way to move them around town. An umberlla may be another way to keep yourself dry, but it might not protect you stufz.

[vcoleman]

That is a very good point. Thanks for the reminder.[portal]

[Donovan V]

I just checked the average weather.

http://www.cityrating.com/cityweather.asp?city=Seattle

Average 41.3 degrees and raining in January? I'd say an umbrella may be in order. Also, anyone know if there will be a place to stash coats when at the event?

[Jason Manley]

who needs a coat? I'm wearing shorts!

We have to ask the venue about a coat room/coat check...for now, figure to keep it on you, worst case.


j

[Rabid]

ok power cords and adapters, i know countries have different standards. is this supported ? http://www.accesscomms.com.au/Products/K3745.htm
or do i need to go out and find some adaptor to this cord

Looks like the correct size that would work Alti ....I say "LOOKS"

[Jessica Hook]

ok power cords and adapters, i know countries have different standards. is this supported ? http://www.accesscomms.com.au/Products/K3745.htm
or do i need to go out and find some adaptor to this cord

Alti- I don't think that will work, you'll need to buy an adapter (http://www.goinginstyle.com/gis/Grounded-Adapter-Australia-to-USA-P2751.aspx). I don't think Rabid Peanut noticed that the top 2 prongs are actually diagonal (http://www.pco.com.au/axaa2008/plug.jpg), not parallel to each other. I was just in New Zealand and that's what the plugs looked like there (with the diagonal prongs).

USA plugs/outlets look like this: http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/0/0d/180px-Domestic_AC_Type_B_USA.jpg

[Calle_]

so you have the 3 holes? my stuff is usually japanese so I guess I need an adapter ? I wont really need a transformer right? here they run on something like 110V, hows about america?

[Thelonious]

So where is this workshop? Sorry, I'm new, and I'm following old mis-info on dates and location for a workshop called insomniac (2oo6), but tuition page says "see you in Florence in 07"

Current Workshops: Insomniac (2oo6)
Latest News: Insomniac (2oo6)

what and where is this thing--if it is actually a thing?
Please Help...anyone!

[Craig D]

Thelonius
see http://www.conceptart.org/workshop/ for the workshop site

On this site, see the stickies, http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=73

The current workshop is called Revelations and will be in Seattle in the beginning of Jan 2008

[Fvallejo]

Hey guys. I think I might be in a pickle. Hopefully someone can offer me some insight.

I'll be doing some painting (oil) at Revelations and since I am flying there and back.....what am I going to do once my paintings are done? I guess I could paint in acrylic or similar fast-drying media, but then I would have to package and mail the canvases back (and me and acrylic aren't seeing eye to eye right now...haha).....

Has anybody has this experience before? Because when guys like Sean Barber take trips and do paintings, the canvases have to go somewhere....

Any suggestions?

thanks!
happy holidays
-francis

[2100]

who needs a coat? I'm wearing shorts!

We have to ask the venue about a coat room/coat check...for now, figure to keep it on you, worst case.


j

How is that Coat Check looking, Mr Manley?

Fvallejo: When I need to move wet oil paintings from school to other places, we place them diagonally in a cardboard box or use special cases. But If you're desperate, you can coat a sheet of plastic with linseed oil and cover your painting, which limits the damage done to it during transport.

I was wondering about canvases though,
Question: How many canvases, and how big should they be? Can we buy canvases from the studio at the workshop?

[aaronmiller]

where can I find a stable for my pack mule?

this will be my first workshop, but i've got a few ideas for some of you with the same concerns as me.

i'm traveling to the even on a plane. then getting around town probably by taxi or whatnot.

so, as much as i'd love to mess around with oils i'm going to take a look around the local art store for final supplies but i'm sticking with travel friendly materials.

you might want to give oil sticks a shot and i think they make some pads of painting paper or almost canvas like stuff. remember, this is a workshop, you are coming to learn and not create your newest masterpiece. so, getting new materials to try should let you feel a little freer to try new things and not get caught up in doing your best work.

let's face it, if you needed to do your best work you'd be home in your studio.

i'm going to look at oil bars maybe, watercolor, maybe even those watercolor pencils, those sound fun.

some really think paper pads that you can use any medium on.

a really big backpack seems like a must to haul everything around. maybe one of those luggage carts will be a good idea.

i have a pleinaire easel, i'm going to see how i can cram everything into that. plus a laptop and wacom!!

i know i'm going to use one of the early design rules at some point.
K.I.S.S.

Keep It Simple Stupid.

See you guys there!

[Blue Severin]

I'm using water soluble oils and a quick drying medium, if you don't paint too thick, it's tacky in 24 hours, and you can pack it with wax paper.

[mrgrumble]

hey francis!
you could paint on coated mylar sheets ( which i find dry faster then canvas for some reason ) with some japan drier mixed in with your medium ( mabye galkyd/drying linseed oil ) and it should be crisp overnight. also, if you keep a heater next to the paintings they dry in no time! fans never help oils, but heat helps the medium evaporate quicker. if you do use the mylar sheets you could mount them on white foam core, be just like a gesso surface kinda. then roll up the mylar easily or keep it sorted in a larger sketchbook.
hope that helps a bit mabye?
in any case, im jealous you all get to go! learn for me :)
tim

*oh but as far as having those mediums on the plane or in your luggage...beats me! say it's vegetable oil? last time i took a plane trip anywhere i was stuck in heathrow airport for 24 hours without even a pencil or sketchbook! all thanks to my flight from scotland arriving an hour after they caught the 'waterbomb' terrorists heading to the US. buhghghgg that was hirroble. lets hope noone has to deal with anything like that!

[Ray of the Dead]

any of you folks that have traveled with oils before, do you think it would be alright if i just filled my french easel with my paints, brushes, and other chemicals and just duct tape it shut and put a tag on it and check it. Or is that going to constitute a suspicious package, otherwise how should i do it?

[Craig D]

Do NOT take any turpentine, OMS, liquin, turpenoid etc. on the plane in your luggage or in your carryon. Just bring your paints and have a copy of the MSDS sheets in your luggage in with your paint. MSDS sheets are available on the manufacturers websites.

When you get to Seattle hike over to the art store and get what you need.

[Ray of the Dead]

cool man, thanks. now the MSDS sheets, is this something I present or just keep it in with the paints so they get it if they need to open it?

[Craig D]

Just keep the sheets in your luggage in with your paints.
Make sure your paints are in sealed bags (ziplock or similar).
If they leak or burst you'll be glad you did.

[Ray of the Dead]

cool thanks

[Rabid]

Alti- I don't think that will work, you'll need to buy an adapter (http://www.goinginstyle.com/gis/Grounded-Adapter-Australia-to-USA-P2751.aspx). I don't think Rabid Peanut noticed that the top 2 prongs are actually diagonal (http://www.pco.com.au/axaa2008/plug.jpg), not parallel to each other. I was just in New Zealand and that's what the plugs looked like there (with the diagonal prongs).

USA plugs/outlets look like this: http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/0/0d/180px-Domestic_AC_Type_B_USA.jpg

No I didn't notice that Yumiko. Thanks for catching that!

I'll be bringing some fetal skulls with me as well for still life exercises I'm in the middle of. I'll offer them as props for the long model pieces too if anyone is interested! Is this encouraged?