Here are some packing suggestions for you for a painting trip to Italy. Of course these are only suggestions. If you come up with a packing system which suits you better, go with it!
Please see all the attached photos
One important thing is the labeling of your paints as follows, with a container which is easily opened and properly labeled in Italian and English (see photos).
There wasn’t a single tube of paint confiscated from any of my students from my previous courses in France.
I wanted to show you some photos of the plastic food container which I’m going to use to pack my paints in. It’s pretty rigid plastic so it won’t get squashed. I like the idea of it being transparent because if the TSA can see what’s inside they hopefully won’t feel compelled to open it up. I’m also going to tape the package shut…rubber bands are also a good option.
It’s also important to label the container so the TSA (transportation safety authority) will know that your paints aren’t flammable, which of course isn’t allowed.
*I’m going to provide thinner for all of you so no need to bring your own unless you want to bring some soy based or natural non-flammable solvent of your own*
Please label the paint package as followed in English and Italian;
All tubes are artist’s colors in vegetable oil
Tutti i tubetti contengono colori per artisti in olio vegetale.
I’m going to pack all my materials in the medium sized backpack (pictured) and then the backpack will go into my larger suitcase with my clothes, etc. This will keep your materials separate from your clothes just in case a tube of paint opens…which won’t happen, but just in case!
**The reason for having the backpack will be so you can load all your days materials and have them comfortably on your back and have your hands free to aid you while you hike and explore the area around the villa. Another important reason for having your materials contained inside a backpack is to prevent oil paint from getting into the chateau and staining the walls, furniture, etc. It’s a preventative measure to protect the villa which I’d like everyone to follow.
I’m going to pack my wooden pochade box in my carry on luggage so it doesn’t get smashed by the luggage handlers (see photo of pochade box in my carry on bag) Everything else including my tripod will go in the backpack and checked in luggage.
One question which I’ve been asked is how many panels to bring. I recommend bringing at least 10-14 panels of varying sizes. You may want the majority of them to be of the size of your panel carrier but bring some smaller ones too which you can carry back from the field in your hand.
The lightest panels which I recently discovered is 1/4 inch “Gatorboard” sold in 30 x 40 inch (and larger) sheets in most quality art stores. It’s basically very rigid foam core which you can gesso with 3 coats of good gesso such as Liquitex. You can then easily cut it to your desired sizes with a utility razor knife….they are virtually weightless!
Also note my gouache set (can be a set of 10 -12 colors too), plastic palette, brushes and small pad of watercolor paper which is on the materials list…this is in case it’s raining in which case we’ll be painting the beautiful views from the chateau windows…NO oil paints are allowed in the chateau …or I’ll end up chained in the chateau’s dungeon until I perish!
**Please bring a 4 x 5 foot lightweight drop cloth with you. This is to protect any areas on the site that need protection from any paint spills.
Please let me know if you have any questions whatsoever regarding the materials or the trip.