52 WEEKS Set-up

I love getting little peaks into artists' studios so I thought I would share my set-up for this year's 52 WEEKS project.  One of my absolute favorite items in my studio is one that doesn't always stay in the studio, but is rather a bit of a studio-in-a-box...my Judsons Art Outfitters pochade.  They make them a little differently than they did years ago which means less storage but also means that the boxes are lighter and easier for travel.  This box has travelled far and wide through the mountains and across the prairies and it's kind of interesting that after all these years I am finally embracing 6x8 inch panels that store perfectly in this box (it can hold four wet panels at one time).  It's so great to set onto a table, in my lap, hold in my hand (there is a thumb hole) or attach to a tripod.  Along with the pochade, I am using Winsor & Newton water miscible oils along with Gamblin Cold Wax Medium in order to create that luscious texture.  This year's project is all about working alla prima, which means that I need to finish each piece in one sitting so that I work wet-on-wet, not allowing the paint to dry between stages.  I always find this method of working fascinating and very fun, especially since I plan to complete some of the works this year en plein air (painting outdoors).  With the cold snap we've experienced this past month, though, these days I am extremely happy to work from my photos in the studio.  If there are any questions, please feel free to email or leave a comment!