Pastels and Natural Light

For those staying at the Field Campus, plan to arrive on Sunday to settle in to your accommodations. We can get acquainted that evening during and after dinner. Class proper begins the following morning at 8:30 a.m. Class ends mid-day on Friday.

Art supplies

Please note that if you have materials and a setup you are comfortable with, you are welcome to use that. It is important that you be reasonably familiar with your gear, and that you are able to carry it for up to a half mile or so. For those that need a simple field kit, study the list below, and pick up the items you need. Keep it portable. You'll have more choices outdoors if you're able (and willing) to hike a short distance to find the best view. Having the right equipment will make a difference.

• Pastels: I use a variety of soft pastels that are compatible with each other, Primarily Terry Ludwig, and Blue Earth, with some Unison, and Mt. Vision. Most mid-size set of landscape colors (except half-stick Sennelier) will be a good starting point. Bring as many colors as you are comfortable hiking a short distance with. You can always leave some in camp.
• Paper: Canson Paper cut into quarters of the original sheet size, so roughly 9 x 12" Some useful colors for atmosphere and water are Moonstone, Dawn Pink, Flannel, Ivy, Tobacco, and Pearl Grey.  I do vary my choice according to location and lighting conditions.
• 11 x 14 pad of tracing paper: This is a simple way to store your finished pastels, as well as your blank sheets of paper.
• 11 x 14 sheet of 1/4' foam core, or lightweight wood panel. If you use wood, you can cover the wood with a sheet of Canson to use as a slight cushion behind your artwork.
• Binder clips: You'll want at least 2 clips to mount paper on the foam core, or to clip your pad and foam core together.
• Drafting tape: 1/4" tape to tack down any loose ends of paper in a breeze.
• Sketchbook: Any small ring bound sketchbook in the 8.5 x 5.5 size is recommended for compositional studies and notes.
• Black or Indigo blue Prismacolor Pencil(s)
• Easel: A portable easel. There are a variety of these available, the classic wooden julian easel (full or half), the Soltek, as well as a variety of pochade type boxes that mount on tripods such as the Versa by Artwork Essentials , and the models available from www.allinoneeasel.com. I am currently using a Heilman Backpack easel that is mounted on a tripod. (www.heilmandesigns.com)
• You can see a breakdown of my setup here: http://billcone.blogspot.com/2015/02/
• Umbrella: Shade is an essential component of working outdoors in order to balance and control the light on your artwork as well as your palette. The one I have used for many years the ‘Best Bella’, is no longer being made, so you’ll have to shop around.
• Wet wipes: A small pack of these is helpful to keep your fingers clean while you work, as well as at the end of a session.
• Folding Stool: This is optional. For years I worked sitting down, with a board in my lap, and my pastels on the ground. I am currently using an easel, but prefer the option of sitting or standing while I work. There are several models available from REI that are quite portable. And there’s always the option of sitting on the ground!

Camping gear if you are staying on campus:

• tent and sleeping pad (unless you are staying in our tent with a cot provided)
• warm sleeping bag
• pillow, toiletries, and towel
• flashlight and lantern
• alarm clock

Field gear for everyone:

• day pack
• sunscreen
• insect repellant
• water bottles
• plastic containers for packed lunches
• sense of humor

You might also want to bring:

• camera
• binoculars
• hand lens
• camp chair

Clothing:

The weather in the Sierra Nevada can vary greatly, even in a single day. Be prepared for chilly temperatures at night, even below freezing early in the summer. Rain is a possibility any time, whether forecast or not. Variable weather clothing that can be layered is best: long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, warm sweater and jacket, t-shirt and shorts or skirt, sturdy shoes or hiking boots, sun hat, rain gear, and a warm hat or gloves for cold weather and/or night activities. And, if you come later in the season, bring your swimsuit for afternoon dips in the lakes!