Question:
What are big Conventions like?
Selecting Classes
Class selection can be a daunting task but it need not be if you follow some basic criteria. First, see the trip as a financial investment so you are going to learn. Choose classes dealing with subjects, tchniques or styles you have not done before. Secondly, you need to be able to transport pieces, so be sure you keep in mind your ability to travel with large items. next you might consider he cost of the piece. Is it within your budget? next on the list might be the teaching artist. What is their reputation for delivering quality classes? (generally the selection process of the organisers will help with this one) Finally you might consider what you will do with the piece once it is done...do you have a place for it at home or will it become a gift for someone? Run through the list of options many times before making your final selection, and remember that the pisture you see often do not do justice to the actual pice in real life. Finally, that piece that you don'y like very much could in fact be the best piece of learning you do, so look for what you will learn from rather than just what you like.
Getting it home
What if the item(s) you buy is too big, too heavy, too much for you to fit into your case to get home? We need a plan here! OK…some conventions offer a shipping booth, some suppliers will be able to send you your purchases, and hotels will most likely arrange shipping for you. These are all quite expensive alternatives. You could do your own mailing if you have the time and find yourself able to locate postal services you usually use. If this is the case, and will be your choice, be sure to take in your suitcase a cardboard box folded flat, labeled and ready to send home. Now when it comes to what to put in it…remember the things you think you can do away with…post home your dirty clothes in a bag, add to that completed rolls of film that need developing, a couple of those items you really didn't need to bring anyway and anything you are finished with. Use this box for something you can't fit in your case or carry on the plane and tuck these other smaller items in and around it. When it comes to using the shipping services…be very wary! I have heard consistently they are quite expensive. So…remember what I have said at the outset…pack the bare minimum leaving plenty of room for your paintings and purchases!
Carrying the 'stuff' around
One of the hardest things is lugging around your brushes and painting equipment. Hunt for a suitcase with a handle and wheels so you don't have to carry it all…or one of those boxes on wheels will do. If you are flying and only want one case get a case trolley and a collapsible box…one that will fit in your big case and come out for use when you get there.
Check with the event organisers regarding rules for such carts/suitcases too.
Planning for a big Convention
Planning ahead inculdes registering your interest in a convention and taking time over the class selections. Sometimes this can be very daunting as you want to do everything. Consider your class selection carefully, add up the additional costs for pieces etc. Look into the options for accomodation. Perhaps there is someone you can share with? Consider also what meals are provided and what are not. You need to sit down and chart almost every hour for a big convention so you know what you are in for in terms of dollar coast and your energy levels. please also plan a few breaks too. your body and creative brain do need a rest! It pays to look into one of these before you comit to attend one so you have a chance to know what you are in for. Also keep in mind your travel costs. try setting a budget before you begin and stick to it.
What not to take
Your Mobile Phone! Please don't take your phone unless you really really have to! It is distracting to you and to the class if it rings....you are away luxuriating in painting for a weekend...don't spoil it with the mobile phone! make yourself off limits for a few days!
Shopping: the bag
First of all lets make sure you have a good bag to carry around. Be sure to take a very large, very light weight bag to carry all your purchases in. Make sure the handles are long enough and wide enough to go over your shoulder. Alternatively, and even better for your back, get a backpack.
There is I believe a rule that there are to be NO strollers or luggage racks on the trade floor. So using a cart type shopper may not be possible. Why not phone the Convention organisers and ask? If you can't use one of these then be sure to use the check-in area, if the convention has one. It will save your back and shoulders and will see things are reasonably safe while you do more shopping!
You also need to keep your money handy and safe. Use a bum bag. This wraps around your waist and allow you enough room for cash, credit card and maybe some personal ID. Secure your handbag and the rest of your purse with your hotel. (Ask them about what they can offer you here. Don't just leave it in your room!) Just take the minimum!
Big conventions
Although I haven't been to one of these myself I drool over the offerings and wish I could be there. Plan ahead for accommodation and save your money all year for this one big event you are going to attend! I believe it is very worthwhile! A bit like being at the mecca of decorative painting! There are loads of classes to pick from, in all styles and levels and a huge trade floor to visit as well.
Principles for travelling
Firstly you need to think compact and minimum. It will be full and at maximum by the time you come home! While it is tempting to bring all your brushes, stop and think for a minute. How about just the ones on the requirements list and then add your favourites that are not included on those lists? Leave it at that! It might also be tempting to have all your makeup, more clothes and shoes than you need and lots of other stuff. Stop and think again! Where are your priorities? You are not going to a fashion show, or away for 10 days! This is a weekend painting convention. It requires comfy loose fitting clothes, comfy sensible shoes, and minimum makeup. You might require one good outfit if there is a gala event you are attending such as a dinner. But that is it…one good outfit only! You need lots of room for your painted pieces and shopping purchases!
Trade floor Shopping
A trade floor is a big shopping centre for decorative artists! All sorts of traders set up stands and you spend yur spare time browsing and shopping. If there is a trade floor or 'marketplace' at the convention you are attending be sure to have saved extra money!
Packing
When you pack to go away for a weekend painting keep you personals to a minimum and your supplies to what is needed. A small bag should provide you with enough underwear and changes of clothes suitable for painting and your personal items. A larger bag will do for the painting gear. A very large bag would manage both, but make life a bit difficult for traversing from accomodation to class. So...plan on two bags. The painting bag needs to carry your brushes and supplies as required by the class you attend and your piece. eventually it shold carry all your gear home for you too. I have seen some innovative transports for portable studios. The best I think is the suitcase on wheels with a pull handle. You can build a wooden framework of shelves into this and have a little office of brushes, graphite, paint etc. Make sure there are some old pillow slips in their to protect your projects in travel too.
Things to take
Apron, brush basin, brush cleaner (Very important!) your other favourite brushes (besides what is listed) Disposable palette and wet palette – this cover both the wet and dry palettes! Don't forget the extra palette paper or wrap for your wet palette. Ruler, pencil and rubber, chalk pencils, pencil sharpener, stylus, scissors, graphite paper (all colours) sandpaper, sanding pad, cotton tips, magic tape, palette knife and paper towel. A mist spray bottle will help if it is warm and your paint is drying too fast. An old towel is useful for placing under your work, and pillow slips make great bags for carrying your new work home.
Folk Art Frequently Asked Questions
What are big Conventions like?
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What is the best glass paint for opaque painting?
How can I store lots of paint?
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What tools should I put in my tool box?
What is a good data base program?
What lighting do you recomend for the studio?
What is a good way to store brushes?
Can I substitute different brands of paint?
How do I convert colour from one brand to another?
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How do I improve my student numbers?
Is there a conversion guide for 1837 legacy paint?
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What should I take to Convention?
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How do I manage kids and painting?
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What are some tips for Time Management?
What is a quick and easy project surface?
What if the pattern doesnīt fit?
How can I keep track of my paint?
Where can I find pattern ideas?
What kinds of paint should I have for the kids?
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Is there a book with lightbulb ornaments in it?
What can I use for woodfiller?
Where can I get lessons in Rosemaling?
Should I worry about ridges in my painting?
Why should I trace a pattern out?
What do you suggest for shopping tips?
Where can I shop for a bargain?
How do I select convention classes?
What should I give the kids to paint on?
How can I organise my magazines and packets?
How can I store so much stuff?
What do I need to trace designs with?
What do you suggest for luggage at a convention?
What makes a quality pattern packet?
What is a good way to store paints.
What is wrong with my crackle?
Help! My graphite lines donīt show!
What wood pieces can I give kids to paint on?
What can I expect from a studio?
Where can I get support and information?
I am having trouble seeing where the light source is.
Where do I get conversions from ?
What is a good way to store paints.
What important tools should I have?
How can I hold small items for painting?
Can I paint on my regular dinner ware?
What sorts of shelves should I put in my studio?
What if my purchases are too big?
Where do I find supplies in the UK?
Is the a list of personal things I should take to convention?
Where do I find supplies in Australia?
Should I give the kids cheap paint?
What should I look for in a teacher?
What should I expect from a class?
What sort of studio should I have?
How can I draw circles quickly?
painting borders, using arm and shoulder, not hand
How do I get paint off my clothes?
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How do I paint on terra cotta pots?
What costs are involved in a big convention?
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What are big Conventions like?
Where can I sell things on line?
Where should I put my painting table?
Who makes artist quality acrylic paint?
How do I get Colour swatches in my TCS software?
Is white a good background for photoīs?
How should I Advertise my Business?
How do I load a rake or comb brush for fur?
How do I use a rake or comb brush?
How do I transport my gear for classes?
I need some ideas for small designs
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Is a painted surface food safe?
What will make painting lace easier?
What furniture should I have in the Studio?
How can I learn more about brushes?
What should be kept at the painting table?
Where can I find information on Aboriginal Art?
Where can I find information on Aboriginal Art?
What is wrong with my glass paint?
What is a double loaded flat brush?
What personal things will I need for a convention?
What is pemenamel Surface conditioner?
What do you recomend for brush Cleaning?
How do I paint on a floorcloth?
What pen do you suggest I use for pen and Wash techniques?
What will make a good noticeboard?
Is there a Society in New Zealand?
How can I clean my brush basin?
What is the best way to manage the paperwork?
What varnish should I use for heat resistence?
What do I do if my graphite wonīt show?
What should I not take to convention?
How do I prepare papier mache?
Is the any easy place to find a glossary?
Can I use a pen for fine lines?
How do I stop pieces from rolling away?
Why do I have trouble searching for Folk Art sites?
What mailing list should I join?
What should a mail out include?
Where will I find a Guild or Society?
How do I keep fabric painting nice?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Sheri Ann Richerson |
