Merle Plagge Supply List for Abstract/Experimental Workshops

Following are the basic supplies you will need to purchase if you don't have them already. And other supplies you might have which may be useful. I will have plenty of special supplies like artificial spider web, Kerlix and balloons and rubber bands, etc. so I've not even listed them here. Also Yupo will be available for purchase if necessary

Paper
YUPO plan on about 3 to 5 sheets total for the three days, preferably 20x 26" medium weight.  Watercolor paper (140 or 300 lb CP or HP- we will use a couple of the watercolor sheets is desirable. Bring at least 3 failed paintings that you are ready to throw away--quarter sheet size is best. .

Supports:
You will need at least two supports for the above paper. I use 1" or 3/4" pink or blue insulation board.  It's light, cheap and doesn't warp (with some reservations) Purchase at Home Depot or Lowes. You can get four boards big enough for the full sheet of water color paper from one piece of insulation board. It will cut easily with a sharp knife. Old pieces of plexiglas work well also. Wooden boards don't work as well because of the wetness with subsequent warping. Your board must be and remain flat.

Paints.
Acrylic paint, watercolor paint and Inks (see discussion following.)

            There are all sorts of acrylic inks. Basically you will need a medium viscosity ink (FW, Speedball) and a very low viscosity one like Dr. Martin's Bombay India Ink or Tech Ink .(Some of the Tech Inks are not waterproof, so I prefer the India Inks.) I suggest you get at least the three primary colors in the medium viscosity ones, and black, a bright red and blue (teal or marine) in the very low viscosity ones.  
          Other acrylic paints (fluid acrylics) generally work well if diluted with water, but this  requires another bottle to hold the diluted paint. Diluting them also changes their appearance from somewhat glossy to matte appearance, but this may be a desirable change. The advantage of these is the wide color choices available. Bring any inks, fluid acrylic paints or mediums you might have.  We will use some of the fluid acrylics undiluted also.

Other supplies
Gesso, at least white, but brown and black may be useful also, if you have them--don't purchase just for this workshop.
Tube Watercolor paints
Rubber gloves -- it can get messy and the toxicity of many of these chemicals is not known.
Brushes - old w/c brushes or acrylic brushes. A 2" and 1" flat, and a small and medium round.
Old plastic containers with lids (the lids make great palettes), as water and ink containers.
Paper towels and box of tissue.
Wax paper and Glad Press'n Seal or Con-Tact clear shelf liner. Non-stick fabric applique sheet and glue gun
You may want your watercolor palette and/or tube watercolor paint.
Windex or isopropyl alcohol in spray bottle.
Water spray bottle.
Hopelessly ruined watercolor or acrylic paintings 11 x 15" or larger. Other supplies if you have them. Don't purchase just for this workshop. You can purchase these later after you are totally hooked on making this kind of art. I will have some of these special items available for use at the workshop.
    Atomizers and/or Spray bottles, plastic bottles.
    Old pieces of paper or matboard, as well as newspaper (to sop up messes).
    Masking tape, canned air, funky yarn

Special Supplies and Notes for Acrylic Pours and Other projects
For these workshops we will be working  mostly with watercolor paper. Heavy weight or Illustration Board will work best. In addition bring a couple sheets of  Yupo and your watercolors and other supplies you usually bring.  We will be making collage papers again, to get a good supply for our main project this year, so bring Art Tissue paper, or any old tissue paper (shoe box paper and gift wrapping paper works--doesn't matter if it's wrinkled).

We will be working more with fluid acrylics as well as inks and found objects.
In addition we will be working with the newest techniques in acrylic pouring. For this you will need lots of cheap acrylic paint. Bring white, and three or four other colors. I will have other paints to experiment with.

"Paint Easy"  - get a quart size It's available at Walmart and costs about $15-$18.
If you have some silicone spray, bring it, but if not, don't buy any as I have plenty. If you have any old leftover latex house paint, bring it also.

You'll need at least two or three painting boards to hold your paper. Rigid insulation board     works well--3/4" or 1" thickness assures it won't warp.  Old Plexiglas works well also.
--Plastic coated Freezer Paper
--Cheap plastic gloves are a must.
--Large plastic bags, thinner ones work best.
--Spray paints (in the pressurized can) any color or type.
--5 or 6 oz plastic cups.
--Good supply of Gesso
--Masonite boards any size up to 11x14" - or any larger rigid to semi-rigid surface for acrylic        pours.

    
Sources of Supplies -- my favorites are:
    Cheap Joe's Art Stuff        800-227-2788        www.cheapjoes.com
    Dick Blick            800-828-4548        www.dickblick.com

Online ordering is easy and convenient with both. Cheap Joe's has the best price on Yupo, especially in quantity.  Dick Blick ships the fastest.  I will have some YUPO for purchase if you need an extra sheet or two. Other sources locally would be Hobby Lobby for inks. I will have some supplies for purchase. If any questions please call/text or e-mail me.  269-330-9808 or mplagge247@merleplaggeart.com