Help needed from watercolorists

You can get small watercolor pads at places like Michaels. I love taking my chalk pastles and colored pencils on trips. There are also watercolor pencils that you use like colored pencils, then "wash" with water from a brush for a watercolor effect. More control, less mess. You might want to try them. Sketching is a great way to preserve your impressions of a trip. Check out Canson and Stathmore brands of papers.

Hi Rose,

Sadly, I'm not a watercolorist but I was in a store downtown Chicago recently that was chock-FULL of items you might be looking for. It is called Blick Art Materials (www.dickblick.com), and the people working there were very knowledgable about the products.

Their site has a full section on water colors (including travel sets - this one includes paper: http://www.dickblick.com/zz003/25a/), but since you already have the colors, maybe just try calling them to see what they'd advise you take as far as the paper. I looked up the locations in Indiana, and they only have one - in Evansville. A bit far for you, but again, a call to them might be worthwhile.

Good luck and kudos for giving it a whirl!

Thanks to both of you. I tried a local art supply store & JoAnn Etc today but only found large ones. Will try Michaels & Hobby Lobby tom. I could try the Cgo store if nothing found locally. Also thought about buying a long narrow book I saw & having it cut down to a size that will fit in my purse.

My mother likes to do just what you describe so I knew that water color sketch books exist. I went online and found Blick. I searched on sketch books. Go here http://www.dickblick.com/zz103/67/ It's a Holbein Clester Watercolor Sketch Book. I know the Holbein name so I'm sure it's good. Pam

If you have a Michael's, it will have everything you need. Ask them for advice on the best way to create a travel paint set. They also have craft demonstrations. If you're lucky, they will have one for water colors before your trip.

Rose-Good for you, I did the same thing! I even took a 1 day class to get the gist of watercolors. I highly recommend using watercolor papers, anything labeled "sketch" will not be thick enough. I think if you get a regular sketch pad that you are creating problems for yourself if you use the watercolors, but not if you're just using it as a journal with some india ink sketches (no color). I brought a pad that was spiral bound, 8"x5", 140lbs, by Winsor & Newton. The other name on the pad is "Cotman Water Colour Paper". Dick Blick should have what you need, they have a very comprehensive watercolor supply selection, and they are on-line for your convenience. Also try googling Winsor & Newton, these are very good papers. Also, maybe you could buy 1 or 2 big sheets (36"x36"?), cut them down to the size you want and then have them bound. There are copy stores around just about any University that do binding (like Kinko's), there are paper cutters, 3-hole punches, and other tools available for your use. Have fun!!

My thanks to all of you. I think I'm ready now. Luckily I found just what I wanted at Michaels as I'm leaving Tues for Paris & really didn't want to order. Bought a 4x6" 140# watercolor block which I think will work great. I also have a 4x5 sketch book that I can journal in. Have my mini paint set, a pencil, & a permanent ink pen. Think I'm set.
Last night I remembered that I had a book "the art of travel with a sketchbook." I dug it out & am going thru it, but I can't bring more supplies as I'm having to take something out of my suitcase just to add these extras. I bought a throw-away rain poncho as I'm thinking of leaving my raincoat behind & just use an umbrella. I'm using a 16x16x8 bag plus a large tote that can go under the seat.
I would like to make a travel journal when I'm back so planning to collect all the ephemera I find. Also have plans to visit an arts & crafts market & a local food/junk market in the 7th where I stay. It's fun to have a different focus for this trip. I'm really looking forward to next week.

I live in Boulder, Colorado, home of a thousand starving artists driving SUVS and living in million dollar homes. We have an art hardware store that sells EVERYTHING anyone could need, its like a 2 level department store of art. They have an online catalogue!

http://www.arthardware.com/

Be sure to pack extra zip lock bags. They come in handy for lots of things. In your case, packing watercolor brushes that are still a little damp and a place to keep the small collection for your journal together and safe from the elements.

Yes to the zip lock bags. They don't take any room. I'm taking a brush that has a cap & a water reservoir, so won't have wet brush problems. I've been practicing a little the last 2 days. Lots of fun. Everyone should try it.