Recommended Kit for Discovery!?!

[inkdrop]

Question : Is there a recommended tool kit? IE...will I need paints, boards, charcoals...

If I need to get some supplies I would like to order them now so they are here by the time classes start. I buy most of my supplies online.

[Carl Dobsky]

Hey inkdrop

I see that no one has addressed this and I don't want you to feel ignored.

I don't know what to say about it. I don't know of a recommended tool kit.

I'm sure you will need the stuff you mentioned though. Drawing materials will be a definite. Probably both charcoal and graphite as well as the paper to do the job. As far as paint and paint supports, I'm not sure.

We'll see if we can't round up some people to see what the deal is.

[Nakhon]

That's actually what I'm wondering as well. :) (glad I found this little post).

[Sterling Hundley]

Inkdrop,

We will compile a formal list shortly.
Things that I know will be necessary the first week:

1. A good quality sketchbook. I would recommend beginning a new, fresh sketchbook- Moleskin has a great three pack with a brown cover. I personally prefer something in the medium size range, and a sketchbook that is a bit thinner- less pressure to fill it up! Additionally, you'll want to be able to easily find your notes from the Discovery program.
2. Tracing paper- nothing much larger than 8.5" x 11". Gary Kelley recommends Bienfang for its tooth.
4. Soft pencils- any generic 2B pencil or softer will work fine.
5. Kneaded eraser. Universal tool that will come in very handy.
6. Supports of preference- I find Strathmore 500 series illustration board to be very durable, and you have the option of working on both sides. Bristol board.
7. Ruler
8. Paper towels (I prefer Viva), or cotton rags.
9. Camera
10. Printer
11. Simple light (silver dish style) for shooting reference.
12. Nupastels in a variety of neutral midtones

****THE FOLLOWING LIST IS NOT REQUIRED****And here is a list of materials that many of the Academy instructors use frequently in their work : Much of the materials required will be up to personal preference and your own point of view. I'm sure that folks working digitally already have Photoshop and Painter, a tablet and stylus, etc. The MB guys can get you caught up on their supplies and tools.

Anita Kunz- Watercolor (cake), assorted watercolor brushes, illustration board, masking fluid
Mark English- Oils, house paint, tar, pastels, oil sticks, Dorlan's cold wax, oil paint
John English- Hardboard (masonite), house paint, Craypas, stiff brushes, oil paint
Chris Payne- watercolor, acrylic, Prismacolor pencils, illustration board (Strathmore), Ink
Me- FW Ink, watercolor, gouache, acrylics, oils, illustration board, brushes
Brent Watkinson- Oils, acrylics, alkyds, Hardboard
George Pratt- Bristol board, watercolor, Sumi ink, Oils, Boat Varnish
Gary Kelley- etcher's ink, Stonehenge paper, Nupastels, wooden spoon, brayer, plexiglass

I hope that this gets you started.

[John English]

Inkdrop-

Some additional items:

The first week you will need a mid-tone smooth paper (roughly 18x24) for the Life-Drawing to go with the Nupastels and a pad of newsprint.

There is an intro to Media class, I would suggest taking notes on the materials that are being used and trying them for yourself later. I don't want you to buy all the materials that are being demonstrated, you may not want to try all of them. Purchase what you need when you are ready.

The second week there will be an assignment. I suggest using the materials that you are most comfortable with. Remember you are watching things before you try them, plus you can always watch it again on demand while you are trying it for yourself.

John

[Nakhon]

One quick question...I was planning to take only three classes but, I starting to think I should just take the whole 5 week introduction. What do you guys think? Also, how can I tell when the classes are full, I take it the class will have a notification saying 'class is full' or something to that extent?

Anyway, to my actual questions,

Mr. English:
Are there any sketchpads that have that type of paper in that size because all I can find are sketchbooks around where I live (i.e. 'Earthbound' types and such) or will I have to get single sheets?

Mr. Hundley:
I can pretty much get anything on that req. list but, what is a simple light (dish)? Are you talking about one of those flexible lamps? Also, as for tracing paper, I prefer using Vellum because I always manage to crinkle, smug, and tear tracing paper, so will Vellum suffice (I know I probably should be asking Gary Kelley this question >_<).


Thank you :) (I can already tell this Art Department will be a blast!!)

[John English]

Nakhon-

The Discovery Program offers 75 hours of instruction ($6.66 per hour) and delivers incredible information, information you will not find anywhere else.
The program is definitely worth it!

I think Zach will notify us when he classes fill up.

Sterling is referring to a inexpensive work light, commonly used in construction and called a clamp light. ($10-$20)

The toned paper will have to be in single sheets. The second day of the program Mark English will be demonstrating a figure drawing with Nupastel on a mid-tone paper. Carl Dobsky is also doing a figure demo he suggest both charcoal and graphite as well as the paper to do the job. After you watch the demonstration I am not sure if there will be time to draw, but you definitely will want to try both approaches.

Vellum will work as long as it is not to hard to see through.

I look forward to seeing you in class!

John

[Nakhon]

Thank you very much for clearing that up. :)

[inkdrop]

Thanks for the responses. I placed few orders early this morning. Just a couple of things left to run to Michaels for. Thanks so much, can't wait for class to start.

[bolow]

Does anyone know where to buy Nupastels & Strathmore 500 series illustration board from the UK?

[applecheeks]

Does anyone know where to buy Nupastels & Strathmore 500 series illustration board from the UK?
I think it's one of those things where you can't get hold of them from retailers here in the UK. Ebay would probably be the best bet.

What I'm curious about, if anyone UK people happen to be familiar with these materials, is what kind of pastels might best approximate Nupastels? Reading descriptions of Nupastels they seem to be harder than normal pastels? Would Conte crayons be too hard?

[DSGodwin]

Was there a syllabus or packet to down load as well? I thought I saw something about that during the first class