I have been using these Gessobord 1/8" panels. I love this surface, especially with the palette knife. With a brush, it takes some getting used to after painting on linen canvas. Now I paint with both brushes and palette knives on this surface and am pleased with the results.

This is the ONLY brand of gessoboard I recommend. The others are too slick.

Rosemary and Co makes great brushes. Currently I like the Shiraz Flat.

Michaels American Painter (Flat) brushes are cheap and I like the feel of them. You can go on-line to Michaels and find coupons. With a 50% discount, the brushes end up costing me the equivalent of a cup of coffee. If they don't last, you can just toss and replace.

Also, I recommend the RGM No 50 Palette knife. You can get detail as well as broad strokes.

We sell the Paint  Saver Palette. This is a product I personally endorse because my paints are always ready. During my workshops, I spend a lot of time just getting people organized so they don't have to fight their equipment when they are out on location.

The Soltek is a great easel for easy set-up. I also take it when I travel because it fits into my backpack and I can carry it on the plane. It is hard to find a backpack that it fits in. I have a Kelty 3100 but they don't make it any more. I am looking for a replacement. I will let you know when I find one.

Oops - I let my blog go into hibernation over the winter. I apologize for that and won't let this happen again - I promise.

I just returned from my 5-day workshop at the Scottsdale Artists' School. Many of my students were from colder climates so they were very appreciative of the warm weather. The school is using one of my demos of the back of the school in their opening page where they welcome students  - how cool is that?!

Speaking of the southwest - Southwest Magazine is doing a feature article on me in their June issue! It should go out to subscribers some time in May.

Here is the demonstration of the school that will be featured in the opening page of next year's catalog. (It is a picture of the painting on my easel with the school scene in the background). This was my fourth year teaching there and I plan to return again next year around the same time. Come join me in Scottsdale for spring training and take my 5-day workshop next year.

Here are some of the perks:
1.    Gallery Walk on Thursday with some of the best galleries in the country participating. (Legacy and Overland to name a few)
2.    Someone from Legacy Gallery will give a talk on Tuesday morning about submitting to galleries and answer general questions you may have about gallery representation.
3.    The school has "Thirsty Thursday" where they provide food and beverages (both alcoholic and non). This is an opportunity to meet with other students and teachers who were there during the past week.
3.    Free model sessions on Monday and Wednesday evening if you are up to it.

Below in the slide show, are some more pictures from Scottsdale, including my mudhead (no features - just color notes) demo.