For a while now, apocalypse themes have permeated our culture, especially in movies. In real life, there has always been a need to be prepared. Some still rely on others to help them in time of need, but nothing replaces one’s own responsibility for personal safety. I may do a blog on general preparedness in the future. I have written a rather large book filled with sheets you can use to organize, plan and store your preps.
For now, there’s something else that came to mind as I thought of preparation: the Artist Go Bag.
Many times I have left the house, only to see a great place to paint, or to be waiting somewhere, and haven’t had anything to draw with. Normal people may think that’s silly, but for me, I love having the option to sketch whenever I want, or the variety of oils, watercolors, acrylics or any other media I may think of, to do what I want.
I like having choices. And you never know when a good subject will pop up before you, or idea into your head.
So, this is a list of art supplies I can’t do without, that I have packed in one of my favorite preparedness bags, a Maxpedition molle (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, pronounced ‘molly’) bag. You can use any bag you’re comfortable with, but I like the military/backpacking-oriented bags because of the compartments and ability to stash things neatly.
Here is a sample of what I put in mine:
Substrates
- sketchbook (drawing)
- sketchbook (mixed media)
- 1 – 8×10 panel
- 1 – 6×6 panel
Media
- small acrylic paint set
- water bowl
- small oil set
- pencils (various)
- mechanical pencils
- colored pencils
- ink
- Micron or other ink pens
Tools
- erasers
- sharpener
- Xacto knife
- palette knife
- paper palette and/or plastic palette
- tertillians (smudgers for pencil)
- hard board and clips
(for drawing paper) - calligraphy pen and nibs
- ruler
- mechanical tape
- plastic tape
Other
- rags
- plastic baggies
- water bottle (for painting)
- notebook
- pens
Personal Comfort
- water bottle
- protein bars
- cash
- flashlight
- folder knife
- mp3 player/charger
- baseball cap
- sunscreen
You can tailor yours to what your needs are, or even have a few Artist Go Bags: one for drawing, one for painting, and split into different media needs.
Of course, don’t forget your snacks, appropriate clothing and any zombie machetes you may need.
