A simple setup.

Desktop setup

I think simplicity it key to making good art.  Not simple art but a simple set up.  In the picture above you can see my setup that I have used for years.  I have a movable slanted board, a pallet, paper towels and brushes.  I have been using this same setup since college.

Side view of slanted board

In fact, I used to haul the piece of board around from class to class back in the college days.  I liked it because I could tape my drawings and paintings to it and I could use it in perspective class and run T squares along the edge.  I also used it outside, in the car, on camping trips, took it to moms house, etc.  It's simple, it works and I have painted hundreds of painting on this board.

From this board I have produced paintings for Warner Bros, Mattel, Harcourt Brace, Leap Frog, Spider Magazine, and many more.  This board has felt water colors, acrylics, oils, gauche, colored pencils, pastels, pen and ink and probably every other medium you can imagine. When I reflect back on this board I am amazed how a few scrap pieces of lumber from the wood shop and six wood screws could earn me so much money.


I'm amazed and humbled.



The other pieces of equipment that are here are my pallet, paper towels and brushes.  My pallet is a frame that was picked up at Michael's.  It's simple glass that has a wood holder, AKA - pallet.  Nothing special.  The paper towels are bought in bulk at Staples.  One big box of towels lasts more than ten years.  I'm on my third box.  The brush holder is an old jar filled with beans.  The beans keep the brushes upright instead of falling over to the side. This old jar is probably from some blackberry jam I bought - it's my favorite.

Pallet, towels and a bit of a brush holder

You can go to any art supply company and find many expensive things that are made just for  these purposes.  The thing to remember is to keep it simple.  Spend your money on good brushes and good paint, not on insignificant things like a brush holder.

I hope you found some delight in this post.  I think it's always fun to see how different artists are set up for their work.  It's almost like getting a special backstage access to a ballet or concert.

I suppose I can always tell people that the secret to making good art is to have bears, foxes and caribous on your painting pallet and black beans in your brush holder. But I'm sure they'll just think I'm nuts.

Take care,

Larry