The one thing every painter should know

Now, where did my can of folded bags go after my move?

Now, where did my tin of folded bags end up after my move?

As I was potting around in my studio yesterday, I realized that I’d omitted an important post in my “how to” compilation on my website. Until recently, this was the most-read of all my posts.

If I were asked to list the most important incidental skills for a plein air painter, they would include cleaning brushes, packing efficiently, and drawing (of course). But I would add a skill taught to me by my former studio assistant, Sandy Quang.

Every artist worth his or her salt carries plastic shopping bags. They can be recycled in any number of ways: as trash bags, as emergency wrappers for damaged tubes of paint, or to schlep dirty brushes back home. I always have three in my backpack and another half dozen in my teaching bag. They’re really annoying in their natural state, however.

Folding them in neat little pellets makes them easier to manage. It really takes only a second and is far easier than carrying them loose.

In its natural state, a plastic shopping bag is a pain. It bounces around, wraps itself around stuff, and generally takes up far more space than its real volume.

In its natural state, a plastic shopping bag is a pain. It bounces around, wraps itself around stuff, and generally takes up far more space than its real volume.

First, smooth the bag out so the corners are flat and the handles are straight.

First, smooth the bag out so the corners are flat and the handles are straight.

Then fold the bag in half...

Then fold the bag in half…

And half again.

And half again.

From the bottom, start folding it in triangles...

From the bottom, start folding it in triangles…

...until you reach the handle.

…until you reach the handle.

Almost there!

Almost there!

Fold the handle back toward the bag, also in triangles.

Fold the handle back toward the bag, also in triangles.

And stuff it in the gap.

And stuff it in the gap.

Yeah, like this.

Yeah, like this.

Voila! A perfectly neat bag to drop in your backpack.

Voila! A perfectly neat bag to drop in your backpack.

Carol Douglas

About Carol Douglas

Carol L. Douglas is a painter who lives, works and teaches in Rockport, ME. Her annual workshop will again be held on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park, from August 6-11, 2017. Visit www.watch-me-paint.com/ for more information.