Current Art Desk Tour 2017

Before the close of the year, I wanted to share a quick overview of my current work space. Please note, this isn’t my actual desk in the images – I’m currently typing this whilst away in Bradford – but everything else is my usual setup. The theme of this year has been travelling with incomplete artwork and art supplies, and learning to adapt wherever I am.

Firstly, allow me to gush over my latest addition: this beautiful ceramic dish handmade in Jerusalem, Palestine. These ceramics are sold in stalls around London by a family-run business, and they also stock pieces from Turkey. I picked this gem out just last week at their Winter Wonderland stall in Hyde Park, and I adore it. It currently serves as a paint tube and brush holder, and adds a lovely artisan touch to my otherwise plainly practical setup.

 

 

Next – apart from my actual art piece, of course – is my desktop easel, which is incredibly lightweight and easy-to-pack (full review here). I also pack an A4 grey backing board to place behind my work, and this supports the full surface area of my page.

I always make sure to carry full-sized tubes of every paint colour I have used (or will use) on my current piece, to make sure I don’t run out or find myself stuck at any point. It’s safer to carry extras instead of risking the absence of essential supplies.

Next of course, my paintbrushes; usually two of the current size I’m using, which is almost always a fine-tip 3/0 synthetic brush, as well as a few others in different sizes. It is key to keep hold of the brush caps (you know, the things which look like cut-off straws) as these protect the bristles, and then ideally store them in a brush roll.

 

 

Lastly but definitely not least, my LED desk lamp *. This is a brilliant luggage-friendly shape, again lightweight and is an absolute must for me anywhere I go – even at home. The LED light provides a crisp white glow which enables clarity, colour accuracy and the flexibility of bringing light as close to my work as possible. Like many, this particular one is touch-activated and has three different brightness settings at the touch of a finger.

 

 

The other essentials for this setup can be found almost anywhere: clean water and tissues. And a makeshift paint palette. Aesthetics optional.

 

 

The above is for my most common setup, which is basically when painting a current piece. For other scenarios, some of these items will obviously change; if I’m constructing a piece, expect a book of tracing paper, my preferred art paper, LED lamp, two pencils in varying grades, a mechanical eraser and a graphic pen.

The key is to keep your layout as functional yet as ‘clean’ as possible, limiting the amount of clutter or visual distraction. This also enables you to maximise the amount of desk space you have and promotes sharper focus. The only two exceptions I make to this are introduced midway through working; my phone providing some form of background noise, and a good cup of tea.