Traveling as an Artist
As a painter, we find ourselves needing or wanting to travel just like everyone else. If your work is primarily done in the studio, much of your travel will be free of obstacles like how to bring your supplies with you. If you do travel though, you’ll find that different mediums require different preparation. Generally speaking, oil painters have much more preparation than others. Obviously, sketchers or people who draw with graphite, charcoal and pens really only need to protect their instruments from damage. The same with notebooks. There are a few things you do need to consider though. If you sharpen with a utility or razer knife or blade, that will need to be packed in a checked bag if you’re flying. Sometimes they (TSA) can get a little anxious if you travel with unconventional instruments, such as bamboo quill pens or anything else that they might find dangerous. Remember your nail clippers they were confiscating with the two-inch nail file? If you use dip pens and ink, remember to adhere to the guidelines for volume. Most ink jars are in the 50ML range. Currently our TSA allows 100 Milliliters total, in a quart size bag. It’s always a good idea to check where you are flying to. You also want to make sure you are not carrying anything with a lower flash point! That means no brush cleaning chemicals, many fixatives in aerosol cans etc. European travel can also have some different requirements. Always check before you go.
Different Paint Styles
Watercolor painters, Gouache and similar mediums such as Tempra have little worries packing their bags, however checking bags, aside from the possibility of the airline losing them is usually safer than arguing with an inspector whether something should be carried on or not. If you follow the rules, checked bags are a fine way to travel with your supplies.
Oil Painters need to prepare a little bit for air travel. This photo of my kit in a carry-on size rolling bag, 22x15x8 I’ve used this for a week in Europe with smaller panels. The Raymar box is a mixed panel size 11×14, 8×10, 9×12. Two panels each. It will fit in this bag. If I need larger panels such as 16×20 I will pack in my larger rolling bag (check in only). Of course this is what this article really is about. For the most part, your paints are not considered hazardous. You cannot check or carry-on bags with any sort of turpentine, or brush cleaners containing flammable fluids. In fact, you don’t want to carry on any liquids used in your process. When you order Gamsol from an artist supply, it is shipped by ground. You also cannot carry on any weapons, such as palette knives, razor blades or sharpeners either, however these are fine in you checked bags. I carry a three-piece Mahl stick made of aluminum in my brush roll however when flying, it goes into the checked bag. In addition to the paints, brush cleaner can, accessories, there are also mediums that are commonly used. I have found that I have been able to fly with Liquin, as well as walnut or linseed oils in my checked bags without issue. I have also flown with Murphy’s Wood Cleaner (for brushes) in a hand marked plastic bottle. In a pinch, you really don’t need Gamsol or any turps. Just clean your brushes with oil. They’ll be happier anyway. I always carry on my brushes in their roll. I have too much money tied up in them to chance them being lost in travel and I’m willing to explain myself if need be. I have only been questioned once, in Portugal and it was primarily because the x-ray person just couldn’t read what they were. Another consideration when traveling through airports is drying time for your art. In a studio or even close to home we may choose to use mediums or oils that allow us to paint for some time before it starts the drying process. Even to the point of coming home and continuing to work on wet or at least malleable surfaces. When you’re traveling by airline, it really is preferable not to have a bag that smells of fresh paint and especially chemicals. It’s a good idea to use faster drying materials, such as ALKYD oils, Walnut oil and fast drying mediums, such as Liquin. Some painters choose to use water soluble oils believing that it will be easier to fly with. I don’t believe it makes any difference with TSA or other security agencies. The bottom line with these paints is that though they can be easier to clean up, they are still oil paints and if used properly, still use the same mediums, extenders and dryers that traditional oil paints use.
Getting Through the Airport
It is important to make it as easy as possible for the airport personnel to handle your bags without confiscation or even question if you can. So be prepared. Below I have included some links to tags and notices that I include in my bags. Especially checked bags. It should be placed right on the top of your supplies. I also suggest that it be on a colored paper, so it is noticeable to anyone who opens your suitcase.
What to Bring and how
Painting surfaces or substrate. As an oil painter you have lots of choices on what to paint on. Many plein air painters like to paint on small panels, which can be anything from canvas board to small, stretched canvases. If you are traveling by plane, I have found it is easiest to use panels, whether they are prepared with a ground, such as Gesso or even an oil ground. You can also purchase or make panels with canvas covers in a somewhat variety of fabric. I personally most always use linen with an oil ground. Depending on the subject, I will choose the fabric weave. Painting panels are easy to transport in panel carriers, such as those made by Raymar, PanelPak or even in a wood case should you choose. I personally use Raymar for most of my travel in a variety of sizes. I’ve also made my own carriers, mostly for car trips. There are also commercial carriers made of wood to transport or ship paintings.
So how do I plan? You’re in luck, I hope because I am sharing my packing list with you. Of course you should modify as necessary to fit your particular needs. I am also including the packing card that I mentioned above. Along with the notice card, I include SDS sheets (manufacture description “Industrial Safety Data) for my paints and any other liquid, or chemicals that I am bringing in the bag. All of your supplier websites will have these available to download. All of this should be on top of everything else. Hopefully this will be as far as any inspector goes into your baggage. I’ve taken a photo of one of my bags with all of my art supplies. In this case I am using a STRADA Mast Easel which can use most plein air panels or canvas stretchers. I have three of their easels so you could say, I like them for plein air. I use the luggage tag on my baggage as well. It ‘ll let them know right up front what to expect when they unzip of unsnap your bag.
What to say, not say
If asked by TSA or other security “what is this?” NEVER say “oil Paints!” It is “Artists colors made in vegetable oil.” “Paint” is a hot button for them. Think pigments, pigments, pigments. As always, be courteous and polite. Follow their orders and don’t argue. Remember, you’re just a poor artist trying to get to their beautiful destination to make art.
Helpful Documents
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