Art Toolkit 2.0
I’m thrilled to announce upgrades to the Art Toolkit! After six months of development, obsessively researching every detail, I’m ready to launch it into the world. First, I improved the cover, (sewing and testing my own prototypes). The exterior now includes gear loops, so a shoulder strap may be attached, and interior has new rear pockets that hold two pocket palettes securely. In addition, there are two small slots for small pens or pencils. I also designed a snazzy patch. I’m proud that the cover is still made here in the Pacific NW.
Next, the binder is new, it’s a matte black binder with larger rings (3/4″ diameter). I’ve been testing it all summer and appreciate the greater capacity. I’ve also reviewed and curated all of the components. The waterbrush pen is my favorite, the Pentel Aquash. The tip is durable and I like the oval barrel, as it keeps the brush from rolling away! I’ve maintained my preferred Sharpie Fine Pen, and upgraded the pencil after obsessive testing, to the Palomino Golden Bear. Next, I found a clear, thin, lightweight ruler with both inches and centimeters. Finally, the binder clips are a compact mini-size, perfect for securing paper in the wind, or clipping the Pocket Palette.
I redesigned the inserts, which included making my own handwriting fonts! (with iFontmaker). In addition, I created a Pocket Color Guide to compliment the Art Toolkit and palette. Sold separately, it’s a great little reference for color fundamentals and mixing, and includes seven of my favorite Daniel Smith paints as a starter palette. Visit my shop to get started with your own Art Toolkit explorations! *2017 Update: the Pocket Color Guide is no longer available, I have replaced it with the Daniel Smith Essential Color Set
Learn more about how I developed the Art Toolkit and see it in action.
9 Responses to “Art Toolkit 2.0”
Sally Olson
I love the new Art Toolkit! I really like the changes you made to it, and will probably order one for Christmas. I just have to get through TG first!
I looked at your new series on canvas and absolutlye loved your work. The sled dogs are so beautiful and you captured their moods and postures completely.
Have a wonderful holiday, Maria!
Sally
Karen P
Hi Maria,
I’ve enjoyed two of your palettes for a while now! The thinness/shallowness of the pans makes all the difference (for me). My strategies are either: (a) I go out with just one palette arranged with a selection of paints that facilitates mixing colors for the context I’ll be experiencing; or (b) carrying both palettes so that I can bring more of my favorite colors and so that I don’t have to depend on mixing all the time, and can therefore retain more of the purer transparent qualities of some of my favorite paints.
I’ve found that carrying two of your palettes still feels like I’m keeping it simple, as they are amazingly light weight and thin, and clip into place so easily for accessibility while painting.
I’m actually interested in having the option to carry a third pallet with me. I would likely use it to bring a few extra colors AND a few of the Jumbo Palette Pans to use for mixing wet washes.
The online description of your newly redesigned cover for the Toolkit indicates that the rear cover interior has “pockets that hold two pocket palettes securely. It looks like there may actually be space for a third; is that so?
Thanks, I’ll look forward to your reply.
Maria
Hi Karen, thanks for sharing your experiences, I’m so glad the palettes are working so well for you! The new rear cover of the Toolkit is designed for just two palettes. The additional pocket is split to hold extra pens, etc… One item I carry there is a small syringe (no needle!) to help fill my waterbrushes quickly. I think you could slip additional palettes in the binder sleeve… you’d have to experiment and let me know! All my best, Maria
Karen P
Maria, thanks for your reply to my post/query.
I’m eager to try your syringe is idea!
Sheila Roote
Hi Maria,
Just received my new palette with the larger pans. I’m going to be using the larger pans in my original palette and can already see how nice it will be to have two palettes holding my favourite colours yet still be so small to carry around with me. I’ve taken to using my zippered case (similar to yours) without the binder and just sliding loose pieces of watercolour paper into one of the sleeves. Which brings up a question I’ve always wondered about for you. You work with loose paper clipped into your binder. I am wondering how you keep all these small watercolour sketches/paintings. Perhaps you could do a blog posting explaining how you organize them and/or use them when they leave your toolkit.
Thanks for thinking up such a great product. All the best of the season for you.
Sheila
Maria
Hi Sheila, thanks for your note, I’m glad you’re enjoying the larger pans! I primarily use a photo box to store my small sketches. I organize them by theme (year/location), so I can quickly refer back to them. I’ll try to put together a post soon. Happy holidays and keep in touch! Maria
jane Blundell
Hi Maria
What a fabulous product! I am a watercolour artist and have had some wonderful brass palettes hand-made so I can carry my watercolours with me at all times. Your design is so slim and affordable I think it would be a great one for my students, and to share with other travel sketchers.
Please let me know when you next offer free shipping and I’ll buy a few!
cheers
Jane
http://www.janeblundellart.com
Robert Coleman
Just recently I have “discovered again” the idea of sketching plus watercolor, looking at Marc Taro Holmes’ books with blog, along with Liz Steel’s blog. Your art-toolkit is a great idea and I have one suggestion: how about a version for lefties? Having the paper n the left and the tools on the right allows one to sketch without having the left hand and arm on top of the spare pens and rings, and prevents dents in the skin! Is it possible?
Also, I like your use of D. Smith paints! Although I live in MA, I use Daniel Smith products almost exclusively and have been to Seattle several times. Our son and family live in Arlington WA so I have an excuse to visit the Source regularly. On my first visit I met Dan himself and didn’t realize who he was! Only after reading a few catalogs did I figure out that the tall guy with the white hair was him!
Maria
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll add it to my “idea file.” :) Happy painting!