Dodged another bullet!

We here in coastal Carolina are all heaving a big sigh of relief that hurricane Joaquin has decided to stay offshore. This was the projected path on Wednesday:

Adieu Joaquin!

And this is today's projection:

We're having a steady day of rain, but will take that over a hurricane ANY day.  I'm taking advantage of the time indoors to work on my commissions.

I also took some time this morning to figure out what art supplies to take to South Africa.  I am committed to traveling with only ONE carry-on bag (I love this website:  www.onebag.com  - check out his suggestions for traveling lightly).  So, of course my art supplies will be minimal.  

I got out all of my watercolors and started going through them.  I was so pleased to find a small traveling watercolor set I bought awhile ago but have hardly used.  Its perfect!  Its small (see photo) and has "half pan"watercolors, which are little dry blocks that you moisten when you're ready to use.  Since liquids are restricted on the flight, these will be perfect!  And they are a nice quality paint.  Yay!

Of course I'll have to take more than that dinky brush that comes with it.  One nice sable brush will do nicely thank you.  That and a dozen watercolor postcards should get me started.  I learned on the cross country trip that small quick sketches are best - you can capture some of the feeling without missing out on seeing other things!  Then work up the big paintings when you're back home sitting out a hurricane ; )