I always seem to leave packing until the last minute, and my upcoming trip to Italy is no different. I leave in just a few days, and here I am writing a blog post about packing instead of actually packing. Still, I’ve learned that sometimes writing things down helps me organize my thoughts — and maybe this is exactly what I need to finally get started.
This time, I’m flying to Rome. Flying means limited luggage space, which also means limited space for art supplies. As much as I would love to bring everything from my studio, large abstract acrylic paintings are simply not realistic. Big canvases are out of the question, and even my usual range of paints would need to be drastically reduced.
Travel has taught me this lesson before. On a previous trip to Costa Rica, several paints labeled “titanium,” “cobalt,” and “cadmium” were removed from my luggage and held until I returned home. It was quite a surprise to arrive without Titanium White — especially when workshop students were waiting to paint! Since then, I’ve learned that flexibility is just as important as preparation.
So this time, I’m approaching things differently.
Instead of canvas, I’ll work on paper. Instead of my familiar acrylics, I’m packing smaller, more portable materials: watercolors, pastels, gouache, oil sticks, and a few artist inks. The idea of being away from my trusted paints makes me a little nervous, if I’m honest. But travel is also an invitation to shift habits. New materials often lead to new ways of seeing, and I’m hoping these unfamiliar tools will spark fresh energy during the weeks ahead.
A visit to my local art supply store helped complete my packing list — and gave me an excuse to pick up a few small gifts for myself. Among them are Sennelier oil sticks, which I’ll be trying for the first time, along with a paper specially designed for oil painting. There’s something quietly exciting about stepping outside of routine and allowing curiosity to lead.
Over time, I’ve developed a few practical tips for traveling with art supplies — especially when flying internationally:
Avoid packing flammable liquids.
If you need solvents like turpentine, it’s far easier (and safer) to purchase them once you arrive.
If you need solvents like turpentine, it’s far easier (and safer) to purchase them once you arrive.
Think compact.
Choose materials that offer hours of creative exploration without taking up much space. Small tools can still open big possibilities.
Choose materials that offer hours of creative exploration without taking up much space. Small tools can still open big possibilities.
Use travel as an opportunity to experiment.
A different environment naturally shifts your perspective. Trying new materials can deepen that experience.
A different environment naturally shifts your perspective. Trying new materials can deepen that experience.
Protect fragile supplies.
Wrap breakable items in small-bubble bubble wrap. It cushions your materials without taking up unnecessary room.
Wrap breakable items in small-bubble bubble wrap. It cushions your materials without taking up unnecessary room.
Label everything clearly.
Simple labels like “Artist Supplies,” “Artist Paints,” or “Artist Inks” can help customs officers quickly understand what they’re seeing. If you’re traveling somewhere where English isn’t the primary language, translating labels ahead of time can be helpful.
Simple labels like “Artist Supplies,” “Artist Paints,” or “Artist Inks” can help customs officers quickly understand what they’re seeing. If you’re traveling somewhere where English isn’t the primary language, translating labels ahead of time can be helpful.
Pack supplies in checked luggage.
It reduces complications at security and helps everything arrive together.
It reduces complications at security and helps everything arrive together.
Most importantly, once you arrive — let yourself be present. Travel offers endless visual inspiration: shifting light, unfamiliar colors, unexpected textures, and small moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Art materials are simply tools; observation is the real practice.
Packing may feel stressful in the moment, but it also marks the beginning of something new. A change of place often brings a change of pace, and with it, the possibility of seeing differently — both on the page and within ourselves.
Now, if writing about packing truly works as motivation, I suppose it’s time for me to close my laptop and finally start filling that suitcase