Time to bring out the travel art kit

I've been on a creative desert these past few months, so it's time to pack the bags...
 for a road trip with the T@B! 

Always an important part of my packing is bringing along an art kit. The large one I use for going to Studio Night (which has happened in a while, maybe that's what's wrong)  and I've brought it on a couple road trips when space isn't at a premium. My small kit pictured below is my usual travel kit. In just a small space I can fit miniature versions of everything I need.



This trip I wanted something between the two sizes.

 First I started with my current art journal which will not fit in the tiny case. Here I am "prepping" a few pages to finish while on the trip. I also want to take the set of brush pens which do not fit in the mini kit.

 Pictured here are my reused plastic lid for a paint palette and a plastic jar with lid for my paint water.

Here is the finished result- leave the mini kit as is, add the extra's and then fit them all into this midsize zip tote that I got as gift with purchase years ago at Chico's. This should do me just fine and hope that the must needed inspiration will come to me while on the road.

Starving Artists in San Antonio

While visiting family in San Antonio my sister suggested we go to the Starving Artist Show at La Villita on the Riverwalk.  I was surprised that that term was still being used. I assumed it was politically incorrect, and not used anymore-that artists would not like to be thought of as "starving."  After looking for any discussion online about the use of the term. I really didn't find anything. 

Wikipedia states:  "A starving artist is an artist who sacrifices material well-being in order to focus on their artwork. They typically live on minimum expenses, either for a lack of business or because all their disposable income goes toward art projects."

(I know a lot of artists who fit that last part)

My only conclusion was the term was still being used as this was the 51st annual Starving Artist Show and they wanted people to know it's still the same show. This moniker also gives you a feeling that you might get a bargain even though the work may not be up to professional standards. This feeling was partially confirmed as we approached the show and saw a man leaving with a painting that was duct taped to the frame.  

I do enjoy going to artshows, particularly in a different part of the country to see what is being done regionally. I really enjoy the Mexican/Spanish influence on much of the art. All in all we had a very enjoyable afternoon and did see some good art. One sister bought a drawing of a white tiger and enjoyed meeting the artist and talking about the piece with her.  Here are a few shots from the show: