It's been a few days since my first post. Going to have to work on this being a regular feature. So easy to put things off, and then the day has gone by. And that's kind of what this post is about: Tip #2 for
those of us who work up to the last minute, putting off for five
minutes, then ten the fifteen minute ritual of cleaning those brushes.
Because I can't seem to break the habit of cutting the clean-up phase
of a painting session close to the wire, I came up with a partial
remedy. Here it is: (And it only applies to those of you who subscribe
to a newspaper.) Save those orange or blue plastic bags your newspaper comes in when it is thrown on the front walk. Then when you have done a cursory cleaning with mineral spirits, you know - swish, swish, wipe, wipe - drop them into one of the saved bags, squeeze out the air, and tie a knot in the open end.
   This really works for me since I have my studio in a location away from my home. I have been known to leave them for up to 36 hours, and they have still been flexible and ready for their thorough cleaning with soap and  water. Ivory bar soap works fine, but I really like the liquid brush soap called Pink Soap Brush Cleaner. I buy it at my local Michael's, always with a 40% off coupon. Back to the plastic bags: This works especially well when painting on location. The bags save the brushes till back at headquarters or at home and also save your tote bag, your clothes, and possibly your car upholstery.
    And be advised: I do realize that many fellow artists do not live in residential neighborhoods such as mine in little old Abilene and have
newspapers tossed on their walkways each morning. However, perhaps this will get you thinking and you'll come up with another viable solution to the problem of no time left for brush washing. Post your own tip along these lines in Visitor Comments.
    Happy painting everyone!