The First Flight Studio Kits Are Here
What is the First Flight Studio Kit? If you’ve followed my work for a while, you’ve probably seen videos of me spraying water onto a painting, rubbing away layers of paper, and slowly revealing the ink that has transferred into the beeswax underneath. Also, if you’re signed up for my newsletter you’ll get news like this earlier than everyone else:) Sign up at the bottom of my shop page: https://randylpurcell.com/shop/
It’s one of my favorite parts of the process—and now I’ve created a way for you to experience it yourself.
I’m excited to introduce the First Flight Studio Kit, a limited-edition of 20, hands-on art experience based on the same ink transfer on beeswax process I use in my own paintings.
An Idea That Started a Few Years Ago
Some of you may remember the Community Art Project I started during the pandemic in 2020.
I mailed more than 100 small art kits to people around the country and invited them to create two abstract paintings using my ink transfer on beeswax process. Their only assignment was to send one panel back so I could combine everyone’s work into a single community art installation.
More than 80 people participated.
That project reminded me how meaningful it can be to share the creative process with other people—even when we’re miles apart. It also planted the seed for something I’ve wanted to do ever since: find a way to bring a little piece of my studio into someone else’s home.
The First Flight Studio Kit is the next step in that idea.
I’ve Done the Prep. You Get to Do the Fun Part.
Over the past several months, I’ve been testing ideas, filming demonstrations, redesigning the contents, and assembling each kit by hand.
I wanted this to be more than a typical art kit.
Before the kit reaches you, I’ve already cut the magazine paper, arranged the imagery, and burnished it into the beeswax. You take it from there.
You’ll sand the paper, spray it with water, rub the paper away to reveal the transferred ink, carve details into the surface, and varnish the finished piece.
Through my instructional video, I’ll walk you through each step and share some of the techniques and creative decisions I use in my own studio.
In a way, we’re collaborating on a small piece of artwork together. I start it here in my studio, and you finish it in yours.
When you’re done, you’ll have your own version of my First Flight bird painting to hang in your home.
You Don’t Have to Be an Artist
No previous art experience is necessary.
I actually tested the process at a summer youth art camp, and they loved it.
So whether you’re an artist who wants to experiment with a different process, a collector who has always wondered how I make my work, or simply someone who enjoys making things with your hands, the kit is designed to make the experience approachable and fun.
I also think these would make a pretty unique gift for someone who loves art, creative experiences, or trying something they’ve never done before.
Only 20 in this limited Edition- First Flight Studio Kit
Because I’m preparing and assembling every kit by hand, I’ve made only 20 First Flight Studio Kits for this first edition.
Once these are gone, I’m going to take what I learn from this first release before deciding when—or if—I make another edition.
Shop the First Flight Studio Kit →
https://gopurcell.com/products/first-flight-art-kit
You can also watch my First Flight video to get a better look at the process:
https://youtu.be/Z_WLztDUTxU
More Is Coming to My Online Shop
The Studio Kits have also given me a reason to start building out my online Shopify shop.
Along with the kits, I’ll be adding prints of selected paintings, giving you another way to own some of my work at a more accessible price point.
Over time, I also plan to add some original artwork to the shop.
You can visit the shop here to see what’s currently available:
Visit the Shop →
https://gopurcell.com
I’ll continue adding work and sharing updates as new pieces and prints become available.
For now, though, I’m especially excited to get these first 20 Studio Kits out into the world.
If you’ve watched my process over the years and wondered what it feels like to remove that paper and see the image underneath, now you get to find out.
And I really can’t wait to see what you create.
— Randy L. Purcell