Supplies for Classes and Workshops
(Abstract sketching /Travel Journaling)
updated January 2023
When it comes to art supplies, there are so many options, it can be hard to chose. And what was my favorite pen, or journal one month, can change quickly throughout the seasons. So, I put together this comprehensive list of my (still) favorite materials that I use out in the field and/or in the studio. So regardless of which class you are taking, this is a great place to start thinking about what you might own, or want to add to your collection.
Note: you do not need to buy everything (or anything) on this list, but have an assortment of options. At minimum, bring a Sketchbook and pen to the first class. There, I will discuss my favorites, explain why, so you know more before you buy!
Sketching outdoors is all about traveling light so that you can grab your tools easily and sketch in the moment!
Depending on the class, you will want:
-watercolor journal or mixed media sketchbook that lays flat when open
-regular sketchbook for taking notes
-1-2 black pens of different nib sizes (both water soluble and permanent ink pens)
-2-3 pencils (at least one with H (hard) and one with B (soft))
-watercolors or Gouache and brush,
-water container
-paper towels
-small bag/backpack to carry it all in
-chair or stool and hat for the sun if outdoor class
optional- for working in layers or embellishing a drawing, I like to mix up my media:
-Colored pencils- prismacolor or oil based Polychromos (my preference)
-small spray bottle for water (I use mine ALOT)
-large eraser
-sharpened stick about the size of a pencil or chopstick (from a tree in your yard is fine!)
-colored inks (Noodler's is my favorite brand)
-white gel pen
-white gouache
-POSCA White acrylic marker
-colored markers
-Lyra Graphite stick -water soluble
-china wax pencils
-Stabilo Woody water soluble crayons
-Marabu Art Crayon, water soluble crayons
-old toothbrush for spattering
-large paper stump
-charcoal pencils
-fixative or travel size hairspray if using charcoal
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My Favorites
a comprehensive supply list and resources:
Sketchbook, Journal, or paper to sketch on-papers vary greatly; so you might want more than one journal/sketchbook of varying sizes and paper thickness (5x7 or larger). Personally, I prefer hot press watercolor paper or mixed media paper. Here's a few favorites:
Global Art Hand Book
Travel Series Sketchbooks
Strathmore Mixed Media 400 series 117 lb
Canson Mixed Media Sketchbooks
Stillman and Birn, series
Black Ink pens, Waterproof: Use a variety of nib sizes (thin, fine and medium nibs for example). Popular waterproof brands are:
Micron,
Steadtler,
Copic,
Uni PIN fine liner,
Faber-Castell,
OHTO Graphic Liner, rollerball
Black Ink pens, NON-waterproof
Pilot Precise with a rollerball nib, as the ink flows beautifully, for a non-waterproof option.
Fountain pens
Sailer Fude, my favorite sketching pen
Lamy is also a popular fountain pen style.
Fountain pen ink: my ''go-to inks are:
-Platinum Carbon Black Waterproof- very rich, black, quick drying
-Lexington Gray Waterproof- dries to look like a #2 pencil
-Noodler’s Golden Brown, NOT waterproof, but a beautiful bright golden hue
Brush pens (come pre-filled with ink): These are gradually becoming a standard in my go-to bag
Ecoline Brush Pen-water soluble (favorites being gray tones: #704, 706, 717, 728)
Gasenfude brush pen Waterproof- by Copic has a fine synthetic brush nib, waterproof pigment that does NOT bleed with regular copic markers. Rich, solid black ink.
Pentel brush marker- non-waterproof option, comes in variety of colors
Colored Pencils and sharpener:
‘Prismacolor’ or
Faber-Castell Polychromos oil-based colored pencils. You only need 5-10 colors of the rainbow.
Compact Watercolor travel kit or watercolor Tubes and half pans to fill (we can discuss this more in class). When it comes to watercolors, quality matters, so again, avoid craft or student grade. Quality affordable brands:
Winsor-Newton professional,
Daniel Smith,
or these lovely Watercolor Crayons: Caran d'Ache Neocolor. Beautifully made in Switzerland and high quality.
Ecoline Brush Markers by Royal Talens- I love these for adding quick shadows when watercolors are inconvenient, especially #704
Pentel Water Brush (large size only), OR assortment of short handle round brushes. I recommend 1 medium sizes (8, or 10, or 12), and a smaller #4 or #5 round. These don't have to be expensive or professional grade brushes. Some artists like flat brushes too (1/2" or 3/4").
Container or bag to hold everything for sketching in the field. Think travel size-something easy to carry (daypack, shoulder bag, cloth bag. I like a heavy cloth bag with a long strap that I can carry over my shoulder. It keeps my supplies at hand while I walk the city sites.
And more misc products:
Colored markers for accents
White Gouache
Small stool -(so many choices, read here for partial review)
Cretacolor Nero soft, for a very rich black line
Graphite pencils (especially 2h, h, hb, 2b)
Micron pen, Sepia 005 (.20mm)
Paper stumps for blending graphite
Rapesco 64 pencil sharpener
Kneaded eraser
Tombow Mono Zero polymer refillable eraser
Helping Hands seems silly, but I love this little thing to hold plants while I sketch
small pad of sandpaper for sharpening paper stumps and graphite pencils
assortment of short handle watercolor brushes, rounds
Water Container
Lyra Rembrandt splendor blender for blending oil colored pencils
Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils
Faber-Castell Polychromos oil-based colored pencils.
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The Internet! So much that I have learned about products, I have learned by asking the internet. It's a wealth of information! Read, research, follow artists, look for their websites, follow them on Instagram, read a lot of reviews, then experiment and find what works for you!
Urban Sketcher-Parka Blogs, Yeoh Yi Chie is a well known reviewer of Usk products. Check him out.
Usk (Urban Sketching) International to find a chapter most anywhere in the world!
Usk Portland if you want to go sketch at the monthly sketchcrawl.
Everything you ever wanted to know or not about watercolors, like picking a palette- artist Jane Blundell
Botanical Artists: Ann Swan, Wendy Hollander, Nora Sherwood, Mindy Lighthipe
An incredible source for all things about ink and fountain pens and a great 'how to' section- Goulet Pen Co.
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The Internet! So much that I have learned about products, I have learned by asking the internet. It's a wealth of information! Read, research, follow artists, look for their websites, follow them on Instagram, read a lot of reviews, then experiment and find what works for you!
Urban Sketcher-Parka Blogs, Yeoh Yi Chie is a well known reviewer of Usk products. Check him out.
Usk (Urban Sketching) International to find a chapter most anywhere in the world!
Usk Portland if you want to go sketch at the monthly sketchcrawl.
Everything you ever wanted to know or not about watercolors, like picking a palette- artist Jane Blundell
Botanical Artists: Ann Swan, Wendy Hollander, Nora Sherwood, Mindy Lighthipe
An incredible source for all things about ink and fountain pens and a great 'how to' section- Goulet Pen Co.
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