Sunday 5 May 2013

Less is More!



On my previous post Polly commented that she was unsure what she needed to take when painting outside, so here is a post showing what I take when I'm out sketching.

I have a basic sketching kit that I keep ready in my sketchbag and it's getting smaller and smaller as I take out things that don't need.   I can spend too much time choosing what pen or colour to use and sketching is all about making quick decisions!



So here's what works for me:

My mini Maimeri watercolour set which I refill from tubes, originally it was only 12 pan but I squeezed another row in down the centre.  This is my favourite set as I have the colours arranged how I like them and the positions memorised making it easier to paint quickly.  There's even a little mixing palette that fits on top.

2 waterbrushes different sizes., I love the little Koi travelling waterbrush.
Derwent Sketching pencils 2B and 4B.
Small natural sponge
Paper towel
Stabilo water soluble pens in brown, grey and black
Pitt sepia drawing pen
A very small ruler
Homemade viewfinder for finding the best compositions
Large paperclips for holding pages down on windy days
Venezia and Moleskine watercolour sketchbooks
Insect repellant and suncream





This is my mini-mini version that fits into a pocket for sketching on the move, but the Koi watercolor field sketch travel kit below is on my wish list.





When you are out sketching take only equipment you will actually need, remember you will have to carry it around with you!





7 comments:

Polly Birchall said...

Great post. I find it fascinating. I will be taking notes. I carry far to much junk when I look at what you take - it's a case of, well I might need this and that. I must be firm. Thanks Cathy. Hope you had a lovely weekend.

Anonymous said...

Hello Cathy,
That was a very interesting post. Thank you :-)
Sun cream??? Oh yes, nearly forgot what that was - mind you its been two very sunny, hot days this weekend.
If less is more, I do far more work than I thought I did :-)
Stew
stewcrowther.wordpress.com

Introverted Art said...

you are right, sometimes i feel overwhelmed by too much art supplies :)

Alex said...

Great looking kits. :) I usually just go with dry media, but these make working with wet media on the go easy!

Timaree said...

I have a hardbound sketchbook in my purse along with a child's toy of a watercolor set (I removed the paint and added my own from tubes. It is really small but good paint goes a long way so it works. I also have a waterbrush and a mechanical pencil in my purse to go with them.

I liked the koi set; gave mine to my sister since I had other paint but I don't think she ever used it.

Sarah Melling said...

FAscinating...I love seeing the tools and materials that others use...and I don't even paint! I must try doing more sketching "en plein air"!

Pequete said...

Very interesting post. I also have a Koi kit that is really handy, as it fits inside a pocket and the waterbrush is simply a genius idea.