I have always been fascinated to learn about what other artists consider their essential tools to carry with them at all times. Currently, I have been making it a habit to always have a sketchbook and drawing supplies with me wherever I go. In this post I want to share a little bit about the drawing kit that I have put together and carry with me, and how I use it.
The drawing tools I've selected allow me to make basic monochromatic sketches and drawings which can be developed into more finished pieces later on. I use pencil, charcoal,watercolor and gauche, which allow me a range of media to capture different transient effects of light and form. At the very minimum, a few quick pencil lines jotted in a sketchbook are of more value to me than a photograph for recording the fleeting impressions that I may later develop into a painting.
My drawing kit consists of a "Moleskine"-type notebook and a small metal tin to hold my drawing tools. Together these two items easily slip into a jacket pocket or side compartment of a courier bag, etc.
Everything must fit inside this tin, or it stays home. Since there is no room for pen and ink, I learned that if needed, I can add ink-work to drawings later on at home.
Inside:
- 1 small "Altoids" tin with four colors of watercolor pigment
- 1 tube of opaque white gouache
- 3 "Utrecht" brand travel-type watercolor brushes, sizes 1, 5 and 8
- 4B Conte crayon
- an eraser
- BBB charcoal pencil with pencil holder
- Hardtmuth flat sketching pencil
- No.2 pencil stub
(the ruler is for scale)
The watercolors that I use are sepia, Naples yellow, Venetian red and Payne's gray. I use colors for laying in cool and warm neutral washes to establish masses, rather than to record particular colors. Since finding containers and water for brush washing is usually easy, I normally don't carry these, unless I know that I am going to be out in the field somewhere. Drawing and painting away from home still require some planning.
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