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!