My Sketching On Location Setup
Jenna
10/23/20231 min read
Sketching on location is an enjoyable way to interact with an environment. On weekends and in my free time, I love discovering locations to sketch. Over the years, I’ve improved my sketching skills through practice and experimentation with various mediums. While I primarily use watercolors, they can be less convenient when time is limited due to the need for brushes and water cups. Therefore, I’ve adapted my setup for quicker, on-the-go sketching.
Here’s what I typically bring with me:
Watercolor sketchpad or multimedia sketchpad A6
Pencil and eraser
Colored pencils (12 or more)
Kuretake calligraphy brush pen (refillable)
Watercolor sketch pad or multimedia sketch pad A6
I prefer to carry a compact sketch pad that easily fits into smaller bags. I often go on trips where I cycle to a location for sketching. Therefore, the sketch pad needs to be small enough to fit into a bar bag, designed for bicycle handlebars, or in a large jacket pocket. An A6 size, or approximately that size, works perfectly. It’s compact enough to stow away but offers enough space to capture detailed sketches. My favorite low-cost choice is Baohong Hotpressed 300gsm watercolor pad. It is made of 100% cotton and natural white paper. It’s versatile, accommodating various mediums, and specifically designed for watercolor painting if I decide to paint. Other brand options are Maruman and Strathmore.
Pencil and eraser
Almost any pencil and eraser will do. I typically don’t even use a pencil anymore; it’s more of a ‘just in case’ backup. I bring a medium pencil, such as 4B, because it can be used for sketching both dark and light shades.
Colored pencils (12 or more)
My current brand of choice is Derwent. They offer various ranges, and I’ve chosen the Coloursoft 12-set. These colored pencils are lightfast, offering vibrant colors that blend easily. I highly recommend grasping color theory if you want to make the most of your colored pencils. I love the sketchy and energetic quality that colored pencils bring to a sketch.
