Last week’s post was all about how urban sketching can help you develop observational skills as an artist.
I highly recommend you give it a try! If you’re worried about going out on your own, check on social media for any urban sketcher groups near you. You can meet a lot of talented artists and even make new friends.
So are wondering what to bring with you on your first urban sketching adventure? I’ll be sharing everything in my artist toolkit and explaining some of my choices. So let’s get right to it!
Backpack or large tote
I always bring a small backpack with me when I travel. I like being hands-free and I enjoy its versatility.
This is a matter of personal preference, but I would say a backpack is much more comfortable if you plan on going out for more than a couple of hours.
If you’ve been shopping for a new bag recently, look for one with a variety of pockets such as a laptop compartment on the inside. It’s great for storing your sketchbooks.
Alternatively, a tote bag is nice for short day trips. Some totes have really nice designs too, which makes it a fun fashion statement.
Sketchbook(s)
A sketchbook is essential in any urban sketcher’s toolkit. There are so many different types of sketchbooks out there, so the choice is yours.
Keep in mind, if you’re planning on layering your media (a mix of wet and dry), look for a sketchbook either labelled watercolour or mixed media or find something with a paperweight above 140gsm.
Moreover, 100% cotton fibre paper is supposedly better for handling water-type media.
Even though your standard sketchbook is perfectly fine, a sketchbook with a hardcover and/or an elastic band to keep it closed is definitely a plus.
Some artists prefer spiral-bound so that the pages can lie completely flat once opened and/or remove pages if needed. However, hard-bound sketchbooks offer better protection especially if you’re often carrying it around with you.
Look for terms like “acid-free” and “lignin-free” if you want archival-quality paper. Archival simply means that your paper won’t yellow over time.
Lately, I’ve been looking for sketchbooks with unique covers. I enjoy discovering new brands and comparing them.
Some artists repurchase the same sketchbook over and over, especially when they find one they like. It’s easy to number them in the order completed, which can be useful if you’re keeping track of your progress.
Case to carry your tools
Try to find small zippered fabric or metal cases for your tools. The best thing is to divide your art supplies by type into a variety of different cases. This way you can pick and choose which ones you want depending on the day. A canvas pencil roll-up case is a great alternative if you plan on carrying a lot of pencils and pens.
Large plastic cases tend to be bulky and can break or crack easily, so they’re not ideal for urban sketching. Also, try to avoid bringing anything too fragile or expensive. Keep your dry media separate from wet media tools for obvious reasons.
Your favourite art supplies
I always have pencils (normally H, HB, 2B, 4B), a set of pigma pens, an eraser, a few coloured pencils and a small sharpener in my artist toolkit.
I specified pigma pens because they’re great for sketching, but really any type of pens will do. Depending on how much I want to bring with me, markers and my compact watercolour kit make for great add-ons.
Some artists love sketching with charcoal, and if you’ve worked with charcoal before, you’ll know that it tends to get super messy.
That’s why you definitely want to keep charcoal (or anything similar) separate from all of your other supplies, like in a small Ziploc bag.
Watercolour set
A compact watercolour set is great for sketching on the go.
In your set, you’ll want to have a few refillable brush pens, one or two of your favourite paintbrushes and a small metal watercolour case with empty pans (small trays).
You can reactivate your watercolours directly in these pans with a tiny amount of water so it’s ideal for urban sketching.
These compact cases come in different shapes and sizes with the number of pans ranging anywhere between 6, 12 and 24 in total.
You can also buy ones that already have a preselected palette (colours), which can be great if you don’t already own a set of watercolour paints. Depending on the brand, this option tends to be more expensive.
Water bottle
Great for staying hydrated AND for your watercolour palette.
I prefer carrying a one-litre water bottle. It’s not too big or too small, just a good size if you’re going out for a full day of urban sketching.
Make sure you spot stations to refill your bottle, especially if it’s a hot day. I always keep mine handy on the side of my backpack.
Rag or paper towel
This one is self-explanatory. Rags or paper towels are great to have in your toolkit when using watercolours or anything messy really.
You can wipe away excess water or paint and once you’re done, use any leftover paper towel or that same rag to protect your brushes by wrapping them.
Tiny camping stool that folds (optional)
They’re optional, but for avid urban sketchers, they’re a must. You can find small 3-legged portable chairs or stools that weigh practically nothing, online or in any camping gear store.
They’re inexpensive unless you get a name-brand one and easy to carry.
However, they may not be useful to you if you don’t mind finding designated seating areas like a bench or sitting at a table in a cafe.
Key Takeaways
If this is your first time going on an urban sketching adventure and wondering what to bring in your artist toolkit, then this list is for you:
- Backpack or large tote
- Sketchbook (watercolour or mixed media paper if you plan on using wet media)
- Case to carry your tools
- Your favourite art supplies: pens, markers, erasers, pencils, small sharpener
- Watercolour set with paintbrushes (some of the water-filled brush pens too)
- Water bottle
- Rag or paper towel
- Tiny camping stool that folds (optional)
