My Sketching Kit
Having a lightweight sketching kit enables you to quickly capture an interesting subject when there isn’t time to stop and create a ‘proper’ painting. I sketch on my dog walks, days out and holidays and love how even a little sketch gives me a chance to take in a scene and enjoy the moment.
Using my pocket sketchbook
This is like taking a snapshot - a quick sketch to capture an idea or impression of something that has caught my eye. The process is more important than the outcome.
I often pause to sketch when I’m out walking our dog, Dudley. He’s quite used to it now and will wait patiently for me to finish.
When I look back at my sketches, even years later, I remember much more about that moment and place than if I had just taken a photograph. Developing your sketching skills will also make you a better painter as you have to quickly find a composition and capture the character of the subject decisively. Your sketches will also give you lots of ideas for fully developed paintings and perhaps inspire you to paint outdoors too.
Watercolours are compact and quick to use. This box has a thumb ring on the back so I can easily hold the sketchbook and paint set in one hand.
I have two versions of my sketching equipment, firstly a compact pocket kit that allows me to stand and sketch practically anywhere. The second is based on an A4 sketchbook and is better suited for when I have time to sit and work with the sketchbook on my lap or standing up with the sketchbook resting on a convenient wall, as when I drew the Forth Bridge in Scotland.
The Pocket Kit
A6 or smaller hardback cartridge paper sketchbook
Fine liner pen or 6B pencil
Pencil sharpener
Small piece of putty rubber
Pocket water colour set
Water brush pen
A sheet of kitchen roll or tissue for wiping the brush pen clean
The Backpack Kit
A4 Hardback cartridge paper sketchbook
6B water soluble graphite stump
Pencil sharpener
Soft eraser
Drawing pens
Pocket water colour set
Water brush pen
Sheet of kitchen roll
Small spray bottle of water for wetting watercolours
A few sheets of water colour paper
2 bulldog clips to hold the pages flat as you work
Try it yourself. The key is to put your kit together in a small bag and keep it handy so you can pick it up whenever you head out for a walk, and it’ll be handy for sketching indoors too. Have fun!
I am working on a series of on-line courses including an introduction to sketching outdoors. Please subscribe to my newsletters using the form below, to be notified when the courses become available.
