In Lesson One I discussed how to select the right sketchbook for your purpose. Here is a check list of items you may wish to carry in your pack.
BASIC SUPPLIES:
- Your favorite graphite pencil (No. 2 will work), a kneaded eraser, and a black gel or rollerball pen. A pen with permanent ink is preferred with a nib size of .5 mm. (extra fine). I like to make ink drawings when traveling. They can be finished pieces in themselves, or I can add watercolor to enhance the pictures.
- Bring some paper clamps along to hold down the extra pages from flapping in the breeze.
- A Watercolor travel set is a basic requirement for a journal artist. Check out these brands: Da Vinci Watercolor Set in Travel Tin, Winsor & Newton’s Cotman Pocket Travel Set, Schmincke, and Sennelier travel sets.
- Brushes: Some travel sets include a small brush. I prefer the travel brushes that have covers to protect the sable points. They are more expensive but are worth the price for protection. Start with a No. 6 brush and add others as you find the need.
- A small plastic folding water cup and a small bottle of water. If you have none, be creative. Find a paper cup or something nearby that will hold a small amount of water.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF INTEREST
- TomBow Dual Brushes: These are watercolors that are delivered from individually colored brushes. They do not contain alcohol as many others do. Individual colors can be selected, or a “Landscape Series” pack may be purchased. The colors can be intense. I would suggest selecting 6 or 8 single brushes that are not dark in chroma.
- Dr. Ph. Martin’s Fine Art Watercolor: I suggest carrying a small bottle of Burnt Umber and a small brush to add shading and 3-dimension to ink sketches. It can be very effective.
- A tablet of watercolor postcard blanks and a few postcard postage stamps.
HAVE FUN, BUT DO NOT BE TOO CRITICAL OF YOUR WORK. IT IS BETTER THAN YOU THINK!
