Field Sketching Essentials - Art Supplies & Materials

Of the many considerations for choosing art supplies, when it comes to field sketching, portability is key. The following checklist is presented with consideration of absolute necessity and ease of working outdoors..in-situ... in what will not always be ideal circumstances for the artist.

Sketch Book Make sure it fits in your pocket, backpack or field bag. Paper quality should hold up to pencil, pen and ink, light washes and paint. Fashion your own and fill it with different papers of your choice.

Pencils Range from a dizzying array of numbers and brands. For fieldwork, narrow the options by choosing something in the middle---an HB or an F. An all-purpose ‘sketching pencil’ serves the same purpose. A clutch pencil is ideal.

Sharpeners A canister sharpener, which holds the pencil shavings. Remember to leave no trace behind.

Emery Board Small, free, portable and functions as a sharpener.

Kneaded Eraser Soft and pulley. Leaves no eraser ‘crumbs’ behind.

Ruler 6 inch, clear plastic to aid in measuring, while allowing you to see clear through to the specimen being measured.

Pen Set Black, waterproof, fade resistant.

Watercolor Travel set is most ideal for working on-the-go. Its small size fits in the palm. The lid doubles as the palette and usually a tiny retractable paintbrush is nestled inside.

Brush Size will depend on the manner you are working in but one brush should suffice for fieldwork. A medium sized one that comes to a perfect fine tip.

Palette Small 6-well metal or plastic palettes are portable and lightweight. So lightweight----they are susceptible to flipping over and making a mess or blowing away. Ceramic or porcelain palettes are sturdier and easy to clean. But the heavier weight is a negative consideration.

Water Container Plastic sport-top water bottle will work or any of the products for watercolorists.

Seating Unless something comes crashing out of the bush you are likely to find yourself enjoying the greater part of a day in nature a small sketching or camping stool, or stadium pad essential. Or bring a comfy jacket and sit on it.

The above checklist is just the art related supplies and materials. Over the many years conducting field sketching workshops across the globe, I have found that there are a few other items...backpack essentials... almost as important as having the right paper. The article list is a follow-up to this one and is simply called: FIELD SKETCHING: WHAT’S IN MY BACKPACK. In it I include the non art-making essentials----those things needed for personal comfort, outdoor conditions, and safety. So leave some room in your backpack artists and nature lovers!

-Cynthia Padilla

Cynthia Padilla-Come along as we learn and improve drawing skills through direct observation.  Explore the traditional dry media applications of graphite pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, and pastels.  I am a national instructor of drawing and sketching through the traditions of Plein Air Field Sketching, the Botanical Arts and Naturalist Illustration.