One of the many considerations when choosing art supply essentials for field sketching is that portability is key. Follow this checklist for sketching supplies that are absolutely necessary and perfect for working outdoors.
Sketch Book
Make sure the sketch book 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
Your selection of sketching pencils provide you with an array of numbers and brands. For fieldwork, narrow your options by choosing something in the middle like an HB or an F. An all-purpose sketching pencil serves the same purpose, but a clutch pencil is ideal.
Sharpeners
A canister sharpener, which holds pencil shavings, is your ideal choice. Remember to leave no trace behind.
Emery Board
Be sure to find a small, free, portable emery board that also functions as a sharpener.
Kneaded Eraser
Choose an eraser that is soft and pulley. It should leave no eraser crumbs behind.
Ruler
A six inch, clear plastic ruler is ideal to aid in measuring, while allowing you to see through to the specimen being measured.
Pen Set
Be sure it is black, waterproof and fade-resistant.
Watercolor
A travel set is most ideal for working on-the-go. Its small size fits in the palm of your hands. The lid doubles as the palette and usually has a tiny retractable paintbrush nestled inside.
Brush
Size will depend on the manner you are working in, but one brush should suffice for fieldwork. A medium-sized brush that comes to a perfect fine tip is ideal.
Palette
Small six-well metal or plastic palettes are portable and lightweight. They are so lightweight that 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
A 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 on a small sketching or camping stool. A stadium pad is essential. You could also bring a comfy jacket to use as a cushion.
 | Keep full-sized versions of these essential sketching supplies at home and tuck smaller-sized ones in your bag so you can sketch anywhere, anytime. |
 | It's not difficult to learn how to sketch people, landscapes or your favorite items around the house. With the right basic supplies and techniques, you will be sketching like a pro in no time. |
 | Art pencils have cores made from powdered graphite (not lead) fired with clay. The type of graphite used in artist pencils is relatively soft and malleable and was mistakenly thought to be a form of lead when first discovered. |
When learning to draw for your design projects, it's important for you to create and organize your composition in your mind before taking your pencil to paper. It helps to ask yourself specific questions in order to strive for visual balance. |
Drawing is a relaxing and fun hobby for anyone willing to take the time to learn it, step by step. Just let yourself go and sketch, concentrating on what you're drawing. It is important to think positively, and not be too hard on yourself. |
