My Ultimate tools Refined Over Years of Outdoor practice.
If you’ve ever wanted to take your sketching beyond the comfort of your studio but weren’t sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my outdoor sketching setup, learning what works best through trial and experience. I’m sharing my Go-To supplies for Urban sketching, what you need, whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refine your kit.
Packing for an outdoor sketching session depends on several factors: the time you have, the ease of reaching your location, and how you’ll get there—whether by bike, train, bus, or on foot. Your carrying capacity matters, too, which is why I’ve put together a lightweight and versatile set. All fits into an 18 x 23 cm zipper pouch, protecting it from rain while making it easy to slip into almost any handbag, backpack, or even a hip bag.
One of my best habits over the years has been keeping my outdoor sketching supplies separate from my studio setup. I have various sets varying in content, which I choose depending on my time availability, the location, and the activities I will be doing along. By organizing them in dedicated bags, they’re always ready to go, making spontaneous sketching adventures effortless. This one is my most used set, I have refined over the years of sketching outdoors. So, what’s worth packing? Let’s dive into what you need to build a functional and portable sketching kit.
My Go-To Supplies for Urban Sketching: They are always packed and ready to go.
- Watercolor box: I recommend having one watercolor set, either a metallic, plastic, or wood case, the material doesn’t matter, but it should be compact and easy to handle. These cases are practical because you have the mixing surface included. Tubes can also be used; in that case you need a palette, case, or additional surface to mix the colors.
- Sketchbook for watercolors or mixed media: I prefer smaller sizes for my bag. Choose a portable sketchbook with thick pages that can handle different mediums, depending on your interest and preferences. Hardcover books are great for stability, but spiral-bound or paper sheets are also an option. If you are carrying loose-leaf paper, you will need a surface, board, or notebook to support or fix the paper.
- Brushes in different sizes / refillable water brush: If water brushes or traditional ones, it is up to you. I find the water brushes very practical when I have less time, while I love the traditional brushes touch and style. I carry both and use one or the other depending on my time availability and the subject. Likewise, I have two sizes for water brushes and varied sizes for the traditional ones.
- Water recipient (and water): This seems obvious, but I have found myself in situations where I truly did not have enough water to paint with, and coincidentally did not have water to drink… or water available nearby. The lesson learned is to always have a small bottle of water for painting and cleaning brushes and/or refilling them.
- Cloth / Fabric / Paper: This is one of my favorite things, my rag bracelet, which I always carry with me; it’s super practical. You can also have a piece of absorbent cloth or paper to clean brushes.
- Pen, pencil, fineliner or watercolor pencils. It depends on your style. But, for several years, I pushed myself to paint directly without drawing first. Over time, I realized I wasn’t improving, and I felt like I was losing my drawing abilities, an exaggeration, perhaps, but that was my impression back then. Now, I use a watercolor pencil to create a base drawing. It usually fades or blends with the other colors, though sometimes it remains visible, adding a unique touch to the final piece. I experiment with different approaches, while others prefer using a waterproof fineliner a pencil, or a pen to sketch the initial outlines.
- Binder clips: This is a must! (at least if you paint where there is too windy, which is almost often my case)
- Spray bottle: This is very helpful to create effects or to paint the sky when it is cloudy. I use it very often.
- Logo stamp My mark.
Useful Tip: Keep your kit minimal and versatile to stay focused on the art rather than managing too many tools!
My Go-To Supplies for Urban Sketching Recap:
Basics:
- Watercolor box
- Sketchbook for watercolors or mixed media
- Water recipient (and water)
- Brushes in different sizes / refillable water brush
- Cloth
- Pen, pencil, fineliner or watercolor pencils.
- Binder clips
- Spray bottle
- Logo stamp
Other useful supplies
There are some useful supplies I seldom use, but sometimes they are very handy. If you need them, it depends on your style and preferences:
- Eraser (Kneaded)
- Sharpener
- Markers
- Masking fluid
- White marker (with opaque water-based paint)
- Tape
Additional:
- Brush case
- Extra bottle of water
- Alcohol (vodka) for the winter period.
My tips
Have your supplies in a dedicated bag for painting outdoors, especially if you want to avoid any barriers or mental resistance.
Keep your kit minimal, it helps to stay focused on the painting rather than managing too many tools!
I hope this is useful for you! Is there something missing that is a must when sketching outdoors? Let me know in the comments!
