My Plein Air Kit

Plein Air (or outdoor) sketching is one of the most pleasurable ways to spend a couple of hours.

Normally I like to travel pretty light and work in sketch books with a shoulder bag or a small rucksack. Approaching the whole process with the philosophy that the joy is in the doing, rather than the quality of the end result, will make you happier. Even if the final piece isn’t my finest work I love to look back at the sketchbooks and remember those happy moment sitting in a peaceful bubble of calm.

My minimal kit

Water brush
Sketchpad
Micro Palette
A pen

Conclusion
That’s about it, but you certainly need some of your favourite snacks and while you’re waiting for the paint to dry a book to read is nice. I'm sure every artist works differently but I tend to think less is more and I try and have my sketching bag semi-packed so I grab it without too much fuss.

I am lucky living in a city like Sheffield as there is a whole lot of interesting 'Urbansketching' to do in centre, with a variety of vernacular, but also there is the nearby Peak District. I'm always attracted to those bit of the landscape where humans interface with nature, old building, walls, bridges or quarries.

Wherever you live, I'm sure you'll have views you can go out and draw and/or paint. It takes a bit of courage to start, but once you do, you'll find a lot of freedom in it. It can be a great way to talk with people or escaping people altogether. Get Creating!!

Normal Sketching Kit
Sketchbook vary from A6 but generally A4 is as big as it gets.
Fountain Pens
White Gel Pen + Designer Gouache
Mechanical Pencil (No sharpener required)
Eraser
Collapsible silicone Cup
Water bottle
Tissues
Flask (hip or thermos…. or both)
Waterproof Poncho (an odd fashion choice but its a seat and emergency waterproof)
Danial Smith Watercolour paint in larger palette
Travel Brushes

Daniel Smith palatte based on Liz Steel's advice

My Plein Air Kit

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