Art Supplies

Where did you get your sketch easel? What paints do you use? What kind of bag is that? Inquiring minds? Get to know!

I typically refrain from talking much about products and supplies as I think it's easy to get carried away by gear and forget why we're drawing in the first place. At the end of the day, it's important to remember our art supplies are just tools, and tools are only as useful as we make them through ongoing practice. With that said, however, I do also appreciate stumbling upon the occasional supply list and the little gems I find along the way. If sharing some of my favorite tools here inspires you to make art, then I consider this guide a success. 😊

Watercolor Paints

I work between three main sets of watercolor paints: my Field Palette, which goes virtually everywhere I go, my 365 Skies Palette, which is tailored around the colors I use most when painting skies (all colors are listed below), and my "Tiny but Mighty" mini palette, which is my palette of choice for when I venture out for a long walk-jog.

I use ArtToolkit palettes for my 365 Skies palettes. The medium palettes are the Pocket Palette, my #1 choice for field work. The larger palettes are the Folio Palette, which I use for studio work. The smallest palette is the ArtToolkit Demi Palette, which is perfect for when I need to keep things ultralight.

The Palettes Themselves

I adore ArtToolkit watercolor palettes and have several which are arranged for different kinds of work. If you choose to make a purchase via ArtToolkit, you can use the promo code BROOKE10 to get 10% off qualifying items.

ArtToolkit Pocket Palette: This is the palette that goes everywhere with me, including on long hikes in the high Sierras.
Measures 3-⅝" x 2-¼" x ¼" (~92mm x 64mm x 7mm) when closed.

ArtToolkit Folio Palette: This larger palette is wonderful for studio work.
Measures 5-5/16" x 3-3/8" x 1/4" (~135mm x 86mm x 7mm) when closed.

ArtToolkit Demi Palette: This tiny palette is perfect for when I need to keep things ultralight. This goes in my running vest for long walks and jogs, and in my purse when I don't have room for more but still want to carry a little color along.
Measures 2-³⁄₁₆" by 1-¾" x ¼" (~55mm x 45mm x 7mm) when closed.

Field Palette Paints

Here are the watercolor paints in my field palette:

365 Skies Palette Paints

Here are the watercolor paints in my 365 Skies palette:

The colors in my sky palette (listed in order below)

Watercolor Brushes

What I take into the field vs. what I use varies a lot by where I'm going, how long I'll be out, and how long I'll have to settle in and paint.

My set-up for my regular brushes and water management solution for painting in the field. Notice how I've nested the Nalgene bottle in the Nathan Running Cup to prevent water from sloshing in my bag.

Field Brushes

In the field, I prefer waterbrushes for their portability and convenience, however, I do sometimes bring my regular travel brushes and a small vessel of water to paint with when I have more time and/or want to do more detailed paintings.

Waterbrushes:

Regular Brushes:

Water Management:
When painting with regular brushes in the field, I carry my water securely in a small, wide-mouth Nalgene Bottle (2 ounces). When finished painting, I dispose of my water safely (I never dump my paint water out on the ground).

To keep my water from sloshing around and spilling onto me or into my bag, I nest it along with my brushes in a Nathan Race Day Running Cup. This all lives in my minimalist Fjällräven High Coast Shoulder Pack with a Peak Design Leash Camera Strap. This bag which also holds the rest of my tools, including my ArtToolkit Pocket Palette.

Studio Brushes

These brushes are always at-the-ready on my art desk:

The brushes I use most when in the studio.

These are my favorite brushes to use in the studio. If you choose to make a purchase via ArtToolkit, you can use the promo code BROOKE10 to get 10% off qualifying items.

Paper

My favorite sketchbook journal and papers for painting watercolor skies.

For nature journaling and urban sketching...

My go-to is the Hahnemuhle Watercolor Book, 100% Cotton, Cold Press, usually in A6 Portrait size.

For skies...

100% cotton is recommended as it has a big impact on my skies. I prefer white paper as the color of the paper impacts the whiteness of clouds and highlights. Here are my favorite paper types for watercolor skies:

Pencils & Pens

My favorite pencils and pens for sketching and writing. I like to keep my most-used pencils and pens attached to my sketchbook at all times. To do this, I use a Diodrio Adjustable Pen/Pencil Holder, to which I stick a ProCase Loop Holder to add one more slot.

Pencils

For quick gesture sketches and lightly blocking in shapes, I begin with a Non-Photo Blue Pencil or soft, light watercolor pencil (Goldfaber Aqua Watercolour Pencil, 147 Light Blue) for my initial lines, which I can then go over (if preferred) with a graphite pencil. I then typically make more intentional lines with a Castell 9000 Graphite pencil with "F" lead (I'm left-handed, and "F" is a good balance for me and smudging). To reduce the friction of switching tools, I cut my pencils in halves or thirds and then fuse two different pencils together, so I can just rotate them and go back and forth.
I became a fan of the Koh-I-Noor Hardtmuth Mephisto mechanical pencil (0.5) many years ago, way before I got into drawing. These pencils just feel perfect in my hand and come in a variety of line weights including Koh-I-Noor 0.3 and Koh-I-Noor 0.7.
When my tool space is more limited, I turn to the Pilot HI-Tec-C Coleto, which can house up to four different leads and/or pen refills. I've created my own custom pen refill for one of the slots so that I can carry waterproof ink in it. I intentionally carry the orange Coleto in the field for high-visibility, in case it gets dropped (it's easier to see this way). Currently, my Coleto pencils have 4H 0.5, 2B 0.3, 2B 0.5, and a modified 0.5 Uni-ball Signo refill.
For quick sketches and colored pencil details, I carry the Pentel Arts 8 Colour Automatic Pencil which I fill with a combo of graphite leads (4h and F) and color pencil leads (green, yellow, browns, and black).

Fountain Pens & Brush Pens

My top choice for fountain pen sketching is the Sailor Fountain Pen Profit Fude de Mannen (pen #1 show in the photo above) which features a wonderfully expressive nib that can shift from broad strokes to ultra-fine lines, giving a beautifully organic character to nature sketches. I use this setup with the Sailor Fountain Pen Ink Converter filled with with Platinum Carbon Ink or a mix of De Atramentis Document Ink Urban Grey with De Atramentis Document Ink Black.
For longer writing sessions, I rely heavily on the Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen with the 02 Extra Fine nib (pen #2). It’s reliable, predictable, and writes cleanly from a range of angles—important for me as a lefty who switches between side-handed and slightly over-handed positions. It’s also very budget-friendly at around $7. The lightweight plastic barrel feels great in hand, and the cap posts securely and includes Platinum’s “Slip and Seal” mechanism, which keeps the nib from drying even after a year of no use. I pair this with the Platinum Fountain Pen Ink Converter and Platinum Carbon Ink.
I sometimes like to use a brush pen for bold, expressive lines. For this, I like the Kuretake Fountain Brush Pen (pen #3) which I fill with Platinum Carbon Ink.
The Zebra Pen Zensations Brush Pen (pen #4) has a super-fine tip which flexes to allow a range of line weights.

Other Pens

I like to have a Micron Sakura Pigma PN pen (pen #5) handy, which allows me to achieve a range of line weights. In my experience, Micron pens seem to hold up best to water when I add in my watercolors.
I like to have a fine liner in my kit and prefer Copic Multiliners (pen #6) over Micron Pens as their caps re-post more securely than Microns and they have a less-pronounced ridge near the tip, which is more comfortable on my fingers.
I’m a fan of Uni-Ball Vision Rollerball pens (pen #7) for their smoothness and line weights, especially the Micro Tip. They’re mostly water-proof and are great for writing.
The Sakura Gelly Roll 10 (pen #8) is my not-so-secret tool for adding in white highlights on top of my paint and has been especially helpful when painting waterscapes.
Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Greyscale (not pictured) are great for quick value studies.

Pen Accessories

I like to keep my most-used pencils and pens attached to my sketchbook at all times. To do this, I use a Diodrio Adjustable Pen/Pencil Holder, to which I stick a ProCase Loop Holder to add one more slot.
This ruler fits perfectly within the Diodrio pen/pencil holder: 6-inch Westcott Stainless Steel Metal Ruler with Non-Slip Cork Base

Easels

I get a lot of requests about how I make my hands-free easel and monopod easel and would love to put together a full-fledged guide plus an in-depth video about my process. Consider this "planned" for now, with more details to come.

For now, here are the key components of the most simplified version of my easel, which I drape over my shoulder:

Clipboard: Carbon Fiber Clipboard (this one is 6X9")
The adjustable shoulder strap: Peak Design Leash Camera Strap (they come in a variety of colors including black, blue, sage, tan, and maroon)
Water cup and brush holder attachments: StablO France. Note the brush holder shown above did not come with a magnet. I added that later. I affix these to my easel board using nuts, washers, and bolts.
Gaffer tape: I place gaffer tape on the edges to give the board more texture for binder clips to grab onto (without this, they slip off more easily).

Here's a tutorial video showing how I assemble a hands-free sketch easel.

A quick tutorial video showing how I put together my custom sketch easel.

Bags & Kits

I switch between several types of bags depending on where I am going and how long I'll be out. I will add in others soon.

My No-Fuss, Sketch-and-Paint Shoulder/Belt Bag

My most versatile, portable bags are the minimalist Able Carry Core Sling Mini, the Fjällräven High Coast Shoulder Pack, and the Fjällräven High Coast Hip Pack (fanny pack).

For both of these, I prefer to use my Peak Design Leash Camera Strap which is more comfortable and allows me to adjust the strap effortlessly.

These bags hold all of my sketching and painting tools and are small enough to easily pack into other bags (like a backpack).

Just the Essentials

When heading out for a long walk or trail jog, I need to keep my kit as minimal and lightweight as possible. For these outings, I bring along my small, A6 journal with a multi-lead pencil, a pen, and a mini waterbrush.

I store my paints, a bulldog clip to hold my palette, and a mini waterbrush in a small dry-through Matador Soap Bar Case. For easy access while painting, I clip this to my running vest using an s-biner carabiner. The drawing tools stay attached to the journal via a Diodrio Adjustable Pen/Pencil Holder.

I stash my journal with the tools attached and the mini watercolor kit in the back panel of my trail running vest.

This miniature kit is also what I bring along with me when venturing out with only a small purse.

When weight and/or space is at a premium, I bring only the essentials and stash these in the back pocket of my trail running vest (or purse, if I'm headed out to run errands). I like to keep my most-used pencils and pens attached to my sketchbook at all times. To do this, I use a Diodrio Adjustable Pen/Pencil Holder, to which I stick a ProCase Loop Holder to add one more slot.

The Nature Journaling Day Hiker Companion

When I venture out for an extended hiking and nature journaling excursion where I will also be carrying a backpack, I wear this hip pack by Patagonia.

This bag has enough storage to allow me to keep my valuables on me at all times when I place my backpack down to walk around to explore with my nature journal. The organization on this is hip pack is first class, and I've spec'd it in a way that allows me access all my tools quickly and stow them securely. It's comfortable and the design distributes the weight from the extra items exceptionally well.

The Patagonia Dirt Roamer Mountain Bike Waist Pack 3L has enough storage to allow me to keep my valuables on me at all times when I place my backpack down for a while to explore with my nature journal.

The All-in-One Sling Bag

When I want to carry everything and then some in a shoulder bag—i.e. all my painting gear, my sketch easel, my journal, extra nature journaling supplies, eye glasses, a small blanket, and more, I use the Pakt Everyday 5L Sling bag which is gushing with organization.

The Pakt Everyday 5L Sling bag is **gushing** with organization. I use it when I want to pack the whole kitchen sink of art supplies + other items.

Miscellaneous

Some random bits and bobs I love.

Some handy items include a magnifying loupe, a pocket knife for field clippings, a measuring tape, and a mini pocket blanket.

Magnifying loupe: 10X Magnifying Glass Loupe (Small Pocket Magnifier)
Simple pocket knife for field clippings: Victorinox Classic SD 7 Function Pocket Knife
Measuring tape: Edtape 2PCS Measuring Tape
Spotting scope: Celestron 9-27 x 56 mm Hummingbird ED Micro Spotter Birder-Friendly Spotting Scope, Black
Pocket Blanket: This Matador Mini Pocket Blanket is lightweight, water resistant, and packs down tiny
Watercolor cups: Faber-Castell Clic & Go Artist Water Cup with Paint Puck Brush Cleaner
Masking tape: ScotchBlue Original Painter's Tape 2090-18NC
Sock (watercolor brush dabber)
An excellent idea from John Muir Laws: Cut the top off of an old sock and wear it around your wrist. It’s a great way to blot your watercolor brush.
Measuring tools: Westcott 7-Inch Goniometer Quick Angle Protractor
Dry-through bag for watercolor Pocket Palette: Matador Soap Bar Case
Masking fluid: Pebeo Easy Peel Liquid Latex Masking Fluid
White out "paint": This Presto! Jumbo Correction Pen (Fine) is great for adding large sections (and tiny dots) of white over watercolor paint.
Bulldog clips or binder clips to clip down your journal pages (especially helpful on windy days)
Kneaded eraser: I like these by June Gold
Lightweight Dry Bag in case you get stuck outside with your journal during a downpour: Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag, Multi-Purpose Dry Storage
Viewfinder tool: The View Catcher is great for cropping scenes, determining proportions, and gauging color values.
360-degree rotating desk organizer caddy with 5 compartments: Chemlliy
Pencil clips: These Zonon Metal Pencil Clips run a bit big for standard pencils, so you might need to use a little epoxy or tighten with pliers. Your milage may vary.

Take a seat!

While a lot of my field work is done while standing, a good seat is a wonderful little luxury item to have with you when you can pack a little extra weight. Also listed below are ultralight options for when you can't justify a stool.

Here are my favorite stools and seats for the field:

My most comfortable stool: Walkstool - Comfort Model - Black and Silver - 3 Legged Folding Stool in Aluminium - Height 18"
My lightest stool (not as comfy, but very lightweight—please note this stool can be hard for some to sit on as it is very low to the ground): Robens Geographic High Camping Stool, High Grey, One Size
Lightweight sit pad (good for long hikes): Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Cushion Insulated Sitting Pad
Pocket Blanket (ultralight, water resistant, and packs down tiny): Matador Mini Pocket Blanket is lightweight

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