There’s nothing quite like painting or sketching on location. The sun on your skin, the breeze on your face, and the immersion in your surroundings make for a truly enriching experience. However, travelling with art supplies requires careful consideration to ensure you have everything you need without being weighed down. Here’s a guide to the essential art materials for travel, helping you pack efficiently and create with ease wherever your journey takes you.

1. Sketchbooks and Paper Pads

A high-quality sketchbook is a travel essential. Look for one that is durable, with a sturdy cover to protect your work. Go for a heavy weight spiral-bound sketchbook so it can cope with all media and both dry and wet media. Spiral bounds are convenient as they lie flat, making it easier to draw or paint on the go.

2. Portable Easel

A compact, lightweight easel can be a game-changer for outdoor painting. Look for a collapsible model that’s easy to carry and set up. Some field easels also double as storage boxes for your supplies, which can be a real space-saver.

The Rosa Studio Sketchboard is worth looking at too, its a big hit with Urban Sketchers as it’s lightweight and has a carry handle built in. If you are travelling abroad it will easily fit into the bottom of your suitcase too!

3. Drawing and Painting Tools

• Pencils and Pens: Two to three graphite pencils in varying hardness are essential for sketching. A few fineline pens for more defined line work are also useful.
• Watersoluble pencils/pens: It’s worth considering tools that can be used dry for drawing and wet for watercolour effects. Watercolour pencils, Inktense pencils, Neocolour II crayons are versatile tools making them ideal for travel.
• Brushes: Opt for travel brushes with retractable or protective covers or waterbrushes with a built in water reservoir. A small selection of round and flat brushes should suffice.

• Paints: Travel-sized watercolour sets are compact and convenient. Pick a watercolour palette that has a built in mixing area. You may have seen the Viviva Coloursheets on the BBC Painting Birds series Jim & Nancy Moir – these are so compact they fit in your pocket! The Viviva Travel painting kits are also a great option for watercolourists as the kit includes the paints, a waterbrush and a sketchbook in a handy leatherette case. For acrylic or oil painters, consider downsizing your tubes or carrying a limited palette of primary colours and white to mix a wide range of hues.

4. Water Container and Spray Bottle

A collapsible water container is essential for painters. Pair it with a small spray bottle to keep your watercolours moist and your palette clean. Both are lightweight and easy to pack.

5. Disposable Palette

For oil and acrylic painters a small tear off palette is a must for colour mixing and doesn’t add much weight.

6. Paper Towels or Rags

These are indispensable for cleaning brushes, blotting excess paint, and general cleanup. They’re lightweight and don’t take up much space in your bag.

7. Protective Cases

Protect your supplies with appropriate cases. Pencil cases, brush rolls, and zippered pouches keep everything organised and safe from damage.

8. Lightweight Chair or Cushion

If you plan to spend long hours in one spot, a portable chair or cushion can make a huge difference in comfort. Look for lightweight, foldable options that are easy to carry.

9. Sun Protection and Weather Gear

Don’t forget to take care of yourself while you create. Pack a hat, sunscreen, and a lightweight rain jacket. An umbrella can also be useful, not just for rain but for creating shade on particularly sunny days.

10. Travel Bag

Finally, a good travel bag is essential. Look for one that’s spacious enough to fit all your supplies, with compartments to keep everything organised. A backpack with padded straps can help distribute the weight more comfortably. It’s worth checking out the Derwent Carry All Bag too it’s like the Tardis inside with numerous pockets and pencil holders and a shoulder strap.

Top Tips for Travelling with Art Supplies

• Prioritise Essentials: Only bring what you’ll realistically use. It’s tempting to pack everything, but travelling light will make your experience more enjoyable.
• Test Your Kit: Before your trip, do a few practice runs with your packed supplies. This helps ensure you have everything you need and that it’s all easy to access.
• Keep It Compact: Choose travel-sized versions of your favourite supplies where possible. Many brands offer compact sets specifically designed for artists on the go.
• Stay Organised: Use pouches and cases to keep similar items together. This makes it easier to find what you need quickly.

Check out the Travel Art Supplies section of our website to find our curated collection of art materials perfect for taking on your travels.

With the right preparation and thoughtfully chosen supplies, you can create beautiful art wherever you go. Happy travels and happy creating!