what do i need to watercolor in the field?

Ideas for Watercolor Travel Kits

I mentioned in a contempo post that our family unit'due south schedule inverse last year, and since then it feels as if I've spent all of my gratis time at our children's higher campuses or driving them to and from classes. Although it's been extremely hard (if not impossible) to blog, I was determined to make time for sketching and painting.

I won't lie and say that it'due south been like shooting fish in a barrel, because it'south been a huge claiming to carve out creative time while dodging ping pong balls in the pupil center or yoga sessions on the lawn. All the same, I've been able to find quiet, calm moments here and there. Since the key to on-the-go creative success is keeping supplies readily at hand, I've been working on creating my "perfect" watercolor travel kit.

Since I first began sketching and painting, I've tried endless ways to carry supplies. Some have worked well and some accept not. I won't share the long list of what hasn't worked; instead I'll share several watercolor travel kits that have worked along with why they work. I'll too share a kit that, with minimal sewing skills, you may be able to DIY.

So in the hopes of encouraging you to get creative on the become, below are my height picks for sketching and watercolor travel kits.

Watercolor Travel Kit Requirements

Earlier we dive in, I should probably explain exactly what I look for in a watercolor travel kit. I've shared a couple of before version of my kits similar my minimalist watercolor kit and my backpack field kit, and although these work not bad in certain situations, neither has plenty security for our agile, rugged, outdoor lifestyle. I constantly spilled things out of both and unfortunately have lost quite a few tools.*

Each creative person is different and so my needs may not exist your needs, but I'll gladly share my top 5 travel kit requirements because my listing might help you lot decide whether or not these things are of import to y'all. Below is what I consider absolutely mandatory for whatever sketching or watercolor travel kit.

Information technology must fit hands and comfortably into a haversack.
A backpack is the merely way I can comfortably carry any sort of load for extended periods, and then I prefer lightweight, streamlined kits without straps. However, all of the kits that I showcase have a place to attach a shoulder strap or could easily slip inside a shoulder bag.

It must have secure tool storage.
I'm rather clumsy so an open pouch containing loose tools is my perfect recipe for disaster. Plus, I suffer from LZS (Lazy Zipper Syndrome) then I'k terrible at remembering to re-nix bags and pouches. I've tried many times to apply open up pockets and sleeves, but I've lost likewise many expensive fine art supplies when they've slipped out unnoticed. Because of this, I prefer elastic loops or other extremely secure ways to hold my pens, pencils, brushes, and other items.

But yeah, I however need a modest pouch.
Regardless of my struggles with LZS, I still need at least i small pouch or pocket for an eraser, pencil sharpener, and a couple of other miscellaneous things that tend to pop right out of elastic.

Information technology must fit ALL of the tools that I use.
I don't like my supplies scattered throughout various pouches and numberless. This results in too much digging, and I noticed that when I packed this way, many times I wouldn't bother to paint because information technology took too much endeavour to get to what I needed. I adopt to open one kit, sketch and pigment, and be done. The but possible exceptions to this rule are a sketchbook and a collapsible water cup stored separately in my pack.

But it tin can't agree too much…
I confess that I can be a scrap of a Goldilocks, but there's a method to my madness. I've learned that nearly folks (including me) fill the available space. If I have a big case, no matter how much I try to restrain myself, I'll pack until it's filled. Because of this tendency, I effort to choose meaty bags that have smart organization.

*Regarding a backpack sideslip: I own several sizes of these and still use them constantly, merely non in the wild where my tool kit tends to go flipped upside down and dropped into streams. However, slips are corking options for a lightweight or travel EDC. A more than secure option might exist this tactical slip.

Top Picks for Watercolor Travel Kits

Beneath are my superlative five choices for watercolor travel kits listed in alphabetical order. The filled weight includes my personal art supplies and then your filled weight may differ. However, my filled weight may give y'all a good idea of what the instance could counterbalance when packed. And I do pack these cases!

Unless noted, all measurements and weights are mine and may differ from the manufacturers' information. Earlier buy, please check product websites for more than information and to compare.

[Big thanks to Tom Bihn for supplying the HLT kit for this postal service. I'm grateful, simply this doesn't bear on my stance in any way. I paid in total for all other travel kits featured and was offered no discounts beyond standard retailer discounts. To help support my work, this commodity contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase via my links, I may make a minor commission at no cost to you so thanks!]

Cotman Travel Purse

You may take seen photos of this case in earlier posts, because this has been i of my favorite watercolor travel kits. The Cotman Travel Purse is lightweight and portable notwithstanding it's system is stellar. Information technology's a one-handbag wonder and tin hold all of my travel tools along with a slim A5 sketchbook, or nearly anything else that I deem necessary.

But fair warning, this kit is bulky when filled so it tin brand my haversack rather lopsided and uncomfortable. However, the handbag has an exterior handle for carrying along with 2 loops that could be used for a shoulder strap, and then stuffing it into a backpack isn't necessary. Also, I take noticed a few loose stitches and fabric vesture, but so far it's nothing that has affected its performance.

This kit was one time readily bachelor in the States, just now the Cotman bag can be rather hard to find so I'g concerned that it may presently be discontinued. I really promise Winsor & Newton keeps this kit effectually because it is loaded with options — pockets, elastics, and velcro galore!

Unfortunately, it isn't sold without the included Cotman watercolor supplies. Nonetheless, Cotman watercolors are adept student-form paints and the entire kit isn't very expensive if you lot can get information technology from a reputable supplier. (Run across note below.) Arts and crafts stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby accept besides carried it, and Winsor & Newton offers a store locator although I'thousand uncertain of its accuracy.

If you similar the Cotman case merely tin't become your easily on 1 for a fair toll, I've plant a possible alternative on Amazon. I haven't tested this kit, but it looks promising! If yous give information technology a whirl, delight let me know how it works for you in the comments section at the finish of this mail. Of course, I've besides listed plenty of other alternatives below.

Dimensions: 6.5 x nine x 2.75 inches closed / 21 x ix open
Weight: 7 oz empty / 1 lb six oz with supplies pictured sans sketchbook

Pros:
Holds a lot of supplies including a slim A5 sketchbook
Big, zippered mesh pocket
Elastic loops & tool flap holds supplies securely
Shoulder strap attachment possible
Sewn-in handle for carry

Cons:
Generous depth makes it bulky when filled
Questionable immovability
Not available without included supplies
Availability limited; may be discontinued

Note: Jackson's has consistently offered great prices on Winsor & Newton products, but due to recent changes in trade agreements, international shipments are now limited. Jackson's isn't happy about it either, but they still ship WN throughout the European union. Blick has stocked Cotman's Travel Pocketbook in the past, only currently the listing is MIA. If I discover new data, I'll exist sure to update this post.

Etchr Slate Mini Satchel

Last yr I shared an in-depth review of Etchr'southward Satchel and Field Case. While neither kit worked for me, I vicious in love with Etchr'south astonishing organization, secure storage, and like shooting fish in a barrel modification system. I recently decided to requite Etchr's Mini Slate a effort, and I'yard very glad that I did! It's too big for me to utilize as an EDC (aka Every Day Carry) but I really love it for extended travel or if I desire to carry forth full-size brushes.

I still take the same issues with Etchr that I had in my review: Their bags are heavy! However, the Slate Mini is slim enough to slip easily into a haversack and it sits well with my other items, so the weight tends to disappear on my back. Also, Etchr'southward products are made Mainland china yet are still fairly pricey. (For an option that's lighter and less expensive albeit probably less durable, check out the Derwent A4 Page.)

That being said, I think the Slate Mini is worth its weight and price. Etchr bags and their components appear to be well made. We live at high distance on wet and rocky terrain and I expect my bags to keep up, still the Slate Mini hasn't missed a beat and still looks virtually new.

But my all-time favorite thing about Etchr numberless is their adaptability and customization. The organizational components can exist moved effectually (or removed) to suit whatever excursion that I'thousand planning or supplies that I'm conveying. An added bonus is that any Velcro hook organizers volition work with this handbag. Plus, this kit will securely carry all the items that I need including an A4 sketchbook or 9x12-inch watercolor cake forth with a full studio's worth of brushes, pens, and paints.

Yep the Slate "Mini" is large specially when compared to my other watercolor kits, simply it securely carries a few supplies for an afternoon of sketching or loads of supplies for an extended trip. Considering the Slate's organisation is so well designed and so much fun to utilize, I tend to over pack this bag, but information technology carries so well in my backpack that I don't mind considering the security of the Etchr Slate is worth information technology.

Dimensions: 10 x thirteen x 2 inches closed / 10 ten 27 open up
Weight: 1 lb 15 oz stripped (no components) / iii lb two oz with a filled Woodward & Father palette, collapsible water cup, and supplies pictured (And compared to what this bag can carry, I've packed extra low-cal.)

Pros:
Holds a lot of supplies including an A4 sketchbook
Extremely durable instance & protective components
Hands modified to piece of work with a variety of users &/or supplies
Shoulder strap included
Can be used with an easel

Cons:
Very heavy even when empty
Expensive

JotBlock Travel Watercolor Set

I ran beyond the JotBlock watercolor travel set up on Amazon and thought information technology was super cute and extremely affordable, so I immediately ordered one. When it arrived, it looked just every bit pretty every bit the photos but the included supplies were by far the worst watercolor products that I've e'er used. For existent.

Regardless, the case is beautiful and made from heavy duty felt, so I think the case solitary is worth its pocket-sized price. I lovingly restocked it with quality supplies and gifted it to a friend for her to use during several hospital stays considering the tri-fold case is perfect for a mini watercolor sketch kit.

The interior pockets are big enough to hold a 3.5x5-inch Pentalic Aqua Journal or a Moleskin Pocket Journal AND a stack of 4x6 watercolor paper sheets. An Expeditionary Art Pocket Palette fits perfectly alongside a pencil, pen, eraser, and pocket brush. When filled, the case does bow out and gain some majority, but I had no issues with the interior rubberband and snap closure holding all of the supplies deeply enough.

Equally I put together this post, I realized that I forgot to measure the kit before I gave it abroad. Oops! Oh well, I really wanted the measurements because this is one kit that I think would be a cinch to DIY. Yet, I reached out to the manufacturer who kindly supplied the dimensions beneath, and I call back it would be super uncomplicated to create your own from this thought. I'd love to way 1 a bit larger to suit an A5 sketchbook and a few more tools, then stay tuned!

Dimensions (per manufacturer): 5 x 7 x ane inches closed / 14.5 x 7 open
Weight: northward/a simply extremely lightweight & impossible to overpack

Pros:
Extremely lightweight & minimalistic
Rubberband loops & tool flaps hold supplies deeply
Very cute coffee-shop aesthetic
Extremely affordable

Cons:
Included supplies aren't usable
Not available without included supplies
Somewhat bulky when filled
No closures on pockets

Maxpedition Pocket Organizer

This little organizer pouch by Maxpedition is a perfect fit for my portable watercolor supplies. Information technology's extremely compact and lightweight, and its slim profile slides hands into a diverseness of packs and numberless. However, don't let its small size fool yous considering I can pack a crazy amount of supplies into this case.

The Maxpedition Pocket Organizer easily handles 7 travel brushes, 4 pens including a full-sized Platinum Pilot Desk-bound Pen, 2 rulers, an eraser, sharpener, pencil, large eraser castor, toothbrush, water mister, a stack of 4x6 watercolor paper, and a filled Woodward & Father palette. And I could easily fit more than, yet even with this pouch fully packed, I can see all my supplies at a glance and quickly become to what I need.

I carry my bags into some pretty extreme conditions, just the Maxpedition Pocket Organizer'due south stitching, textile, and zippers have held up well. However, the elastic has been problematic since Day ane because it has very picayune jump. (Run across photo.) The loops volition accommodate and even agree my supplies fairly well every bit long every bit I'm careful to keep them in the same place, because in one case the loop is stretched to the tool, there's no going back. Smaller items will immediately slide out of loops that have been stretched to hold larger tools.

Within a week of purchasing this pouch, I reached out to Maxpedition with the quality issue and their client support politely brushed me off, so I'm very tentative about recommending this company and their products. Even so, I think their pocket organizer has a lot to offer if they'll remedy this quality consequence. Even if they don't, this pouch is very affordable and works well equally long as you know what to look.

Dimensions: 5.five x 8 10 ane inches closed / 11.v x viii open
Weight: iv oz empty / i lb 2 oz with supplies pictured

Pros:
Extremely lightweight & minimalistic
Elastic loops hold supplies somewhat securely
Very rugged aesthetic
Affordable
Lots of storage options (loops, pockets, molle straps, etc)

Cons:
Subpar elastic makes me dubiousness its longevity
Dubious customer back up

Tom Bihn Handy Picayune Thing (HLT) Pouch

If y'all've poked effectually my blog, you already know that I dearest everything about Tom Bihn's visitor and products. I really enjoyed the Cotman and Maxpedition kits as everyday carries but struggled with some of their disadvantages. When Bihn unveiled their HLT pouch, information technology appeared similar to both bags but I knew information technology would be extremely well designed and crafted, so I shameless reached out to them and asked for one to review.

Thankfully they said yeah, because this has turned out to be a fantastic on-the-go watercolor travel kit. With a bit of trepidation, I chose the HLT in a size 2. (Bihn also has a smaller option.) I wanted the actress infinite but I was concerned that information technology would exist too large and bulky. However, my fears were unfounded. Although this pouch measures large, it's even so extremely lightweight and highly portable.

The HLT is small-scale enough for daily use or large enough for travel. By itself, it easily holds a generous stash of pens, pencils, and h2o brushes along with a travel palette, paper towels, spritzer, collapsible cup, etc etc etc. I too clipped an extra pouch (sold separately) to one of the many o-rings to concord my pocket brushes. A hidden slip pocket behind the interior mesh pouch has enough of room for a generous stack of 4x6 watercolor paper or an A6 journal.

Merely the coolest thing about the HLT pouch is that it tin can exist deeply held in one manus while open which converts the HLT into a mini sketching "easel." If I slide 1 side of a sketchbook cover into the hidden sideslip pocket, I can easily sketch while standing or walking—a huge plus! By the way, it's designed to piece of work for lefties, too.

Regardless of the HLT's numerous advantages, I have struggled with the interior rubberband. It's high quality and wonderfully stretchy, but it isn't sewn to be taut when not filled. Considering of this, the elastic works much better with larger tools than slim items similar pencils and pens. (I had to attach pocket clips to my pencils to go along them from sliding out.)

Also, I was surprised that just one of the interior webbing strips is rubberband; the other is standard webbing that doesn't stretch. I can't really effigy out a use for this in the pouch's interior and it doesn't hold supplies securely, so I promise Bihn considers double elastic webbing in the future. If so, this is such a handy pouch that I'd gladly buy some other HLT.

Regardless of these small drawbacks, you are willing to pay a footling more for pinnacle-notch quality and stellar customer support, I call back Bihn's HLT pouch could exist the answer to your watercolor travel kit needs.

Dimensions: 5 ten viii.5 x 2.5 inches airtight / 12 10 viii.5 open
Weight: four.ii oz empty / 1 lb 5 oz with supplies pictured

Pros:
Very lightweight
Tin can exist held in-hand while sketching
Lots of storage options (pockets, o-rings, molle straps, etc)
Bachelor in two sizes & a diversity of colors
Can be converted to a waist pack or shoulder bag (straps sold separately)
Designed & made in the U.S.A.
Extremely durable; created for life
Stellar client support

Cons:
Expensive in comparison to some kits
Interior webbing doesn't secure small-scale tools

Note: Due to the coronavirus outbreak and the shortage of healthcare masks, Tom Bihn's pocketbook production was on pause while they focused their efforts on sewing face masks. Production has since resumed, and then more than HLT pouches volition exist stocked ASAP.

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Source: https://www.scratchmadejournal.com/blog/sketching-watercolor-travel-kit-ideas

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