My Traveling Art Toolkit
Hannah Loesche
On the list of necessities we pack for adventures, is my art toolkit!
I don’t know about you, but if something feels like “a lot of work” to get out, setup, use, etc. I’m not always the first to jump and do so. Like, if our standup mixer was stored in a cabinet, rather than living on our counter, I’d be a lot less likely to use it. Just me? So, having creative tools in a more compact “travel” version is so helpful in making a practice, that feels like an extension of me, so much more accessible…ya know?
Not Just for Travel
In fact, I use many of my travel art tools as my “norm” in the studio, purely because they just work for me! Much of the compact-ness feels better in my smaller hands. Also, it feels far less serious and more playful, which I think is vital for those considering exploring nature journaling. Or, just being creative in general!
For those that like to know what others use and why, I gotchu’! Below, I dissected what’s coming along (some, still considering) with me on our over-landing trip to the Ouray, CO this week! (With links)
Toolkit Dissection
Mini Ruler: [C THRU Flexible/Non-Skid] Because a full size one would be ridiculous! Also works well with the size pages of my journals. I use mostly to create sections and boxes on my pages. Sometimes use to measure size of something I’m looking at.
Fine Tip Pen: [Prismacolor Premier #01 Black ink] Essential for any mark-making. A water-resistant pen! I typically like to have more than one option, in different tip sizes, so I might add a fav. Steadtler to the kit before we scoot.
Mini Knife: [Spyderco BEAD4LY] Unfortunately, discontinued, but they have many other mini options. I added a tiny lanyard for easy locating in my kit. I have many pocket knives, but this one is great to keep in my small travel pouch. I use it for cutting/dissecting something I find, sharpening a wooden pencil, cutting paper, etc. I’ve had it 10+ years and have yet to need to sharpen it.
Pen + Brush Storage: [Up-cycled] This is actually a hallow bamboo tube (with a lid) that a toothbrush once came in! It fits only a few drawing pens/brushes, and I might use it instead of a pouch this year.
Eraser: [Tombo MonoZero Elastomer Eraser 2.3] There are so many erasers under the sun. I found I like retractable “pen-style” ones best. They aren’t as bulky and stay relatively clean while adventuring.
Watercolor Journal: [Arteza 8.25”x8.25” Hardcover] These come in a 2-pack. My Mom gifted these to me and I love them. They have cold-press watercolor paper (I typically prefer hot-press (smoother)], but I think the natural texture of cold-press adds some interest to my entries. The size is great, and I appreciate the built-in band to hold down pages in the wind!
Retractable Pencil: [GraphGear 500 0.3 by Pentel] Mechanical because it’s a quicker “sharpen”, than a traditional pencil. This is a pretty thin size. I’m giving it a try!
Travel Brushes: [Pentel Aquash Water Brush] + [Raphael Le Voyageur] I’m not loving the Raphael brushes I purchased, as they are a bit course for applying watercolor paint. Better for acrylic I think. So, I might just bring my water brush, since it’s synthetic hairs can keep a pretty tight point for small details. Plus, the waterbrush has well…water in it. Less fuss.
Stretchy Band: [Grifiti Silicone Cross Band] I just got 2 from ArtToolkit and am really psyched to try them out. The “X” shape gives more opportunity for holding down loose objects/tools…and less chance of loosing them!
Travel Paint Palette: [ArtToolkit Folio Palette] I have their “demi” palette (their smallest) and was using that for last few years, and wanted to bring a few more colors with me. This palette isn’t filled up…yet. When open, the lids act as a mixing palette space. They are also so thin, and the little pans to fill with paint are all magnetic, so you can rearrange/swap-out, as you please! I couldn’t recommend more!