As many of you may know, I'm gearing up to go on my first ever art retreat to the South of France! Ahhh! I still can't believe it! Somebody seriously PINCH ME!
As I am beginning to pack, I thought I would share the art supplies I am taking with me that I would consider "must haves" when setting myself up for success to make art on the go!
After years of trial and error, II’ve finally honed in on the travel-friendly tools that spark creativity without taking up half a suitcase. Whether I’m sketching on a quiet bench in the park, doodling at the dog park, or sprawled out on a blanket in a charming park in France... here are few of my favorite art supplies that travel well that I always keep on hand!
✏️ 1. A Mixed Media A5 Sketchbook (or Two)
A sturdy, travel-sized sketchbook is a non-negotiable. I prefer something with thick, mixed media paper that can handle everything from pencil to watercolor. Look for one with a hard cover so it won’t get bent in your bag. I usually travel with an A5 size because the size makes for a less pressure situation, and I can actually finish a piece in a short amount of time because of the small page size. I used to only use A5 watercolor sketchbooks but I have really loved using more mixed media in my sketchbook like markers, pens and pencil and so a smooth but sturdy paper is a must. My Quell sketchbook is my new favorite because of the lay-flat design, so now I can easily create a full spread over the seam without fighting to keep the pages down :) The pages are a premium smooth 157gsm which makes it ideal for all types of media!
🎨 2. Compact Watercolor or Gouache Set
Watercolors: Winsor Newton Travel Watercolor Set Really any of these would work, it just depends on what you are looking for. The Cotman sub-brand of Winsor Newton is geared more towards amateur, where as the professional field set is just that- definitely a higher quality, more pigmented paint set.
Gouache- My favorite art supply of the last 5 years for sure! I use a mix of Winsor Newton gouaches . To make my gouache easily transportable, I pre-pour them in a small empty palette, and then just reactive them with water when I am ready to use them while out and about. I get questions all the time about what palette I use (because let's be honest, the ceramic and wood combo is just gorgeous) and it's from Nailea Sarait's etsy shop but if you are looking for something a bit cheaper, I found this one on Amazon that is similar, as well as this metal palette with a travel water container!
💧3. Water Brushes
Pentel Aquash Brush Set: These are game changers for painting on the go—no need to carry a cup of water! Just fill the barrel with water, squeeze gently, and paint away. They’re super portable and mess-free.Love this set- especially for the price! They are so portable and easy to use on the go! They do take a little while to get used to, but once you get it- you're golden! Don't forget to keep a paper towel tucked in your case to clean off your brush! This is a must in order to change colors!
🖊 4. A Few Favorite Pens
I always pack a handful of waterproof pens (in various nib sizes) for outlining, shading, or adding detail on top of paint. Here are a few of my favorites:
Tombow Fudenosuke Pens - These are my absolute favorite brush tip pens. I love that this pack has one pen thats a little softer, harder and also a soft twin tip!
Pilot Bravo Marker Pen - This is the juiciest mono line pen/ marker and is sooo fun to draw with! I love!
White Posca Paint Pen A MUST. Just trust me on this.
Hongdian Fountain Pen- Don't you just feel fancy when you're using a fountain pen? I know I do. This is a newbie to my collection. I have tried several fountain pens and so far this is my favorite! I love the weight of the pen, and the ink flows beautifully. Oh a quick note about the ink- unfortunately it IS sold separately (so annoying right?) but the good news is that I have the cartridges linked for you here.
🌈 5. Water-based Markers
Tombow Dual Brush Markers are the best. I LOVE these markers so much and they have made my sketchbook practice sky rocket with their ease and portability! They are buildable, almost like watercolors, and have a brush tip and fine line option. 10/10 highly recommend!
6. Colored Pencils
For softer color applications and detailed work, colored pencils are another must-have in my Quell Case. They’re easy to carry and perfect for layering or blending to create subtle gradients and texture in my illustrations. I love using them for quick studies or more refined drawings.
Prismacolor Colored Pencils: The quality is superior! They are so creamy and dreamy and opaque over marker, gouache, etc!
👜 7. My Quell Sketchbook Case (Duh!)
Of course, I keep everything organized in my Quell Sketchbook Case, which makes art-on-the-go so much easier. It fits all my essentials and slips easily into my backpack or carry-on. No more digging for lost pens at the bottom of my bag. Everything I need for the day is right here with me! 🙌
🧽 8. Misc Mini Items:
- Paper towel – essential to have when using your water brush!
- Large clips – To hold your pages open on a breezy day.
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Mini spray bottle – To reactivate dry paints or even use as a cup of water for watercolors- just unscrew the lid and dip your brush inside the bottle.
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Metal Pencil sharpener + white eraser or retractable eraser – The basics, but easy to forget!
9. A Lightweight Bag -
Oh! and of course you need a bag to carry these items in. You can always grab a back pack or tote, but in an effort to foster my sketchbook habit at any given opportunity, my husband Chris and I designed the Quell Artist Bag- it's kind of like if a book bag and a belt bag had a baby. The thing that I love most about it is that It's minimal and sleek in design, easy to throw on like a purse, but with enough space to pack the basics!
I know I sometimes fall trap to products that have zillions of compartments and endless storage, but then the problem that I find with those kind of bags is that sometimes I lose steam after I finish packing my entire studio in it- and never get to the art making. ORRR I literally forget where I put certain supplies in my attempt to be more "organized". With our Artist Bag, the idea is that we want to make it as easy as possible to throw in your sketchbook and a few of your fav "go-to supplies " and just have the option to make a little art wherever you go. No need to spend an hour prepping this baby with every art supply you own- the goal is simplicity.
Also- one thing I've also learned in the 10 years of my sketchbook practice is that limitations lead to more creativity. Sometimes we as humans need only a few choices in order to make the best decisions. When I have too many options, or worse- can pick anything I want, I freeze up! But if I have limitations to my choices, bam- I get out of my head and into the pages and start the doing! That's the goal here... less thinking, more DOING! Also- the thing I love about this bag is that it is large enough to fit your Quell Case in, but also has enough space and compartments for your supplies to be packed up loosely or in smaller pencil cases with room for snacks too :)
Anyways, I hope this blog is helpful to those of you who are looking to doom scroll less and make MORE art.. wherever you go!
Can't wait to give the full France art retreat recap in a few weeks! Until then, au revoir!
