My Artist's Bag

I've grown increasingly curious as to what supplies other artists use for illustration.  To reciprocate, here's what I use.

Onsite:

  • Right now, I'm still working through a Molenskine Sketchbook (5" x 8"), but I also really like the pocket size Moleskine Watercolor book (3.5" x 5.5").  I can't wait to get back into this size after I finish the sketchbook.  Though I agree with others that the quality is not really worth the price, I like the assurance that I will always be able to find these exact books anywhere I go.

  • Bottle of water.

  • Ziplock bag containing Faber-Castell pens (sizes XS and F), 0.7mm mechanical pencil, office and artist erasers, and 4 to 5 small watercolor round brushes (as long as they don't shed bristles, I'm not picky on the brand).

  • Winsor & Newton 14 half pan travel set...which I never clean.

  • Paper towel for dabbing...or sometimes just my pants.

  • My camera phone to snap a picture if I plan to finish the watercolor at home.

  • Oh, yes, and my dog.

At Home:

  • For personal stuff, I use the Moleskines.  For clients, I like using Arches Cold Press at least 140lb watercolor paper.  I buy 22" x 30" sheets which I cut down to size.  This stuff IS worth the price.

  • Water glass.

  • All the same pens, pencils, and brushes.

  • Winsor & Newtown 45 half pan set...which I also never clean.

  • Swatch reference for my watercolors.

  • Paper towel.

And that's it.  I'm not a tester of supplies, so I pretty much stick with something until it's no longer good for the job.  These are all still doing the job!

Illustrated Patron Saints

Watercoloring Onsite