
“Field sketching” means drawing subjects from nature on location. Not only is this great drawing practice, it’s also a creative way to tune into your environment. This article will teach you how to create the best field sketching kit for your needs.
What you’ll learn:
What you need:
It doesn’t require much to get started with field sketching. In fact, you can build your very own field sketching kit for under $10. The best way to proceed is to start with the basics: a sketchbook and a pencil.Â
Overall, I find that a sturdy, portable, hardcover book with multi-media paper is a good general starting point for most people. If you’re particular, try something that works for your preferred medium. For example, a journal that’s best for pencil drawing might not be ideal for watercolor paintings.
It’s easy to get overly ambitious and bring an entire set of paints, brushes, inks and the kitchen sink. However, the best way to show up prepared is to know what you will do before heading out. Your kit will always contain the basics but you can modularize your kit by adding only what you know you will use on location.Â
There was a period in my field sketching when I wanted to copy the style of the old masters by using sepia ink. I learned the hard way that although this medium worked great at home, it was HORRIBLE out in the field because the ink would bleed if it got wet. Modularizing your kit is an ongoing trial and error process. Don’t be afraid to experiment. You can always fall back on your basic kit if it doesn’t work out.
Basic Kit:
Optional Add-ons:
It’s important to understand the conditions you might encounter in the field. Several years ago, I thought it would be a great idea to make an acrylic painting from the top of Mt. Shuksan. After reaching the 9,131 ft summit, my paint froze and my brush got ruined. Worst of all, I couldn’t finish my field sketch!
Planning is everything when venturing out into nature, especially if you want to optimize your field sketching kit. If I were to attempt another mountaintop field sketch, I would certainly include a medium that wouldn’t freeze, as well as glove liners that allowed my hands to stay warm while maintaining dexterity.Â
What I Brought:
What I Should Have Brought:
You can tell that this painting just didn’t work out. I took a reference photo and finished the field sketch in ink after I got home. What a missed field sketching opportunity!
I actually got to finish this field sketch on location. All I did was optimize my kit for freezing temperatures. The glove liners and hot tea thermos also came in handy.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s recap and explore a few other points.
Feel free to ask or tell us anything