Field Sketching

Here’s my pencil sketching kit that I take out with me in the field. It may seem a little excessive, but it only takes up about as much weight and space as 2 fully loaded Derwent Pencil Wraps.

The bag is tough canvass, nothing too expensive, and I think I bought it from WH Smiths in Truro for about a fiver. It’s not waterproof, but it fits neatly into a zip-lock bag to keep it watertight if I need to. I don’t think they make this blue one any more, but you can get a similar one on Amazon here: Umbro Barrel Pencil Case

Click on the images below for a closer look. All of the items are numbered, and if you look at the corresponding number below you’ll see I’ve detailed everything with links through to suppliers if you want to buy any of these items online.

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Field Sketching Kit Contents

01 - Umbro Pencil Case

My Umbro Barrel Pencil Case tucks neatly into the side pocket of my rucksack and has everything to hand when I need it.

02 - Derwent Watersoluble Sketching Pencils

This neat little tin of 6  Derwent Watersoluble Sketching Pencils has been great for creating quick tonal sketches in the field.The tin not only helps protect the pencils and keep them from getting bashed in the pencil case, but it also contains a little pencil sharpener too.

03 - Caran D'Ache Watersoluble Sketching Pencils

I always carry a few Caran D’Ache Watersoluble Sketching Pencils in my bag because they’re great for creating small tonal sketches while I’m working. These particular ones I actually bought from David Bellamy at the Patchings Art fair to give them a try and they work great.

04 - Derwent Graphic Soft Pencils Pencils

I always carry a selection of Derwent Graphic Soft Pencils in my bag, after all, this is my field sketching kit! One day I might even be able to afford to get myself the Derwent Wooden Box set of 120 Artists Pencils but I won’t carry them around in the field with me!

05 - 3-Ply Pocket Tissues

These have come in use countless times either to wipe my equipment clean, mop up small spills, or even for lifting out when I’m using my watercolour pencils. I never use balm impregnated impregnated tissues as I don’t want oil coming into contact with my paper. The cheap 3-Ply Pocket Tissues seem to be the best.

07 - Pentel Graphgear Draughting Pencils

I have three of theses in my bag. Two Pentel GraphGear 1000 Draughting Pencil 0.7mm loaded with 2B and HB leads and one Pentel GraphGear 1000 Draughting Pencils 0.9mm loaded with 2B lead. These are my favorite mechanical pencils and I use these for most of my work.

08 - Derwent Pencil Eraser with Brush

This is a great little tool for when I need to erase something with precision, particularly highlights in an eye, or ripples around a boat, the Derwent Pencil Eraser with Brush has been a great help.

11 - Cheap Pencils With Erasers

I love it when kids take an interest in what I’m sketching, and I normally carry around a few Cheap Pencils with Erasers that I can to give to them with a scrap of paper so they can have a go themselves - with their parent’s/guardian’s permission of course!

“Clean” Field Sketching Bag Contents

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