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sketching & watercolor kits

The Sketching Kit: I always have multiple sketchbooks going and encourage all my student-artists to build a sketchbook practice, especially if traveling. The sketchbook is your personal diary, a visual and written journal of inspiration, experiences, notes, checklists, ideas, colors and doodles. A sketch practice helps build visual acuity, study anatomy, space, with a better understanding of light and shadow, and color.  

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The following kit has my favorite essentials for sketching anytime and portability to boot!

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My favorite sketchbook:

Handbook Journal Co. 94# pages for sketch/quick watercolor applications/collaging. Pocket in the back for ephemera, receipts, etc. Handbook Journal Co. Sketchbook

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Sketch Pens are perfect for quick sketching, offer a permanent ink mark in traditional black or multiple range of colors and brands. A Sharpie Extra Fine pen is always in my bag. But for a more professional option in a variety of nib sizes and colors, my go-to is Faber-Castell's PITT pen line. I've added a great set of 5 in black ink with encourage artists to explore the whole line of PITT pen nib sizes and colors. 

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Pencils: Aquarelle colored pencils are the perfect way to sketch AND add water! I carry a few in my travel kit and use for more formal watercolor painting as well. 

Faber Castell Aquarelle Graphite Pencil Set of 5

Faber-Castell Aquarelle Colored Pencils Set of 36​

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Markers: I think these markers are the best in the water-soluble market!

Faber-Castell Albrchet Durer Duel Set of 20 Aquarelle Markers

Faber-Castell Goldfaber Aquarelle markers set of 12 

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Watercolor: I like having a small watercolor set to sketch and add color notes. I love the size of this Golden Paint .QoR watercolor mini travel half pan tin of 12 colors

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Watercolor BrushSilver Brush Ltd Black Velvet Voyager #8 Travel Brush 

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Need a light weight portable water cup? I have several of these, they retract/expand and easily fit in my travel sketch bag. Faber-Castell Clic & Go Water Cup

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Artist tape is always in my sketch kit and in the studio. Scotch Brand Artist Masking Tape

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Watercolor Wrangling Kit: For beginner, or seasoned watercolorists, the following is a variety of supplies for my Watercolor Wrangling workshops. Find a variety of paper sizes to choose from along with my favorite brushes and paints. Be sure to include a watercolor sketchbook for informal watercolor sketching studies. See above for my recommended sketchbook supplies.  

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Watercolor Paint: my favorite watercolors are made by Golden, called QoR. They are professional grade, offer beautiful, rich color. The following includes the travel tin of 12 which I use for travel and sketching, and two optional tube sets, of 12 or 24. 

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QoR watercolor mini travel half pan tin of 12 colors

QoR watercolor intro set of 12 individual tubes

QoR watercolor set of 24 individual paint tubes 

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If you want to create your own custom palette with tube paint, the following palettes are what I use. The first is a larger travel/portable option, the second for use in the studio.

Palette

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Paper: there are a lot of good watercolor paper brands. I include a variety I use in different sizes here, in pads and blocks. For the past few years, I've been using Fluid brand blocks for watercolor and acrylic. Best to always use at least 140# weight, cold press. 

 

Fluid Brand 9 x 12" 140# watercolor paper block

Fluid Brand 6 x 6" 140# coldpress watercolor paper block

CansonXL 9 x 12" coldpress Watercolor Paper Pad

Fabriano 8 x 10" 140# coldpress Watercolor Paper Pad (12 sheets)

Fabriano Studio 9 x 12" 140# coldpress Watercolor Paper Pad

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Brushes: as a Silver Brush Ltd. Certified Artist-Educator I have the benefit of insights to the history, materials and expansive lineup of brushed they make. For watercolor, these are amazing!

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Silver Brush Ltd: Golden Natural Square 1" Wash Brush

Silver Brush Ltd Black Velvet set of 3 round watercolor brushes (size 4, 8 and 12)

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Don't forget artist tape for clean edges. Scotch Brand Artist Masking Tape

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© 2020 by Kirah Van Sickle

Wilmington, NC  910.233.7507

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