I love ideas of how to downsize a plein air kit! Mine includes quarter pans I filled myself, fixed with double sided tape in a metal gift card box from the dollar store — the cover also works as a palette. But another inexpensive hobby/craft is knitting (depending on the size of the item you’re making of course. I love creating animal-themed child mitts for gifts! Homespun wool and needles go for under $10!!
Today I bought that sketchbook, a Tombow that has a soft brush of black and grey on each side, and a white glaze Sakura pen. The white pen isn’t going too well with, I think it’s the wrong one. Looks identical but it gives a lazy dose of ink. Maybe after a day or two it’ll come out better. Nonetheless, I wanted to thank you for inspiring me to get a new sketchbook and keep on having a crack at it. Cheers!
I have a sketchbook that included just few pages of brown kraft paper and I am obsessed with them! My next sketchbook for sure! I also love the colored pens.
Completely agree. It is so easy to carried away with the fancy tools of the trade.
Another under $20 craft/hobby is hand mending. You really only need needle, thread, and fabric scraps. Plus it saves you money by keeping your old clothes around longer. Just as meditative and can be creative.
The Fudenosuke pen is the GOAT for real. They also make a version that is black on one end and gray on the other!! So good for sketching. I’m also a fan of the cheap Papermate felt tip pens. Kind of an in between the fudenosuke and a fine liner. Only downside is they aren’t water proof. Doodling with just a pen is great practice for gaining confidence with drawing
Great suggestions! I made the mistake of buying a large set of colored pens; they're great, but fine-tipped and not well suited to quick sketches. Next time I buy a sketchbook, I'll try non-white paper, too!
Having them isn't necessarily a mistake, but tripping over them all is. My suggestion: leave most of them at home and just take two colours. I demonstrated that in Sketchbook Club a while back.
Thank you for the suggestions! I used your advice and downsized my market case, which also included two small water color books, paints, pencils, erasers … random things …
I love ideas of how to downsize a plein air kit! Mine includes quarter pans I filled myself, fixed with double sided tape in a metal gift card box from the dollar store — the cover also works as a palette. But another inexpensive hobby/craft is knitting (depending on the size of the item you’re making of course. I love creating animal-themed child mitts for gifts! Homespun wool and needles go for under $10!!
Today I bought that sketchbook, a Tombow that has a soft brush of black and grey on each side, and a white glaze Sakura pen. The white pen isn’t going too well with, I think it’s the wrong one. Looks identical but it gives a lazy dose of ink. Maybe after a day or two it’ll come out better. Nonetheless, I wanted to thank you for inspiring me to get a new sketchbook and keep on having a crack at it. Cheers!
Sorry that Sakura pen isn't going well... I've always found them very reliable. Glad to hear you're drawing. Keep going!
Love your sketchbook examples, they are delightful! ❤️
Thanks very much.
What a wonderful bunch of pen tips! Pun intended. :)
Thank you! I love that you shared such simple tools and such fun artwork. You make it seem possible for newbies!
I’m so happy to hear that it’s helpful. If you try it, please let me see what you make.
I have a sketchbook that included just few pages of brown kraft paper and I am obsessed with them! My next sketchbook for sure! I also love the colored pens.
Fantastic inspiration! I just might try it. I love that blast of one bright color to unify all the sketches!
It always looks so good, especially when I can muster the discipline to keep the same colour throughout the whole book!
Completely agree. It is so easy to carried away with the fancy tools of the trade.
Another under $20 craft/hobby is hand mending. You really only need needle, thread, and fabric scraps. Plus it saves you money by keeping your old clothes around longer. Just as meditative and can be creative.
I love a repair! Such a great thing to do. I've comped you for 30 days, see you at Sketchbook club! https://ajamesdraws.substack.com/p/lets-draw-together
Thank you!
The Fudenosuke pen is the GOAT for real. They also make a version that is black on one end and gray on the other!! So good for sketching. I’m also a fan of the cheap Papermate felt tip pens. Kind of an in between the fudenosuke and a fine liner. Only downside is they aren’t water proof. Doodling with just a pen is great practice for gaining confidence with drawing
It's a great pen. I've tried that double ender but I don't like it so much - I prefer the firmer nib and I don't like the cool grey it comes with.
Will give the papermate a try. Pentel sign pens are also a great option.
Great suggestions! I made the mistake of buying a large set of colored pens; they're great, but fine-tipped and not well suited to quick sketches. Next time I buy a sketchbook, I'll try non-white paper, too!
Having them isn't necessarily a mistake, but tripping over them all is. My suggestion: leave most of them at home and just take two colours. I demonstrated that in Sketchbook Club a while back.
https://ajamesdraws.substack.com/p/how-to-draw-with-two-colours
Thank you for the suggestions! I used your advice and downsized my market case, which also included two small water color books, paints, pencils, erasers … random things …
thinning out your kit is one of the best ways to make drawing easier :)