Flint's Watercolor Sketching Gear

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Francis Russell Flint (1915-1977) was the son of the more famous watercolorist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Russell_Flint">Sir William Russell Flint.</a> He wrote a book called "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010X6HGW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0010X6HGW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=O7JNVW6GFNMKVYSO">Water-Colour for Beginners</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0010X6HGW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />" which explains his suggested plein-air gear.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-DkwStO9h9WZMRDRDi2FYwyXArDmOFc5ELHSW-_2bHU8nV5xxnCRN_nUbrRIPbZ5Mt2UOkOg8qns-YwrNIkDAttxju2vS_GwDp14WR92c7K-pANSj2H0adgR3wV9UdDh-H7VLgk5AU_m/s1600/8999.Flint.WC+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-DkwStO9h9WZMRDRDi2FYwyXArDmOFc5ELHSW-_2bHU8nV5xxnCRN_nUbrRIPbZ5Mt2UOkOg8qns-YwrNIkDAttxju2vS_GwDp14WR92c7K-pANSj2H0adgR3wV9UdDh-H7VLgk5AU_m/s1600/8999.Flint.WC+copy.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><div>"There are many good types of easel available but I suggest the best is a small compact easel, not too light, and sufficiently strong not to be troubled by the wind. An aluminum or light wood easel may look very nice in a shop, but they are quite different in a strong breeze. The easel should have three telescopic legs with spikes at the ends, and at the apex of these a flat arm which can be firmly secured in any position, that will tip up and down on a hinge, and slide backwards and forwards."<br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6MnDDM1TXLzvj7vl-f3sdT8EWkzf7R5NMr3fjGtCcYUDaOTQ0lb8CFyEPt5deesDLPD9Du7_wbzuICOmnMBPKh575xsHbuZWYJkw30QIE1PaOSWQUanx145KUxGfi28JaerHEnaTRvOB/s1600/Francis+Russell+Flint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6MnDDM1TXLzvj7vl-f3sdT8EWkzf7R5NMr3fjGtCcYUDaOTQ0lb8CFyEPt5deesDLPD9Du7_wbzuICOmnMBPKh575xsHbuZWYJkw30QIE1PaOSWQUanx145KUxGfi28JaerHEnaTRvOB/s1600/Francis+Russell+Flint.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Francis Russell Flint (1915-1977) 'Steps in the Sun ' St. Jean - de - Cole'</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div>He preferred to stand rather than sit, so if he brought a stool, it was generally to use as a place to lay out his gear if he was painting in a wet or muddy place.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8AyZFyoDGesbXqJLpJqABb3pIYSNLdQ_wcXtHsEL5scUhuAR30RckseNmLf_QB-yZ4B35ND6JI0AE2M3L03eZEIKGkQ3G7zTrDqEjxvMGWyqxDzIuPwDsVWRyyjXusaS900yKGH8FLN-/s1600/9002.Flint.Watercolor+Box.sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8AyZFyoDGesbXqJLpJqABb3pIYSNLdQ_wcXtHsEL5scUhuAR30RckseNmLf_QB-yZ4B35ND6JI0AE2M3L03eZEIKGkQ3G7zTrDqEjxvMGWyqxDzIuPwDsVWRyyjXusaS900yKGH8FLN-/s1600/9002.Flint.Watercolor+Box.sm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>He said that the thing to look for in a watercolor box is deep wells for mixing generous washes, and the wells or depressions in the mixing area should have the deepest part toward the center, so that colors don't get mixed up with each other. He used a large sable brush for broad washes and an aluminum flask for extra water.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm-boFkKhwlt-tnEUArDUlp_ZfGAdBTwLsVnr2ZuMkdPeJCv7OnYku9BOSN2gC5DS-vdRHWKJ3e9Va_B6W0vcokrr5ui2SzfzuK7JKuZh6wHzey0QL-DO7PMntX_TxuAbpXeH65Mp_HV5/s1600/Russell+Flints+Palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm-boFkKhwlt-tnEUArDUlp_ZfGAdBTwLsVnr2ZuMkdPeJCv7OnYku9BOSN2gC5DS-vdRHWKJ3e9Va_B6W0vcokrr5ui2SzfzuK7JKuZh6wHzey0QL-DO7PMntX_TxuAbpXeH65Mp_HV5/s1600/Russell+Flints+Palette.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's probably a safe bet that the son modeled this setup after the father. A vintage British Pathe film (linked below) showing Russell Flint's palette, which also has three deep wells.</div><div>-----</div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010X6HGW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0010X6HGW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=O7JNVW6GFNMKVYSO">Water-Colour for Beginners</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0010X6HGW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />Previously: <a href="http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2012/07/russell-flint-in-action.html">Video of Russell Flint in Action</a></div></div><div><br /></div>

Flint's Watercolor Sketching Gear

Francis Russell Flint (1915-1977) was the son of the more famous watercolorist Sir William Russell Flint. He wrote a book called " Wat...

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Your Questions about Gear

<span style="color: #990000;">Marque Todd says:<br />"I bought your WC video and have been avidly following all of the posts this week - a couple of things I am still grappling with for my kit and I hope you can answer:</span><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000;">"1) How do you protect your brushes from damage with all the jostling they get in a to-go pack? If they are loose in a container the tips can get damaged and that seems a pity particularly for expensive sable brushes. I am also having a problem finding something big enough for short handle brushes that isn't so long that it is hard to pack - any suggestions?"</span><br /><br />Thanks, Marque. I keep my brushes loose in a box. The tips are safe as long as the box stays parallel to the ground, but in my belt pouch the box never tips on end. Sometimes if I'm worried about a delicate brush I keep the plastic protector from when it was new and slip that on. I keep the brushes all facing one end of the box. If one needs a good washing out later, I face it the other way in the box so that I'll recognize it right away.<br /><br />I'm always on the lookout for a box that's just long enough for most short handled brushes but not too big, and one that opens quietly. If a brush is too long to fit in the box, such as an oil brush, I chop it down.<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorvwjJfHYwJJv3I2kJD9M-zILsrAUIfS5jeE5HJlRJUg8JwNrhpsqZ-DR_Lj4pPf7Q212IT-xVUdX-4f_K5cOkaxq8TrIzZusMaBlKbYVv7Z_XAzk7bJcxOgEOZRmNyI-3YpFFM-hstKu/s1600/Brush+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorvwjJfHYwJJv3I2kJD9M-zILsrAUIfS5jeE5HJlRJUg8JwNrhpsqZ-DR_Lj4pPf7Q212IT-xVUdX-4f_K5cOkaxq8TrIzZusMaBlKbYVv7Z_XAzk7bJcxOgEOZRmNyI-3YpFFM-hstKu/s1600/Brush+holder.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Jeanette uses a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DKJP2K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001DKJP2K&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=BAEOMSNTKD265YZU">brush holder</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001DKJP2K" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> made of stiffened fabric. The brushes tuck into elastic bands, and the whole thing folds open to display the brushes while you're working. When in transit it rolls up and is held with Velcro. I like it except that it's a little too long for my belt pouch.</div><div><br /><span style="color: #990000;">"2) If you are holding your sketchbook on your lap (vs. using the stiff board behind) how do you manage that with the landscape format? It is pretty floppy and somewhat of a balancing act. The only thing I could think of was to put a binder clip across the gutter/hinge area to help stabilize it."</span><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZusyeBUaqaMx9OTmHff5O-EV3_AgDHul8sccPD-DtPLZszq7Lk5X5E5-YtKTan2M_iZJGTul8u1ZHNq5X3n_EW67wtyClp0-b0DK7UUuiKInE3me7CHrWFUwamEj7OdaNW7cYCEtM17S5/s1600/Sketchers.sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZusyeBUaqaMx9OTmHff5O-EV3_AgDHul8sccPD-DtPLZszq7Lk5X5E5-YtKTan2M_iZJGTul8u1ZHNq5X3n_EW67wtyClp0-b0DK7UUuiKInE3me7CHrWFUwamEj7OdaNW7cYCEtM17S5/s1600/Sketchers.sm.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketching at Yellowstone with friends from the <a href="http://www.asai.org/">ASAI</a></td></tr></tbody></table>I've used the binder-clip-across-the-spine idea, and that works fine. Otherwise I just try to rest the middle of the book's covers on the tops of my thighs to keep it from flopping. If I have to, I steady the book with my left hand.<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Glenn wondered about the sketchbook pochade rig, asking if I countersunk the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HYLZ33W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HYLZ33W&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=R2CJMME2HM6XQWYP">T- nuts</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HYLZ33W" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><span style="color: #990000;"> (Those are the threaded nuts with a flange that fits through the plywood, holding it to your tripod.)</span><br /><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>Glenn, Yes, I countersink the T-nut flange using a 3/4 inch spade bit, then glue the T-nut in with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001GAYRC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0001GAYRC&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=RXIC2DSNA2OZK6CH">Gorilla Glue</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0001GAYRC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, so that it doesn't work its way loose. But since it's getting pulled tight from the back, it holds really well. If I was using 1/4 plywood for the backboard, I probably wouldn't countersink for fear of weakening the wood.<br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NkUVNy9gB_JqtM7FyQQpSiT5H6un998VYTTEyGFwDOzUFKOH5H5CXeBqxDAn1IKjR2ljeD1dtzjPO5_J3PntC2Sc7yVpGPKJjpteHZTh8ZCG1Px4_UCe1sdwddlRoxVk0PfZFZNh33o8/s1600/Sketchbook+Pochade.sm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NkUVNy9gB_JqtM7FyQQpSiT5H6un998VYTTEyGFwDOzUFKOH5H5CXeBqxDAn1IKjR2ljeD1dtzjPO5_J3PntC2Sc7yVpGPKJjpteHZTh8ZCG1Px4_UCe1sdwddlRoxVk0PfZFZNh33o8/s1600/Sketchbook+Pochade.sm1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />For you scratch builders, here's the pochade laid out flat. The red dots on the paint tray are magnet positions, which hold on the metal mixing trays or watercolor kits.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMfzCmvK2aAWI5ebN1kM4WoaD78D1Bhefgc3E1DIKoI07Z23oR3LK5mEPPVY9iOfa7oedQT7fr00EW1BGM86-1NsSYV9SH-j7KnjUvziRhFq0KK721hYr1Q-1LNBl73oVp4gZCWKGDunK/s1600/Sketchbook+Pochade.sm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMfzCmvK2aAWI5ebN1kM4WoaD78D1Bhefgc3E1DIKoI07Z23oR3LK5mEPPVY9iOfa7oedQT7fr00EW1BGM86-1NsSYV9SH-j7KnjUvziRhFq0KK721hYr1Q-1LNBl73oVp4gZCWKGDunK/s1600/Sketchbook+Pochade.sm2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />Here is the underside with two quick release plates attached. My new iteration of the rig has three T-nuts, one just right of center and one on each end. I use the central support point if I only have one tripod, and I use the two on the end if I need two tripods to keep the rig more stable when filming.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lG2dFhblyqYww3NxG1Iuz4bv6e9cI6g_QwIAKvyPDhfS6YirFaTHdPmNzOgoN0Wj8vhujhvgJ0mxcVLIhOoFhxufV_mePEDKRT8CAbmePjoTkNCKlSTdyMu35ovgToF13LfcMDX-fJMv/s1600/Sketchbook+Pochade.sm3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lG2dFhblyqYww3NxG1Iuz4bv6e9cI6g_QwIAKvyPDhfS6YirFaTHdPmNzOgoN0Wj8vhujhvgJ0mxcVLIhOoFhxufV_mePEDKRT8CAbmePjoTkNCKlSTdyMu35ovgToF13LfcMDX-fJMv/s1600/Sketchbook+Pochade.sm3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here's how the rig looks set up. Every angle and slope is fully adjustable: diffuser, sketchbook, paint tray, and camera bar. The camera I'm using is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HLDFSQK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HLDFSQK&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=ZBWHBXGVDKARTNLP">Canon VIXIA HF</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HLDFSQK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> series. It shoots 1080p to flash memory and has the all the essential features: focus lock, custom white balance, and exposure controls, plus an external microphone jack that yields less noise than my DSLR. For a mike I use the inexpensive corded <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HJ9PTO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002HJ9PTO&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=2EFREPN7JX3EJ6R5">Audio-Technica lav microphone</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002HJ9PTO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, sometimes clipping it to the sketchbook itself to pick up the scratchy pencil sound cues.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQxyqPrn2dPYdq0J6ltUQK0F4pXNTQ0jkZcQ5CmqJlD1GIw-xw7As6TfZFg6_Vk-d_H14XKMElJL5IY5Mgdl6R1myxTx8wlddBuprRakMn1xh16hbmtZBUfowqyV3ejADbWlFTJwso7O6/s1600/Sketchbook+Pochade.sm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQxyqPrn2dPYdq0J6ltUQK0F4pXNTQ0jkZcQ5CmqJlD1GIw-xw7As6TfZFg6_Vk-d_H14XKMElJL5IY5Mgdl6R1myxTx8wlddBuprRakMn1xh16hbmtZBUfowqyV3ejADbWlFTJwso7O6/s1600/Sketchbook+Pochade.sm4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In this view you can see the two tripods. The diffuser panel, which is covered with white rip-stop Nylon, can slide right or left in its gripper to eliminate the direct sun. On the left is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IHYBV2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007IHYBV2&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=3SY5EWXF47XHVEP7">Mighty Bright HammerHead Book Light</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007IHYBV2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which clips on for night sketching.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9vToDHgij3Xsh6aAJE__62gR0Eje6gqCzsN20qSdEruRDWhMuLlI4kC8NfmQfMO8XKxTwOWzpwY1sV2LEWW9aTf2hxAZPu99kqoaV32q0sWunKasyVDTvSs5ZJmtlDpRjuHrLbAeunYs/s1600/Dino+Toronto+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9vToDHgij3Xsh6aAJE__62gR0Eje6gqCzsN20qSdEruRDWhMuLlI4kC8NfmQfMO8XKxTwOWzpwY1sV2LEWW9aTf2hxAZPu99kqoaV32q0sWunKasyVDTvSs5ZJmtlDpRjuHrLbAeunYs/s1600/Dino+Toronto+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And here's the the painting that's on the easel, the one that you can watch being painted in the "Watercolor in the Wild BONUS FEATURES" video, drawn with a brush and sepia watercolor in a museum.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppUp9Bu8foarzlrzNwYTSJK8kbLvyXLdZSmwHHHq9n2XL8sz6ivlLbb0eea1fVWf2cpkxEXl0sKZ9KgO9M_ph77AZKXMrpNngJYVEu9CG_GxsulziNX8dop7pRT79kRbcjyhqNCBPjbEH/s1600/WWild_Bonus+Features+title.sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppUp9Bu8foarzlrzNwYTSJK8kbLvyXLdZSmwHHHq9n2XL8sz6ivlLbb0eea1fVWf2cpkxEXl0sKZ9KgO9M_ph77AZKXMrpNngJYVEu9CG_GxsulziNX8dop7pRT79kRbcjyhqNCBPjbEH/s1600/WWild_Bonus+Features+title.sm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Here are the links to that 28-minute video, available only as a download.<br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://gumroad.com/l/watercolorbonus">"Watercolor: BONUS FEATURES" <b>(</b>Gumroad via Credit Card)</a><br /><a href="https://sellfy.com/p/WY1j/">"Watercolor: BONUS FEATURES" (Sellfy via Paypal)</a><br /><br />And here are links for the main feature:<br /><a href="https://gumroad.com/l/watercolor">"Watercolor in the Wild" HD download: (Credit Card) </a><br /><a href="https://sellfy.com/p/Pvxb/">"Watercolor in the Wild" HD download: (Paypal)</a><br /><a href="http://kunaki.com/MSales.asp?PublisherId=136361">"Watercolor in the Wild" DVD: (NTSC, Region 1) </a><br /><br />Finally, three reviews:<br />"<a href="http://www.urbansketchers.org/2014/08/dvd-review-james-gurneys-instructional.html">DVD Review: James Gurney’s Instructional Video 'Watercolor in the Wild'</a>" by Marc Holmes, Urban Sketchers</div><div style="margin: 0px;">"<a href="http://bradteare.blogspot.com/2014/08/185-plein-air-revolution.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BradTeare+(Brad+Teare)">Plein Air Revolution</a>" by Brad Teare, Thick Paint Blog<br />"<a href="http://muddycolors.blogspot.com/2014/08/dvd-review-watercolor-in-wild.html">DVD Review: Watercolor in the Wild</a>" by Dan Dos Santos, Muddy Colors</div></div></div></div>

Your Questions about Gear

Marque Todd says: "I bought your WC video and have been avidly following all of the posts this week - a couple of things I am still gra...

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Results of the Watercolor Pigment Poll

<div class="p1"><span class="s1">Here are the results of the Watercolor Pigment Poll, which closed yesterday. </span>The poll asked you to: "Vote for your 8 Absolutely Indispensable Watercolor Pigments." Thanks for voting. There were 147 votes in all.</div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p2"><b>Most Indispensable Watercolor Pigments</b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VDEBA2D4rKKetMcxQO5kAOg3WJyjGzZN84sh1k22lGdrmUWWWQQbCR_p7xL1xpjEfN1eWtnoK91Inb-eIgXAq7btkkXsrSJYzmJ9Al022ipSW8485XAaES4-xh5oy1E8esrUkIs_CX1R/s1600/Winsor+and+Newton+antique+watercolor+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VDEBA2D4rKKetMcxQO5kAOg3WJyjGzZN84sh1k22lGdrmUWWWQQbCR_p7xL1xpjEfN1eWtnoK91Inb-eIgXAq7btkkXsrSJYzmJ9Al022ipSW8485XAaES4-xh5oy1E8esrUkIs_CX1R/s1600/Winsor+and+Newton+antique+watercolor+set.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Antique English inlaid mahogany watercolour box </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">made by Winsor & Newton around 1850.</span></div><div style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="p1"><span class="s1">1. Ultramarine Blue—</span>109 votes (74%)</div><div class="p2">2. Burnt Sienna—76 (51%) </div><div class="p2">3. Alizarin Crimson—72 (48%) </div><div class="p2">4. Cadmium Red—68 (46%)</div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">5. Cadmium Yellow—</span>66 (44%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">6. Burnt Umber—</span>58 (39%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">7. Yellow Ochre—</span>57 (38%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">8. Lemon Yellow—</span>48 (32%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">9. Cobalt Blue—</span>45 (30%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">10. Paynes Grey—</span>44 (29%)</div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">11. Cerulean Blue—</span>43 (29%)</div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">12. Raw Sienna—</span>35 (23%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">13. Opaque White—</span>34 (23% (tie))</div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">14. Sap Green—</span>34 (23%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">15. Gamboge—</span>30 (20%)</div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">16. Phthalo Blue—</span>28 (19%) <span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">17. Quinac. Rose—</span>26 (17%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">18. Prussian Blue—</span>23 (15%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">19. Viridian—</span>22 (14%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">20. Raw Umber—</span>20 (13%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">21. Hansa Yellow—</span>17 (11%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">22. Perm. Magenta—</span>17 (11%) (tie)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">23. Hooker's Green—</span>16 (10%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">24. Sepia—</span>16 (10%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">25. Bone or Ivory Black—</span>16 (10%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">26. Phthalo Green—</span>11 (7%)<span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1">27. Other (in comments)—</span>10 (6%)</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqZvjiw5OTayX3rGsaFwUao8b80kAPyqtBpvTpJjfyCGq-b8Q9BF9dSnojlQ5E1pwlW9eylxO0CNPB3XK5SM3o2DG6LxpcmEU0ghNB4qsvct5Dkmws4W1Tn6QiEHhyphenhypheng314PzHJOk8TKzF/s1600/Winsor+and+Newton+WC+Spectrum,+1910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqZvjiw5OTayX3rGsaFwUao8b80kAPyqtBpvTpJjfyCGq-b8Q9BF9dSnojlQ5E1pwlW9eylxO0CNPB3XK5SM3o2DG6LxpcmEU0ghNB4qsvct5Dkmws4W1Tn6QiEHhyphenhypheng314PzHJOk8TKzF/s1600/Winsor+and+Newton+WC+Spectrum,+1910.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Winsor and Newton color chart from 1910</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="s1"></span><br /><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Fewer than 10 votes</b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Pyrrole Red</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Vermilion Red</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Carmine Red</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Venetian Red</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Scarlet Lake</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Cobalt Violet</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Perm. Violet</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Neutral Tint</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Indian Red</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Terre Verte</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Emerald Green</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Perm. Green</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Manganese Blue</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Lampblack</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Conclusions</b></span></div><div class="p1">1. <i>No greens made the top ten. Nor did black or white. </i>Perhaps that's as it should be because it's quite easy to mix greens and blacks, and doing so offers the benefit of attractive variegation in the mixtures. And the question of whether, when, and how to use white—well, that's a whole 'nuther topic.</div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">2. <i>Ultramarine was #1 by a wide margin, and for good reason. </i>It's an extraordinary pigment, nowadays synthesized cheaply by modern chemistry. But centuries ago when they had to mine it in Afghanistan as lapis lazuli, it was more valuable than gold. <a href="http://www.webexhibits.org/pigments/indiv/history/ultramarine.html">More about ultra's history here.</a></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">3. <i>You could make a good palette out of the top 12.</i> It would include a warm and cool red, a warm and cool yellow, three fine blues, and some good earth colors. You could even get by with a palette made of the top five.</div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">4. <i>Alizarin Crimson was #3, but before you buy it, remember that true Alizarin (PR 83) is prone to fading. </i>Read more at <a href="http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2010/04/lightfastness-and-alizarin-crimson.html">this previous GJ post</a>. But if you're painting in sketchbooks, you don't have to worry as much about lightfastness.<br /><br />5. <i>You can make a great color scheme out of almost any three pigments chosen at random. </i>The limitation encourages harmony. Check out <a href="http://nathanfowkes.blogspot.com/2014/08/painting-exercise.html">Nathan Fowkes' recent blog post, </a>where he harmonizes lemon yellow, Venetian red, and ultra.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGu3us9MHL0j98iUDnkpMSudcoS-HBW0rfEHaLlX7qHjtEBa4xWfVmaCoy2S8LGY6BfeB7a4KrKTtwL55V0xsAygT5-GnXZGgS5K7kpVTxdgqkiitFSDqkGtG59sgNT4hyphenhyphenMW8gbO8ay77V/s1600/Cadmium+usage+pigment+ban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGu3us9MHL0j98iUDnkpMSudcoS-HBW0rfEHaLlX7qHjtEBa4xWfVmaCoy2S8LGY6BfeB7a4KrKTtwL55V0xsAygT5-GnXZGgS5K7kpVTxdgqkiitFSDqkGtG59sgNT4hyphenhyphenMW8gbO8ay77V/s1600/Cadmium+usage+pigment+ban.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North America? Courtesy <a href="http://www.goldenpaints.com/justpaint/jp4article2.php">Golden Art Supplies</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="p1"><b>A Note about Cadmiums</b></div><div class="p1">Cadmium red and cadmium yellow both appeared in the top ten. The cadmium pigments have been the subject of some controversy, because of the toxicity of the pigments, the regulatory requirements governing the manufacture, and concerns over environmental impacts after disposal. </div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">Usage has been dropping, and there have been proposed cadmium bans. Those bans have been successfully opposed in most regions, largely due to exemptions of art supplies from banned products lists, but that may change eventually. </div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">There are worthy modern alternatives, such as pyrrole red and hansa yellow, but they're not as well known. </div><br /><div class="p1"><a href="http://www.goldenpaints.com/justpaint/jp4article2.php" style="text-align: center;">Read more about the cadmium issue</a>.</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Previous Poll</b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">I conducted a <a href="http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2008/05/palette-poll-results.html">similar pigment poll back in 2008</a>, without specifying the medium. Back then, most people probably assumed I meant oil paint. The top ten in that poll did include black and white, which are more commonly used by oil painters, but otherwise the results were fairly similar.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Results of the 2008 Poll </b>(which didn't specify the kind of paint)</div>1. Ultramarine Blue 180<br />2. Titanium White 172<br />3. Yellow Ochre 161<br />4. Cadmium Red 158<br />5. Cadmium Yellow 150<br />6. Burnt Sienna 150<br />7. Alizarin Crimson 141<br />8. Burnt Umber 126<br />9. Black 98<br />10. Raw Umber 97<br /><div>11. Raw Sienna 81<br />12. Cerulean Blue 79<br />13. Cobalt Blue 73<br />14. Viridian 64<br />15. Naples Yellow 60<br />16. Sap Green 56</div><div>------</div><div>Previously: <a href="http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2014/08/watercolor-in-wild-materials.html">Watercolor Materials Buyer's Guide and what I carry in my kit</a></div><div><br /></div>

Results of the Watercolor Pigment Poll

Here are the results of the Watercolor Pigment Poll, which closed yesterday.  The poll asked you to: "Vote for your 8 Absolutely Indisp...

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Custom Watercolor Sketch Kits

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZGOBdy9hTYnEVPRkIQoj9fQGSvCAuzHet6W6tPYetVKKst273u_5hudXqdIeGOp9hkIeAsZvYZFsp-zYJW_OaS7Yklb46qH7Db6dpms-2FLxv9wDlIMNQpEuwnLGZlnRkgFZ0AVN2fLV/s1600/turners-watercolour-set.1830s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZGOBdy9hTYnEVPRkIQoj9fQGSvCAuzHet6W6tPYetVKKst273u_5hudXqdIeGOp9hkIeAsZvYZFsp-zYJW_OaS7Yklb46qH7Db6dpms-2FLxv9wDlIMNQpEuwnLGZlnRkgFZ0AVN2fLV/s1600/turners-watercolour-set.1830s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In the 1830s, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._M._W._Turner">J.M.W. Turner</a> carried a watercolor sketch kit in a wallet. "It's a simple leather case with gauze that Turner would have literally stuck the pigments onto," <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/blogs/sheila-hancock-takes-exclusive-look-turners-blue-rigi">says Julia Beaumont-Jones</a>, Collection Registrar for the Tate Britain.<br /><br />Some of you have been sharing the amazing sketch kits you've made.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7XVxerno-jETA9olKED9tz8myTRyeqAMVT3wg0MmSP1aFlCeTvMrlGOKTKBdMCE7oVJ8wq6j9QZaVGZxQGc9BRAxoyXj5R0NuL2t5NbwnPbdXneRH7YyidQpupclUDdqjMk_g6CemX-x/s1600/10599533_10152628434744806_6560301850880672683_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7XVxerno-jETA9olKED9tz8myTRyeqAMVT3wg0MmSP1aFlCeTvMrlGOKTKBdMCE7oVJ8wq6j9QZaVGZxQGc9BRAxoyXj5R0NuL2t5NbwnPbdXneRH7YyidQpupclUDdqjMk_g6CemX-x/s1600/10599533_10152628434744806_6560301850880672683_n-1.jpg" width="310" /></a><br />Joe Ongle says: "This is my custom Altoids mini palette, using self-hardening clay and tube watercolors. Half pans work as well."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInLv6DwHXMzfzD76Cvjcse8PNdYEX3_WgxysWW1RDgSbZhSQGIxRD7k9s2yI9k5eRzLpqHjUSv2Uo6lnXo8EPw0aCS20lNlWteKEhlZURhA0DEto6pspT2KTH1VVL331SEPFewKM1UPus/s1600/10440780_832873563413402_1960767788740735850_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInLv6DwHXMzfzD76Cvjcse8PNdYEX3_WgxysWW1RDgSbZhSQGIxRD7k9s2yI9k5eRzLpqHjUSv2Uo6lnXo8EPw0aCS20lNlWteKEhlZURhA0DEto6pspT2KTH1VVL331SEPFewKM1UPus/s1600/10440780_832873563413402_1960767788740735850_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txVM07D4bbA">Chuck Pell </a>says: "My kits are compact for pockets, using custom leatherbound archival sketchbooks and repacked watercolor chips...."<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXHtvuPYSVneKJ7ZJChN5fhcG9H4lCjcEg5yTHxs03VQJPFv4xSI-Vr6ghDVYlj1eNninZCQyg-qlTwYawICgSKuCAjQlkKBVcklfGCuRMHgJWcteIif53o86nnQWDQmRxQ2DKeInCeHA/s1600/7352_10202552206150141_2339554551391072609_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXHtvuPYSVneKJ7ZJChN5fhcG9H4lCjcEg5yTHxs03VQJPFv4xSI-Vr6ghDVYlj1eNninZCQyg-qlTwYawICgSKuCAjQlkKBVcklfGCuRMHgJWcteIif53o86nnQWDQmRxQ2DKeInCeHA/s1600/7352_10202552206150141_2339554551391072609_n.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div>Michelle Spalding made one from a mint tin, "with a retractable cosmetic brush - keychain size with half-pans"</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSPTcr-uDl6L8RMJGG-3Bv4xKfll4E_9JP0VZZMZWdKpI7SmIr5uPeOFUJLzIWFp4NhPsMHYt3iuuAJb13KqreL1MiVb3QBYhMjgiSOOGAo_Z2cu1MCNdpokwi1tmK0JdWgdsBfBRZsau/s1600/10620079_10152420908247737_1892470272748868639_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSPTcr-uDl6L8RMJGG-3Bv4xKfll4E_9JP0VZZMZWdKpI7SmIr5uPeOFUJLzIWFp4NhPsMHYt3iuuAJb13KqreL1MiVb3QBYhMjgiSOOGAo_Z2cu1MCNdpokwi1tmK0JdWgdsBfBRZsau/s1600/10620079_10152420908247737_1892470272748868639_o.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.carloshuanteart.com/">Carlos Huante</a> adapted a cosmetic style brush kit. "I bought this set for 40 bucks back in the day and use it all the time."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOFO8QKyzJ6Wuu3dyl7hW06kE99DCursARQ24oo_KIdD8PLwK33a1AgHMJmVwq4TM344kcIdkg1slv30c690BCTCg5V99BvrJv-QXcgFj1iauLm1soNmgLz_kFhBSGaYb990bF_aSaXcj/s1600/10625097_10152194019346968_4798558212293396357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOFO8QKyzJ6Wuu3dyl7hW06kE99DCursARQ24oo_KIdD8PLwK33a1AgHMJmVwq4TM344kcIdkg1slv30c690BCTCg5V99BvrJv-QXcgFj1iauLm1soNmgLz_kFhBSGaYb990bF_aSaXcj/s1600/10625097_10152194019346968_4798558212293396357_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.carolepivarnik.com/">Carole Pivarnik</a> made one from a Hello Kitty tin: "It has just three primaries: perm yellow, magenta, and cyan. It uses water bottle caps for pans. They are essentially free, hold a generous amount of paint and with less adjacent edges than rectangular pans, there tends to be less color pollution. A little blue tack holds them in place. I would like to add a dollop of neutral tint in one corner for faster mixing of darks but I can mix just about anything with these three colors. I carry this tin, a mini waterbrush, a mini black Sharpie, and a short HB pencil in a little pouch. Very portable!"<br /><div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you made an unusual watercolor kit? We'd all love to see it. Please share yours with a link in the comments.<br /><br />Plus: I'm honored that Marc Holmes of Urban Sketchers wrote a <a href="http://www.urbansketchers.org/2014/08/dvd-review-james-gurneys-instructional.html">review of my DVD "Watercolor in the Wild."</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div>

Custom Watercolor Sketch Kits

In the 1830s, J.M.W. Turner carried a watercolor sketch kit in a wallet. "It's a simple leather case with gauze that Turner would ...

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Watercolor in the Wild Materials

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="253" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o1Tc67R8a5M" width="450"></iframe><br />(<a href="http://youtu.be/o1Tc67R8a5M">Link to video excerpt</a>)<br /><br />Here's a complete list of materials and a buyer's guide for plein-air watercolor painting.<br />This is a supplement to my instructional video "<a href="https://gumroad.com/l/watercolor">Watercolor in the Wild.</a>"<script src="https://sellfy.com/js/api_buttons.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq6IRJ7khMBGHnK08wrMAub2irbYpk7fBv1EOnXBliMQIG7aIWYsQQAqHX3xRZfISyem289Z-Cla-ukML-zU4rPUJOab_6FFSel2Ewe-5hb515jNuxK-lZBG6xv3WPqK6wo8P1Bg5b44l/s1600/Materials+overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq6IRJ7khMBGHnK08wrMAub2irbYpk7fBv1EOnXBliMQIG7aIWYsQQAqHX3xRZfISyem289Z-Cla-ukML-zU4rPUJOab_6FFSel2Ewe-5hb515jNuxK-lZBG6xv3WPqK6wo8P1Bg5b44l/s1600/Materials+overview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I carry these art supplies practically everywhere. The basic elements are pretty simple: a sketchbook, a paint box, a few brushes, watercolor pencils, a rag, and some water. They're all listed in detail below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82z3Ihyp1XM9eet_7DjDyJYUtcmzSFkZCh0kscN3qEz3yPVs9FhAC6Yu8nU74XWki_gMRJsEWrAingKiQcc65TVjN5u4J02mklyxeOdN4U-ij1c1ZrjQJpMG1pIUS7z2NOEFtgoEbYFjG/s1600/Sketchbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82z3Ihyp1XM9eet_7DjDyJYUtcmzSFkZCh0kscN3qEz3yPVs9FhAC6Yu8nU74XWki_gMRJsEWrAingKiQcc65TVjN5u4J02mklyxeOdN4U-ij1c1ZrjQJpMG1pIUS7z2NOEFtgoEbYFjG/s1600/Sketchbook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Watercolor Sketchbook</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• I have often used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8883705629/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=8883705629&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=LRBI5RTIGGFXOQ5L">Moleskine Watercolor Album (5 x 8.25 inches) </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=8883705629" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I like the fact that it opens flat and I like the horizontal (landscape) format. It has 36 pages—72 if you paint on the facing pages. It has a fake leather hardbound cover, an elastic strap, and a pocket in the back. The paper is 90-pound weight, which is rather lightweight for very wet watercolors, but it's OK if you're doing mostly drawings rather than juicy paintings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">• I also recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00479VQOE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00479VQOE&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=XMFNHCKUOBIWVL5T">Pentalic Aqua Journal (5 x 8 inch)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00479VQOE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which is priced about the same as the Moleskine but has better paper — 140 lb (300gsm) cold press, acid-free paper. <span style="color: #660000;">[Edit: I inquired directly with Pentalic to find out the fiber content of the paper, and heard back from the factory that it is indeed 100% cotton rag, which is excellent quality.] </span>With the heavier paper, it has just 24 pages. But they'll hold up to wet washes or even light impasto, such as with casein. It has generous extras, such as an elastic strap, a back pocket, an elastic brush-holding sleeve, and a placeholder ribbon.</div><div><br />• The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CTJFDE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003CTJFDE&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=56QOKFOJBCKRPGN4">Global Art Materials Watercolor Book (5-1/4 by 8-1/4 inch)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003CTJFDE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is another alternative with a linen cover. The linen cover is attractive if you want to do a little acrylic or oil painting on the cover.</div><div><br />• The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008N0BBNO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008N0BBNO&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=M65QKSLDC26ZBM7W">Stillman and Birn Beta Hardbound Sketchbook (5.5 x 8.5 inches)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008N0BBNO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is a vertical book with 26 pages of cold press 180lb. archival paper. The paper is substantial, but it doesn't open flat easily [Edit: unless you work to press open the binding, which doesn't hurt the book]. It can be held flat with clips. If you're thinking of working in casein, the heavier paper reduces the chance of impastos cracking.</div><div><br />• The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MW5A1Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004MW5A1Q&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=454B37HRV2YREBOD">Pentalic Watercolor Field Book (7 x 10 inches)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004MW5A1Q" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, is well suited those who prefer a spiral binding. It's bigger, so check to make sure it will fit in your belt pouch or purse.<br /><br />• One other option: There's a Kickstarter campaign by Erwin Lian Cherngzhi going on for the next nine days to build <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theperfectsketchbook/the-perfect-sketchbook-for-travel-artists-and-art">"The Perfect Sketchbook</a>," with 60 pages of 100% cotton paper at a pocket size of 3.5 x 5.5 inches, with a grayscale and and 18% photo gray built in.<br /><br />To decorate the cover, I use the oil-based <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002J4K1HC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002J4K1HC&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=4RUG4342TN3YYM5M">One-Shot Sign Painter's Lettering Enamel</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002J4K1HC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which is very opaque. Paint markers also cover fairly well, but they tend to wear off faster. I usually title the sketchbook with a phrase taken from the first page of the sketchbook.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY5bFWcntjWsdZ4L6PmIcVyP3TKQRzThFR1ahGt0NdkcSLyVenVqtf6jO4m8Ew8KwFUrfEa2B1cvLqqqpxlZIftrnhSmTLuT17-eXYzVc8Ylrwda0eY9rTK87yHUkvo9-2bJYQ9rEj1GO/s1600/Watercolor+Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY5bFWcntjWsdZ4L6PmIcVyP3TKQRzThFR1ahGt0NdkcSLyVenVqtf6jO4m8Ew8KwFUrfEa2B1cvLqqqpxlZIftrnhSmTLuT17-eXYzVc8Ylrwda0eY9rTK87yHUkvo9-2bJYQ9rEj1GO/s1600/Watercolor+Set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Watercolor Sets</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Quality Metal Pan Sets</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HBWE60/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HBWE60&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=LN2XDWHJENTG3W7Y">Schmincke Small Watercolor Set </a>(12 Half Pans)</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M6VMTY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001M6VMTY&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=KHD74OCU2YWUK4XB">Winsor and Newton 24 Pan Set with Metal Box</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001M6VMTY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.naturalpigments.com/watercolor-set-12-full-pan.html">Rublev natural watercolor pigment basic set</a> (12 full pans of historical colors)</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007J67WE0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007J67WE0&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=ZC2YU25DK4HLFHQE">Sennelier Watercolor Metal Box </a> (12 Tubes)<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUUSLM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUUSLM&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=CEQN3V7JRMJRYATW">Blockx Watercolor Set</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUUSLM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (24 half pans)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YKGtUMZ7ae8hFse6HBdrAYkXjbwVHJNkOP2DWhoyyPjLinRL6HagHST6qQsWycbE-suXwVMmjpTfpQoHyPU59epx3UGPELawG5NRwA2oiNQNSCbS-5nxznqfJrZXnVgrpIuglDnY9oui/s1600/empty+watercolor+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YKGtUMZ7ae8hFse6HBdrAYkXjbwVHJNkOP2DWhoyyPjLinRL6HagHST6qQsWycbE-suXwVMmjpTfpQoHyPU59epx3UGPELawG5NRwA2oiNQNSCbS-5nxznqfJrZXnVgrpIuglDnY9oui/s1600/empty+watercolor+box.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Custom Sets Made from Empty Pans</b><br />You can get exactly the colors you want by buying an empty metal box and filling it with colors that you choose. When the colors run low, you can refill the pans with tube colors.<br /><i><br /></i><i>Large size empty box. </i>In my videos, I'm using an old Talens box from the 1960s. You can get a similar <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006FHONAU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006FHONAU&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=XSLOBUZSFTXXET5M">large empty metal watercolor box</a>, which holds 24 half pan colors or 12 full pans. This box opens up to 9 x 8 x 1 inches. You can combine half pans and full pans in the same box, using full pans for colors you use more often. Sometimes I put in two pans of the same color if I use them a lot.<br /><i><br /></i><i>Small size empty box (left). </i>The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006FHOMVU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006FHOMVU&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=5YZUCUMQ3URNPGKX">smaller empty metal watercolor box</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006FHOMVU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> opens up to about 5 x 8 inches, which fits the left side of a Moleskine or Pentalic sketchbook. This box will hold 12 half pans or six full pans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Empty half pans. </i>The most economical route is to buy plastic <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006FHORHE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006FHORHE&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=WJ3ACHJ744ZPJFPJ">empty half pans</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006FHORHE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and fill them with tube colors. The empty pans cost only 34 cents each. For students or anyone on a tight budget, you can get the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CYSUPW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004CYSUPW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=IG6WBR6Q7S3RUHE6">12 Tubes of Student Grade Winsor and Newton Watercolor Tubes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004CYSUPW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for just $30.00. If you have dried up watercolor tubes, don't throw them out; cut them open and scrape out the tar-like pigment to fill empty half pans. Even if they're dried hard you can reactivate them with water once you cut the tube open.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alternately, you can fill your box with factory-filled pans.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Colors--Here's a basic set of 12 half pans. These are really all you need.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUJYCQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUJYCQ&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=K3ID7AT2IRQCCU4V">Payne's grey</a> (a bluish black)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUT21Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUT21Y&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=YS2BJR4SEWC3KTF6">Ultramarine blue</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUT21Y" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUR9Q4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUR9Q4&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=HCIIJFMDL2Z2TX5Q">Cerulean blue</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUR9Q4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QULPUA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QULPUA&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=LUTWC5Q57DF3RNPA">Viridian (tube)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QULPUA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUJU5W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUJU5W&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=EJ4RWS5ZLIRAXZN3">Lemon yellow</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUJU5W" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUT2TG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUT2TG&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=ZGQO72ASMLJ5PHLD">Cadmium yellow </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUT2TG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUSZ6M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUSZ6M&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=PYAWOWIY6HTG7E5B">Yellow ochre</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUSZ6M" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012F7DQQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012F7DQQ&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=WQGJYRX3JB4QLNB7">Raw sienna </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0012F7DQQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUJXMM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUJXMM&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=WCCSFV33Z52QIVF7">Sepia </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUJXMM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012F3R2U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012F3R2U&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=YMMNYTO6YJIIIU6S">Burnt sienna</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0012F3R2U" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012F3LZI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012F3LZI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=GALWAQOUTMQKWYOE">Cadmium red </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0012F3LZI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KNP3JK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000KNP3JK&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=FKMXLU3VYL7K4BCE">Alizarin crimson</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000KNP3JK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Eight more classic colors if you have room for them.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUR9FK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUR9FK&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=IB4BQISPGD4ES2O5">Permanent green</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUR9FK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUURXG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUURXG&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=WISJSQMEVDD3MNHD">Cobalt blue</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUURXG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUT1YW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUT1YW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=UOJSXFFGORQI4D74">Prussian blue </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUT1YW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUPK7O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUPK7O&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=5MOD5BAR3KHAXBDC">Sap green</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUPK7O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUR69O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUR69O&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=6ECYLBTZUYJKBRWQ">Gamboge</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUR69O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012F7DZC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012F7DZC&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=NBWHBVC53LSE6SW2">Raw umber</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0012F7DZC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUPJEI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUPJEI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=66IKNXER5LU4XD2A">Light red </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUPJEI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QUR5RC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QUR5RC&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=TWCJXASMBXLFVAHT">Ivory black</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QUR5RC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJwa7oP1kTjNfEU0zAK2q_M0oE2GqihJptRn2MJiJYy5kiuD2Km5nX1Y3bVihDnzezdmRH7_e__fYCxymzGIz-8x1z3LayvGa8KR_qTgLaY8VW65SlV9a5Eo2TbQM3MphgMFjCD8khHyn/s1600/Mini+Palette+Update+w+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJwa7oP1kTjNfEU0zAK2q_M0oE2GqihJptRn2MJiJYy5kiuD2Km5nX1Y3bVihDnzezdmRH7_e__fYCxymzGIz-8x1z3LayvGa8KR_qTgLaY8VW65SlV9a5Eo2TbQM3MphgMFjCD8khHyn/s1600/Mini+Palette+Update+w+colors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The smaller the set, the more likely you'll have harmonious color. I've been reworking my own small metal box to limit it to just nine colors. Here's what I've got in it at the moment.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Economical options</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmUQJNT_x50haBxW6h-XyX9tLDBypIVjqXtjv370bcPkztyBp5r48zb6NiIv6Kzgdvyrj55-J56uOc81p-tEXznyyKPeS3dj23vjDJUs_aFrKYdCFi8RSMasElk6nn1UOwkZ6xoQW72pf/s1600/Winsor+and+Newton+Cotman+Watercolor+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmUQJNT_x50haBxW6h-XyX9tLDBypIVjqXtjv370bcPkztyBp5r48zb6NiIv6Kzgdvyrj55-J56uOc81p-tEXznyyKPeS3dj23vjDJUs_aFrKYdCFi8RSMasElk6nn1UOwkZ6xoQW72pf/s1600/Winsor+and+Newton+Cotman+Watercolor+set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />If you're looking for a super-compact pocket rig, or if you're a student, a first-timer, or on a budget, I recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004THXI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00004THXI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=JF4QT64JQJABOB3J">Winsor and Newton pocket watercolor set with 12 colors</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004THXI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which you can get for around $15.00. This has a plastic box containing <i>Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Ultramarine, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Cobalt Blue Hue, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red Pale Hue, Sap Green, Burnt Umber, Alizarin Crimson, Viridian Hue, and Chinese White. </i>That's a pretty good assortment, and the quality of the paint is OK. Note that when it says "hue," they're replacing an expensive pigment with a cheaper pigment of a similar hue.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5myUR8DqVpHxtNIqF1nKaq87dayEtzT-c4HDWQNpQXLOk15s8Ff6M3XR7gWHtMu_GWw7hTCN4H-ncayjKrVzGjbETxrvPnF3VX3PIubqXAeiNnRGZZ7j-8wTg2uNg33cbnW_8akcHJ4w/s1600/Sakura+Koy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5myUR8DqVpHxtNIqF1nKaq87dayEtzT-c4HDWQNpQXLOk15s8Ff6M3XR7gWHtMu_GWw7hTCN4H-ncayjKrVzGjbETxrvPnF3VX3PIubqXAeiNnRGZZ7j-8wTg2uNg33cbnW_8akcHJ4w/s1600/Sakura+Koy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A lot of field artists and urban sketchers love the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00122CN64/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00122CN64&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=G2HRE235GTFA646R">Sakura Koy 12-Color Field Set with Water Brush</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00122CN64" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which is under $20. It includes the brush and fits in your pocket. The case is made of plastic, so you can't use magnets on it, but the lid has mixing wells, which helps if you're laying down larger washes. Two cautions: the lid doesn't open all the way flat, and when the colors are wet they can spill over into each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqo5E61nVRRBDiYl-YbDCf5eazc-kS6Se_jwqtDONF60eZ8UPmULDedyN05uotPwp1sIJt6p5z90jsm8_V7KIiSdYCChRGs0IL1BOuYZ5XIZ1OKZhPwLxXHpDGU7hqDGNgWM5IDaHdrPP/s1600/Ultra+Compact+Kits.sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqo5E61nVRRBDiYl-YbDCf5eazc-kS6Se_jwqtDONF60eZ8UPmULDedyN05uotPwp1sIJt6p5z90jsm8_V7KIiSdYCChRGs0IL1BOuYZ5XIZ1OKZhPwLxXHpDGU7hqDGNgWM5IDaHdrPP/s1600/Ultra+Compact+Kits.sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There's kind of an arms race for small sets. Some of the smallest watercolor sets are the size of a business card, and easily fit into a pocket. At left is the <a href="http://expeditionaryart.com/shop/products/pocket-palette/">Pocket Palette by Expeditionary Art</a>. The metal pans can be filled with tube colors, and they're held in place by a magnetic backing inside the case. The flip-up metal lid has a white surface for mixing colors. The downsides are: 1. The lack of mixing wells to hold wet washes, 2. The reflective metal, which can be blinding on bright days, and 3. The overlapping flange on the left side that covers part of the pans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At lower right is a 30-year-old Winsor and Newton "Bijou Box," which they no longer make. It has an enameled steel case with 18 colors and a tiny travel brush. The pans are tiny, and I think there are more colors than necessary. I'd rather see 6 or 8 for a box this size. The lid has four mixing wells, which is a big plus. If you can find one of these used for a good price, grab it, but a comparable super-mini set that you can get in USA is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M53R62/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000M53R62&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=JCA55L4BVK667NPD">Winsor and Newton Cotman Water Color Mini</a>, or you can make your own equivalent of the Bijou with an old Altoid tin, some spray enamel paint, and some extra half pans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The brushes shown above are the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KNJELI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000KNJELI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=DZ24CUR5YWLJHJR4">Niji Short Handled Water Brush</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000KNJELI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, a small travel brush, and a sawed off brush. The book is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8883705602/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=8883705602&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=3SZQHDXMUVL374QV">Moleskine Pocket Watercolor Book</a>, 3½" × 5½" (9 × 14cm)<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=8883705602" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For more on these micro kits, check out my YouTube video "<a href="http://youtu.be/V0Ohw2Ru5ww">Ultra Compact Watercolor Kits</a>," part of the "<a href="https://sellfy.com/p/WY1j/">Watercolor in the Wild: Bonus Features</a>" video.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XZI0xE6PxRggVQwPh8QBMkVUyRgd7Ro6CCKAoNOLRQ2Mu7vdGTTvAXs3pLupeZJ3F0M5lkM5Kjriih25XE5ZHWyffSGIsDsZ3ttYKLmJQVOpo6CnaoJGGLZUkveDdF7Df-Y-b6Ih2mLF/s1600/Water+Cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XZI0xE6PxRggVQwPh8QBMkVUyRgd7Ro6CCKAoNOLRQ2Mu7vdGTTvAXs3pLupeZJ3F0M5lkM5Kjriih25XE5ZHWyffSGIsDsZ3ttYKLmJQVOpo6CnaoJGGLZUkveDdF7Df-Y-b6Ih2mLF/s1600/Water+Cup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Water Cup and Rags</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00076RBYU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00076RBYU&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=6SWZWH4P2OFBNVRL">Nalgene 2-Ounce Jar</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00076RBYU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> with three <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001KUWM3C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001KUWM3C&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=XJLP5WE6TV2MYUMJ">1/4 x 1/16 inch Neodymium Magnets</a>, held on with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AL71FI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003AL71FI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=CQSNU4FOCC72NW6X">Magic Sculpt Epoxy Clay</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003AL71FI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. You could also use a generic <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRQ0TW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BRQ0TW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=KAZWSJTVCHXPMJI2">epoxy plumber's putty</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000BRQ0TW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> instead of the Magic Sculpt. The magnets are powerful, so keep them away from your credit card and phone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I keep a second jar with clear water handy, and often just a regular drinking water bottle, and I use an old plastic "Tupperware" basin or yogurt cup for a brush cleaning bucket when I'm painting with the tripod easel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I cut up old cotton T-shirts for paint rags, or use paper restaurant napkins or paper towels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82z3Ihyp1XM9eet_7DjDyJYUtcmzSFkZCh0kscN3qEz3yPVs9FhAC6Yu8nU74XWki_gMRJsEWrAingKiQcc65TVjN5u4J02mklyxeOdN4U-ij1c1ZrjQJpMG1pIUS7z2NOEFtgoEbYFjG/s1600/Sketchbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY5bFWcntjWsdZ4L6PmIcVyP3TKQRzThFR1ahGt0NdkcSLyVenVqtf6jO4m8Ew8KwFUrfEa2B1cvLqqqpxlZIftrnhSmTLuT17-eXYzVc8Ylrwda0eY9rTK87yHUkvo9-2bJYQ9rEj1GO/s1600/Watercolor+Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRdzdgD_ZnXCzc2RzCx0MVgyZwhiw0yzrLG6U7Gz3anMaT5wstaWTiPqf7Hbe2AWqepFBzKAAAR6ZX_opEqy7OvEfoAfhnOYzmYGqEsXIKBkl1NfykyiR8yCFQMNYMebcf_Zy4bEfkmCg/s1600/Brushes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRdzdgD_ZnXCzc2RzCx0MVgyZwhiw0yzrLG6U7Gz3anMaT5wstaWTiPqf7Hbe2AWqepFBzKAAAR6ZX_opEqy7OvEfoAfhnOYzmYGqEsXIKBkl1NfykyiR8yCFQMNYMebcf_Zy4bEfkmCg/s1600/Brushes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Brushes</b><br />Here's a good inexpensive starter set of brushes: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IER4T8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000IER4T8&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=5U5SFLOVAITLPMSG">Richeson Sable Hair Watercolor Brush Set/5</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000IER4T8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><div></div><i><br /></i>I like sable flat brushes, such as:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009KYW226/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009KYW226&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=P7TQMFKHJ7A26NHA">1/2-Inch Sable Brush</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009KYW226" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><i></i><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009KYW2LM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009KYW2LM&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=JM33OMQIELGTGZ4N">3/4-Inch Sable Brush</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009KYW2LM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br />I also use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007GD0J6O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007GD0J6O&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=WRNHVQ2F2BBIYUH6">1/4-Inch Synthetic Watercolor Flat Brush</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007GD0J6O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which work well for architectural detail.<br /><br />For laying bigger washes and wetting the paper, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007MW9GIQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007MW9GIQ&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=5GD4L5UNCLX7TUVY">Cat's Tongue Wash Brush</a> is a good tool. It has a flattened ferrule similar to a filbert brush.<br /><div><br /></div>Round Kolinsky sables (note: some brands may become discontinued in the U.S. as the <a href="http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2014/07/kolinsky-sable-brushes-banned.html">Kolinsky ban</a> exhausts stock on hand):<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00251G5JW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00251G5JW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=SBF5UEJG6LFEDQMS">Winsor and Newton Series 7 </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00251G5JW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D470M7C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00D470M7C&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20">Richeson Siberian Kolinsky brushes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00D470M7C" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005E80WNI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005E80WNI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20">Escoda Optimo Kolinsky</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00409J2T2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00409J2T2&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20">Da Vinci Maestro Series Kolinsky Red </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00409J2T2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br />If you have a very compact kit and can't carry a box of brushes, you might want to use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005SBGHPS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005SBGHPS&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=JQMBVZBUKF75P5VQ">Sable Round Travel Brush</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005SBGHPS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which safely stows the brush tip inside the handle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUJuIjGh-2TipKQgCjAYzdgrmW8rfGgLgKvDgYChBPyjS8udx2Q-SIIqXNSW_BPjuTrz4UNXQjBeOjlwwH9fZPy0uITUtU1bYkagFh9s3D28wszsaYl5NxESQu9KAVqlInxpVhsApvemu/s1600/Water+brushes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUJuIjGh-2TipKQgCjAYzdgrmW8rfGgLgKvDgYChBPyjS8udx2Q-SIIqXNSW_BPjuTrz4UNXQjBeOjlwwH9fZPy0uITUtU1bYkagFh9s3D28wszsaYl5NxESQu9KAVqlInxpVhsApvemu/s1600/Water+brushes.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><b><br /></b><b>Water Brushes</b><br />I always try to carry four <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KNPLEM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000KNPLEM&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=EC5IGAKKQ3LSLVAH">Niji Water Brushes with large round tips</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000KNPLEM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. They're the best brand I've found, and stand up to a lot of hard use. For info about filling them with ink, please scroll farther down this post.<br /><br />I also carry a tube of <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004ZHS5ZQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />white gouache, such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IGBECY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005IGBECY&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=6NAYLS7ZKM5ZRKNV">Holbein Permanent White Gouache</a>. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZHS5ZQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004ZHS5ZQ&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=BN7GDQRNPE63AN2H">Winsor and Newton</a> is also good. Sometimes I bring a whole set of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NB2IDS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000NB2IDS&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20">gouache colors</a> to supplement the transparent watercolors, but gouache will be the topic of future posts.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1z6wX-Deputkg9MkdNgzjP2nWSB1_ytF0YYbRCrQUvABYInQxAmQc9QmyQa9WE58OnsVbxRNey15TS-TWzWjO_seJ52U7MuiyAmIKolXg1msJDy4ez02GxW360X3UiJv88Ez_MXb_JOJ/s1600/Clips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1z6wX-Deputkg9MkdNgzjP2nWSB1_ytF0YYbRCrQUvABYInQxAmQc9QmyQa9WE58OnsVbxRNey15TS-TWzWjO_seJ52U7MuiyAmIKolXg1msJDy4ez02GxW360X3UiJv88Ez_MXb_JOJ/s1600/Clips.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Plastic clamps</b><br />Here's a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081A46WO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0081A46WO&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=TJTGYMSHNQEVSBLB">2-Inch Plastic Clamp</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0081A46WO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019SHZU0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0019SHZU0&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=3MJTOHW6LGUC4QRG">3.75-inch Clamp</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0019SHZU0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Of all the clips and clamps that I've tried, these seem to be the most versatile for holding the book open or clipping the watercolor box to the easel.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-XyTwOs6d7bJEspKh8NGamO3JmMX1i0P8hZ3oi4qEWvHjScElHxLuFJShZsRtUlVDrNbp-EVdOpQjt4Rk-s3cjX8ZfkZxqVQPYcs_sxVRzQL33nHkkVwAy85s0sMKs8rX4VN3kZ88ye1/s1600/Sharpener.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-XyTwOs6d7bJEspKh8NGamO3JmMX1i0P8hZ3oi4qEWvHjScElHxLuFJShZsRtUlVDrNbp-EVdOpQjt4Rk-s3cjX8ZfkZxqVQPYcs_sxVRzQL33nHkkVwAy85s0sMKs8rX4VN3kZ88ye1/s1600/Sharpener.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Sharpener</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WKG3MW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WKG3MW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=SBTKU43TN5OTBI5S">Kum Pencil Sharpener</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000WKG3MW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which not only catches the shavings, but also has a little flap that covers the hole, so the shavings don't leak out and pollute the pages of the sketchbook. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Eraser</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I carry two erasers, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IFAJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006IFAJ&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=EZHZU6OQGP6WRLLT">Kneaded Eraser</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00006IFAJ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006IK4BG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0006IK4BG&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=XG7RGIXDMO7P2NMP">White Latex-Free Eraser</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0006IK4BG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwZaJLjK8PP91XJN8OJsDt_-x5PEDhyXgwfx3IFLCTeqpUrc1J6Y3Svcl1AvII1WLWL2qYALLM9nlIIcD5fZSz8Cejo-asyCtXtqwbwo_u9NCmU1U_h93x1NbPaTxkpusQugjCruqpxO3/s1600/Watercolor+Pencils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwZaJLjK8PP91XJN8OJsDt_-x5PEDhyXgwfx3IFLCTeqpUrc1J6Y3Svcl1AvII1WLWL2qYALLM9nlIIcD5fZSz8Cejo-asyCtXtqwbwo_u9NCmU1U_h93x1NbPaTxkpusQugjCruqpxO3/s1600/Watercolor+Pencils.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Water-Soluble Colored Pencils</b><br />These add a lot of options and variations to traditional watercolors. I recommend trying a few test pencils from several different brands to see which ones you like. My favorite brand is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00134QBQE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00134QBQE&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=P6VYWFDGK6UU5HOB">Caran D'ache Supracolor</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00134QBQE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, but I also like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PD3M8E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000PD3M8E&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=VSUIZKKZWUFFTTMC">Derwent Inktense Pencils</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000PD3M8E" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for rich, saturated colors.<br /><br />I started with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YEMQ6Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002YEMQ6Q&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=7QYLHDDRNSKAPYDH">Caran d'Ache Supracolor Set of 18</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002YEMQ6Q" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Over the years I have added and subtracted individual colors from the standard set. Below are the colors I take with me most often. It emphasizes warm colors that I like for portraits and animal drawing.<br /><br />Caran d'Ache Supracolor watercolor pencils<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00266X2QU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00266X2QU&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=5TIBCAUUNRUNXRF5">#001 White</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00266X2QU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EQ0CB2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EQ0CB2&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=KNEI5ZSDH7URRJUS">#241 Light Lemon Yellow</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EQ0CB2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EPYDM2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EPYDM2&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=2PEHRY3USW4QCL4M">#245 Light Olive</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EPYDM2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EQ63XI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EQ63XI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=RKGQRPTP5DQNSN3L">#031 Orangish Yellow</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EQ63XI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EQ0CCG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EQ0CCG&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=ZPXOQD2F7ADV7KUB">#035 Ochre</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EQ0CCG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMFF9W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMFF9W&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=BOCTGWZYB7MCCTSQ">#053 Hazel</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMFF9W" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002675SKW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002675SKW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=NIROBW5RPVRNITKQ">#70 Scarlet</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002675SKW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EQ2EIG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EQ2EIG&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=BVLEQAR62A6CWSBM">#065 Russet</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EQ2EIG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMJCYG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMJCYG&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=TLLDWHBRT4OTAMS3">#059 Brown</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMJCYG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMJCVY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMJCVY&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=CS64AAUV5K6APJXZ">#037 Brown Ochre</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMJCVY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMFFBA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMFFBA&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=3EDBMZ76XANPRZOR">#069 Burnt Sienna</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMFFBA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMFFHY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMFFHY&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=TUQMJWKPJ3IA7NCL">#404 Brownish Beige</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMFFHY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMDKKS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMDKKS&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=TP22W47SDMKRWVLC">#047 Bistre</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMDKKS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00266X34Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00266X34Q&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=JXZ65VIUHO53MH6P">045 Vandycke Brown</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00266X34Q" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMDKR6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMDKR6&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=A4YEADRDQS2KSJL2">#371 Bluish Pale</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMDKR6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMHFWC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMHFWC&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=Z5ASWLW7JSGYDTEK">#155 Blue Jeans</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMHFWC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EQ0CG2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EQ0CG2&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=NXRULXDJS7EB5THG">#159 Prussian Blue</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EQ0CG2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002675SRK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002675SRK&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=VEWGPDVC37CBWR34">#140 Ultramarine</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002675SRK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMDKH6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMDKH6&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=MKRG56O7MUO2JN26">#008 Greyish Black</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMDKH6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002673RHI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002673RHI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=J6RSSXFHLJEGWLKD">#495 Slate Grey</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002673RHI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMHFO0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMHFO0&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=FGCVXWZUGT5JWG4D">#005 Grey</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMHFO0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMHFN6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CMHFN6&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=QE5G3KX6UDJHTN7E">#003 Light Grey</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CMHFN6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br />You can also get woodless watercolor pigment sticks or crayons. Derwent makes <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PKSX40/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000PKSX40&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20">Aquatone Woodless Pencils</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000PKSX40" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which are like pencils made of solid pigment, and they also make square pigment sticks called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QQ5I0Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004QQ5I0Q&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=HCMPHXHW6RJUOEUZ">Derwent Inktense Blocks</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004QQ5I0Q" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Another company is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0044JOUCC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0044JOUCC&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20">Lyra</a>, which makes pigment sticks that have the feel of wax crayons.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrhgIBgS6ieYA3BdC3yR9KTzvRRrBFQ6l3ULVxT1DGxTn_iRm_1G0ILBAdwb-ZrXci2gqBwwYeOoWATkRaUBUsD0wLZZSpo558TuMI8KK4KoO3qfywoP5V7-AJqskB4tvWoVRwcaaMcYf/s1600/Crayons.sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrhgIBgS6ieYA3BdC3yR9KTzvRRrBFQ6l3ULVxT1DGxTn_iRm_1G0ILBAdwb-ZrXci2gqBwwYeOoWATkRaUBUsD0wLZZSpo558TuMI8KK4KoO3qfywoP5V7-AJqskB4tvWoVRwcaaMcYf/s1600/Crayons.sm.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009I8LEU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0009I8LEU&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20">Caran d'Ache</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0009I8LEU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> makes round water-soluble pigment sticks called <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YIMXMG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000YIMXMG&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=OE57DDI3NKL3IUGV">Neocolor Pastels</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000YIMXMG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (shown above)</u><br />They're all a good value because you get a lot of pigment for the price, and I do use them occasionally for creating rough textures.</div><div><br />I also often use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042SSQDE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0042SSQDE&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20">Graphite Drawing Pencil</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0042SSQDE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />(HB, B, or 2B) for the initial drawing.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2SYg4erl-GdbdF-FI4KVbEmZVY-aKYpkuKZYGi4HuGmt7MtVRXa3jdKPZiAdNmq0XrtPvBMjuB9nGEvESlV4feG1rDm-15tUGiKAHejQFfO4S7t6BBbGo_Awb9nkLe6o61fNEaK2_2c/s1600/Gurney+Pencil+Box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2SYg4erl-GdbdF-FI4KVbEmZVY-aKYpkuKZYGi4HuGmt7MtVRXa3jdKPZiAdNmq0XrtPvBMjuB9nGEvESlV4feG1rDm-15tUGiKAHejQFfO4S7t6BBbGo_Awb9nkLe6o61fNEaK2_2c/s400/Gurney+Pencil+Box.JPG" width="305" /></a><br /><b>Pencil Box</b><br />The pencil box I use was customized by armorer <a href="http://www.swordandstone.com/">Tony Swatton</a>. It began as a metal box I bought at a Japanese bookstore called <a href="http://www.kinokuniya.com/us/">Kinokuniya</a> in Los Angeles. (I painted the <a href="http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-mac-ibox.html">Apple logo as a gag</a>.)<br /><br /><a href="http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2011/10/armoured-pencil-box.html">Tony then added</a> the hammered brass piece with rivets and I aged it with paint.<br /><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqC51wH5JGnTofc4F9HMUxbOuXIdk0nentS4xv0I-tWP7VroP0hbEz7ZoiCU3bCUKa8wxMw5JQ01aJxQAo_uHPUxCfELS-YBwZQJKy1Chq5gBYBZUl6-BGg-zBWIENGgO84NKeObrKSMt/s1600/Watercolor+sketching+belt+pouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqC51wH5JGnTofc4F9HMUxbOuXIdk0nentS4xv0I-tWP7VroP0hbEz7ZoiCU3bCUKa8wxMw5JQ01aJxQAo_uHPUxCfELS-YBwZQJKy1Chq5gBYBZUl6-BGg-zBWIENGgO84NKeObrKSMt/s1600/Watercolor+sketching+belt+pouch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Waist Pack / Fanny Pouch / Belt Bag</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I use a <a href="http://www.sierratradingpost.com/black-diamond-spring-03-waist-pack~p~82757/">Black Diamond Spring '03 Waist Bag</a> (Unfortunately it's 11 years old and discontinued, so the photo is for comparison.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006DQ52PI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006DQ52PI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=JYAZVE33ZHT6WRRR">[The Explorers] Multi-Purposes Fanny Pack</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006DQ52PI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> looks pretty similar. I recommend that you buy the pack at an outdoor store <i>after </i>you select the contents to make sure everything fits. A quiet zipper and minimal Velcro is a consideration if you plan to sketch in quiet places where you don't want to attract attention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK-7Lpmk0vhmMnnq2TT5P_MjG9cBY1mROGjBfIA5QEPbr3VVBTR0aS-xblB37u7ckzCKN6jaFawf8hXtpDGZjuZkHl7RJwUNKWNw2ZmQ3uHgj3i7zVsVwJQiYV7I6Ix8YgIN7Ogiscu_O/s1600/Tripod+Stool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK-7Lpmk0vhmMnnq2TT5P_MjG9cBY1mROGjBfIA5QEPbr3VVBTR0aS-xblB37u7ckzCKN6jaFawf8hXtpDGZjuZkHl7RJwUNKWNw2ZmQ3uHgj3i7zVsVwJQiYV7I6Ix8YgIN7Ogiscu_O/s1600/Tripod+Stool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><b>Tripod</b><br />I use a Velbon CX 444 tripod because it's lightweight, folds small, and reaches up to a reasonable standing height when fully extended. Unfortunately, that model has been discontinued, but a similar replacement is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V7AF8E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000V7AF8E&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=HJEYENNVGDCEWEJ4">Vista Explorer 60-Inch</a>, which is also lightweight and inexpensive. If you'd like something more robust and sturdy, with more metal parts, you might consider the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IGBB22/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000IGBB22&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=BKYWWKY56VQ43JUM">Velbon Sherpa 200 Tripod</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000IGBB22" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br /><div><br /></div><b>Three-legged stool</b><br />A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FXVAYW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000FXVAYW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=HEENWEUBGVK6BY4K">Tripod Stool</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000FXVAYW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is something I carry in the car or in a backpack when I plan to sit. Sometimes I bring an extra to use as a field taboret for art gear. If you want a very compact folding stool that fits in your backpack, and you're lighter than 175 pounds, you might prefer the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00363WYWU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00363WYWU&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=BRL6L3TY2Y4I3B64">Coleman Event Stool</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00363WYWU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I'm too heavy for those, and one of them gave out on me once in a museum, but my wife sat happily with no problems, laughing at my misfortune.<br /><div><br /></div><b>Sketchbook Pochade </b><br />The simplest sketchbook holder is a piece of 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch thick plywood cut to the dimensions of the sketchbook opened up flat. I call it a "sketchbook pochade." I drill a hole in the back of the panel and insert a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAVJ8YU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IAVJ8YU&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=B2WZIYHBABDBS6ZF">1/4-20 Tee Nut</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IAVJ8YU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> which will attach to the tripod and securely hold the plywood. The sketchbook attaches to the plywood base with rubber bands or plastic clamps.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CUDdLJQ52M4KpjiQ6dFsqS71c7fszFPRnt53yyTZLXWtkvVv66GRFn1MdO1naG8Gj34VzNDYsfNzYSI8imEGY294VU2_kjA3TJln7Fhv2scsLIxLiaPRCxXhg2bFnJ1ydFv6RWSjc_XD/s1600/Pochade+easel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CUDdLJQ52M4KpjiQ6dFsqS71c7fszFPRnt53yyTZLXWtkvVv66GRFn1MdO1naG8Gj34VzNDYsfNzYSI8imEGY294VU2_kjA3TJln7Fhv2scsLIxLiaPRCxXhg2bFnJ1ydFv6RWSjc_XD/s1600/Pochade+easel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Homemade Easel</b><br />I made this device, which I call a Sketchbook Pochade Easel to hold the paint set, the water, and the sketchbook. I also use this for gouache and casein. The diffuser frame attaches to the top, and it uses <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046VDLSW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0046VDLSW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=3PGQ2VGFMPMDY6DO">White Rip-Stop Nylon Fabric</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0046VDLSW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> that I sewed onto an old aluminum Pendaflex file folder frame, a holdover from the dinosaur era.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nlzm41PI_cjKaRUDEM8NqCjmUooEGulXmg46NeZGySUkUwNXmRUefnECeBjnoAfXSLOU9MftxZslGVxZSmWK62e-3wcMg8c474NF-0O-cQRwHpXTPUo9zYyC9DLl5pG9E4cOnVjgkM7p/s1600/Watercolor+Pochade+Easel.sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nlzm41PI_cjKaRUDEM8NqCjmUooEGulXmg46NeZGySUkUwNXmRUefnECeBjnoAfXSLOU9MftxZslGVxZSmWK62e-3wcMg8c474NF-0O-cQRwHpXTPUo9zYyC9DLl5pG9E4cOnVjgkM7p/s1600/Watercolor+Pochade+Easel.sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here's a clearer shot of the sketchbook pochade. It attaches to the tripod with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAVJ8YU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IAVJ8YU&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=B2WZIYHBABDBS6ZF">Tee Nut</a>, and uses a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002I01QVW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002I01QVW&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=HVZ4HSXAUUOQ2BMD">Southco SC-773 Adjustable Torque Hinge</a> and a furniture slider to hold the parts at the proper angle. The "camera bar" for holding the video camera swings out from the front, held at a constant position by a piece of brass furniture hardware called a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EALVNZG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EALVNZG&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=HNW3NR6TZ4W7WZ7G">Friction Lid Support</a><u>.</u><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00EALVNZG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br />The palette area is made from the lid from a pencil box, primed and then spray-painted with white enamel, and held on with Velcro. That way it can be removed for cleaning, especially when I use it for casein or gouache.<br /><br /><b>EDIT: Aug 16--</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDwb2RMZcsnr7lCvSgfM0TVeJaKFRheTy1sdTkBo8lyQaM5d1nV6jdAnp1K9bsh98HgIYPzCKyoNQJ1jkkWANZ_rNRi5rXBxuwDyNp1KCE-u6mSYvF8qg04tkbv2g9zpFgZNBLKv4azFu/s1600/Camera+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDwb2RMZcsnr7lCvSgfM0TVeJaKFRheTy1sdTkBo8lyQaM5d1nV6jdAnp1K9bsh98HgIYPzCKyoNQJ1jkkWANZ_rNRi5rXBxuwDyNp1KCE-u6mSYvF8qg04tkbv2g9zpFgZNBLKv4azFu/s1600/Camera+Bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here's another view of the camera bar extended, with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HLDFNKQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HLDFNKQ&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=IDE3MXXMJOY4G6VU">Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 Digital Camera (Black)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HLDFNKQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> held on with an adustable <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C3DY73S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C3DY73S&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=ILBQCF356YGYJG3W">Mini Ball Head Bracket</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00C3DY73S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I'm holding a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006PS52A4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006PS52A4&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=JPLGOQFZT6VZHBV4">Mighty Bright HammerHead LED Book Light</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006PS52A4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which clips onto the bar for night sketching.<br /><br />My workhorse video camera is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HLDFTRS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HLDFTRS&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=C2POOILHTOE34WZE">Canon VIXIA series camcorder</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00HLDFTRS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which is small and light and full-featured. I also use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BW6LX20/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BW6LX20&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=CW75OYU4BOCFZPGL">Canon EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BW6LX20" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007E7JU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00007E7JU&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=NUSTB3JR2ILXX36O">Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00007E7JU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. For time lapse, I use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3F0GLU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00F3F0GLU&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=NXCJGTLDJWSBJDXH">GoPro HERO3</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00F3F0GLU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> with a free time lapse program called "Time Lapse Assembler."</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DmfjUq7D18IfC98gPD3ia-kpLIPjromKDUcwsnVDerUNkSS5hbPA_AZYTZMnYSQOZ_h0uIFtj3uA28Z30c8w1u677WFsQe9H2K5lvTrtR5C5k7zgJzfYMGw4JSeZlTxj-oUTJNw_mPaP/s1600/Hypodermic+Syringe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DmfjUq7D18IfC98gPD3ia-kpLIPjromKDUcwsnVDerUNkSS5hbPA_AZYTZMnYSQOZ_h0uIFtj3uA28Z30c8w1u677WFsQe9H2K5lvTrtR5C5k7zgJzfYMGw4JSeZlTxj-oUTJNw_mPaP/s1600/Hypodermic+Syringe.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><b>Refilling Water Brushes and Fountain Pens</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Water Brushes </b><br />I've tried several brands, but none seem as reliable as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KNPLEM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000KNPLEM&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=EC5IGAKKQ3LSLVAH">Niji Water Brushes</a><u>. I</u> recommend the ones with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KNPLEM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000KNPLEM&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=EC5IGAKKQ3LSLVAH">round tips</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000KNPLEM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, but you can also get them with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHRM7EG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CHRM7EG&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=LEHX6A3IFHLLAB3Q">a 12mm Flat Tip</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CHRM7EG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I normally carry between three and five water brushes. One is filled with water, which fills easily under a normal faucet by unscrewing the handle and squeezing the barrel.<br /><br />The others are filled with blue, black, brown, and gray. I mix the gray myself, put it in an empty bottle, and mark the bottle. To identify which water brush is which, I paint the back end tips with acrylic (see lower left of photo above).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8c2egPH8ZVkSugXNn2696Y_gLuT2V8H0JdDvFaj1lb745ta__DHe4vycymDoD9kEwF-rQ7WYVWucHBIhIZ3DNn3K1omu_8FKHsMpcZYLEjWPNEbH9NN-PKL0IDGfWS77JYjIn9RPtFhw/s1600/Refill_Kit.lt.sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8c2egPH8ZVkSugXNn2696Y_gLuT2V8H0JdDvFaj1lb745ta__DHe4vycymDoD9kEwF-rQ7WYVWucHBIhIZ3DNn3K1omu_8FKHsMpcZYLEjWPNEbH9NN-PKL0IDGfWS77JYjIn9RPtFhw/s1600/Refill_Kit.lt.sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b>Ink</b><br />The ink in a brush pen should be water-soluble so that it doesn't clog the brush fibers. I use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003J22ICY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003J22ICY&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=MJI5D4QRHOU6U65M">Higgins Eternal Ink</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003J22ICY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />(black), and an old bottle of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Q5XQYQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000Q5XQYQ&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=NGFGTQIP66E4A7YQ">Sheaffer Skrip Ink</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000Q5XQYQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. The color in my 30-year-old bottle is mellow blue-black, which I believe is no longer available. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007RHAK7W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007RHAK7W&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=FAI2GIKAZRPWWQWK">Waterman Fountain Pen Blue Bottled Ink</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007RHAK7W" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is a bolder blue. For a brown color, I use either the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IMB0JQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004IMB0JQ&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=AKMLS3KXVTBCFLSP">Higgins Sepia Fountain Pen Ink</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004IMB0JQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> or the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00135JXGI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00135JXGI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=EDNYLBSNOSXKLFEC">Waterman Brown Ink</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00135JXGI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, the latter of which has a redder cast. If you mix two colors of ink, you should mix the same brands.<br /><div><br /></div><b>Refill Tool</b><br />Several different tools will work for refilling water brushes. My favorite is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EE5GUS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003EE5GUS&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=H2OMNM5KP6U6S4CW">Syringe with a Blunt Tip Fill Needle</a>. You can also use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027A3H4M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0027A3H4M&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=MWZM2GUU4MWFTLMQ">Syringe with a Tapered Plastic Tip</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0027A3H4M" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (center of photo above). A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0071S5Y46/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0071S5Y46&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=KBPODPDPSZR6QFSJ">Glass Eyedropper</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0071S5Y46" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> doesn't always work as well because the tip isn't small enough to fit inside the chamber of an empty fountain pen cartridge or water brush.<br /><div><br /></div><b>Fountain Pens</b><br />I use a relatively inexpensive <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007X63MLI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007X63MLI&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=VGLUBEJA4KJSJ3LW">Waterman Phileas Fine Point Fountain Pen</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007X63MLI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (top) for written notes. In the USA, you can buy refill cartridges in black and blue, but it's not easy to find brown or gray or other colors. As with the water brushes, you can refill them with your favorite color. The pen comes with a piston converter insert, but if you don't have one of those, you can refill empty cartridges with the syringe.<br /><br />When I need to use waterproof ink for my line work, I like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001H7U87A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001H7U87A&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=L3IQUNNNF6WNL4MV">Micron Pens</a> and brushpens. They<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gurnjour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001H7U87A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> come in many colors, and give a constant indelible line, similar to the classic Rapidograph pens. For a brush-style tip, I've used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LJRKN8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002LJRKN8&linkCode=as2&tag=gurnjour-20&linkId=VT5CPZTSBGTOL2SZ">Pentel Pocket Brush Pen</a><u>,</u> a waterproof brush-tip pen with replacement cartridges. A caution about the Pentel: the ink can bleed through some thinner paper.<br />-----<br />For a PDF version of this list and buyer's guide, check out the extras of <a href="http://gum.co/watercolor">gum.co/watercolor</a>.<br /><br />To learn more about the 72-minute video "Watercolor in the Wild":<br /><a href="https://gumroad.com/l/watercolor">HD download: (Credit Card) </a><br /><a href="https://sellfy.com/p/Pvxb/">HD download: (Paypal)</a> <a class="sellfy-buy-button" href="https://sellfy.com/p/Pvxb/" id="Pvxb">buy</a><script src="https://sellfy.com/js/api_buttons.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><a href="http://kunaki.com/MSales.asp?PublisherId=136361">DVD: (NTSC, Region 1) </a><br />Feel free to bookmark and share this info, and please let me know of any corrections or suggestions in the comments.<br /><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kpnOV9fA95Y%2FU9J7Af1_7yI%2FAAAAAAAAXc8%2FQ47QsuGH_cc%2Fs1600%2FSketchbook.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82z3Ihyp1XM9eet_7DjDyJYUtcmzSFkZCh0kscN3qEz3yPVs9FhAC6Yu8nU74XWki_gMRJsEWrAingKiQcc65TVjN5u4J02mklyxeOdN4U-ij1c1ZrjQJpMG1pIUS7z2NOEFtgoEbYFjG/s1600/Sketchbook.jpg" -->

Watercolor in the Wild Materials

( Link to video excerpt ) Here's a complete list of materials and a buyer's guide for plein-air watercolor painting. This is a suppl...

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