DIY: Handy Travel Art Kit

Keep this DIY Art Kit Handy:

Whatever your favorite medium, keep some bare essentials in a case that you can grab and run with. It can be a great way to practice drawing on the run or while on vacation. If you already have it handy, you can just grab it whenever you need without having to plan.

When you create a sketch, add written notes and a color as key reminders. The sketches can become visual notes for later final images in your studio or can be created just for practice and fun. It's always nice to add a date and location underneath or on the back of sketches to remind yourself when and where you made them.

These sketches can be just that - sketches - observational notes rather than finished drawings.

If you've got a small digital camera, be sure to bring it along. Photos of what you've sketched are great - but those closely observed sketches you create will store more information and memory than any photo.

Your Travel Art Kit should include:

1. Small Sketch Pad

2. Pencils (I also like to include a water soluble graphite pencil)

Avoid Artist's Loft or General Brand -- both are poor quality and a waste of money.

3. Pen/Marker

4. Eraser

5. Colored Pencils (water soluble are nice)

6. A Pencil Sharpener

7. Small Travel Watercolor Set with Brush
Avoid Newton Cotman Brand -- the paint is terrible quality and is a waste of money. If you buy Winsor watercolors (a great brand) make sure it is not Newton Cotman (student grade.)

8. Small Water Container

9. Travel Tissues

10. A Small Bag or Carrying Case (to hold everything)

The type/size of the case will depend on your materials.

So tell me....

What do you like to take with you in your travel art kit?