I take in a deep breath to smell pine and wet earth as I trudge along a gravel path that occasionally slips beneath my feet. My pack keeps my back warm against the cold air, the gentle weight of my sketching kit and camera giving my shoulders purpose and strength. The mountains are hidden by clouds; my eye catches on the contrast of the white clouds against the dark grey rock, the stream of water telling of the rain falling high above. I reach a wall of damp rock that towers high above me. As I observe the carpet of bright moss that clings to the slick surface I feel like I’ve stepped into a different world. At my feet lay two mushrooms that have just broken through the surface of the soil. Scattered around the base of a trunk, pinecone scales crunch beneath my feet; a high pitched chirp alerts me of the squirrel who thinks I’m a bit too close to his food pile.
I take in a deep breath and I smile.
It’s evenings like this that I truly appreciate the power of nature. I left the ‘comfort’ of the indoors feeling overwhelmed, tired, and stagnant. I put my sketching kit and camera into my bag and stepped outside. One step. Five steps. Ten steps. With each moment I felt relieved, each breath bringing renewal to my body and mind.
Since I was a child I have painted outside. The paintings don’t always end up being grand, but they do help to ground. Each sketch, brushstroke, and colour has been created from careful observation and connection. They cement my memories, bring me to the present and provide a reference for the projects that take place in my studio. I feel closer to nature and to myself.
I feel gratitude for the present moment. For the feeling of the earth under my feet. The warmth of gentle rays touching my skin. The call of birds in the trees. The rhythm of water as it makes it’s course. I focus on the gentle curve of stems. The steady lines of hills and mountains. The depth of crystal clear waters. I fall deeper in love with the world around me. I feel the need to nurture it in return. To give back in anyway I can.
It has always been my hope that through my work I could inspire people to connect with nature. Experiences of sitting quietly in the whimsical world of forests and mountains with sketchbook in hand bring us closer to ourselves and make us guardians of the places that give us so much.
I wanted to use this blog to share what I take when I go out nature journaling/sketching. It can be daunting to know where to start and what to bring. Below I have included what I take in my “basic” kit, and what’s in my minimal kit. Take from the lists below to build your own nature journaling supply list. I hope you discover new things; both about the natural world and yourself while you spend time outside. Breathe, observe, and connect.
Happy sketching!
Libby Amber
If I’m going for a walk solely with the purpose of sketching/painting I typically take more with me. My pack has the space for it when I’m not carrying extra layers or food for a day’s hike or ski. I like to keep everything inside of a packing cube to keep it all together and easy to grab. Inside I keep:
A sketchbook/paper- This summer I started using the Peter Pauper Press, Inc, field sketchbook. It’s small (4-⅛”x5-¾” or A6), hardcover to protect your work, and the heavyweight 128gsm sketching paper takes quite well to both watercolour and gouache. When I want to make a nicer painting I often tuck some watercolour paper inside or carry bigger pieces in my pack.
Brushes- sometimes I take them all in a roll (if I’m in a rush or plan on making a detailed painting) and sometimes I’m a bit more selective; in those cases I make sure to bring a small detail brush, a 4 round, 8 flat, ¼” angled shader, ¼” filbert, and 4 fan.
Paint Palette- I have both a travel watercolour palette and gouache palette. The Winsor and Newton watercolour palette has been great over the years. However, I recently got a Meeden travel palette for my gouache; its smaller, and the pans come empty so I can choose my own paint brands and colours.
Mechanical pencil- a mechanical pencil is easy to use and you can play around with different leads finding your preference, I typically like to use H as I find it easy to sketch with. Occasionally I will bring a softer lead for gesture drawing. I prefer a mechanical pencil as I don’t need to bring a sharpener saving space and time.
Waterproof black pens- these are great to sketch with or to further define paintings, I really like Pigma Micron pens and Sakura Microperm pens, both can be painted over top of.
White gel pen or pencil- this is great to add highlights to a sketch.
An eraser
Tape- this is great to create borders but also to attach any flowers or other findings into your sketchbook; that being said, please be sustainable if you pick any flowers and be aware that in some places you’re not aloud to!
Water container- after using a mason jar for years I finally got a proper water container. I didn't like the idea of carrying glass so instead I found a metal version that is spill proof ,and honestly I also just really like how it looks! I always make sure to fill it before I leave and bring its contents back with me.
The Minimal kit:
On the occasions when I don't have a lot of space, any wiggle room for weight, or much opportunity to sketch, I take my minimalist kit. This usually sits at the top of my back or an outside pocket. I can quickly jot down what I feel I need to and then continue on with my hike or ski. This is also great if your outdoor partners don't have much patience for your art breaks!
Mechanical Pencil
Erasor
Paint palette- I’ll only take one palette; choosing watercolours or gouache depending on what kind of paintings I want to make.
Waterbrush- other than bringing less, this is the only real change for the minimalist kit. A waterbrush contains water in the handle, with a quick squeeze you get water where you need it. These brushes are great for quick washes to get colours down. I don’t like using them for nicer paintings as I find they can be hard to clean in between colours and make things muddy.