travel size painting kit

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The Best Watercolor Travel Sets for Artists Who Love Traveling

Written by Robert S. Brown  / Fact checked by Helen B. Harris

If you are flying 38,000 feet off the ground or on a train running miles away from your hometown, you have the perks of a wanderer: to take delight in bright blue skies, red-orange sunsets, and breathtaking landscapes.

However, for an artist who moves places, every trip is worthwhile when you capture these picturesque sights and draw them in your sketchbook using a brush or pencil. For a vast spectrum of colors and artistic effects, perhaps you go for the best watercolor travel set. But the next question is, what should you look for when choosing a portable watercolor set?

• First of all, a watercolor travel kit should be portable and compact enough to put away in your luggage or pocket. A gawky and bulky watercolor set would be too cumbersome to carry around and probably end up in disarray.
• Furthermore, it is significant to consider what a travel watercolor kit consists of. Besides the color palette, does it include a travel-friendly brush or a sponge? Does it come with a handy carrying bag for hassle-free storage? Although the accessories and tools depend on your preferences and needs, a complete mini watercolor set only delivers the essential tools.
• Another crucial part is the overall quality of colors. A small watercolor set should not present substandard pigment quality and blend- No matter how compact it is or how few the color options are, the pigments should be vibrant, blendable, and lightfast.

Not all artists travel by plane. But if you do, make sure you get a TSA-approved watercolor set. Aside from that, there is much more to learn in this comprehensive guide and review. I will show you the in-depth guidelines, as well as the top-pick products that best suit your artistic demands.

Sakura XNCW-24N

Winsor & Newton 390640

Lightwish MeiLiang

Table of Contents

1. Sakura XNCW-24N Koi Watercolor Pocket Field Sketch Box

2. winsor & newton 390640 cotman water colour paint, 3. lightwish meiliang watercolor paint set, 4. artsy watercolor paint set, 5. meeden 4336971288 watercolor paint set, 6. jerry q art jq-124 watercolor travel pocket set, 7. artistro 432 watercolor paint set, 8. sennelier 10-131605 french artists watercolor travel set, 9. artify ‎4336953153 watercolor field sketch set, 10. winsor & newton 390658 cotman watercolor brush paint set, what to look for when buying watercolor travel sets, what is the most reliable watercolor travel set brand, can you fly with watercolor paint, how do you do a watercolor travel journal, what is included in a watercolor travel set, top 10 watercolor travel set reviews.

From its size to quantity, you can tell that this Sakura Koi watercolor travel kit is thoughtfully curated for painters or artists who love traveling. It features a compact size and sleek design that you can easily fit inside your bag or even your shirt pocket.

Impressively, this small set has the essential tools for basic watercolor painting, with a water brush (refillable) and a half-pan watercolor set.

The colors are formulated to present beautiful and vivid hues. Aside from that, the highly pigmented shades blend well to create a wide range of colors.

Moreover, it uses no ordinary brush; it is a refillable water brush that lets you paint without using a container with water.

Since you can fill it up with water, you can simply take it out of your pocket or bag and are all set for a painting session! You can paint effortlessly even when you are on a plane, on a train, or sitting by the park for Plein air painting.

In addition to that, this kit comes with a detachable pegged palette where you can mix your favorite colors. When you are all done, you can just place it back inside the kit for hassle-free and neat storage.

I also want to emphasize the base pull-down ring at the back of the watercolor set. Although it is just a small detail, I found the ring is quite useful if you want to keep the palette steady as you hold it. While it keeps the watercolor kit from sliding off your palm, the ring also helps you paint comfortably wherever you are.

• Compact and sleek design
• Includes a water brush tip and a detachable mixing palette
• Fits perfectly in bag or shirt pockets
• Highly blendable and pigmented colors
• Has a base pull-down ring for easy holding
• Paint blocks need stronger adhesion to prevent from falling out

For professional quality watercolor set brands, Winsor & Newton is among the ones that always come to mind. The colors deliver high-quality pigments that explicitly showcase your art with vibrant hues and artistic painting effects. Plus, the colors in the palette blend impeccably well.

This pocket watercolor set includes 12 Cotman Watercolors that render good transparency to create beautiful washes. I also noticed that these colors have intense tints and uniform consistency that lend an excellent layout of colors.

Therefore, even though these are half-pan watercolors, there is no need to build the colors to achieve their vividness. A few dabs and strokes can already create rich watercolor tones.

Aside from that, I appreciate the addition of white in the range. Although the white tone of the paper serves as a brilliant backdrop for watercolors, the white pigment can ramp up the drawing or watercolor art with highlights and subtle color mixtures.

All these amazing features come in a small watercolor palette that can fit inside your shirt or bag pocket. The longest side is roughly six inches and just a tad bigger than a card! Even when you open it, the upper side has partitions where you can mix colors.

• A half-pan watercolor pocket set that offers brilliant colors
• Pocket-sized watercolor travel kit for superior portability
• Designed with a mixing palette in the lid
• Includes a small brush
• The brush is too small and slightly difficult to use

The best thing about this MeiLiang traveling watercolor kit is the great color selection that does not break your bank. With just a slight difference from the price of the Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor paint set, you can indulge in a wider color range with this one.

Right before that, the first thing that caught my attention was the metal case. Contrary to most portable watercolor sets I have seen on the market, this one uses a sturdy case that keeps the pan secure.

Even when you stack in your fully packed luggage, there is no need to worry about breaking or damaging your watercolor palette.

Besides that, the flip cover works as a mixing palette as well. Similar to the Sakura Koi watercolor travel set, this one also has a metal ring under the case for steady and hassle-free painting.

When it comes to the color quality, I must say that it is pretty impressive since they are highly pigmented and fluid. This allows you to create glazing effects and revel in smooth watercolors without any chalky or grainy textures after drying.

Moreover, it features a compact size, perfect for traveling. It is long but has a sleek and slim design that you can easily slip into your pocket or bag.

Another useful addition is the refillable watercolor brush that makes painting a lot easier and mess-free. I can simply take it out and paint it on my watercolor travel journal whenever and wherever I like.

• Offers a wide selection of highly pigmented colors
• Creates beautiful glazing effects that without grainy textures when dried
• Comes in a sturdy metal case
• Slim and sleek design
• Includes a water brush
• The brush has some loose bristles

The highlight of this Artsy Watercolor paint set is the innovative pocket design. The first time I saw it, I did not think it would have 42 colors! This artistic palette comes in different trays that you can fan out to see the vibrant array of assorted colors.

Every tray has color labels at the bottom to help you identify which colors to use. I find this useful since some colors, particularly the orange and red shades, look a bit identical. Thankfully, there are no duplicates in the colors, allowing you to mix and play with various combinations.

Moreover, these beautiful pigments are lightfast and vivid, allowing you to showcase watercolor artworks with their amazing color quality. Mixing the colors is not a problem at all since they are highly blendable. Plus, they dry quickly, preventing any ink pooling and grainy textures.

When you are done painting, you can simply slide each tray back to its palette for storing. This leaves you an ultra-compact and portable watercolor set that you can fit in your shirt or bag pocket.

One of the best things I love about this set is the water brushes. Unlike some portable watercolor paint sets that only have one water brush or paint brush, this one includes three water brushes. They work as backup brushes in case you like mixing a lot of colors or filling up your watercolor journal with your travels.

In addition to that, this set has a sponge where you can dry and clean your brushes after painting.

• Innovative compact design for enhanced portability
• Offers an array of pigmented colors
• Highly blendable and quick-drying
• Includes three water brushes and a sponge
• Intuitive pan display and labels to identify and view all the colors
• Color pans are not replaceable

Comparing this beside the Artsy watercolor paint set, you can see some striking similarities with the innovative pan display, color labels, and even the painting tools. Moreover, it comes at an affordable price range.

If you look closely at these palettes, the differences fall under the brush and color selection. Both have 42 colors but this one has darker tones in neutrals, greens, and blues. When you mix them with water, the colors beautifully blended, presenting rich and artistic watercolor washes.

As I work with these watercolors, I also noticed that they dry quickly and can resist fading as well. Curated with a vast array of colors, this palette allows you to create an endless range of vibrant hues for artistic and colorful artwork.

With regard to its design, this travel watercolor paint set does not fail to impress with its unique palette design. Similar to the Artsy portable watercolor kit, you can fan out the palette and swipe out to different tabs to find the color you need. Aside from that, there are color labels to easily identify the shades.

When you put everything away, it shifts into a lightweight and compact palette that you can slip inside your bag or pocket. Another sweet treat is the addition of four different water brush sizes that you can use for fine to broad applications. Not to mention the addition of a sponge to clean and dry your brushes.

• Ultra-lightweight and compact palette design
• Offers a great selection of pigmented watercolors
• Quick-drying and lightfast colors
• Includes four refillable water brushes in various sizes
• Does not have a hard case or cover to protect the palette

It can be a bit challenging for a beginner watercolor artist to find the best watercolor travel set to start with. With that said, this Jerry Q Art pocket set has the tools an amateur artist needs when traveling and painting with watercolors.

Sifting through the details, this pocket watercolor set features a slim and sleek design for enhanced portability. Once you open the lid, it is pretty awesome to find an array of beautiful colors along with the necessary painting tools. This includes a water brush, a small sponge, and detachable mixing pans.

For a beginner, I bet these tools and color selection are more than enough to start with a watercolor travel journal. Since everything is compact, there is no trouble putting them away in a small pocket in your shirt or bag.

Though it is made of plastic, it is surprisingly sturdy. I also like how the lid closes tightly, keeping the palette secure and protected whenever you travel.

While that already sounds impressive, the colors do not fall short of their quality and performance. The brilliant colors have a nice amount of pigment, revealing a bright and stunning spectrum of colors. Furthermore, these watercolors are highly blendable, making it much easier to create washes and preserve some translucent watercolor effects.

One more thing I noticed is the ceramic calligraphy tray. I did not know what to use it for but I think it would be useful for artists who practice calligraphy art.

• A portable and great quality starting watercolor kit for beginners
• Sleek and slim design for hassle-free transportation
• Brilliant color selection; very pigmented hues
• Highly blendable colors that can create vibrant washes
• Includes a water brush, a calligraphy pan, a sponge, and a removable mixing tray
• No color labels; difficult to find matching watercolor replacements

At first glance, I could already tell that this watercolor paint set would be an exquisite gem. Right from its vibrant mint metal box and dainty artwork details, ARTISTRO did a great job of making this kit to be aesthetically pleasing as possible. I even love the elegant metal lid lock that looks like the one you see on classic musical boxes.

Upon opening the watercolor palette, everything inside is even more fascinating. You can see all 48 vibrant colors arranged into a neat and beautiful layout – ranging from light to dark tones.

On the upper part of the lid is an organized space for the essential painting tools. This includes a water brush pen, a sponge, a drawing pencil, an eraser, a watercolor brush, and a swatch sheet. Plus, there are small watercolor sheets as well. As a beginner, I sincerely do not think there is anything else to ask for!

The palette is a combination of pigmented fluorescents and metallics, rendering unique, vibrant colors. When mixing the colors, I can tell that the watercolors are highly blendable, producing rich washes and artistic textures. Mind you, the binder is thick and a bit gelatinous, causing the watercolors to create grainy or granulated textures and finishes.

With that in mind, some artists might not fancy such grainy textures. However, this allows you to create artistic effects and colors besides smooth and colorful washes. I find this an amazing trick to amplify watercolor artworks. Aside from that, the exclusive water brush pen and original brush make blending and layering effortless.

On the other hand, the size is not as compact and slim as the previous watercolor sets on the list. It is a bit bulky though it can still fit well in your bag. And since it is a metal tin case, it can protect the palette from damages.

• Offers vibrant and pigmented colors that can produce washes
• Creates granulated textures for unique and artistic effects
• Includes essential painting tools for convenient travel painting
• Comes in a sturdy metal tin case for added protection
• Suitable for advanced and professional artists
• Not the ideal option for beginners
• Slightly bulky compared to other compact watercolor sets

I have always been hunting for the best watercolor paints for professionals. But my curious self has always wanted to try other reputable brands other than Winsor & Newton. Thus, Sennelier was my next target, and I am glad I did give it a shot.

I hear a lot of amazing things about this brand, particularly the superb quality of watercolors. However, I admit that the price tag is the least attractive thing. But the question is, what is so special about it? To concur with the reviews and rumors, it was definitely the pigmented colors that I have seen the best so far.

Unbeknownst to many, the highlighted ingredient is honey. This helps preserve the longevity and quality of colors, making them impeccably brilliant and luminous at the same time.

As expected, the colors give off vivid hues that blend nicely in a beautiful shade. Even with simply dampening the colors, it is easy to obtain pigments and render bright washes and representations of what every color should be.

In terms of portability, this half-pan watercolor palette is small and slim, providing an ideal size for traveling. Plus, it comes in a sturdy metal case that secures all the colors.

• Impeccably brilliant and pigmented colors that easily blend
• Creates vivid strokes and washes even with just a few dabs
• Very compact and sleek design for hassle-free storage and travel painting
• Comes in a sturdy metal tin case
• Excellent color longevity
• No brushes included

Another budget-friendly option for watercolor travel sets is this one from Artify. This mini kit gives amateur watercolor artists a chance to try great quality watercolor without breaking their banks. I know for sure because I have seen the quality pigments that produce an imaginative and endless range of colors.

Impressively, the colors blend well and deliver vibrant hues when mixed with water. Therefore, making washes and artistic effects would not be a problem. Aside from that, the watercolors dry quickly, preventing any messy spills that can bleed through paper.

How about the size? I must say that this set is the perfect fit for your pocket whether it is a bag or your shirt. The plastic case is sturdy, securing the palette from any damage.

In addition to its portable and innovative design, I think the removable palette is genius. Not only can you arrange the colors according to your preference, but also reuse and wash them should you ever need to. Plus, the mixing tray is detachable and can be placed anywhere within your reach.

Some artists might not find this a big deal but I was impressed by how thoughtful the manufacturer designed the palette this way. Thus, it can accommodate left and right-hand painters.

Moreover, three brushes and two sponges complete this watercolor travel kit. The ring at the back of the base keeps the palette convenient to hold. Hence, this makes painting and traveling fun and easy to do!

• Removable and customizable mixing tray to accommodate left and right-hand painters
• Compact design
• Includes essential painting tools (three brushes and two sponges)
• Designed with a base ring for comfortable painting sessions
• Some paints break easily when not properly stored

When it comes to Winsor & Newton, I have nothing to expect but satisfying results in terms of color blends and vibrancy. Luckily, this Cotman Watercolor Brush Pen set is not so different from my favorite watercolor sets from this brand.

First of all, the size of this half-pan set ensures hassle-free storage when you are traveling. It is so dainty that you can fit inside your shirt pocket or mini compartments in your bag. When it is closed, it presents an understated yet sophisticated design that you can take out for a quick paint session anywhere you go.

As soon as you open the lid, the upper space provides partitions where you can mix different colors. Afterward, my eyes took me to the color labels that are neatly presented to help you organize and identify colors. Since the pans are replaceable, the color labels are crucial when finding matching shades.

As usual, Winsor & Newton did it again with this impressive array of colors. They deliver quality pigments even with just a few dabs, allowing you to create vivid washes and artistic watercolor effects.

Aside from that, the water brush pen is a handy addition to this set. It lets you paint without dipping into the water and start with your painting right away. And since it is refillable, you can simply fill it up whenever you have to. The clear barrel or reservoir lets you know how much water you have used.

• Creates vibrant color blends and watercolor effects
• Designed with color labels for easy identification
• Has a mixing tray to blend colors
• Includes a water brush pen
• Very compact
• Water flows heavily sometimes

Portability and Storage

When looking for a travel watercolor set, it is reasonable to consider whether it is compact enough to put away in your pocket or luggage. Since you will be moving from one place to another, it will not be practical to add some unnecessary weight to your things.

With that said, you must have a portable set that you can easily take out or put away and keep in mind that a complete travel painting kit does not need to be big and bulky. Fortunately, some brands offer foldable watercolor palettes and travel-friendly sizes that you can easily slip into your pocket or bag.

Accessories and Tools

A set consists of a variety of tools and accessories that will provide you with a complete setup for painting on the go. For a watercolor travel set, it should at least include a portable and refillable water brush. Since you will be traveling by air or land, this type of brush dispenses water as you paint, allowing you to paint right on the spot conveniently.

There is no need to fill up a container or cup with water, which can end up quite messy while traveling. Just fill the brush up and you are all set to paint anytime and anywhere you want. Some sets also include a pencil, a sponge to dry the brush, and a paint palette for mixing colors. Others have multiple refillable brushes for versatile applications.

Pigment Quality

Many artists use watercolor because it can spruce up drawings and sketches with an array of vivid colors. Aside from that, it can add unique effects to your artwork, especially if you love working with mixed media.

Therefore, it is important that you have high-quality pigments so as to deliver a vibrant spectrum of colors. No matter how few the color options are, a lightfast and premium quality watercolor palette can exhibit promising results.

Color Selection

The color selection all depends on your preferences and needs. But since watercolor travel sets usually have limited options, it would be better to stick with the primary shades. They typically come in sets of 9 or 12.

Lucky you if you can have more options without comprising the storage properties and portability. Some brands offer more than the usual colors that come in 24, 36, 42, 48, or more packed in a foldable or compact case.

Blendability

Watercolor is among the versatile art media that allows you to mix and blend colors, creating a custom color selection for your artwork. A watercolor travel kit homemade palette usually has that, presenting your favorite shades and mixtures.

A portable or mini travel watercolor palette should also let you do so despite the limited amount and selection of colors. Moreover, the excellent blendability allows you to maximize your palette and achieve your desired color combinations. Hence, you can browse the reviews or test the watercolor set for seamless color gradients.

TSA Approved (Transportation Security Administration)

This is a mandatory factor to consider for those who are planning to fly with their watercolor sets. Airlines provide specific and detailed regulations about the items that you are allowed to bring in a carry-on.

In general, TSA has restrictions on liquid watercolors. Every tube of watercolor paint should be no more than 3.4 ounces, and all wrapped in clear zip-top bags. For dry watercolor palette sets, they are relatively much easier to bring on a plane since they come in compact and convenient sizes.

It is quite hard to tell because there are a lot of amazing brands that offer excellent watercolor travel sets. However, Sakura is by far the most reliable brand for great quality watercolor sets that feature assorted colors and essential tools. Plus, they come at a reasonable price range. But if it is about budget-friendly decent watercolor sets that have a wide array of colors, I would go for MEEDEN.

On the other hand, Winsor & Newton and Sennelier are my favorite brands for professional quality watercolors. They might be relatively more expensive than other brands but they have a reliable lineup of portable watercolor sets that let you paint like a pro.

Yes, you can as long as your watercolor paint palettes and sets do not violate the TSA’s regulations and restrictions. As mentioned, TSA is lenient with dry watercolor travel sets because of their small and convenient size, allowing you to bring them on a carry-on without any trouble.

The first thing you can do is list your itinerary. Jot down where you would go first and the places you would probably pass by. Sometimes, you can be spontaneous and draw the scenes and unforgettable memories you would like to record and remember. Thus, Make sure to bring a travel or portable watercolor journal or drawing book with you.

Like a travel photo journal or album, a watercolor travel journal lets you record memories, events, and beautiful sights, but with a different method – painting. For example, you can paint the dinner or lunch you have had, a beautiful sunset, or even the view from your hotel or train. As you capture these events, you can doodle around your drawings or write what your painting is all about.

Apart from the watercolor palette, a watercolor travel set usually includes a small or a refillable water brush. Although not necessary, some sets have a sponge to dry the brush, small partitions for water (in case water brushes are not available), and additional water brushes for versatile and effortless painting sessions.

Moreover, the tools and accessories in a watercolor set vary from one brand to another. Check the composition of a painting set you will buy to ensure you get the essential tools for your watercolor paintings.

The best watercolor travel set is not just about the portable size but the quality of pigments and essential tools as well. It is quite amazing how you can document everything you see when you travel, and a watercolor travel set helps you do that. This is the reason why you deserve to have the best watercolor kit that can beautifully capture and paint landscapes and even mundane sights when you wander around.

This list has jotted down the top picks for portable watercolor sets on the market. Besides their popularity, the brands mentioned offer reliable and excellent quality watercolor sets that are worth trying. Hope this helps!

Art has always been a part of my life; it influences my upbringing and later my career choice. For me, it is always a part of my parenting technique. So for whichever purpose that you come to art, you can start here with us.

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ArtMate - Travel-Ready Painting Kit

✓ Complete kit designed for artists on the move ✓ Schmincke Akademie® paint ✓ Perfect gift for any occasion

Standard Kit:

• 10 Grid Paint Box 
• Magnetic Metal Clip
• Brush Washing Pot
• 10 colors of Schmincke Akademie® paint if you choose the option with paint.
• Watercolor Brush (size "4")
• A6 Sketchbook (24 sheets) - 200gsm, 100% cotton, cold pressed

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This product is rated 4.8 of 5.0 stars. It has received 61 reviews.

Customer Reviews

I have yet to try out it’s practicalities but it’s super cute and looks like it would be very handy for an afternoon in the park or on the go …

I can’t believe how versatile it is, so far I been home bound but, still using it as much as possible when I don’t want to break out my big gear and see something of interest or my cats or anything else that comes to mind and soon goes to a friend or family members

I‘m very happy with this little watercolor box, colors are brilliant, the box is perfect for the journey.

I bought myself this kit (with the Schmincke paints) on a whim and I am so happy with my purchase.

The little metal tin is well-made, the paints are housed in a resin insert, which will make it easier to clean and refill when the day comes.

The Schmincke paints are good quality, nicely pigmented, and the colors included provide a good range.

The brush and sketchbook are a nice addition. I would describe them as ‘student grade’ rather than professional grade, good enough to throw in a bag and make some field sketches!

I love this kit and would recommend it to anyone wanting get some more painting in, but find they don’t have the time or space to whip a whole bunch of supplies out.

Makes a wonderful gift too!

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How to Choose the Best Travel Watercolor Set

The primary advantage of a travel set is portability, so the size and weight matter. A compact, lightweight set is easier to carry around, whether you’re exploring urban landscapes or hiking up a mountain trail. Some sets come with a compact watercolor travel brush, a waterbrush, a detachable palette or a water container, which is amazing for those who don’t like carrying around all the equipment for watercolor painting.

Quality of Pigment

Not all watercolors are created equal. The vibrancy and durability of your paintings depend largely on the quality of the pigments in your set. High-quality paints offer more color intensity, enabling you to capture the world around you with stunning accuracy and lasting for a lifetime, in contrast to low quality pigments, which can easily yellow or fade in a matter of weeks.

Although archival pigments tend to be much more expensive, if you plan on painting professionally or want your works to stay as they are, then investing a bit more is not a bad idea.

Range of Colors

Ensuring a brand has a wide range of colors will allow you to hand pick your favorite pigments and attach them to your travel palette easily, without needing a lot of non-interchangeable variety cramped in a small palette.

Besides, a set with lots of small pans might be prone to color contamination due to the limited space and can be a hindrance when you want to use only a few pigments and can’t build a cohesive color palette with ease.

Accessories

Some travel sets come with added bonuses like a built-in mixing palette, or a water brush. A palette is essential for mixing colors, and its inclusion makes for a more compact set.

A water brush combines a brush and water container into one tool, which can be a game-changer when painting on the move.

High-quality watercolor sets can be pricey, but there are also many affordable options available that don’t compromise too much on quality. It’s important to find a balance between cost and quality that suits your budget.

Will watercolor work on canvas?

While traditionally, watercolor is used on paper, especially designed for its absorbency, it can indeed be used on specially primed canvas meant for watercolors. This allows you to create larger, more durable pieces that can stand the test of time.

Best Watercolor Travel Set Today

• Best Watercolor Travel Set Overall — Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Compact Set
• Best Watercolor Travel Set for Beginners — SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit
• Best Value Watercolor Travel Set — ‎ Paintcrush Watercolor Paint Set
• Best Watercolor Travel Set for Professional — Schmincke – HORADAM AQUARELL
• Best Metallic Watercolor Travel Set — ARTEZA Iridescent Watercolor Paint Set

1. Best Watercolor Travel Set Overall — Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Paint Compact Set

Selection Criteria

• Our Score – 9/10
• Our Score- 8/10
• Our Score – 10/10

About the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor

Winsor and Newton is one of the most popular brands in the world of watercolors and not without good reason. Although the Cotman line is not “professional watercolor paint”, it still is very high quality paint, has a wide color range and it’s very lightfast in comparison to other brands.

The Cotman line has something other “student-grade” paints don’t, and that is color variety. This means, you can get each individual pan separately  and build your own color palette, or replace the colors you use the most without needing to get a whole new set.

• Extensive color range
• High-quality pigments
• Refills available
• Set might be too small for some

2. Best Watercolor Travel Set for Beginners — SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit

About the SAKURA Koi Pocket Field

The Sakura Koi Pocket field is a small, portable set with one of the most bright color combinations, perfect for landscaping, flower painting and ghibli-like illustrations. It has 30 pans which fit nicely into its small case and it comes with a mixing palette as well as a waterbrush and a sponge packing everything you need to paint on the go.

The palette has a foldable handle so you can use it on a flat surface or hold it with your hands as you paint, and it comes in 72 colors as well for those who love to have everything at hand.

• Small and portable
• Very affordable
• No refills or pan replacements available
• Limited color range

3. Best Value Watercolor Travel Set — ‎Paintcrush Watercolor Paint Set

• Our Score- 7/10
• Our Score – 8/10

About the Paintcrush Professional Watercolor

The Paintcrush watercolor set is not one of the most popular, however it is one of the highest quality professional watercolor paints that are also extremely affordable and offer great value. This small, select watercolor palette is the perfect starter set for those who want to learn color mixing and color theory, it has all the needed pigments as well as an included watercolor painting course by Kristy Rice.

This set offers one of the greatest values which is learning watercolor painting and color mixing, which will take the limitations of needing lots of pigments. You’ll be able to experiment with professional-grade watercolor paint as well as learn from one of the best.

• Professional watercolor paint
• High-quality, vibrant ink
• Painting lesson included
• Great value for the price
• On the expensive side

4. Best Watercolor Travel Set for Professional — Schmincke – HORADAM AQUARELL

• Our Score – 7/10

About the Schmincke – HORADAM AQUARELL

Well known as one of the best watercolor brands worldwide, Schminke now presents this small, yet amazing travel watercolor set. This set is not only beautiful and very high quality, but it’s also portable, easy to use and has a great design where the container is also a water tank and the cap becomes a water container so that you can easily paint from anywhere, anytime.

It has a small integrated mixing palette and handle in the back for easy holding.

• High quality watercolor paint
• Small, portable presentation
• Water container and tank included
• Very expensive
• Limited color set
• No space for paint brushes

5. Best Metallic Watercolor Travel Set — ARTEZA Iridescent Watercolor Paint Set

About the ARTEZA Iridescent Watercolor

Since a while ago, Arteza has been building a name and reputation of their own and we must say that although they’re a relatively new brand, their products are exceptional. This metallic watercolor set is no different. Crafted with care and attention to detail, this iridescent watercolor travel set is the dream of many. Whether you love giving metallic accents to your work or are a lettering artist or craft professional, this set has everything you could dream of.

This set includes a waterbrush and two mixing palettes, plus the pans are interchangeable and Arteza does have a dedicated color range for metallic watercolors so you can get the ones you like the most and arrange your own palette.

• Wide color range
• Portable and refillable
• Includes a waterbrush
• Mica-based paints

Conclusions

In the end, the best travel watercolor set is the one you feel most comfortable with, be it you’d rather have everything in one set or you prefer to carry your tools separately, it’ll be up to you to unleash your creativity in the most unexpected places, adding a personal, hand-painted touch to your travel experiences. The sets we’ve reviewed bring that possibility to your fingertips, allowing you to paint anywhere without the need for a vast array of tools, and make the cleanup as simple as a splash of water.

So pack your brushes, choose your colors, and let the world be your canvas. Whether capturing the fleeting hues of a sunset or the intricate details of a bustling street, a travel watercolor set invites you to see the world through the eyes of an artist, where every scene is a potential masterpiece waiting to be painted.

Happy painti

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The Best Travel Watercolor Kits For Every Level Artist

Published: March 14, 2019

I love the idea of packing up a sweet little watercolor kit, a thermos of tea, some snacks, and heading out for a day of plein air painting alone in the beautiful countryside.

I’d drive somewhere rural and full of prairie, strap my folding chair to my back, and hike out to a remote location where birds, butterflies, and the occasional bunny would frolic about, as I listened to soothing music in my earbuds.

The best part is, I don’t paint landscapes or nature, so I’d be hiding in a field somewhere painting little triangles, and still happy as a clam.

Anyway, let’s talk travel watercolor kits. I’m sure you’ve seen them on Pinterest and Instagram, right? Some are pre-made, and some are fabulous little treasure boxes artists have cobbled together to carry their most essential paints and accessories.

For this post, I’m focusing on the pre-made kits that you can buy. They include small pans of watercolors, one small brush, and an area or more to use as a palette.

They are small enough to stash in a bag (or even a pocket), and fold closed to contain all the items. They’re perfect if you travel or have a long commute and want to do something besides:

• Stare at your phone
• Stare at other people
• Read a book

Watercolor Travel Kits to Buy

Want to bypass the DIY thing and just buy a lovely little watercolor travel kit to take with you? Apparently some of these small kits are okay to take on airplanes. Be prepared for people to gawk at your art-makin’.

Sakura Koi Watercolor Travel Kit

We’ll start with what is undoubtedly the most popular travel kit, the Sakura Koi. No doubt if you’re into travel watercolor kits, you’ve heard of or seen this one all over social media.

Sakura is an overall fantastic brand, and this little kit is perfect for painting on the go for most people.

• half-pan watercolor paints
• Refillable water brush
• 2 sponges (set into the case)
• Removable mixing tray
• Very lightweight
• The lid doubles as an easel
• You can stash a few sheets of paper in the box

What I love about it:

I love how the tray has little feet that fit perfectly over the paints when you close the kit, but then you can remove it and place it in the lid or on the edge of the box by snapping two legs into two of the holes. If you place it in the lid, the feet elevate it for easier access. This is one of those small design features that you end up appreciating so much!

It comes in different sizes and numbers of paint colors. I have the 18 color set, which is fine for if you really want to save space, but not enough colors for my liking. I’d go with the 24 or 30 color sets if you want more color choices.

Who is it For:

This set is perfect for teens up through adults who aren’t necessarily looking for professional-quality paints, but still want a well-designed travel set with lots of colors to choose from.

You’ll want more water brushes, either to have different brush shapes, just as backups, or to help keep your colors separate. You can sort of clean the brush tips on the sponges, but if you’re fussy about keeping your colors pure, be safe and buy more brushes.

You can see paint swatches for all of the colors here.

Here is a pic of the sizes for the different sets:

Winsor & Newton

You can always count on Winsor & Newton for quality art supplies, and their watercolor kits are no exception. I’m including 2 here, because you absolutely need to feast your eyes on the gorgeous professional travel kit.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Box

This is similar in quality to the Sakura Koi. You get good quality paint, just this side of the lush professional paints. This little box is a no-frills travel set that comes with 12 half-pan paints and a teeny tiny brush.

• Just 5″ long when closed makes it nice and small!
• 12 half-pans of basic mixing colors
• Lid is segmented for 3 mixing areas

The larger watercolor pans mean you can use larger paint brushes (and they last longer, of course).

You get the bare necessities: paints and a mixing surface and a brush.

The price is great, so this is an amazing introduction set for beginners.

This kit is for someone who wants to take up the least amount of space in their bag or suitcase, while still getting quality paints. You won’t get a ton of colors, so make sure you’re comfortable mixing paints, or practicing as you go. This is an excellent starter set for anyone who prefers a very pared-down paint set.

Buy your own brushes, either regular or the pen style brushes

Use double-sided tape or sticky tack to keep the pans in place – this is a common complaint with this kit, but easily fixable

Switch out the colors you find you don’t use for colors you prefer – some reviewers mentioned adding a green and purple. It’s hard to find refill pans for these so your options are:

• refill with professional half pans
• squeeze tube watercolors into the empty pans and let them set up

Paint up a color chart to bring with you before you travel- look at this amazing example from one reviewer:

Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Field Box, 12 Half Pans

Yes. When you are ready to graduate to professional watercolor paints, this is your travel kit. 12 half pans give you more paint, and are nestled in a 5.2″ long case that opens up into a mini portable artist’s studio.

• Compact size still holds a lot of paint
• Larger sponge than most travel kits
• Folding travel brush
• 2 palette surfaces fold out and stay connected to the case
• Large water cup attached to the end

Here’s a list of the colors that come in this set:

French ultramarine, Winsor blue (green shade), permanent sap green, Winsor green (blue shade), Winsor lemon, Winsor yellow, scarlet lake, Winsor red, permanent alizarin crimson, permanent rose, yellow core, burnt sienna, raw umber and titanium white.

Rich, vivd colors don’t fade and don’t have that granulated texture that watercolor paints can sometimes develop.

Good sized sponge for cleaning brushes and using to add texture to your painting

Included water flask built into the lid

Generous half pan colors that, since they are professional quality, you can mix up lots more colors

Plenty of palette surfaces

A splurge for people who want to use professional-quality paints on their fabulous trip through Italy, working artists, or anyone who is obsessed with using the highest-quality art supplies. So worth it.

Yep, more brushes! Bring along a few different sizes, as the brush included is small.

Buy your refill (or other color) half pan paints at Blick ; the refills are usually cheaper there than Amazon.

Use distilled water in the included water bottle if you tend to leave the water in there for more than a few days, so it doesn’t get gross.

Professional paint needs professional paper. Use 100% cotton!

Travel Watercolor Kit For Kids

If you give a kid a semi-decent quality art kit, they will 10 times out of 10 feel like a professional artist, love you forever, and probably go to town using it immediately. Little travel watercolor kits are PERFECT for kids to bring on vacations, to doctor’s appointments, to dinner, and basically anywhere you would normally let them play on a screen.

In all honesty, I have not tried this kit, but most of the reviews look legit (you can always tell fake reviews), and I LOVE how compact and cool this little set is.

• 42 colors of paint
• Small divided side palette for mixing colors
• Colors are labelled on the edges for quick locating
• Non-toxic paints

It fans out to reveal 42 colors, and comes with a small sponge and watercolor pen brush. You can just toss this thing in your bag or their backpack with a small sketchbook, and you don’t have to chase markers or crayons all over the place.

It comes in a really cute box, so remember this next time you need a kid gift. You can give them the paint set and a sketchbook for under $25! (see images below)

Watercolor pen brushes are amazing inventions for kids, because, hey, no tipped over jars of water!

I would stick to kids and beginners for this kit. I may be an art supply snob, but as cute as this is, there are a bunch of other brands selling the exact same design. There’s a reason reputable art supply companies have been around for a long time and earn our trust.

Travel Sketchbooks/Loose Paper

Don’t forget the paper! Think about whether you want a travel sketchbook or loose paper – or even a pack of watercolor postcard paper – these are all fairly small, but are good quality to take the abuse of water and pigment.

I couldn’t resist this gift idea for the travel watercolor enthusiast: It’s a drool-worthy box

containing a Winsor & Newton 100% cotton watercolor sketchbook, 12 half pan paint colors in a tin box, and a size 3 of their series 7 (kolinsky sable) paint brush, plus a blank color chart! Swoon.

4 thoughts on “The Best Travel Watercolor Kits For Every Level Artist”

It makes sense to think about whether a portable watercolor set will fit in your pocket or luggage when shopping for one. It will not be sensible to add extra weight to your belongings because you will be relocating from one location to another.

My family always say that I am killing my time here at net, but I know I am getting experience daily by reading such fastidious articles or reviews.

Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

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Articles » Painting » 9+ Best Travel Art Supplies for Painting Artists Who Travel

9+ Best Travel Art Supplies for Painting Artists Who Travel

• Last Updated: July 8, 2021
• Written by: Elisabeth Larson Koehler

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One of the perks of painting is that all of the necessary materials are fairly portable. This article will guide you through which travel art supplies are the easiest to pack and take with you.

We are lucky in this day and age to be able to carry our paints in small paint tubes and have easels that are light and foldable. However, there are a LOT of different materials out there and it can be hard to know what exactly you need to paint and travel. I will break down exactly what you will need, so that you can easily be a traveling artist, painting on the go!

Painting Surfaces Best for Travel

This is one of the more important of the travel art supplies you’ll need to remember to take with you. As wherever you paint you will always need something to paint on.

I recommend using loose gessoed canvas that can be rolled up. Boards will take up more space than stretched canvas. Not to mention you have to be a little more careful not to puncture or damage stretch canvases!

You can gesso your own canvas or purchase it already primed and ready to paint on! When you are ready to start your painting, you will simply cut out a size that is appropriate for your project. Then attach the piece of canvas to a hard board with some masking tape. This hard board will act as a support for all of your paintings on your journey. You will be able to use both sides if you wish to do multiple paintings at a time! I do this often 😉

Art Supplies for Storing Paintings and Canvas

To transport your canvas I recommend to roll it up and store it safely inside a mailing tube. This provides excellent protection for your painting surface and keeps it from getting any creases.

In addition, I recommend for you to use the mailing tube to store your completed paintings on your travels ( once they are dry ). Again this is a wonderful way to protect your work from getting any folds or creases. When traveling we often accidentally drop things or stack things on top of one another. Therefore storing your work in a mailing tube alleviates a lot of worry about any damage that may incur to your work!

✨ A quick tip about rolling up paintings – keep the painted side on the outside! I know this sounds odd but it is the best way to take care of your paintings while rolling them up. Rolling oil paintings inwards can cause them to chip or flake which will become visible when laid out flat again.

Travel Art Carrying Case

What if your paintings are still wet and you need to continue your travels? Enter the wet panel art carrying case ! You can purchase one or make your own. They allow you to store wet painting safely inside a box in such a way so that it won’t touch anything else. I personally keep my painting taped down to a board to allow for me to place my painting safely inside a carrier if I need to do so.

Art Supplies to Speed up Drying Time

If you are using oil paints and would rather not have to deal with wet paintings while traveling. There are specific travel art supplies that can help speed up the drying time.

Liquin for traveling artists

Liquin will help a great deal to speed up the drying time! Using just a little will go a long way. Add it to your paint at times when you would normally use linseed oil to thin out your paint.

Whenever I use Liquin in a painting, I take out a small amount of it from the jar using a palette knife and place a little pile of it onto my palette. This way it is easy for me to add it as needed while I mix my oil paints .

Lightweight Travel Easels

An easel can be a little bit of a headache for artists who are traveling, as it is most likely the largest item out of all your travel art supplies. However, there are some great travel easel options out there for every budget!

Pochade boxes for travelers

A pochade box is one of the most popular easels for plein air painters and traveling artists. They are also quite historical as they came into popularity in the 19th century when artists started to paint out of doors. Pochade boxes tend to be small and are highly portable as you can store not just your materials inside them but also your painting. You can purchase one or make your own out of a cigar box!

French easel travel supplies

I personally use a French easel when I travel as well as in my studio. So, it is nice to be able to use the same easel that I always use when on the go. Similar to the pochade box, it allows you to store a lot of supplies inside the easel including your palette. It can be folded up smaller which makes it easy to carry and transport.

However, the downside to a French easel however is that it can be a bit heavier than other options, due to its wood construction. So, if you are looking for something particularly lightweight, this might not be the best option for you.

Tripod easel with palette box

The tripod easel and palette box can sometimes be a good alternative to the traditional French easel. The versions made out of aluminum can be lighter weight and less prone to breakage. In addition, this variety gives you a good distance between the painting and the palette – something missing with a pochade box.

A good camera tripod easel with a palette box can be a little pricey. However, if you are planning to do a lot of plein air painting or walking with your painting supplies. It is really worth it to get a lightweight easel, as your back will thank you! 🙂

Brushes and Brush Cleaner

For traveling I recommend the Guerilla ‘mighty mite brush washer’ . It is leak proof, you don’t have to worry about soiling things when traveling with with linseed oil or turpenoid. In addition, it works as a terrific brush cleaner that lasts a long time.

Palette cups

You could also use oil painting palette cups. These are small metal cups that you can clip onto your palette. They are not meant to be a brush cleaners however. So you can’t clean your brush in this as thoroughly as you could in a regular brush cleaner. However, these make for super useful travel art supplies. As they work great as receptacles to keep your linseed oil and or turpenoid in – when you need to use those in your painting.

Paints for Travel

Most paint tubes come in a large or small size – typically 37 ml or 150 ml size tubes. So, when traveling with your painting supplies it is best to use small sized tubes. As this will help a great deal with keeping the weight down.

If small sized paint tubes are still too heavy and you don’t need to take that much paint with you… Then you could purchase small containers to store your paint in. Just keep in mind, that the paint will dry quicker in such containers than if it remained in a tube!

So, if you are planning to travel and paint for just a few days then small containers work nicely. However, not if you will be on the go with your travel art supplies for a couple of weeks or longer. As the paint will likely dry out over that period time.

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Traveling with Oil Paints on an Airplane

It is possible to travel with your oil painting supplies on an airplane . However, there are a few things that are valuable to know before you start packing your travel art supplies! After traveling many times with oil paints – believe me when I say that you will appreciate knowing how to fly with oil paints!

Start Taking your Travel Art Supplies with you!

Whether you are traveling by car or plane, all of the tips for painting above will help a great deal. As you now have a good base of which are the best travel art supplies to take with you. So that you can have a smooth experience as a traveling artist.

It can be extra work to carry your painting supplies with you on the move – but doing so is deeply rewarding and more than worth it…

The experience of getting to paint the places you visit is very rich. You notice and experience things you would not have otherwise. And, you have the extra perk of having a recorded visual memory of your travels!

Have you ever painted while traveling before? If so, I would love to hear how your experience went! What travel art supplies do you wish you had brought with you or maybe left behind?

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4 thoughts on “9+ best travel art supplies for painting artists who travel”.

I am not traveling very far but when I do travel I have a few art supplies! And I have taken a couple of trips to Yosemite National Park, and Big Sur, and even Lake Tahoe it was beautiful with so much to paint! I have a few travel watercolor sets! And I have gotten good at scouting out a spot with natural beauty as well as shade!

Hi Abbi – oh that is wonderful that you have taken your art supplies with you to some of those beautiful places! Watercolor sets are the best for traveling as they don’t require many materials. I have found that painting in different places does make you better at being able to scout good painting locations – and its wonderful when shade accompanies a good painting view 😉

Hi Elizabeth! I have been Plein Aire painting for years. Since I paint locally one of the best aids is my garden wagon. It collapses and stays in the car trunk ready to load up and head into nature filled up with all the painting supplies mentioned. It is better than using a backpack!

Hi Sandy! Oh that is a really good tip. What a great setup to be able to collapse it and keep it in your car. I completely agree – Carrying everything in a backpack can be quite exhausting as once you reach your destination you are a bit too tired to paint! 😉

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Nela Dunato Art & Design

5 types of travel sketching kits i use: watercolor, minimal, study kit & more.

Published by Nela Dunato on March 27, 2021 in Art , Sketchbook , Tips for creatives , Video

Sketching on the go is my favorite pastime, and I have the perfect portable sketching kit for every occasion . From the lightest most minimal everyday kit, to the “art studio in a bag” I take when I travel, one of these five kits goes with me literally everywhere .

About 6 years ago I wrote a blog post What’s in my sketching toolkit? where I’ve shared my favorite sketching tools at that time—it’s interesting to see which ones had remained with me over the years.

Timestamps: 00:13 Minimal sketching kit 04:14 Basic sketching kit 07:02 Watercolor sketching kit 15:16 Study sketching kit 23:37 Travel sketching kit

The following summary contains all the materials I’ve mentioned in the video.

1. Minimal sketching kit

This is the kit that I take with me whenever I leave the house. It’s small and lightweight, so it fits in any of my purse, or even in the pocket of my jacket. It consists of one pen, one pencil, one sketchbook .

This minimal kit is enough to sketch and doodle something if I get bored, but even if I don’t use it, I haven’t wasted a lot of space on it, and what’s even more important, weight. This kit is lighter than my wallet.

Art supplies I’ve mentioned:

• Faber-Castell 0.35mm Mechanical Pencil
• Pilot Metropolitan with a fine nib and Platinum Carbon Black waterproof ink
• Pentel Pocket Kanji Fude Brush Pen
• Royal Talens Art Creation 12×12 cm sketchbook
• Daler Rowney soft cover A5 sketchbook

(Amazon affiliate links. I’ll get paid a few cents if you buy these art supplies using my link, and there’s no extra charge to you.)

2022 update : I switched out the Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen for a vintage Pelikan 140 with a semi-flexible gold nib. I shared more info about that pen in my article on sketching with fountain pens .

2023 update: I got a new bookmark pencil case that fits an A5 sketchbook and can carry up to 4 pencils or pens. I switch the contents all the time, but usually I’ll include both a fountain pen and a brush pen. You can see the pencil case in this short video:

2. Basic sketching kit

When I know I’ll have time to sketch, for example I have a break in between meetings, or I’m attending a conference where I’ll be sitting all day long, I take a different sketching kit that allows me more variety.

My all time favorite sketchbook is the Canson ArtBook Universal in A5 size which has 112 sheets (that’s 224 pages), so these last me a long time, and so far I’ve filled out 4 of them. Because they have so many pages I use them for everything: drawing, sketching, doodling, but also writing notes. So it’s an all-purpose sketchbook for everyday use.

To write with, I bring a pencil case containing an assortment of pencils and pens in my favorite colors. Currently this pencil case contains:

• Pilot Super Grip 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil (Black)
• Rotring Tikky 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil (Red) with Staedtler Mars Micro Color 0.5mm red lead
• Kneadable eraser and a regular eraser (I don’t remember the brands)
• Pentel Art Brush Pens gray and red color
• Uni-ball Signo White Gel Pen Broad
• Pentel Aquash water brush

Depending on my mood, I might replace some ink pens with a few watercolor pencils. But this is basically what I’ve been using for the past few years with small variations.

2022 update : As above, I switched out the Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen for a vintage Pelikan 140 with a semi-flexible gold nib. I shared more info about that pen in my article on sketching with fountain pens .

3. Watercolor sketching kit

I often sketch on the beach, in local parks, or museums. Sometimes I meet with friends and we go sketching together. In that case I’ll bring either my watercolor kit or my study drawing kit.

The sketchbook depends on how much weight I want to carry. If I want to keep it light, I bring a tiny one like this Hahnemuhle A6 sketchbook which comes both in landscape and portrait format. Before that I used the Moleskine A6 sketchbook , which was also pretty good.

If I’m willing to bring something heavier, then it’s usually an A5 size sketchbook with watercolor paper. I don’t have a favorite brand, these were just the sketchbooks was able to find in local stores, and the choice is not that great where I live. I prefer hardbound to spiral-bound because the pages smudge less.

Art supplies I usually carry in my red pencil case:

• Talens Van Gogh and Roman Szmal watercolor paints in a generic metal box
• Prismacolor Col-Erase Non-photo Blue pencil
• vintage Pelikan 140 fountain pen with a semi-flexible gold nib filled with with Platinum Carbon Black waterproof ink
• Jackson’s Nylon Retractable Brush size 9
• Roman Szmal 1/2″ dagger brush
• Raphael SoftAqua 805 watercolor quill brush #0
• White and black gouache paint
• Microfibre cloth
• Bulldog clips
• Water containers

People keep asking me about the red 4YOU pencil case! It truly is an ideal pouch for my needs, it was a lucky find in a local Muller store. I was able to find one on Amazon.de , and some German-only stores as well, including the German Ebay. I doubt you’ll find this exact pouch outside of Europe, though.

2023 update : I replaced a few accessories with newer ones, which you can see in this video:

4. Study sketching kit

This is the kit I take to the museum, or any place outside of my home where I plan to sketch people or animals. The focus is not so much on having a variety of colors, but on ease of use on the go—something that won’t crumble and leave a lot of dust on my clothes.

Art supplies I’ve mentioned in the video:

• Kneadable eraser and a regular eraser
• Watercolor pencils in selected colors: Derwent Inktense , Koh-i-Noor Mondeluz, Conte a Paris
• Conte a Paris pastel pencils
• Derwent Studio colored pencils set of 12
• Van Gogh sketch pencils set of 12
• Kum 4 in 1 pencil sharpener

Sketchbooks I’ve shown in the video are Canson 180° ArtBook Universal in A4 size size and Hahnemühle Kraft in A5 size.

2022 update : I bought a beautiful pencil roll of Faber-Castell Polychromos, I wrote a short review of them here . I haven’t taken them on a study sketching session yet, but they’re my main color pencil set now.

5. Travel sketching kit / Portable art studio

I take this kit with me on weekend trips or vacations when I don’t have to worry about weight too much. It provides a decent balance of flexibility and portability, and it contains materials that I’m currently using most often (this varies from time to time, so what you see in the video is a snapshot at a specific point in my life).

It contains everything from my watercolor sketching kit (see #3 above), plus a few additional tools:

• Derwent Inktense watercolor pencils (a few selected colors)
• Caran d’Ache Neocolor II pastels (a few selected colors)
• Small scissors
• Sticky notes
• KUM 4 in 1 pencil sharpener

I usually pack 2 sketchbooks—one watercolor sketchbook and one “workhorse” sketchbook for pencil and ink, doodles, and writing notes.

What’s in your sketching kit?

Feel free to share your favorite sketchbooks, art supplies, pencil cases and bags in the comments!

I love learning what other folks are using in their art, especially if you have any clever tricks that you learned from your experience of working on the go.

More sketchbook videos

• My favorite black, white & red mixed media art supplies (video compilation)
• 3 video sketchbook tour compilation: Watercolor & mixed media
• Art “just” a hobby? + Creepy portrait drawing process video
• Why I Think Every Visual Creative Should Keep A Sketchbook (+ Video sketchbook flip)

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6 responses to “5 types of travel sketching kits I use: watercolor, minimal, study kit & more”

I really enjoyed this peak into your supplies :) You gave me some practical ideas! I’m also an aspiring light traveler and very nervous whenever I take more stuff than I end up use. I usually decide to only do the sketching, so I take one or two pocket mixed media sketchbooks, set of soft and hard graphites and three pieces of dry pastels for sketching (black, umber and brown). Sometimes I take markers or ink pens. I would really like to include more colors in the future and probably will :)

Thank you, Martina! ❤ Haha I know exactly what you’re talking about. I tend to pack way more than I need, and end up using one quarter of it…

Do the pastels work well for you? I love how soft they are, but the dust makes such a mess that I’m afraid to use them outside of home. Pastel pencils don’t make quite so much dust, but I still only take them when I plan to sketch people or animals.

I’d love to see some of your traditional drawings too! :)

Is there any way to locate that pen organizer in your watercolor kit? That’s exactly what I’m looking for.

Betty, I was able to locate it on German Amazon (4YOU is a German stationery brand). https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00KID6EKO/

I know Amazon.de ships to the rest of Europe, but I doubt you’ll find this exact pouch outside of Europe since it’s not a huge brand. It was truly a lucky find in a local store. I hope you do find it, or something like it!

Red puch link please

I don’t know where to buy it online! I bought mine in a local store.

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• Artist Materials Advisor

How Pigment Particles Influence Paint Properties: A Guide for Artists

Pigment particle size is a fundamental factor that influences the performance and quality of paints used by artists. The size of these particles affects not only the aesthetic properties of the paint, such as opacity and gloss but also its long-term durability and resistance to weathering. Understanding the science behind pigment particle size enables artists to make more informed choices when selecting materials, thus allowing for greater control over their work. This article reviews key scientific findings and breaks down how different particle sizes affect critical paint properties, drawing from research in the field.

• How Pigment Particle Size Influences Tinting Strength

Tinting strength refers to the ability of a pigment to alter the color of a paint when mixed with other pigments. According to the Kubelka-Munk theory of light scattering in turbid mediums, smaller pigment particles exhibit greater tinting strength due to their larger surface area, which allows more interaction with light​​. In essence, the more surface area available for light to scatter, the stronger the pigment's influence on the final color of the paint.

This phenomenon is particularly relevant in cases where subtle color mixing is required. Finer particles can significantly alter the hue of a paint mixture, making them ideal for detailed work or when achieving specific tones is critical. However, artists should also be aware that smaller particles may offer more control over tinting, as discussed in the following sections, they can also influence other aspects of paint behavior.

To achieve the highest scattering power, the pigment particle size should be less than one micron (above), if not below 0.5 micron. Notice, however, the scattering power of titanium dioxide as a function of particle size and wavelength shows that the smaller the particle, the greater the blue wavelength, giving it a bluish undertone.

• Gloss and Film Appearance: Achieving Smoothness

Gloss in paint refers to the shiny, reflective finish that results from smooth surfaces. Smaller pigment particles play a vital role in achieving a glossy appearance because they enable the formation of smoother paint films. When particles are fine, they pack together more tightly and uniformly on the surface of the painted area, reducing irregularities that scatter light. As a result, light reflects more uniformly, creating what is known as specular reflection—a key factor in producing a high-gloss finish.

For artists seeking to create glossy surfaces, such as those often found in contemporary art or works requiring vibrant, shiny finishes, selecting paints with finer pigments is crucial. Coarser particles, on the other hand, tend to produce a matte effect, as the uneven surface scatters light in multiple directions, reducing overall reflection.

• Weather Resistance and Lightfastness: The Downside of Small Particles

While smaller pigment particles offer several advantages in terms of color strength and gloss, they come with a trade-off in weather resistance and lightfastness. These two properties are critical for artists working on outdoor murals or pieces exposed to sunlight and environmental conditions over extended periods.

Small particles have a much larger surface area relative to their volume, which increases their exposure to environmental factors such as UV light, moisture, and pollutants. This increased interaction between each particle and the surrounding environment can lead to quicker degradation of the pigment. In practice, this means that paints with fine particles may fade or degrade more rapidly when exposed to light or harsh weather conditions.

Therefore, while smaller particles may be desirable for certain aesthetic qualities, they can lead to a reduction in the longevity of the artwork. Artists should consider this trade-off when selecting materials, especially for works that are intended to be displayed outdoors or in sunlight.

The effect of particle size on the tinting strength and undertone is perhaps best shown for titanium dioxide (above). As the particle size decreases, the tinting strength improves. However, the undertone also changes, with a move towards a bluish undertone being observed due to the increased scattering efficiency observed at the blue end of the spectrum for fine particles (as predicted by Weber’s formula). A trade-off exists between high tinting strength and an acceptable hue. 

• Opacity and Hiding Power: Covering the Surface

Opacity, also known as hiding power, refers to a pigment's ability to cover the underlying surface, preventing the background from showing through. As with other optical properties, smaller pigment particles enhance opacity because they scatter light more effectively. When light enters the paint film, the finely ground particles cause it to reflect more, preventing it from reaching the substrate and thus improving the paint’s coverage.

This is a significant advantage for artists working with transparent or semi-transparent surfaces where complete coverage is necessary. Using paints with finer pigment particles can result in fewer layers required to achieve the desired level of opacity, which is both time-saving and cost-effective.

• Pigment Particle Size and Your Artwork

Understanding how pigment particle size influences the properties of paint is essential for any professional artist seeking to optimize their materials. Small particles enhance tinting strength and gloss, making them ideal for vibrant, shiny finishes and color mixing. However, the trade-off is reduced lightfastness and weather resistance due to the increased surface area that interacts with the environment. Balancing these factors is vital for artists to produce high-quality, long-lasting work.

When selecting paints, considering the size of pigment particles can help improve control over artistic effects, from the strength of color to the surface appearance and the durability of the finished piece.

• Bibliography

Dunn, E. J., Kushner, M., & Baier, C. H. (1941). Effect of Particle Size and Shape on Paint Consistency. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry , 33(9), 1157-1163. National Lead Company. Retrieved from https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ie50382a029 .

Pigment Particle Size and Hiding Power . (2012). HORIBA Instruments, AN209. Retrieved from https://www.horiba.com/fileadmin/uploads/Scientific/Documents/Particle_Characterization/AN209_Pigment_Size.pdf .

Gueli, A. M., Bonfiglio, G., Pasquale, S., & Troja, S. O. (2016). Effect of Particle Size on Pigments Colour. Color Research and Application . Wiley Online Library. DOI: 10.1002/col.22062.

Why Particle Sizing? (2005). Paint & Coatings Industry Magazine . Malvern Instruments Ltd., Worcestershire, UK.

Salman, M. (2024). Effect of Particle Size Distribution on Performance of Color Dispersions in Paints Industry . University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.23975.56487. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379039071_Effect_of_Particle_Size_Distribution_on_Performance_of_Color_Dispersions_in_Paints_Industry .

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the material that holds pigment particles together?

The material that holds pigment particles together is called the binder . The binder is essential in forming a cohesive film when the paint dries, ensuring the pigment adheres to the surface and stays in place. Common binders for artists' paints include oil, acrylic, and egg yolk, each offering different properties such as flexibility, durability, and drying time.

• What is the shape of a pigment particle?

The shape of pigment particles can vary significantly depending on the type of pigment. They can be spherical , flake-like , or even irregularly shaped . The shape of the particles affects how they scatter light, which in turn influences properties such as gloss and opacity in the final paint application.

• What is pigment composed of?

Pigments are typically composed of finely ground minerals , synthetic chemicals , or organic compounds . Each type of pigment has specific properties, such as lightfastness, opacity, and tinting strength, which are essential for various artistic and industrial applications.

What is the raw material for pigment?

The raw materials for pigments vary, but they are often derived from natural minerals , such as iron oxides for red and yellow pigments, or from synthetic chemicals like titanium dioxide, which is commonly used for white pigments. Organic sources, such as plants and insects, were also used for certain pigments, but today, organic pigments are usually derived from petroleum compounds.

George O’Hanlon is the technical director of Natural Pigments, and executive director of Iconofile, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting understanding of sacred art. George received his fine arts education and apprenticeship in Mexico. Upon return to the United States, he worked as creative director for advertising agencies in Silicon Valley, working on such major accounts as Sony, Hewlett-Packard, and Ricoh. He founded an agency later acquired by the chemical giant, Shin-Etsu. There he served as vice-president of U.S. marketing. In 1992, he studied traditional art techniques abroad. Then in 2001, co-founded Iconofile and in 2003 Natural Pigments to promote an understanding of these practices. Since that time he has formulated hundreds of artists’ paints and materials, including Ceracolors, a waterborne wax paint...

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Yekaterinburg-ekspo reviews: insider insights and visitor experiences.

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Ekaterimble exhibition hall

Visited for an exhibition. It looks like a newly built building and is very modern. It feels like a large scale for an exhibition hall in a local city. It is far from the city, and if there is no car, there is only a bus or taxi, and access is inconvenient. When there are events such as large-scale exhibitions, there are cases where free shuttle buses come out from major hotels in the city or subway stations.

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