My Urban Sketching Setup: What I Actually Take With Me

My Urban Sketching Setup

What I Carry, What I Love, and What Actually Works

Urban sketching has become one of my favorite creative practices, and over time I have built a little setup that comes with me when I head out to draw. It is honest, imperfect, a bit fuller than it probably needs to be, and it works for where I am right now. I want to walk you through what I use, why I like it, and where I am still figuring things out.

My Sketch Case (And My “I Carry Too Much” Truth)

I use a Quell case, and I genuinely love it. It holds my notebook beautifully, has great pockets, and keeps everything tucked in nicely. The problem is not the case. It is me. I tend to bring more than necessary. You definitely do not need as much as I carry, but that is just my reality right now. I like knowing I have options.

Tools I Reach For Often

One of my favorite essentials is the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser. It erases pencil without tearing up watercolor paper, and that matters. I always, always want that in my bag.

I also enjoy using the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens, especially the gray set. They make it really easy to add shadows quickly and several come in the pack, so they feel worth having.

I have been experimenting with white pens to see what works well over watercolor. So far, it has been a challenge. Sometimes I end up using gouache instead, but that is not always something I want to mess with when I am out sketching. Still searching, still hopeful.

Micron pens and more Faber-Castell pens live in my kit too, and I appreciate that they are archival. That matters if you plan to sell your work. I also keep a ruler tucked away, plus a couple of Jelly Roll white pens in different sizes, even if I have not had perfect luck with them yet.

Sketchbooks, Fountain Pens, and Pencils

Right now, I am using a Hahnemühle watercolor sketchbook. It is the one I take out with me. Not every page is finished. Not every sketch is my favorite. Some things I may never go back to, and I am learning to be okay with that. Sometimes life happens, time runs short, and the page stays unfinished. If it gets done, great. If not, that is okay too.

I also love my Lamy fountain pen. The ink in it is permanent, which is great, but it takes extra time to dry. That is not always convenient when sketching out and about, so I do not always reach for it, but it is still a favorite.

My GraphGear mechanical pencils make me happy. I have them in different lead sizes, and I love being able to work with different thicknesses. I also enjoy using the Uniball Micro and Super Micro pens. Both have their place in my bag.

Brushes, Erasers, and Extra Little Things

I use Derwent watercolor brushes, and I have a love-hate relationship with them. I love that they come in different sizes, but sometimes the push button does not release water the way I want it to. I am not sure yet if that is me or the brush, but I am still figuring it out.

I also carry zero erasers, both round and rectangular, and I really enjoy using them. A pencil sharpener travels with me too, along with a Derwent electric eraser. That one is definitely a “nice to have,” not something anyone needs, but I enjoy it. I also keep mechanical pencil refills because running out while sketching would not be ideal.

Honestly, most of what I pack could be greatly reduced. You really can sketch with so much less. I am simply not a minimalist. If you are, you will definitely do better than I do in that area.

Water-Soluble Pencils: One of My Favorites

One of the things I truly love carrying are my Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer watercolor pencils. They are perfect when you are somewhere that does not allow watercolor. You can sketch with them dry, then add water, and they turn into paint. They are fast, fun, and much quicker than watercolor sometimes. I really enjoy them and would not mind adding more colors one day, but I have a good amount for now.

Water, Brushes, and Keeping Things Steady

I usually bring a collapsible water cup, a small water mister, and a paper towel. If you use water brushes, you may not need the cup, but I still like having it with me.

I also carry Escoda travel brushes. They are definitely more of a luxury item, but they have become some of my favorites, even at home. They hold their point really well, which I appreciate. Do you need them? No. But they are wonderful if you have them.

And clips. I like keeping a clip handy to hold sketchbook pages together so they are not flying everywhere.

My Watercolor Palette

In my travel palette, I currently carry:
 • Neutral tint
 • Burnt umber
 • Turquoise, phthalo blue, ultramarine blue, Prussian blue
 • Transparent red oxide, scarlet, quinacridone magenta
 • Yellow ochre, azo yellow, and sap green

This setup gives me a warm and cool option for my primaries, which means I can mix quite a bit without carrying everything. It works for now. I may change it later as I discover new favorite colors.

A Few Extras That Simply Make Life Easier

I also carry a few specialty brush pens, including some from Kuretake, plus one with a label I cannot read but absolutely love using.

And finally, wet wipes. They are not glamorous, but they are real. Sometimes I sketch in my car, and things spill or end up somewhere I did not plan for them to be. Wet wipes have definitely saved me more than once.

Final Thoughts

This is my current urban sketching setup. Some of these tools I absolutely love. Some I am still figuring out. And yes, I probably carry more than I need, but it works for me right now.

If you are starting your own urban sketching journey, please know you do not need everything I mentioned. You can create beautiful work with so much less. But if you love options and enjoy experimenting, you may find some of these tools helpful.

Thanks for spending time with me here and letting me share what I enjoy using.