Where I’m Going

From my home in Scotland I’ll be travelling Coast to Coast in the USA, and then London for a couple of days before heading home. I’ll be visiting family and friends, but also taking a gouache workshop with one of my art idols, Mike Hernandez! I’ll have opportunities to paint in forests, cities, and on the coast of the USA. It will be quite a whirlwind trip and I’m really looking forward to just playing in my sketchbooks with some new environments.

But I agonize over what to bring on trips (can other artists relate?). What watercolors? What gouache? Inks? Pens? Brushes? Bags???? Since I’m only bringing a carry-on bag, I have to be very careful not to overpack.

I like to use so many different materials and I never want to be “stranded without the exact thing I need” which usually leads me to bringing too many materials. So 2 weeks before I travel, I make endless lists of options that I might take with me. This time I also did a live stream choosing my watercolors (which was lots of fun and very helpful!).

But when I finally sit down to pack for the trip, my mind starts swimming in the sea of endless options. I leave in 6 days, so it’s time to get serious and narrow things down.

How to fly with watercolor or gouache paints (without getting them confiscated at security)

I’ve flown with paints many times, and only had them confiscated once. I believe it was because I had a tube of cadmium something, and the label said “California WARNING” which made the security person sweat (even with my explanation that it’s only hazardous if ingested). But besides that I never had issues. Here are some things you can do to avoid problems at security.

1. Bring dried paint (in pans). For 2-3 weeks, I have 10-14 half pans of color which is more than enough (you could also take a few spares of your popular colors). Dried paint is my go-to method because you don’t need to take up precious space in your limited liquids bag and overall it attracts less suspicion. I’ve flown several times internationally with dried watercolors and once with dried gouache. Security sometimes pulls me to the side so they can check the paint with something that detects nefarious material. But they also did that when I used to travel with film (they would swab every roll of film). So it doesn’t bother me and I always pass.
2. Print a brochure for whatever paints you’re using. This usually includes a color chart which has the pigment names.
3. Print a companion MSDS (material safety data sheet) to prove the materials are not harmful in paint form.
4. Do not bring any mysterious unlabeled paint or liquids. This is the easiest way to attract suspicion.
5. If you must bring tubes, don’t remove any labels and bring the brochure/MSDS if you can.
6. To be ultra safe you could choose non-toxic colors. I have a big post about this here.

What kind of palette to bring

There are lots of things to consider when choosing travel palettes – how much mixing space do you need? Do you want an attached water dish? Will you be holding it? Does it attach to your sketchbook?

All of these things can play a big role in your painting experience. Ideally you know what kind of painter you are and what you need to thrive. Practicing with different palettes before you travel can really help reduce the guesswork and make the experience easier when you paint on location.

For me, the easiest palette setup is the Portable Painter because it’s all self-contained. Unfold and paint!

If you’d like to buy one and want to support me, consider using my affiliate link (BUY). I’m a Portable Painter brand ambassador, but I bought them and used them for years before earning that role. If shopping in the US, buy directly from Portable Painter. Use code “SARAH” (all caps) for 10% off.

Watercolors for my overseas trip

I wanted a palette full of earthy tones with the option for both bold saturation and muted colors. This allows me to paint a wide range of environments that I would encounter.

What watercolors I’m bringing

• Daniel Smith Quinacridone Gold (BUY)
• Daniel Smith EF Brown Iron Oxide (BUY)
• Daniel Smith Undersea Green (BUY)
• Daniel Smith Lavender (BUY)
• Daniel Smith Quinacridone Lilac (BUY)
• Daniel Smith Deep Scarlet (BUY)
• Daniel Smith Phthalo Turquoise (BUY)
• Daniel Smith Ultramarine Blue (BUY)
• Daniel Smith Primatek Amethyst Genuine (BUY)
• Daniel Smith Buff Titanium (BUY)
• Schmincke Horadam Potter’s Pink (BUY)
• Winsor & Newton Titanium White gouache (BUY)

I’m also testing out some new Jackman’s granulating watercolors which are fabulous. You can get 10% off with my link!

• Petal Shadow
• Sahara
• Lunar Blue

In addition, I’m taking my little Portable Painter Micro (BUY) because it’s easy to clip to a sketchbook or hold in my hand if the need arises. I’m using the expansion pans to double the amount of colors that fit (BUY).

Gouache for my overseas trip

Since I’ll be taking a gouache workshop, I wanted to take some colors that the instructor recommends as well as some of my favorites. This is a bit of a different palette for me since I normally don’t use more than one yellow or phthalo. But the great thing about this palette is how many triad options there are. Ideally you would have at least one cool triad and one warm triad. This palette offers multiple versions of each.

What gouache I’m bringing on my trip

• Shinhan Cobalt Blue (BUY)
• Shinhan Ultramarine Deep (BUY)
• Shinhan Shadow Green Pale (BUY)
• Shinhan Moss Green (BUY)
• Shinhan Lemon Yellow (BUY)
• Shinhan Permanent Yellow Deep (BUY)
• Shinhan Naples Yellow (BUY)
• Shinhan Burnt Umber (BUY)
• Shinhan Lilac (BUY)
• Shinhan Veridian (BUY)
• W&N Cobalt Turquoise Light (BUY)
• W&N Quinacridone Magenta (BUY)
• W&N Titanium White (BUY)
• Schmincke Horadam Helio Turquoise (BUY)
• Schmincke English Venetian Red (BUY)
• Daniel Smith Buff Titanium (BUY)

Sketchbooks – the hardest choice!?

Since I’ll be using mixed media I need a sketchbook with thick paper. That rules out all of my “simple” drawing sketchbooks. I plan on drawing a lot, but want the option to splash watercolor over the sketch. The paper also needs to handle fountain pen ink and marker (for my value studies).

Because I plan to draw so much, I ruled out my expensive watercolor sketchbooks. This was very controversial to my inner artist. But when it comes down to it, it feels like it’s a “waste” if I fill a page in my fancy watercolor sketchbook with a drawing and don’t end up painting. The paper is too luxurious for that. It needs paint!

So that leaves me with my cheaper watercolor sketchbooks. When I say “cheap” I mean anything that is less than $30 per sketchbook. By no means does it reflect the quality of the sketchbook.

Over the years I’ve tested quite a few “cheap” options that allow for mixed media. It usually comes down to paper feel. Paper feel is so subjective. How does the pen tip feel as it glides over the surface? How does it feel to shade with a pencil? How does it handle a wide range of mediums, according to my own preference?

After much debate, I’ll be bringing two Stillman & Birn sketchbooks:

• Beta Series (spiral) 9×12″ (BUY)
• Nova Series (softcover, beige) 5.5×8.5″ (BUY)

What brushes I’m bringing

I’m excited to be testing out some prototypes for my next line of brushes! These travel brushes are inspired by my original brush set I made with Craftamo.

I’m also going to bring a small selection of my original brush set inside a brush role. This protects the handles from breaking and the hairs from bending when traveling.

My Favorite Sketching Pens & Pencils

I have grown a fondness for fountain pens and colorful inks. I have converters for most of my pens so I can use my favorite inks. But last time I traveled with fountain pens, they leaked in my backpack. So after tons of research and asking for advice, I learned some helpful tips for traveling with fountain pens:

• Keep all of your pens in a Ziploc baggie.
• Don’t over-fill the pens.
• Keep the pens upright during the flight. You could put the whole bag of pens in the seatback in front of you, just don’t forget them when you leave!

Fountain pens I’m bringing:

• Sailor Fude de Mannen Calligraphy Fountain Pen. I love this unique 55° nib! It allows for thick and very fine lines depending on the angle (BUY), along with a Pilot Con-40 Converter (sold separately) for each.
• Pilot Parallel Pens. It comes in various sizes: 1.5mm, 2.4mm, 3.8mm, 6mm. I use a Pilot Con-40 Converter (sold separately) so I can fill them with my favorite ink.
• Lamy Safari Fountain Pen (broad tip) with a Pilot Con-40 Converter (sold separately). When I first got my Lamy, the nib was a bit scratchy. I followed the instructions in this video to fix the nib.

My favorite fountain pen inks:

• SketchINK (BUY) is my favorite. For this trip I’m filling one of my Pilot Parallels with Carmen and another with Emma.
• DeAtramentis Document Ink. I have almost all of their colors, but for this trip I’m using the Green Grey in my Sailor Fude De Mannen and Purple Violet in my Lamy and Pilot Parallel.

Favorite sketching pencils

• Blackwing Pearl Pencils (BUY). I like these because the eraser is replaceable and the graphite is just right. It doesn’t break when I press hard, but it is soft enough to get a nice dark value.
• Pentel Mechanical Pencil (BUY). Has a thin .5 mm tip which is great for details.

Pros and cons of traveling with a pochade box

In order to decide if I want to bring a pochade box, I need to visualize where I’ll be painting. I’m a big advocate for “only bring what you’ll actually use,” especially when you’re flying with just one carry-on. I hate heavy backpacks, but it’s even worse when you bring lots of equipment and don’t use it! So, the question is, is it worth the weight?

Luckily, my New Wave U.Go 6×8 Pochade Box is not ultra heavy or big, and I can set it up fairly quickly. I’ll probably only use this during my workshop, but I know how helpful it is during longer sessions. The rest of the time I can leave it in my suitcase wherever I’m staying, or in my rental car when I have it.

Affiliate links to purchase:

• Pochade Box (Buy)
• Grey Mixing Tray (Buy)
• Side Trays (Buy)

I use a SIRUI AM-225 carbon fiber tripod.

Very Important and Useful Accessories

Backpack

If walking a lot (especially with lots of equipment) a backpack with hip straps will really help reduce shoulder and back pain. I like a bag with lots of pockets so I can tuck things away. I usually use photography backpacks because they have lots of compartments.

Sponge

Paper towels run out and are ultimately wasteful. They have their uses during the painting process (dab/lift paint) but I try to use them very sparingly. Plus I always seem to forget to replenish my stock! So I always keep a thin kitchen sponge in my bag. They can be cut down to a small size and easily folded.

Ziploc bag

I often keep my palette, sponge, fountain pens, ink, and spray bottle in a sealed ziploc bag. It helps to avoid leaks and stains inside my backpack.

Travel pencil sharpener

Unless you use mechanical pencils, a sharpener is a must. While traveling I like to keep it very minimal and use two kinds:

• KUM Pencil Cap Sharpener. Ideal for containing sharpened flakes, avoid mess. Empty when you find a bin. Also fits on the end of the pencil to protect the point. (BUY)
• Jakar Brass Bullet Keychain sharpener (keys are always with me so that I never forget one!)

Headphones

Sometimes I really want to focus, but there may be people walking near me when I sketch. With a pair of headphones in, most people don’t bother me. If they do, I can easily ignore them and they take a hint.

Clothing

I guess clothing is more than an accessory. It changes based on season, but I tend to travel in spring, autumn or winter. So I need a lot of layers and weather options. I hate being cold and wet, so I always bring one of the following:

• Waterproof jacket with hood (or at least very water-resistant)
• Travel umbrella (search for ultralight umbrellas)
• Fingerless gloves
• Earband (I find my ears get cold quick, but I don’t always need the top of my head covered
• Sun hoodie (with thumb holes)
• Warm wool layers
• Thick soled shoes

Travel Fan

Not only excellent for hot flashes, but it can be useful for speeding up the dry time of your first wash. Especially when painting in humid locations.

Packing Cubes

I have quite a few photography backpacks and most of them come with some kind of ‘packing cube’ with soft dividers for lenses. I have found that many of these are excellent for art supplies too. This one by Three Peaks GBr is perfect for containing all my bits and bobs. I can drop into my backpack or leave in the hotel if I only want to take a couple items.