Creative Sketchbook Journey Supply List

Below is a list of the supplies I'd recommend to someone starting out on a sketchbook art journey but you definitely don't need any of it; You could really start with just a basic pencil or pen (there are many sketchbook artists who make beautiful pages with just that). However, if you want to add color to your pages, in my opinion, watercolor is the best place to start. So if you buy nothing else, that would be my recommended 1st art supply purchase. The rest of the items listed would be great additions to your art stash as your creativity and desire to explore and experiment grows- and those items work perfectly with watercolors. 

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Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint, Compact Set, Set of 14 Half Pans

Considering this is considered a student grade watercolor, these are a really good quality option. The colors have a nice pigment load, and it's compact enough to throw in a bag or pocket or glove box, so you can always have it on hand. Winsor & Newton offers a variety of similar watercolor sets with a few different color options and palette configurations on Amazon so I'd recommend choosing the one that speaks to you.

Winsor & Newton Designer's Gouache, 14 ml (0.47oz) tube, Permanent White

While watercolor is my first love, I'm really beginning to adore gouache as well because it offers a few benefits you can't get from watercolors alone. If you aren't familiar with gouache, it's basically opaque watercolor. While you can buy a full set of gouache colors, purchasing just a tube of white gouache is the most economical and, in my opinion, the best way to become familiar with this medium. In the online course, I show you not only how to use white gouache to create highlights, but also how you can blend watercolor and gouache for beautiful effects.

NOTE: Traditional gouache is available primarily in tubes, but you can also find pan versions as well (sometimes just called 'opaque watercolor'). Acrylic gouache is a little different, because while it is also diluted with water, once it dries it can not be re-activated (and will ruin a brush if left to dry on it.)

Uni Ball Signo Gel Ink Pens -Medium Point 1.0mm-White Ink-value Set of 3

This pen makes a consistent and very opaque white line over dark backgrounds. It can be re-activated with water even after It dries, which allows it to be softened and blended if needed. Currently it's being sold in a pack of 3, but 1 is all you need to start (but if you love it as much as I do, you be glad to have extras when the ink runs out).

Here are a few more supplies I will demonstrate with in the course. They are not required to complete the activities in the course, but they are so much fun to use and can add another level whimsy and interest to your art- they are like the accessories that complete the outfit.

Strathmore 400 Series Visual Watercolor Journal, 140# Cold Press, 5.5"x8", 22 Sheets

This spiral bound journal has really nice quality 140# watercolor paper, with a thick front and back cover. At 5.5" x 8.5" it's a nice size, small enough not to be intimidating and easy to take with you anywhere.

Since my handmade sketchbooks are normally constructed with medium weight paper (80#),  I will sometimes paint on a separate sheet of 140# watercolor paper when I am working on a project that will require several layers or that I plan to use wetter paint applications on. Once my painting is done, it can easily be torn out and adhered to a blank page in my sketchbook journal.

Pentel Aquash Water Brush (Fine Point Large)

While you could get by with any watercolor brush, this one works great as part of a travel watercolor set because it has a water reservoir in the body of the brush and so there's no need for a separate water container, making it compact and easy to use on the go (without the burden of a dirty water container that needs a table and can be spilled). I'd recommend the Fine Point Large because a round brush with a fine point offers the most versatility in terms of line width and paint application.

If you'd prefer a basic set of brushes, I'd recommend Royal and Langnickel for their economically priced children's sets. Look for a 1/2" or 3/4" flat plus a #10 or larger round brush to start.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Botanical Garden Set, 12 Count

Colored pencils and/or watercolor pencils accents and textures are a perfect complement to watercolor background. I included these artist quality colored pencils because they are currently available at a great price on Amazon ($10.50) and they offer a beautiful range of colors that can bring lush flowers and trees on your landscapes to life.

Please Note: Unfortunately this set does not come with black or white pencils, so if that's an issue for you, you may want to choose another option.

Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil Black

A basic pencil will do, but if you hate sharpening your sketching pencils, this is a great option.  My favorite is the 0.5mm size, but they also offer a 0.7mm and 0.25mm.

Derwent Inktense Pencils Blister, Set of 6, Premium 4mm Round Core, Firm Texture, Watersoluble

This set of water soluble pencils are a little pricey but they are so much fun. They are similar to watercolor pencils and can be used dry for expressive drawings or quick value studies, or activated with water to create a bold, ink-like effect. These can be purchased individually, so if you can find a single dark colored one (blue, sepia or Payne's Gray) for a reasonable price, I'd suggest starting there (Sadly I couldn't find a single pencil priced under $7 at the time of this posting).

IMPORTANT NOTE: This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, I only recommend products I either use myself and absolutely love, or their equivalents (some of my tools are no longer available but I always check the specifications and reviews carefully before recommending any alternative products)! Thank you for supporting Blue Quarry when you shop.

Most of the Amazon items above are eligible for free shipping through Amazon Prime. If you order a lot online, (or like the added benefit of free streaming videos) this is definitely something to consider. To get information on their free 30 day trial click here .