Quick tips for sketching outside.
Having an art bag ready to grab is a top tip, less planning and you can dash out when the weather is perfect!
The more you observe the views that you want to create, the more you’ll understand how to create them. Rarely do artists, ‘make things up’, they have a bank of visual knowledge, built upon direct observation and studying art and artists from many years of art practice.
Take a camera! Working from your own photographs is far better than copying a photo, because having seen a view, you’ll be inspired to add your own interpretation upon it. You’ll rarely create a finished artwork, so a combo of sketch, notes and photos is brilliant.
My favourite places to sketch are coffee shops, train journeys and, if I can find a shady spot, a beautiful Dorset view, weather permitting.
Planning is always best, especially for your first time and whilst you build up confidence. A quiet corner of your local park might have a bench and a view similar to my Autumn Trees Workshop.
Look for a pathway and set yourself the challenge of clouds and a distant tree-line. Try a pencil sketch before hand. Never underestimate the value of a black and white tonal study in a sketch book.
Here’s a sneak peek into my travel artkit. 
I must say, it is a treasure of memories. This little bag has been with with me to France, Italy and all over Devon and Cornwall. When you draw a view from life, you’ll remember it forever!
I like a ruck sack style bag for ease of carrying. Its personal choice.
Depending on the weather, I’d also have bug spray, suncream, umbrella, light mac, bin bag ( great to cover everything in a shower ) …. And a water bottle!
There’s a selection of all sorts, Unison Colour soft pastels, hard pastels, like Conte sticks or nupastel and that roll has all of my favourite Faber Castell pitt pastel pencils. Colours are personal choice but you can use those lovely colour charts from my workshops as inspiration.
Things that can ruin a day, forgetting a pencil sharpener, liquid or a brush.
Take an old tea towel and kitchen roll, folded, thats always helpful.
I create my own paper carrier, I cut my favourites, Fisher 400, Art Spectrum and MiTeinte to approx 20x30cms. Sandwich them between two piece of card, like mount board, so that I can work upon the card and then store them safely sandwiched for the journey home.
I usually work on my knee but a light weight field easel can be a good investment too.
Can you spot my favourite wide brimmed hat, scarf and sunglasses? They can also be great additions.
Keep it simple, its hard going drawing outside so just keep your ambitions to somewhere close to the car or the local tea rooms!
Oh, and a top tip, always carry £10.00 note, just in case the nearest coffee shop only takes cash!
What do you want to add? Have you got any top tips?
