What’s in My Travel Art Kit: Compact Watercolour Supplies for Sketching on the Go

I’m super excited for my upcoming trips this summer. I have a feeling I’ll come across lots of inspiring places, colours, and textures, which of course means... art supplies are coming with me!

But let’s be honest, space is always the issue. I remember the days when a carry-on came with your flight ticket (sigh), but now I avoid paying for one unless I absolutely have to. This means everything I bring has to be compact, efficient, and worth it.

My go-to colouring technique is watercolour, but lately I have been wanting to use my coloured pencils more often too. I especially love working with earth tones, warm palettes, and granulation. Texture is key for adding depth to a sketch without piling on layers or waiting forever for things to dry.

What’s in My Travel Art Kit?

Here’s my core kit, which changes a little from trip to trip depending on what I’m excited to explore:

• My watercolour palette

• 1 or 2 paintbrushes (one is always a waterbrush)

• At least one inking tool (usually a brush pen for line variation)

• Mechanical pencil

• Eraser

• A few paper clips to keep pages in place

• Waterproof pouch

• Paint-stained washcloth (has seen better days, but still does the job)

• Paper

Let’s walk through each item with some personal favourites and a few travel-friendly recommendations.

Paints: Custom Compact Palette

If you are new to watercolours, I would recommend starting with my Beginner’s Watercolour Guide but if you already know the basics, here’s what I’m packing this time.

I like to choose the colours I’m most drawn to, regardless of destination. Because I always cover the primary colours, I still get enough range to mix most things anyways.

My palette for this trip:

Reds: Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Quinacridone Magenta, Indian Red
Yellows: Yellow Ochre, Indian Yellow, Cadmium Yellow
Blues: Prussian Blue, Ultramarine, Cobalt Turquoise Light, Payne’s Gray
Other: Perylene Green, Sap Green, Caput Mortuum Violet, Gansai Tambi White (opaque)

I use mostly Winsor & Newton pans, which I have had for years and still love. I stick a bit of blue tack under each pan and store them in a small metal tin originally meant for sanitary pads. It’s discreet, sturdy, and the most compact solution I found.

Recommended starter set: Winsor & Newton Cotman “Sketcher’s Pocket Set”. It’s around £15, includes warm & cool primaries, and even has a brush (though it’s quite small).

Brushes: Practical & Portable

If I could only take one brush, it would 100% be the Pentel Aquash Water Brush (Medium). It’s been with me everywhere. Self-contained water, travel-safe, super convenient for smaller pieces.

For bigger work (anything A5 and up), I like to add a size 8 round brush and pack a small lidded water pot to use alongside it. This summer, I’m challenging myself to do larger paintings, so I’ll be taking both.

Paper

The paper you bring can make or break your painting experience. Cheap paper can be freeing for messy sketching, but it’s frustrating for watercolour. If you can, I suggest making your own sketchbook using high-quality paper.

I’m finally bringing this Japanese accordion album I made years ago, super easy to make and fun to use.

When I don’t bring handmade books, I alternate between:

• Moleskine Art Collection Watercolour Album (smooth texture, lays flat, compact)

• KHADI Hardback 13x16cm White Rough (the texture is just chef’s kiss, colour really glows on it)

If you want to make your own, I posted a quick tutorial.

Pens: Smooth Lines & No Smudging

I always pack one or two Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens (soft and hard tip). They don’t bleed under a wash, and I love the line variation I get with them, much more character than a classic monoline pen like Microns.

I also used the Fude de Mannen Sailor fountain pen for years, but mine’s a bit temperamental now (possibly worn or damaged). Still, they are affordable and so fun to use! I need a new one.

Important note: Fountain pens can leak in planes! Wrap them in a plastic bag or reusable waterproof pouch just in case.

Extras: Something New to Play With

I always pack one thing I don’t use enough or want to experiment with. It’s usually something fun and unexpected like soluble graphite or a Posca paint markers.

This time, I’m bringing my Derwent Drawing Pencils: earthy tones, soft texture, and the perfect companion to my selected watercolour palette.

Final Thoughts: Pack Light, Paint Freely

This kit fits into a small waterproof pouch that slips easily into my backpack. It’s light, low-pressure, and always ready for quick sketching sessions at a café, in an airport, or while waiting for a train.

Disclaimer : The links above may be affiliate links, meaning I’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no cost to you). I bought everything myself and I am not sponsored. These are all tools I genuinely use and love.