The Self Containment of my Sketching

I don't use much - and it doesn't cost much

What paper and pencil I use

The sketchbooks I use (not a sponsored ad) are Pith Supply Tangelo landscape sketchbooks. They have good paper and, because of their exposed binding (no spine) they lay completely flat.

I keep these in a leather cover that is intended for an 11 inch Ipad but it fits fine.

I use a mechanical pencil with a 2mm lead - and I can’t remember the last time I sharpened it. The 2mm lead allows for a soft sketch outline and is pretty easy to rub out.

What pen and ink I use to do the sketch

I use a Lamy LX Ruthenuim Fountain Pen with a broad nib. I find fountain pens are the best thing to use as the lines remain true and consistent. Lamy are very versatile and not too expensive fountain pens. Entry level Lamy fountain pens are about £20 for a Safari and are good quality for this price.

I use Noodlers Bulletproof Black ink because it’s waterproof (I think you’re supposed to say water resistant) and I can do the colour wash over the top. It’s always been waterproof for me and it doesn’t affect the pen in any way.

What I use to add colour

I use red wine and coffee granules - and a mixture of the two. What I don’t use is any water. Depending on the red wine, it dries anything from grey to red - some wine is better than others - the deeper red the better. If a red wine is too light I add some ink to it to start with, even for the pure wine washes. For dark colours I use predominantly coffee granules made wet by red wine. For lighter colours I use more red wine than coffee.

The brushes I use are Escoda Travel Brushes - this is mainly because they close up on themselves making them easily transportable.

How much colour to add

I have a fairly simple aim - for about 50% of the paper to be covered. The white spaces can be as important as the colour. If it was all colour I reckon it would be a bit confusing and all kind of blend into one.

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What’s coming?

This Substack is intended to expand upon the ideas of urban and landscape sketching with minimal materials, to provide examples and inspiration.

It’s all about getting your thoughts and feelings out onto paper without too many rules to follow - this is sketching - not drawing.

Thanks for reading this and coming on the journey with me. Enjoy the journey and the destination can just look after itself.
All the best,
Peter