travel watercolor paint kit

Artltdmag is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The Best Watercolor Travel Sets for Artists Who Love Traveling

Written by Robert S. Brown  / Fact checked by Helen B. Harris

If you are flying 38,000 feet off the ground or on a train running miles away from your hometown, you have the perks of a wanderer: to take delight in bright blue skies, red-orange sunsets, and breathtaking landscapes.

However, for an artist who moves places, every trip is worthwhile when you capture these picturesque sights and draw them in your sketchbook using a brush or pencil. For a vast spectrum of colors and artistic effects, perhaps you go for the best watercolor travel set. But the next question is, what should you look for when choosing a portable watercolor set?

• First of all, a watercolor travel kit should be portable and compact enough to put away in your luggage or pocket. A gawky and bulky watercolor set would be too cumbersome to carry around and probably end up in disarray.
• Furthermore, it is significant to consider what a travel watercolor kit consists of. Besides the color palette, does it include a travel-friendly brush or a sponge? Does it come with a handy carrying bag for hassle-free storage? Although the accessories and tools depend on your preferences and needs, a complete mini watercolor set only delivers the essential tools.
• Another crucial part is the overall quality of colors. A small watercolor set should not present substandard pigment quality and blend- No matter how compact it is or how few the color options are, the pigments should be vibrant, blendable, and lightfast.

Not all artists travel by plane. But if you do, make sure you get a TSA-approved watercolor set. Aside from that, there is much more to learn in this comprehensive guide and review. I will show you the in-depth guidelines, as well as the top-pick products that best suit your artistic demands.

Sakura XNCW-24N

Winsor & Newton 390640

Lightwish MeiLiang

Table of Contents

1. Sakura XNCW-24N Koi Watercolor Pocket Field Sketch Box

2. winsor & newton 390640 cotman water colour paint, 3. lightwish meiliang watercolor paint set, 4. artsy watercolor paint set, 5. meeden 4336971288 watercolor paint set, 6. jerry q art jq-124 watercolor travel pocket set, 7. artistro 432 watercolor paint set, 8. sennelier 10-131605 french artists watercolor travel set, 9. artify ‎4336953153 watercolor field sketch set, 10. winsor & newton 390658 cotman watercolor brush paint set, what to look for when buying watercolor travel sets, what is the most reliable watercolor travel set brand, can you fly with watercolor paint, how do you do a watercolor travel journal, what is included in a watercolor travel set, top 10 watercolor travel set reviews.

From its size to quantity, you can tell that this Sakura Koi watercolor travel kit is thoughtfully curated for painters or artists who love traveling. It features a compact size and sleek design that you can easily fit inside your bag or even your shirt pocket.

Impressively, this small set has the essential tools for basic watercolor painting, with a water brush (refillable) and a half-pan watercolor set.

The colors are formulated to present beautiful and vivid hues. Aside from that, the highly pigmented shades blend well to create a wide range of colors.

Moreover, it uses no ordinary brush; it is a refillable water brush that lets you paint without using a container with water.

Since you can fill it up with water, you can simply take it out of your pocket or bag and are all set for a painting session! You can paint effortlessly even when you are on a plane, on a train, or sitting by the park for Plein air painting.

In addition to that, this kit comes with a detachable pegged palette where you can mix your favorite colors. When you are all done, you can just place it back inside the kit for hassle-free and neat storage.

I also want to emphasize the base pull-down ring at the back of the watercolor set. Although it is just a small detail, I found the ring is quite useful if you want to keep the palette steady as you hold it. While it keeps the watercolor kit from sliding off your palm, the ring also helps you paint comfortably wherever you are.

• Compact and sleek design
• Includes a water brush tip and a detachable mixing palette
• Fits perfectly in bag or shirt pockets
• Highly blendable and pigmented colors
• Has a base pull-down ring for easy holding
• Paint blocks need stronger adhesion to prevent from falling out

For professional quality watercolor set brands, Winsor & Newton is among the ones that always come to mind. The colors deliver high-quality pigments that explicitly showcase your art with vibrant hues and artistic painting effects. Plus, the colors in the palette blend impeccably well.

This pocket watercolor set includes 12 Cotman Watercolors that render good transparency to create beautiful washes. I also noticed that these colors have intense tints and uniform consistency that lend an excellent layout of colors.

Therefore, even though these are half-pan watercolors, there is no need to build the colors to achieve their vividness. A few dabs and strokes can already create rich watercolor tones.

Aside from that, I appreciate the addition of white in the range. Although the white tone of the paper serves as a brilliant backdrop for watercolors, the white pigment can ramp up the drawing or watercolor art with highlights and subtle color mixtures.

All these amazing features come in a small watercolor palette that can fit inside your shirt or bag pocket. The longest side is roughly six inches and just a tad bigger than a card! Even when you open it, the upper side has partitions where you can mix colors.

• A half-pan watercolor pocket set that offers brilliant colors
• Pocket-sized watercolor travel kit for superior portability
• Designed with a mixing palette in the lid
• Includes a small brush
• The brush is too small and slightly difficult to use

The best thing about this MeiLiang traveling watercolor kit is the great color selection that does not break your bank. With just a slight difference from the price of the Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor paint set, you can indulge in a wider color range with this one.

Right before that, the first thing that caught my attention was the metal case. Contrary to most portable watercolor sets I have seen on the market, this one uses a sturdy case that keeps the pan secure.

Even when you stack in your fully packed luggage, there is no need to worry about breaking or damaging your watercolor palette.

Besides that, the flip cover works as a mixing palette as well. Similar to the Sakura Koi watercolor travel set, this one also has a metal ring under the case for steady and hassle-free painting.

When it comes to the color quality, I must say that it is pretty impressive since they are highly pigmented and fluid. This allows you to create glazing effects and revel in smooth watercolors without any chalky or grainy textures after drying.

Moreover, it features a compact size, perfect for traveling. It is long but has a sleek and slim design that you can easily slip into your pocket or bag.

Another useful addition is the refillable watercolor brush that makes painting a lot easier and mess-free. I can simply take it out and paint it on my watercolor travel journal whenever and wherever I like.

• Offers a wide selection of highly pigmented colors
• Creates beautiful glazing effects that without grainy textures when dried
• Comes in a sturdy metal case
• Slim and sleek design
• Includes a water brush
• The brush has some loose bristles

The highlight of this Artsy Watercolor paint set is the innovative pocket design. The first time I saw it, I did not think it would have 42 colors! This artistic palette comes in different trays that you can fan out to see the vibrant array of assorted colors.

Every tray has color labels at the bottom to help you identify which colors to use. I find this useful since some colors, particularly the orange and red shades, look a bit identical. Thankfully, there are no duplicates in the colors, allowing you to mix and play with various combinations.

Moreover, these beautiful pigments are lightfast and vivid, allowing you to showcase watercolor artworks with their amazing color quality. Mixing the colors is not a problem at all since they are highly blendable. Plus, they dry quickly, preventing any ink pooling and grainy textures.

When you are done painting, you can simply slide each tray back to its palette for storing. This leaves you an ultra-compact and portable watercolor set that you can fit in your shirt or bag pocket.

One of the best things I love about this set is the water brushes. Unlike some portable watercolor paint sets that only have one water brush or paint brush, this one includes three water brushes. They work as backup brushes in case you like mixing a lot of colors or filling up your watercolor journal with your travels.

In addition to that, this set has a sponge where you can dry and clean your brushes after painting.

• Innovative compact design for enhanced portability
• Offers an array of pigmented colors
• Highly blendable and quick-drying
• Includes three water brushes and a sponge
• Intuitive pan display and labels to identify and view all the colors
• Color pans are not replaceable

Comparing this beside the Artsy watercolor paint set, you can see some striking similarities with the innovative pan display, color labels, and even the painting tools. Moreover, it comes at an affordable price range.

If you look closely at these palettes, the differences fall under the brush and color selection. Both have 42 colors but this one has darker tones in neutrals, greens, and blues. When you mix them with water, the colors beautifully blended, presenting rich and artistic watercolor washes.

As I work with these watercolors, I also noticed that they dry quickly and can resist fading as well. Curated with a vast array of colors, this palette allows you to create an endless range of vibrant hues for artistic and colorful artwork.

With regard to its design, this travel watercolor paint set does not fail to impress with its unique palette design. Similar to the Artsy portable watercolor kit, you can fan out the palette and swipe out to different tabs to find the color you need. Aside from that, there are color labels to easily identify the shades.

When you put everything away, it shifts into a lightweight and compact palette that you can slip inside your bag or pocket. Another sweet treat is the addition of four different water brush sizes that you can use for fine to broad applications. Not to mention the addition of a sponge to clean and dry your brushes.

• Ultra-lightweight and compact palette design
• Offers a great selection of pigmented watercolors
• Quick-drying and lightfast colors
• Includes four refillable water brushes in various sizes
• Does not have a hard case or cover to protect the palette

It can be a bit challenging for a beginner watercolor artist to find the best watercolor travel set to start with. With that said, this Jerry Q Art pocket set has the tools an amateur artist needs when traveling and painting with watercolors.

Sifting through the details, this pocket watercolor set features a slim and sleek design for enhanced portability. Once you open the lid, it is pretty awesome to find an array of beautiful colors along with the necessary painting tools. This includes a water brush, a small sponge, and detachable mixing pans.

For a beginner, I bet these tools and color selection are more than enough to start with a watercolor travel journal. Since everything is compact, there is no trouble putting them away in a small pocket in your shirt or bag.

Though it is made of plastic, it is surprisingly sturdy. I also like how the lid closes tightly, keeping the palette secure and protected whenever you travel.

While that already sounds impressive, the colors do not fall short of their quality and performance. The brilliant colors have a nice amount of pigment, revealing a bright and stunning spectrum of colors. Furthermore, these watercolors are highly blendable, making it much easier to create washes and preserve some translucent watercolor effects.

One more thing I noticed is the ceramic calligraphy tray. I did not know what to use it for but I think it would be useful for artists who practice calligraphy art.

• A portable and great quality starting watercolor kit for beginners
• Sleek and slim design for hassle-free transportation
• Brilliant color selection; very pigmented hues
• Highly blendable colors that can create vibrant washes
• Includes a water brush, a calligraphy pan, a sponge, and a removable mixing tray
• No color labels; difficult to find matching watercolor replacements

At first glance, I could already tell that this watercolor paint set would be an exquisite gem. Right from its vibrant mint metal box and dainty artwork details, ARTISTRO did a great job of making this kit to be aesthetically pleasing as possible. I even love the elegant metal lid lock that looks like the one you see on classic musical boxes.

Upon opening the watercolor palette, everything inside is even more fascinating. You can see all 48 vibrant colors arranged into a neat and beautiful layout – ranging from light to dark tones.

On the upper part of the lid is an organized space for the essential painting tools. This includes a water brush pen, a sponge, a drawing pencil, an eraser, a watercolor brush, and a swatch sheet. Plus, there are small watercolor sheets as well. As a beginner, I sincerely do not think there is anything else to ask for!

The palette is a combination of pigmented fluorescents and metallics, rendering unique, vibrant colors. When mixing the colors, I can tell that the watercolors are highly blendable, producing rich washes and artistic textures. Mind you, the binder is thick and a bit gelatinous, causing the watercolors to create grainy or granulated textures and finishes.

With that in mind, some artists might not fancy such grainy textures. However, this allows you to create artistic effects and colors besides smooth and colorful washes. I find this an amazing trick to amplify watercolor artworks. Aside from that, the exclusive water brush pen and original brush make blending and layering effortless.

On the other hand, the size is not as compact and slim as the previous watercolor sets on the list. It is a bit bulky though it can still fit well in your bag. And since it is a metal tin case, it can protect the palette from damages.

• Offers vibrant and pigmented colors that can produce washes
• Creates granulated textures for unique and artistic effects
• Includes essential painting tools for convenient travel painting
• Comes in a sturdy metal tin case for added protection
• Suitable for advanced and professional artists
• Not the ideal option for beginners
• Slightly bulky compared to other compact watercolor sets

I have always been hunting for the best watercolor paints for professionals. But my curious self has always wanted to try other reputable brands other than Winsor & Newton. Thus, Sennelier was my next target, and I am glad I did give it a shot.

I hear a lot of amazing things about this brand, particularly the superb quality of watercolors. However, I admit that the price tag is the least attractive thing. But the question is, what is so special about it? To concur with the reviews and rumors, it was definitely the pigmented colors that I have seen the best so far.

Unbeknownst to many, the highlighted ingredient is honey. This helps preserve the longevity and quality of colors, making them impeccably brilliant and luminous at the same time.

As expected, the colors give off vivid hues that blend nicely in a beautiful shade. Even with simply dampening the colors, it is easy to obtain pigments and render bright washes and representations of what every color should be.

In terms of portability, this half-pan watercolor palette is small and slim, providing an ideal size for traveling. Plus, it comes in a sturdy metal case that secures all the colors.

• Impeccably brilliant and pigmented colors that easily blend
• Creates vivid strokes and washes even with just a few dabs
• Very compact and sleek design for hassle-free storage and travel painting
• Comes in a sturdy metal tin case
• Excellent color longevity
• No brushes included

Another budget-friendly option for watercolor travel sets is this one from Artify. This mini kit gives amateur watercolor artists a chance to try great quality watercolor without breaking their banks. I know for sure because I have seen the quality pigments that produce an imaginative and endless range of colors.

Impressively, the colors blend well and deliver vibrant hues when mixed with water. Therefore, making washes and artistic effects would not be a problem. Aside from that, the watercolors dry quickly, preventing any messy spills that can bleed through paper.

How about the size? I must say that this set is the perfect fit for your pocket whether it is a bag or your shirt. The plastic case is sturdy, securing the palette from any damage.

In addition to its portable and innovative design, I think the removable palette is genius. Not only can you arrange the colors according to your preference, but also reuse and wash them should you ever need to. Plus, the mixing tray is detachable and can be placed anywhere within your reach.

Some artists might not find this a big deal but I was impressed by how thoughtful the manufacturer designed the palette this way. Thus, it can accommodate left and right-hand painters.

Moreover, three brushes and two sponges complete this watercolor travel kit. The ring at the back of the base keeps the palette convenient to hold. Hence, this makes painting and traveling fun and easy to do!

• Removable and customizable mixing tray to accommodate left and right-hand painters
• Compact design
• Includes essential painting tools (three brushes and two sponges)
• Designed with a base ring for comfortable painting sessions
• Some paints break easily when not properly stored

When it comes to Winsor & Newton, I have nothing to expect but satisfying results in terms of color blends and vibrancy. Luckily, this Cotman Watercolor Brush Pen set is not so different from my favorite watercolor sets from this brand.

First of all, the size of this half-pan set ensures hassle-free storage when you are traveling. It is so dainty that you can fit inside your shirt pocket or mini compartments in your bag. When it is closed, it presents an understated yet sophisticated design that you can take out for a quick paint session anywhere you go.

As soon as you open the lid, the upper space provides partitions where you can mix different colors. Afterward, my eyes took me to the color labels that are neatly presented to help you organize and identify colors. Since the pans are replaceable, the color labels are crucial when finding matching shades.

As usual, Winsor & Newton did it again with this impressive array of colors. They deliver quality pigments even with just a few dabs, allowing you to create vivid washes and artistic watercolor effects.

Aside from that, the water brush pen is a handy addition to this set. It lets you paint without dipping into the water and start with your painting right away. And since it is refillable, you can simply fill it up whenever you have to. The clear barrel or reservoir lets you know how much water you have used.

• Creates vibrant color blends and watercolor effects
• Designed with color labels for easy identification
• Has a mixing tray to blend colors
• Includes a water brush pen
• Very compact
• Water flows heavily sometimes

Portability and Storage

When looking for a travel watercolor set, it is reasonable to consider whether it is compact enough to put away in your pocket or luggage. Since you will be moving from one place to another, it will not be practical to add some unnecessary weight to your things.

With that said, you must have a portable set that you can easily take out or put away and keep in mind that a complete travel painting kit does not need to be big and bulky. Fortunately, some brands offer foldable watercolor palettes and travel-friendly sizes that you can easily slip into your pocket or bag.

Accessories and Tools

A set consists of a variety of tools and accessories that will provide you with a complete setup for painting on the go. For a watercolor travel set, it should at least include a portable and refillable water brush. Since you will be traveling by air or land, this type of brush dispenses water as you paint, allowing you to paint right on the spot conveniently.

There is no need to fill up a container or cup with water, which can end up quite messy while traveling. Just fill the brush up and you are all set to paint anytime and anywhere you want. Some sets also include a pencil, a sponge to dry the brush, and a paint palette for mixing colors. Others have multiple refillable brushes for versatile applications.

Pigment Quality

Many artists use watercolor because it can spruce up drawings and sketches with an array of vivid colors. Aside from that, it can add unique effects to your artwork, especially if you love working with mixed media.

Therefore, it is important that you have high-quality pigments so as to deliver a vibrant spectrum of colors. No matter how few the color options are, a lightfast and premium quality watercolor palette can exhibit promising results.

Color Selection

The color selection all depends on your preferences and needs. But since watercolor travel sets usually have limited options, it would be better to stick with the primary shades. They typically come in sets of 9 or 12.

Lucky you if you can have more options without comprising the storage properties and portability. Some brands offer more than the usual colors that come in 24, 36, 42, 48, or more packed in a foldable or compact case.

Blendability

Watercolor is among the versatile art media that allows you to mix and blend colors, creating a custom color selection for your artwork. A watercolor travel kit homemade palette usually has that, presenting your favorite shades and mixtures.

A portable or mini travel watercolor palette should also let you do so despite the limited amount and selection of colors. Moreover, the excellent blendability allows you to maximize your palette and achieve your desired color combinations. Hence, you can browse the reviews or test the watercolor set for seamless color gradients.

TSA Approved (Transportation Security Administration)

This is a mandatory factor to consider for those who are planning to fly with their watercolor sets. Airlines provide specific and detailed regulations about the items that you are allowed to bring in a carry-on.

In general, TSA has restrictions on liquid watercolors. Every tube of watercolor paint should be no more than 3.4 ounces, and all wrapped in clear zip-top bags. For dry watercolor palette sets, they are relatively much easier to bring on a plane since they come in compact and convenient sizes.

It is quite hard to tell because there are a lot of amazing brands that offer excellent watercolor travel sets. However, Sakura is by far the most reliable brand for great quality watercolor sets that feature assorted colors and essential tools. Plus, they come at a reasonable price range. But if it is about budget-friendly decent watercolor sets that have a wide array of colors, I would go for MEEDEN.

On the other hand, Winsor & Newton and Sennelier are my favorite brands for professional quality watercolors. They might be relatively more expensive than other brands but they have a reliable lineup of portable watercolor sets that let you paint like a pro.

Yes, you can as long as your watercolor paint palettes and sets do not violate the TSA’s regulations and restrictions. As mentioned, TSA is lenient with dry watercolor travel sets because of their small and convenient size, allowing you to bring them on a carry-on without any trouble.

The first thing you can do is list your itinerary. Jot down where you would go first and the places you would probably pass by. Sometimes, you can be spontaneous and draw the scenes and unforgettable memories you would like to record and remember. Thus, Make sure to bring a travel or portable watercolor journal or drawing book with you.

Like a travel photo journal or album, a watercolor travel journal lets you record memories, events, and beautiful sights, but with a different method – painting. For example, you can paint the dinner or lunch you have had, a beautiful sunset, or even the view from your hotel or train. As you capture these events, you can doodle around your drawings or write what your painting is all about.

Apart from the watercolor palette, a watercolor travel set usually includes a small or a refillable water brush. Although not necessary, some sets have a sponge to dry the brush, small partitions for water (in case water brushes are not available), and additional water brushes for versatile and effortless painting sessions.

Moreover, the tools and accessories in a watercolor set vary from one brand to another. Check the composition of a painting set you will buy to ensure you get the essential tools for your watercolor paintings.

The best watercolor travel set is not just about the portable size but the quality of pigments and essential tools as well. It is quite amazing how you can document everything you see when you travel, and a watercolor travel set helps you do that. This is the reason why you deserve to have the best watercolor kit that can beautifully capture and paint landscapes and even mundane sights when you wander around.

This list has jotted down the top picks for portable watercolor sets on the market. Besides their popularity, the brands mentioned offer reliable and excellent quality watercolor sets that are worth trying. Hope this helps!

Art has always been a part of my life; it influences my upbringing and later my career choice. For me, it is always a part of my parenting technique. So for whichever purpose that you come to art, you can start here with us.

• Icon Link Plus Icon

Here Are the Best Student-Grade Watercolor Travel Sets

By The ARTnews Recommends Editors

The ARTnews Recommends Editors

Watercolor is an ideal medium for plein air painting. You don’t need lots of supplies, but you can still have at your fingertips the color range of acrylic or oil paint—all without the hassle of extensive setup or time-consuming cleanup. Maximize watercolor’s portability by choosing a travel set with built-in palettes, brush holders, and more. Browse our selection of some of our favorite student-grade watercolor travel sets below. Note that while they are student-grade sets, they are suitable for all but the most advanced skill levels.

1. Sakura Koi Watercolors

At the top of our list sits this set from Japanese brand Sakura, which comes with everything you need to start painting, save for paper. It opens to reveal a removable palette with five mixing pans, 18 little paint cakes, a brush, and a sponge for mopping up excess water. The paint is highly concentrated and vivid, and the color palette is solid, including fundamentals like Chinese White and Ivory Black, in addition to shades like ultramarine, vermillion hue, and cobalt blue hue. The included brush is a water brush—ideal for painting on the go, as all you have to do is fill up its reservoir. The box features a pull-down ring for easy holding, and the cakes can be refilled—choose from Sakura’s range of 84 colors!

2. Sennelier La Petite Aquarelle Watercolor Travel

Sennelier’s travel sets  come with just a box with several wells and paints, so it’s a great option if you already have a favorite brush or want to shop for specific tools to supplement it. It features the company’s La Petite student line of paints, which are made with honey as a binder—a special ingredient that makes them super smooth and easy to rewet. While the color pigmentation is of course not as intense as Sennelier’s artist-grade paints, these paints are an especially nice choice for glazing, showcasing beautiful translucency. This set of 24 half-pans set features a range of colors ideally suited to landscape studies.

3. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Paint Compact Set

Winsor & Newton makes its Cotman student-grade paints more affordable by replacing the costliest pigments with more economical alternatives. While less expensive than the company’s professional-grade paints, they still provide strong, non-grainy color and good transparency. This pocket travel set features 12 half pans in a useful range of colors, including burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and cadmium yellow, and includes a brush, built-in palette, and a slide-out dish for mediums. The air-tight case will keep the pigments safe and drip-free in your bag. 

4. Raphaël Watercolor Travel Pan Set

If portability is a priority, consider this round set that measures just four and a half inches in diameter—small enough to slip into a pocket. It opens to reveal 10 half pans on one side and a dozen mixing compartments on the other, and snaps firmly shut to a flat disk with non-skid pads on its bottom. The colors are highly pigmented and flow well. Included is a mini brush measuring just three and a half inches from end to end.

5. Kuretake Gansai Tambi Portable 14-Color Set

Gansai, a traditional Japanese watercolor, uses a binder different from that found in Western watercolors, resulting in bright, creamy paints that are more opaque and shinier than what many watercolorists in the United States are used to. With beautiful chroma and without the chalkiness that can accompany heavy application of other paints, these affordable paints are an excellent and satisfying option for beginners as well as professionals. Kuretake ’ s travel set of 14 gansai colors includes a water brush plus a drawing pen.

Patek Philippe Leads Geneva’s Spring Watch Auctions to a Frothy $125 Million

Nypd is investigating death of brooklyn accessories designer, the biggest tv shows dominating all your favorite streamers right now, from netflix to apple tv+, wnba investigating $100k bonus to each las vegas aces player, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

ARTnews is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Art Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

How to Choose the Best Travel Watercolor Set

The primary advantage of a travel set is portability, so the size and weight matter. A compact, lightweight set is easier to carry around, whether you’re exploring urban landscapes or hiking up a mountain trail. Some sets come with a compact watercolor travel brush, a waterbrush, a detachable palette or a water container, which is amazing for those who don’t like carrying around all the equipment for watercolor painting.

Quality of Pigment

Not all watercolors are created equal. The vibrancy and durability of your paintings depend largely on the quality of the pigments in your set. High-quality paints offer more color intensity, enabling you to capture the world around you with stunning accuracy and lasting for a lifetime, in contrast to low quality pigments, which can easily yellow or fade in a matter of weeks.

Although archival pigments tend to be much more expensive, if you plan on painting professionally or want your works to stay as they are, then investing a bit more is not a bad idea.

Range of Colors

Ensuring a brand has a wide range of colors will allow you to hand pick your favorite pigments and attach them to your travel palette easily, without needing a lot of non-interchangeable variety cramped in a small palette.

Besides, a set with lots of small pans might be prone to color contamination due to the limited space and can be a hindrance when you want to use only a few pigments and can’t build a cohesive color palette with ease.

Accessories

Some travel sets come with added bonuses like a built-in mixing palette, or a water brush. A palette is essential for mixing colors, and its inclusion makes for a more compact set.

A water brush combines a brush and water container into one tool, which can be a game-changer when painting on the move.

High-quality watercolor sets can be pricey, but there are also many affordable options available that don’t compromise too much on quality. It’s important to find a balance between cost and quality that suits your budget.

Will watercolor work on canvas?

While traditionally, watercolor is used on paper, especially designed for its absorbency, it can indeed be used on specially primed canvas meant for watercolors. This allows you to create larger, more durable pieces that can stand the test of time.

Best Watercolor Travel Set Today

• Best Watercolor Travel Set Overall — Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Compact Set
• Best Watercolor Travel Set for Beginners — SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit
• Best Value Watercolor Travel Set — ‎ Paintcrush Watercolor Paint Set
• Best Watercolor Travel Set for Professional — Schmincke – HORADAM AQUARELL
• Best Metallic Watercolor Travel Set — ARTEZA Iridescent Watercolor Paint Set

1. Best Watercolor Travel Set Overall — Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Paint Compact Set

Selection Criteria

• Our Score – 9/10
• Our Score- 8/10
• Our Score – 10/10

About the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor

Winsor and Newton is one of the most popular brands in the world of watercolors and not without good reason. Although the Cotman line is not “professional watercolor paint”, it still is very high quality paint, has a wide color range and it’s very lightfast in comparison to other brands.

The Cotman line has something other “student-grade” paints don’t, and that is color variety. This means, you can get each individual pan separately  and build your own color palette, or replace the colors you use the most without needing to get a whole new set.

• Extensive color range
• High-quality pigments
• Refills available
• Set might be too small for some

2. Best Watercolor Travel Set for Beginners — SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit

About the SAKURA Koi Pocket Field

The Sakura Koi Pocket field is a small, portable set with one of the most bright color combinations, perfect for landscaping, flower painting and ghibli-like illustrations. It has 30 pans which fit nicely into its small case and it comes with a mixing palette as well as a waterbrush and a sponge packing everything you need to paint on the go.

The palette has a foldable handle so you can use it on a flat surface or hold it with your hands as you paint, and it comes in 72 colors as well for those who love to have everything at hand.

• Small and portable
• Very affordable
• No refills or pan replacements available
• Limited color range

3. Best Value Watercolor Travel Set — ‎Paintcrush Watercolor Paint Set

• Our Score- 7/10
• Our Score – 8/10

About the Paintcrush Professional Watercolor

The Paintcrush watercolor set is not one of the most popular, however it is one of the highest quality professional watercolor paints that are also extremely affordable and offer great value. This small, select watercolor palette is the perfect starter set for those who want to learn color mixing and color theory, it has all the needed pigments as well as an included watercolor painting course by Kristy Rice.

This set offers one of the greatest values which is learning watercolor painting and color mixing, which will take the limitations of needing lots of pigments. You’ll be able to experiment with professional-grade watercolor paint as well as learn from one of the best.

• Professional watercolor paint
• High-quality, vibrant ink
• Painting lesson included
• Great value for the price
• On the expensive side

4. Best Watercolor Travel Set for Professional — Schmincke – HORADAM AQUARELL

• Our Score – 7/10

About the Schmincke – HORADAM AQUARELL

Well known as one of the best watercolor brands worldwide, Schminke now presents this small, yet amazing travel watercolor set. This set is not only beautiful and very high quality, but it’s also portable, easy to use and has a great design where the container is also a water tank and the cap becomes a water container so that you can easily paint from anywhere, anytime.

It has a small integrated mixing palette and handle in the back for easy holding.

• High quality watercolor paint
• Small, portable presentation
• Water container and tank included
• Very expensive
• Limited color set
• No space for paint brushes

5. Best Metallic Watercolor Travel Set — ARTEZA Iridescent Watercolor Paint Set

About the ARTEZA Iridescent Watercolor

Since a while ago, Arteza has been building a name and reputation of their own and we must say that although they’re a relatively new brand, their products are exceptional. This metallic watercolor set is no different. Crafted with care and attention to detail, this iridescent watercolor travel set is the dream of many. Whether you love giving metallic accents to your work or are a lettering artist or craft professional, this set has everything you could dream of.

This set includes a waterbrush and two mixing palettes, plus the pans are interchangeable and Arteza does have a dedicated color range for metallic watercolors so you can get the ones you like the most and arrange your own palette.

• Wide color range
• Portable and refillable
• Includes a waterbrush
• Mica-based paints

Conclusions

In the end, the best travel watercolor set is the one you feel most comfortable with, be it you’d rather have everything in one set or you prefer to carry your tools separately, it’ll be up to you to unleash your creativity in the most unexpected places, adding a personal, hand-painted touch to your travel experiences. The sets we’ve reviewed bring that possibility to your fingertips, allowing you to paint anywhere without the need for a vast array of tools, and make the cleanup as simple as a splash of water.

So pack your brushes, choose your colors, and let the world be your canvas. Whether capturing the fleeting hues of a sunset or the intricate details of a bustling street, a travel watercolor set invites you to see the world through the eyes of an artist, where every scene is a potential masterpiece waiting to be painted.

Happy painti

Related Posts

The 5 Best Pastel Pencils for Artists in 2024

The 6 Best Printers for Heat Transfer in 2024

The 6 Best Art Projectors in 2024

The 5 Best Watercolor Papers in 2024

The 6 Best Printers for Crafters in 2024

The 6 Best Watercolor Paints in 2024

The 6 Best Sublimation Printers for T-Shirts in 2024

The 6 Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners in 2024

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

I Paint at 36,000 Feet With This TSA-Approved Watercolor Set

I never thought that I needed to paint on an airplane. I never thought that I needed to paint on a bench in Prospect Park, or on a train ride upstate, or anywhere other than my dedicated uncomfy chair at my kitchen table. Paints are messy, and they require a carefully configured space, cups of murky water, and rolls of paper towels for blotting brushes, as well as sopping up said murky water when you spill it.

Or so I thought. When a friend showed me her Winsor & Newton pocket paint box , I was impressed. When she then showed me her set of water-bearing brush pens , my world changed. The pairing is genius, and at the same time remarkably simple: Each brush tip is attached to a squeezable plastic tube that you fill with water before you paint. The tip screws on, and the water doesn’t come out unless you press it. You gently squeeze the body of the brush over the palette, which is built into this tiny paint set, and use your single, delicate drop of water to moisten and mix. And that’s it. Then you paint. (I swear by my Bienfang sketchbook , which has bright-white, medium-weight, 70-pound paper, but any sketchbook with a little texture, and at least 50-pound paper, will work just fine.)

I experienced the true versatility of this combo on a recent flight to Chicago: Not only could I slip the paints past the TSA in my backpack (they’re dry and solid, so no issues there), I was able to fill up the brushes with a little dribble of water from the airplane bathroom sink, and use a couple of airline napkins to dry the brush. And when I’d finished painting an elegant still life of a chilled plastic bottle of California Cabernet and a resealable bag of Cheez-Its, I wiped off the brush and the palette with one of those napkins, and tucked the whole set away. I found it to be an extremely calming way to spend an otherwise not-calming flight.

If I were the kind of person who carried things around in my shirt pockets, I would carry these there, because they would fit. But instead, I just keep them in my bag for those special moments when the light hits a breakfast sandwich just right .

[ Editor’s note: The exact pens Alex Testere loves are sold out, but these are a very similar model. ]

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , ultra-flattering pants , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

• the strategist
• this thing's incredible
• office accessories
• journals and notebooks

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• The Best Running Watches, According to Runners
• Everything We Want to Buy From the Dôen x Gap Collaboration
• What Anthony Roth Costanzo Can’t Live Without
• The 17 Very Best Protein Powders
• The 11 Very Best Shampoos
• The 16 Very Best Eye Creams

Today’s Top Clicked

The Best Travel Watercolor Kits For Every Level Artist

I love the idea of packing up a sweet little watercolor kit, a thermos of tea, some snacks, and heading out for a day of plein air painting alone in the beautiful countryside.

I’d drive somewhere rural and full of prairie, strap my folding chair to my back, and hike out to a remote location where birds, butterflies, and the occasional bunny would frolic about, as I listened to soothing music in my earbuds.

The best part is, I don’t paint landscapes or nature, so I’d be hiding in a field somewhere painting little triangles, and still happy as a clam.

Anyway, let’s talk travel watercolor kits. I’m sure you’ve seen them on Pinterest and Instagram, right? Some are pre-made, and some are fabulous little treasure boxes artists have cobbled together to carry their most essential paints and accessories.

For this post, I’m focusing on the pre-made kits that you can buy. They include small pans of watercolors, one small brush, and an area or more to use as a palette.

They are small enough to stash in a bag (or even a pocket), and fold closed to contain all the items. They’re perfect if you travel or have a long commute and want to do something besides:

• Stare at your phone
• Stare at other people
• Read a book

Watercolor Travel Kits to Buy

Want to bypass the DIY thing and just buy a lovely little watercolor travel kit to take with you? Apparently some of these small kits are okay to take on airplanes. Be prepared for people to gawk at your art-makin’.

Sakura Koi Watercolor Travel Kit

We’ll start with what is undoubtedly the most popular travel kit, the Sakura Koi. No doubt if you’re into travel watercolor kits, you’ve heard of or seen this one all over social media.

Sakura is an overall fantastic brand, and this little kit is perfect for painting on the go for most people.

• half-pan watercolor paints
• Refillable water brush
• 2 sponges (set into the case)
• Removable mixing tray
• Very lightweight
• The lid doubles as an easel
• You can stash a few sheets of paper in the box

What I love about it:

I love how the tray has little feet that fit perfectly over the paints when you close the kit, but then you can remove it and place it in the lid or on the edge of the box by snapping two legs into two of the holes. If you place it in the lid, the feet elevate it for easier access. This is one of those small design features that you end up appreciating so much!

It comes in different sizes and numbers of paint colors. I have the 18 color set, which is fine for if you really want to save space, but not enough colors for my liking. I’d go with the 24 or 30 color sets if you want more color choices.

Who is it For:

This set is perfect for teens up through adults who aren’t necessarily looking for professional-quality paints, but still want a well-designed travel set with lots of colors to choose from.

You’ll want more water brushes, either to have different brush shapes, just as backups, or to help keep your colors separate. You can sort of clean the brush tips on the sponges, but if you’re fussy about keeping your colors pure, be safe and buy more brushes.

You can see paint swatches for all of the colors here.

Here is a pic of the sizes for the different sets:

Winsor & Newton

You can always count on Winsor & Newton for quality art supplies, and their watercolor kits are no exception. I’m including 2 here, because you absolutely need to feast your eyes on the gorgeous professional travel kit.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Pocket Box

This is similar in quality to the Sakura Koi. You get good quality paint, just this side of the lush professional paints. This little box is a no-frills travel set that comes with 12 half-pan paints and a teeny tiny brush.

• Just 5″ long when closed makes it nice and small!
• 12 half-pans of basic mixing colors
• Lid is segmented for 3 mixing areas

The larger watercolor pans mean you can use larger paint brushes (and they last longer, of course).

You get the bare necessities: paints and a mixing surface and a brush.

The price is great, so this is an amazing introduction set for beginners.

This kit is for someone who wants to take up the least amount of space in their bag or suitcase, while still getting quality paints. You won’t get a ton of colors, so make sure you’re comfortable mixing paints, or practicing as you go. This is an excellent starter set for anyone who prefers a very pared-down paint set.

Buy your own brushes, either regular or the pen style brushes

Use double-sided tape or sticky tack to keep the pans in place – this is a common complaint with this kit, but easily fixable

Switch out the colors you find you don’t use for colors you prefer – some reviewers mentioned adding a green and purple. It’s hard to find refill pans for these so your options are:

• refill with professional half pans
• squeeze tube watercolors into the empty pans and let them set up

Paint up a color chart to bring with you before you travel- look at this amazing example from one reviewer:

Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Field Box, 12 Half Pans

Yes. When you are ready to graduate to professional watercolor paints, this is your travel kit. 12 half pans give you more paint, and are nestled in a 5.2″ long case that opens up into a mini portable artist’s studio.

• Compact size still holds a lot of paint
• Larger sponge than most travel kits
• Folding travel brush
• 2 palette surfaces fold out and stay connected to the case
• Large water cup attached to the end

Here’s a list of the colors that come in this set:

French ultramarine, Winsor blue (green shade), permanent sap green, Winsor green (blue shade), Winsor lemon, Winsor yellow, scarlet lake, Winsor red, permanent alizarin crimson, permanent rose, yellow core, burnt sienna, raw umber and titanium white.

Rich, vivd colors don’t fade and don’t have that granulated texture that watercolor paints can sometimes develop.

Good sized sponge for cleaning brushes and using to add texture to your painting

Included water flask built into the lid

Generous half pan colors that, since they are professional quality, you can mix up lots more colors

Plenty of palette surfaces

A splurge for people who want to use professional-quality paints on their fabulous trip through Italy, working artists, or anyone who is obsessed with using the highest-quality art supplies. So worth it.

Yep, more brushes! Bring along a few different sizes, as the brush included is small.

Buy your refill (or other color) half pan paints at Blick ; the refills are usually cheaper there than Amazon.

Use distilled water in the included water bottle if you tend to leave the water in there for more than a few days, so it doesn’t get gross.

Professional paint needs professional paper. Use 100% cotton!

Travel Watercolor Kit For Kids

If you give a kid a semi-decent quality art kit, they will 10 times out of 10 feel like a professional artist, love you forever, and probably go to town using it immediately. Little travel watercolor kits are PERFECT for kids to bring on vacations, to doctor’s appointments, to dinner, and basically anywhere you would normally let them play on a screen.

In all honesty, I have not tried this kit, but most of the reviews look legit (you can always tell fake reviews), and I LOVE how compact and cool this little set is.

• 42 colors of paint
• Small divided side palette for mixing colors
• Colors are labelled on the edges for quick locating
• Non-toxic paints

It fans out to reveal 42 colors, and comes with a small sponge and watercolor pen brush. You can just toss this thing in your bag or their backpack with a small sketchbook, and you don’t have to chase markers or crayons all over the place.

It comes in a really cute box, so remember this next time you need a kid gift. You can give them the paint set and a sketchbook for under $25! (see images below)

Watercolor pen brushes are amazing inventions for kids, because, hey, no tipped over jars of water!

I would stick to kids and beginners for this kit. I may be an art supply snob, but as cute as this is, there are a bunch of other brands selling the exact same design. There’s a reason reputable art supply companies have been around for a long time and earn our trust.

Travel Sketchbooks/Loose Paper

Don’t forget the paper! Think about whether you want a travel sketchbook or loose paper – or even a pack of watercolor postcard paper – these are all fairly small, but are good quality to take the abuse of water and pigment.

I couldn’t resist this gift idea for the travel watercolor enthusiast: It’s a drool-worthy box

containing a Winsor & Newton 100% cotton watercolor sketchbook, 12 half pan paint colors in a tin box, and a size 3 of their series 7 (kolinsky sable) paint brush, plus a blank color chart! Swoon.

4 thoughts on “The Best Travel Watercolor Kits For Every Level Artist”

It makes sense to think about whether a portable watercolor set will fit in your pocket or luggage when shopping for one. It will not be sensible to add extra weight to your belongings because you will be relocating from one location to another.

My family always say that I am killing my time here at net, but I know I am getting experience daily by reading such fastidious articles or reviews.

Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

Spot on with this write-up, I really believe this amazing site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the information!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

The Best Watercolor Travel Sets

How to Find the Best Watercolor Travel Set for Painting on the Go 

It can be challenging to make time for art, so what better time to be ready to make art than while you’re traveling on vacation? If you’re an art lover or you know one, you know how much it means for an artist to have quality art supplies available when inspiration strikes.

However, art— especially painting— can get quite messy. 

The good thing about water colors is that they’re relatively mess-free and TSA-approved for carry-ons whenever they’re in solid form. 

Having a travel watercolor kit can make a 4+ hour flight or ride more bearable. 

I know that when I travel, my senses come alive, and it’s fun to let my new surroundings turn into inspiration for art. Watercolor depictions of streets of Paris done in person, for example, are far more unique than just photographs on an iPhone. Plus, they make great postcards!

Traveling with watercolor supplies

It is important to know the flight restrictions for other materials you might want to bring alongside your watercolors. Anything with a pointed tip or that could be considered “sharp” must go in a checked bag.

Varnish or any flammable liquid is banned all together on a plane. If you want to bring some existing paintings with you, you’ll want to pack them inside a portfolio or see if you can carry them on the plane with you. 

Now, for a watercolor travel kit, everything we’ve mentioned til now has been about solid watercolor paints. Some artists do like to use liquid watercolors and might want to bring these on the plane with us. 

Liquid watercolors on a plane are fine, as long as each paint tube is less than 3.4 ounces. Make sure to check the tubes or containers of liquid watercolor paints before you try to bring them on the plane! 

Honestly, before you bring anything on that isn’t “technically” essential, you should double check the latest TSA guidelines as rules related to liquids have been changing.

Even with these rules and regulations on the planes (especially), trains, and buses, you shouldn’t let the art stop. 

Up next, we’ve got a list for you for the best watercolor travel sets. Afterwards, we’re throwing in some extras, like canvases and extra brushes, that you can also bring on board with you. 

Sennelier L’Aquarelle’s Honey-Based Travel Set , – Top Paint Quality

• Dimensions: 6 1/4″ x 3 7/8″ x 1 1/4″. • Weigh: (approx.) 6-7 oz (compare to 1-2 sticks of butter)

This is a honey-based, less toxic alternative that many like for the paints’ textures and ultra-high concentrations. 

The whole set isn’t much bigger than your iphone (in terms of length and width, not depth). 

Why We Love Sennelier L’Aquarelle’s Honey-Based Travel Set 

Even better, this kit has 14 gorgeous, impressionist-based colors. You read that right— the colors are based on the great impressionist works. 

These are great for an artist who’s a fan of the impressionists, such as Van Gogh, and who plans to paint traveling or nature scenes. 

Here’s the list of colors it has: 

Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Deep, Phthalocyanine Blue, Warm Sepia, Lemon Yellow, Carmine, French Vermilion, Alizarin Crimson, Payne’s Gray, Phthalocyanine Green Light, Forest Green, Dioxazine Purple, Raw Umber, Cinereous Blue, Naples Yellow Deep, Bright Red, Venetian Red, and Ivory Black.

Because they grind the pigments more finely, the cubes have a more concentrated pigment and smoother texture. 

The honey-based solution is not only wonderfully natural, but it also gives longevity to the paint tabs. It also keeps the paint from becoming muddy. In other words, between the honey base and the pigment concentration, this paint set has a long life. 

Users online report that this set creates more luminous and vibrant hues than the average watercolor set. 

Overall, here’s a summary of the pros & cons of the Sennelier L’Aquarelle’s Honey-based Travel Set: 

• Very concentrated color
• Contains some natural products (honey-based)
• Vibrant hues based on impressionists’ colors
• Small size and tray for convenience 
• Professional quality watercolor paints 
• Case cover is will need a rubber band likely
• It has only 1 brush, so you might need a couple of extras 

Who’s This For? 

With its professional quality paints, this is suitable for someone with experience in painting or even a professional artist. They’ll need a rubber band just in case the cover comes loose, however. 

If they are a professional artist, they’ll probably prefer a pocket brush set (see at the end of this artist). 

Lightwish’s MeiLiang Watercolor Pocket Box Paint Set, with 36 Colors and Brush – Pocket Sized Case

Overall, this metal “pocket box” measures 9.2” X 3.8” X 1”. It might be just a bit big for most of our pockets, but it still has a travel-friendly size. 

We Love the MeiLiang Watercolor Pocket Box Travel Set

We love its 36 vibrant colors. The colors are coated in arabic gum for added gloss and for a stronger intensity. 

The metal case has a mixing tray just opposite to the colors, which unfolds when you open the piece. 

They’ve also thrown in a synthetic, round-tip watercolor brush. 

Many users say this is perfect for art students, as well as hobbyists and kids. 

Overall, here’s a summary of the pros & cons of the MeiLiang Watercolor Pocket Box Travel Set: 

• Intense pigments
• Glossed for smooth texture 
• High quality (many report to be better than the Winsor Newton brand)
• Durable, metal tin that stays closed 
• Brush included
• Only 1 brush (may need additional brushes)
• Colors dry more transparent than expected, from Arabic gum 

Who is this for? 

This is great for anyone— art student, artist, kid, or adult beginner. 

Sakura’s XNCW-18N, Watercolor Field Sketch Set

Also available in the 12-color, 24-color, 30-color, & even 48-color versions, this basic travel kit is another great option for painters on the go. 

It’s so small (at 1.25” X 4.65” X 8”), that it can fit inside a shirt pocket. 

Why We Love Sakura’s XNCW-18N, Watercolor Field Sketch Set

First off, this set is ultra convenient with its light, compact design. For easy gripping, they’ve installed a metal ring on the bottom. 

While it is made of plastic, this does mean it’ll be lightweight. With this set, you get all the necessary basics (& many more, depending on the version you get). 

As far as the paint quality, we’d say it’s average. Its refillable water brush comes apart, so you can easily fill it up with water, use it, and then take it apart for easy storage. 

Overall, here’s a summary of the pros & cons of Sakura’s XNCW-18N, Watercolor Field Sketch Set: 

• Contains a refillable brush (that you can also dissemble) 
• Variety of versions available 
• Ultra small size available, and compact
• Ultra lightweight
• Ring for easy grip while painting 
• Blendable colors
• Flimsy case (plastic, less durable)
• Only one brush 
• Average quality (nothing spectacular to the overall quality) 

This set is more suitable for beginners and light hobbyists. 

Jerry Q 24-ct Watercolor Travel Set , Best Budget-Friendly Pick

This set includes a plastic pocket containers (with pallet, storage, and mixing trays), 24 colors, a sea sponge, a porcelain calligraphy dish, and a watercolor brush. 

In total, the case measures out to 8” X 4”. 

Why We Love the Jerry Q 24-ct Watercolor Travel Set

For just 12 bucks, this set is a great deal. You’ll have almost everything you need, besides the canvas sheets and perhaps some extra brushes. 

For a skilled color mixer, this set has all the essential colors. We also love its natural sea sponge and porcelain calligraphy dish. This enables so much more creativity and convenience. After opening, the inner trays swing out and snap to the side for additional mixing space. 

However, when you’re finished, the whole piece is incredibly compact and lightweight. 

Overall, here’s a summary of the Jerry Q 24-ct Watercolor Travel Set: 

• Extremely travel-friendly
• Lightweight and compact
• All essential colors
• Includes high quality extras that aren’t common in competitors 
• Very low price ( on Amazon )
• Alternative versions available 
• Doesn’t contain sheets or additional brushes
• Container isn’t as durable as metal (plastic container) 

This set is more ideal for either a beginner or someone who’s a master mixer. The colors require know-how in mixing. 

The quality is pretty basic, so it’s suitable for beginners. 

Artistro Watercolor Paint Set, 48-ct with Metallic & Fluorescent Tones – Best Overall Watercolor Travel Kit

This box measures out 8.07” X 3.7” X 1.65” in size and about 12.7 ounces in weight. 

Why We Love Artistro Watercolor Paint Set, 48-ct with Metallic & Fluorescent Tones

This watercolor travel kit has an inspiring amount of watercolor paints and even variations like metallic and fluorescents. 

Look, below, at these gorgeous colors!

Besides the watercolor paints, we love its extra contents. It has not 1— but 2 paint brushes (one water brush and one standard, small brush). You’ll notice you don’t really need to get anything else with this kit. 

It has 10 sheets, or canvases (7” X 3”), a sponge, an eraser, and a pencil, all encased within a beautiful, secure, and durable metal box. 

Overall, here’s a summary of the Artistro Watercolor Paint Set, 48-ct with Metallic & Fluorescent Tones: 

• A true All-in-One Set 
• Secure and durable tin box container 
• Small, compact size
• Amazing variety of colors and color types for its size 
• Above-average features for decent price
• Extra art supplies 
• High quality paint 
• Some of the colors may be unnecessary for pros and then difficult to blend for amateurs 
• Not very gender-neutral casing / doesn’t have a more masculine version

Who’s this for? 

Their travel watercolor kits are definitely more on the feminine side, if you look at the design on the front of the tin box. However, the box is tidy and someone could always slap a sticker over the top to make it less frilly if he or she preferred; it’s practical and would suit anyone who wanted an all-in-one set.  

Don’t forget these other travel essentials!

Watercolor canvas packs  , canson xl series watercolor textured pad.

Features: 

• 7” X 10” = ideal size
• Textured & suitable for multiple mediums 
• 9” x 12” Side wire version and other sizes, fold-over, etc., versions available 

Arches Watercolor Paper Pad

• 10” X 14” & 11.69” X 16.53” for larger works
• Cold pressed, hot pressed, and rough textures available 
• 12 sheets 
• Coated with natural gelatin 
• Made by traditional method, in cylinder molds 
• Long fibers 

Watercolor Brushes (Travel-Size)

Maple store’s travel watercolor brushes with round, extra long synthetic sable.

• Leather portable case (5.32” X 2.37”)
• Synthetic sable / nylon hair 
• Nickel=plated handle 
• Cured for spring and resilience
• Absorbent 
• Handmade 
• Ergonomic, containing handle for extended length 

WA Portman’s 5-pc Small Travel Paintbrush Set (Fine) for Acrylic, Watercolor, and Gouache

 Features

• Synthetic brush
• 5 total brushes (3 round in sizes 1,2, & 4, and 2 flat in sizes 3 &4)
• Extra-durable magnetic case that bends back for convenient brush access
• Overall, extremely durable, user-friendly, & pocket-sized 

Superb Watercolor Palettes, Designed and Built for Travel

Classic Palette on knee with journal in Scandinavia - Portable Painter

Micro Palette with journal in Fall colors - Portable Painter

Micro Palette with journal in Cinqueterre - Portable Painter

CLASSIC PALETTE

CLASSIC EXPANSION PANS

CLASSIC PLUS KIT

MICRO PALETTE

MICRO EXPANSION PANS

MICRO MAX KIT

 NOW IN STOCK 

Micro Palette + Micro Expansion Pans (8) & Adhesive Disks

Classic Palette + Classic Expansion Pans (8) & Adhesive Disks

Classic Expansion Pans (8) & Adhesive Disks

Micro Expansion Pans (8) + Adhesive Disks

Classic Plus Kit

Micro Max Kit

Micro Palette + Half (6) and Full (3) Pans in Clamshell

Micro Palette

Classic Half-Pans (12) + Silicone band + Double-Brush

Classic Palette + Extra Set of Half-Pans (12)

Classic Palette

Follow us #portablepainter.

Meet our New Brand Ambassadors L E A R N   M O R E

Buy 2 or more products & get 10% OFF. Use code MULTIPLE

Your cart is empty

Reward Unlocked!

Get 10% off on

Get 10% off on Refill Sketchpad - A6 Travel Paint Kit

$10.00 $6.00

Travel Friendly Art Supplies for the Modern Age 🎨😍

by our 30,000+ happy customers

Thoughtfully crafted art supplies

Colorsheets - Original 16 Colors

Watercolor Pans - Spring 16 Colors

Colorsheets - Fall/ Autumn 16 Colors

Colorsheets - Spring 16 Colors

Watercolor Pans - Original 16 Colors

A6 Travel Paint Kit (6.2 x 5.3 in)

A5 Travel Paint Kit (8.8 x 7.2 in)

Watercolor Pans - Metallic 15 Colors

Adult Coloring Book - Floral

Adult Coloring Book - Cityscapes

Colorsheets - Metallics 10 Colors

What can you find at viviva.

Everything that makes Art Easy & Fun! That's our only moto ❤

Create without mess or stress

Colors so bright, they jump right off the page

Smaller than a cell phone & ultra light

Skillfully crafted by hand with artist-like precision

100% biodegradable and toxin-free

Pocket-sized paints & accessories

Bundles & new products, watercolors & acrylics, sketchbooks & sketchpads, take a break & relax 😌 we made it easy for you, paint anywhere with no-stress, no-mess.

Why 30,000+ artists prefer Viviva Colors

Fast & safe delivery Worldwide

Lasts for several months

Handmade by Women in our Community

Designed for convenience & fun

Watercolor tutorials & classes featuring Viviva Colorsheets

Hone your watercolor skills while learning tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Viviva Colorsheets.

Colorful Reviews

Rated 5/5 stars by our 30,000+ happy customers SEE All Reviews

Love these Paints SOOO much

I have been using Viviva Colorsheets for about 6 months & it has been life changing! Painting made so easy plus, they are sustainable!

Fabulous Set

I love this special set, it is so easy to take on my caravan trips. The paint is highly pigments & the journals are just perfect size!

So happy I purchased these colours. They are so rich & vibrant and have a metallic sheen! You won't regret buying these!

Lots of Colors

I was impressed with how much color load they provided with just a little water. I like the slim & cute packaging! Easily fits anywhere.

Perfect gift

Thanks to youtuber "Fraffrog" where I saw this product & this was a perfect gift for my gf. She was super happy & excited! Loved the colors & their service!

Brilliant for beginners

Absolutely fantastic product. Really want more of them. Painting made so easy & fun!

Our Partners

Get 10% off your first order!

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and get 10% off your first order, plus access to special offers, free tutorials & more.

Viviva Colorsheets Buy Online

Viviva Colorsheets are the most portable and vibrant watercolors you will use.

Shop Online Viviva Colorsheets with complete convenience

As a result, the colors you see are pure dye and hence very, very vibrant. Global Footprint: -The Viviva Colorsheets, sometimes referred to as watercolor sheets or paint sheets by our customers, are sold all over the world through our website and a network of curated art stores spread across USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and many more. Featured In: -We are proud to have featured on Hochanda TV, UK twice in 2 years with a terrific response each time. In fact, we’ve received a lot of requests to launch a special Viviva Colorsheets UK edition and rest assured, our team is working to make it happen. Crowdfunding: - In addition to this the Viviva Colorsheets, which began as a simple watercolor booklet on crowdfunding website Indiegogo, we have been featured in Country Living, Design Insider, Martha Stewart and Buzzfeed. To round off, our exciting and innovative watercolors are of superior quality guarantee. If there is any issue with the colorsheets when they are delivered to you, we will replace your order for free.

The Viviva Colorsheets Single Set

Our flagship product, the Viviva Colorsheets Single Set has 16 premium watercolors but weighs less than 1.5 Oz! What’s more, they are smaller and thinner than your phone and, if used properly, the Viviva Colorsheets Single Set last as long as a regular half-pan watercolor set. The Viviva watercolor sheets are very, very vibrant. This is because in a regular half-pan set, a lot of binder is used to keep the color together. We make our colorsheets with a unique method that involves affixing the concentrated dye on a sheet of paper with almost no binder.

The Single Set

The Viviva Colorsheets Single Set is our flagship product. A set of 16 premium watercolors that are handmade by women from our local community and are 100% eco friendly. Each colorsheets is handcrafted and sunbaked for a premium, smooth finish.

The Revolutionary Easy-Sketch

Easy-Sketch is our flagship product. The hardest part of creating art is sketching and we have solved it by an elegant looking sketchbook. Now anyone can become an artist in just 3 simple steps! All you need is the Easy-Sketch and an image to sketch, that's all!

The Gift Set

The Viviva Colorsheets Gift Set is designed to be the perfect gift for someone who enjoys art. You receive a Single Set, a waterbrush and a premium, personalised wooden case with text engraving on demand. You can choose to add a quote from Picasso or just a simple ‘I love you’ :)

• Competitions
• Newsletters
• Our Insiders
• How to knit
• The Knitter
• Simply Knitting
• How to crochet
• Simply Crochet
• Product Reviews
• Simply Sewing
• How to quilt
• Quilting templates
• Love Patchwork & Quilting
• Today's Quilter
• Calligraphy
• Printmaking
• Kid's crafts
• How to cross stitch
• Animal cross stitch patterns
• Christmas cross stitch patterns
• World of Cross Stitching
• How to embroider
• Free embroidery patterns
• Love Embroidery
• How to make cards
• Card making downloads
• Patterned papers
• Scrapbooking
• Home repairs
• Interior decor
• Outdoor decor
• Magazine Offers

Paint your adventures with 10 of the best travel watercolour sets

If you enjoy painting outdoors, a travel watercolour set is an essential piece of kit. Discover Gathered’s pick of the best travel watercolour sets

Whether you like to paint on your holidays or simply want a convenient paint set to take with you on the go, a travel watercolour set is just what you need.

Travel watercolour sets are small enough to fit in your bag or slip into a suitcase pocket. They contain a limited selection of colours and are usually enclosed in a sturdy case.

Many travel watercolour sets come with a miniature brush or a water brush to make it more convenient for you to paint wherever you are.

There are sets available to suit all budgets, but we’d recommend looking out for well-known brands such as Winsor & Newton and Daler Rowney. While these sets only include a few paint pans, the quality of the watercolours will be much better than those found in cheaper sets.

If you like adding a touch of sparkle to your paintings, you can also buy gorgeous metallic paint sets to give your art an extra shimmer.

10 best travel watercolour sets

1. winsor & newton cotman pocket watercolour sets.

Winsor & Newton’s compact pocket watercolour sets are ideal for artists who like to paint on the go. These sets include eight paint pans with space to add four more pans of your choice, so you can customise the set to suit your needs. It also comes with a small brush that’s perfect for quick sketches!

The range has four different colour palettes available, including sets designed for portraits, flowers, landscapes and celestial landscapes. This means you can choose the shades that match your painting style.

2. Artway travel watercolour paint set

Looking for travel watercolour paints that won’t break the bank? This set from Artway is affordable without compromising on quality.

It includes 14 watercolour pans in a good selection of shades, such as cadmium red, cobalt blue, leaf green and lemon yellow. The paints are vibrant and dry with a glossy finish.

The robust tin also folds out to create a paint palette for mixing colours together. This is always a useful feature when you’re painting outdoors! There’s a handy miniature brush included too.

3. Sennelier Aqua Mini watercolour tin

Watercolour paint sets don’t come much smaller than this teeny tiny travel tin by Sennelier. It’s very compact and includes just eight paint pans, but they still managed to find space to include a brush.

Sennelier has a great reputation for producing high-quality paints and these watercolours come in a selection of beautifully pigmented shades.

Buy the Sennelier Aqua Mini watercolour tin from Cass Art

4. Daler Rowney Aquafine On the Go watercolour set

This stylish travel watercolour set from Daler Rowney comes in an unusual round tin. The colours are arranged around the outside with a palette and brush in the centre.

The set contains 18 colours, so you’re unlikely to feel restricted. The paints have a beautiful creamy consistency too.

It’s small enough to take with you for a painting session en plein air and provides excellent value for money overall.

This is a good set for beginners looking to buy their first set of travel paints.

5. Winsor & Newton complete pocket set

Winsor & Newton’s Cotman range is aimed at beginners and art students. It’s a good option for anyone looking for decent watercolour paints, especially if you’re not yet ready to upgrade to professional-standard paints.

This set contains 16 beautiful shades to experiment with. As an added bonus, the pocket set also comes with a travel paintbrush, pencil and a mouldable eraser – everything you need to create stunning watercolour sketches on your travels.

Everything you need to know about watercolour painting

Watercolour paints are fantastically versatile and can be used to create everything from portraits to botanical art. Learn everything you need to know about watercolour painting with our comprehensive guide.

6. Winsor & Newton Cotman metallic pocket set

If you want to add some sparkle to your paintings, we’d recommend this mini metallic watercolour set from Winsor & Newton.

With eight shimmering shades, these brilliant paints will give all of your art an extra dimension.

There’s space to fit additional watercolour pans if you’d like, but we’d recommend using the metallic paints alongside a larger watercolour set with a wider range of colours.

7. Derwent Graphitint paint travel set

Strictly speaking, Derwent’s Graphitint paints aren’t strictly watercolours: they’re graphite paints with added colours. You can use them in the same way as watercolours to create paintings in subtle, muted shades.

If you already own watercolours, you might enjoy using this set as a change from conventional watercolours – it’s always good to switch up your painting style now and then!

The set comes in 12 colours with a small water brush and a sponge as an added bonus.

8. Winsor & Newton Professional watercolour field pocket set

If you’re heading off on a special trip, why not treat yourself to an upgraded set of watercolour paints?

While this professional set from Winsor & Newton might seem pricey, the quality of the paint is much higher than the Cotman range. These professional paint pans contain more pigment, so a little goes a long way. The paints are also permanent and lightfast, so your artwork won’t fade over time.

This set could last you for years if you take good care of it and you can easily replace any paint pans that get used up.

9. Schmincke Akademie watercolour set

This brilliant little set of travel watercolour paints from Schmincke includes 12 half pans in bright, lightfast shades.

The paints are highly pigmented and would be suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. The compact set is ideal for travellers, but it also comes in larger sizes if you want a wider selection of colours to choose from.

10. Cass Art Professional watercolour quarter pan

Paint like a pro with this watercolour travel set by Cass Art. It’s always worth checking out own-brand products sold by art stores, as they’re often excellent quality.

This set has a range of brilliant colours that are truly professional quality. It comes with a small brush and the tin itself is strong. For added protection, the Cass Art set comes with a leather travel pouch to keep your paints safe.

The whole set is about the size of a smartphone, so it’s highly portable – perfect for all of your painting expeditions!

• Buy Cass Art professional watercolour quarter pan from Cass Art

The best travel watercolour sets will inspire you to capture your travels

When you’re out and about or travelling, it’s not always convenient to bring lots of heavy art supplies with you. Choosing a travel watercolour set means that you can settle down for a painting session whenever the mood strikes you!

Travel watercolour sets usually contain a more limited range of colours and come in a strong box or tin. These sets often include mini brushes to make your art kit even more convenient to carry. They’re often small enough to fit into a pocket too.

Look out for well-known paint brands, as the paint quality is usually better than the budget options.

Become a better painter with our watercolour techniques guide

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist, there’s always something new to learn. Pick up new tricks and improve your painting style with Gathered’s watercolour techniques guide.

Share this article

Digital Editor, Gathered

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy policy
• Code of conduct
• Complaints escalation
• Manage preferences

Watercolor Painting Travel Kit

Save for later & Share!

• Email this!

Traveling with Watercolors

Have you assembled a watercolor painting travel kit to take with you, outside your usual painting space? Here are some tips to put one together now, with a few variations.

Don’t discard the idea of a small watercolor kit if you’re not the traveling type. Packing watercolors into a compact kit makes you ready for watercolor painting at a friend’s house or a quick watercolor practice study at a local park.

You can also make an evening at home *much more enjoyable* by painting small watercolors with your kit while seated on the couch or at the kitchen table with your family after dinner.

A watercolor painting travel kit doesn’t have to be expensive, or bulky to assemble. It’s best to keep it simple. Lots of supplies and complexity in your kit just guarantees a long setup process or indecision about which tools to use, and that will steal your painting time.

My latest iteration of a mobile painting kit is an 8X8 inch bound watercolor sketchbook, a small watercolor palette with a rubber gasket seal to prevent leaks, and a zippered cloth pouch with 3 brushes, 2 pencils, an eraser, and a ruler. I also carry a shallow rinse cup and a paper towel for blotting.

Zippered Pouch Art Supplies

My lovely stepdaughter – Melanie Ham – makes beautiful zippered pouch sewing tutorials on her YouTube channel. We are the lucky recipients of her prototypes and demo creations.

Before we started collecting Melanie’s pouches, I bought a few on Etsy from this maker . I *love* putting my brushes, pencils, a ruler, and eraser into colorful cloth pouches to take my watercolor supplies on our travels. Filling a pouch with basic art supplies to give as a gift is also a fun thing to assemble.

You can see the zippered pouch I’m using these days in the first photo above, just behind the watercolor sketchbook on the right.

Using a View Catcher

This handy little View Catcher helps adjust the subject you’re going to paint so it matches the aspect ratio of your paper (square, rectangular, etc.). It’s so small and simple, but it has a big impact.

Before you even start to sketch, use this View Catcher tool to frame and “block out” the stuff around your preferred subject.

It helps me to focus and identify simpler, more shape-oriented aspects of a scene. Sometimes, *everything* looks like a potential painting! What to paint, what to paint?! Using the View Catcher helps me feel less overwhelmed when too much information is yelling at my eyeballs.

The little hole on the slider panel also helps with identifying values: looking at a patch of color through the hole – you can ask yourself – is it lighter than the middle-ground, neutral gray color of the plastic slider, or darker?

Watercolor Travel Links

• Here is another post about traveling with watercolors , from the archives, with a focus on plein air paintings, easels, foldable chairs, and a few homemade, DIY workarounds for a rinse cup.
• This post has more tips about packing watercolors for travel , along with a bit of encouragement on your mindset, and links to other artists who post their travel watercolors for your inspiration.
• If you’re traveling internationally, and you have to list the contents of an art supply bag, it’s a good idea to list your paint as Artist Colours, not paints. Here’s more on that .

Watercolor Tutorials

If you get overwhelmed with questions about how to proceed in your watercolor painting adventures, here is a 20-minute video to address some of those questions.

The video linked above is also an essay in praise of watercolor tutorials since the guidance of your tutorial instructor leads you step-by-step – even if the process is foreign to your own. That’s the point of a tutorial, though, isn’t it? To help you stretch and grow and try things you wouldn’t normally attempt on your own.

I hope feel inspired to assemble a watercolor painting travel kit with the tips in this post. If you already have one, and I’ve missed something you love in your own kit, please let us know what you’ve added in the comments.

Thanks for stopping by today, and I’ll see you in the next post!

P.S. Watercolor painter extraordinaire, Shari Blaukopf has a great video course on luminous color in watercolor sketches. Have a look at the details here .

Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. Søren Keirkegrard (1813-1855)

4 thoughts on “Watercolor Painting Travel Kit”

Hi Belinda, hope you’re good, I really liked this post. I love exploring new watercolor kits that I take with me when traveling :). What kind of sketchbooks are the ones you are using here? Do you recommend them? I can see one of them is a Moleskin, but not sure about the grey ones. Thanks!

Hello Joana! It’s good to “see” you again. I hope you and yours are doing well too! For travel watercolor, I do enjoy using the watercolor moleskin, but I also love the Speedball (formerly Global Art Supply brand) watercolor sketchbooks like these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CTJFDE?ie=UTF8&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=bedepefiar-20&linkId=7c6c12193e405ee39396fb3de2301a41&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl The paper is sturdy and the book feels nice in your hands. Happy painting to you!

I love the same Handbook sketchbook in square. I sometimes do a panorama if I have more time outside painting. The paper is excellent for watercolor. I am on number four so I have a library of memories. I write the dates on the spine. I might have picked up the suggestion here from you in the past.

Hi Donna, I agree! The square format works well as a single page or a rectangle double-spread. And the paper takes a beating, and still illuminates color beautifully! However you discovered these watercolor sketchpads, I’m glad we are both enjoying them. Happy painting!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Start typing and press enter to search

Nela Dunato Art & Design

5 types of travel sketching kits i use: watercolor, minimal, study kit & more.

Published by Nela Dunato on March 27, 2021 in Art , Sketchbook , Tips for creatives , Video

Sketching on the go is my favorite pastime, and I have the perfect portable sketching kit for every occasion . From the lightest most minimal everyday kit, to the “art studio in a bag” I take when I travel, one of these five kits goes with me literally everywhere .

About 6 years ago I wrote a blog post What’s in my sketching toolkit? where I’ve shared my favorite sketching tools at that time—it’s interesting to see which ones had remained with me over the years.

Timestamps: 00:13 Minimal sketching kit 04:14 Basic sketching kit 07:02 Watercolor sketching kit 15:16 Study sketching kit 23:37 Travel sketching kit

The following summary contains all the materials I’ve mentioned in the video.

1. Minimal sketching kit

This is the kit that I take with me whenever I leave the house. It’s small and lightweight, so it fits in any of my purse, or even in the pocket of my jacket. It consists of one pen, one pencil, one sketchbook .

This minimal kit is enough to sketch and doodle something if I get bored, but even if I don’t use it, I haven’t wasted a lot of space on it, and what’s even more important, weight. This kit is lighter than my wallet.

Art supplies I’ve mentioned:

• Faber-Castell 0.35mm Mechanical Pencil
• Pilot Metropolitan with a fine nib and Platinum Carbon Black waterproof ink
• Pentel Pocket Kanji Fude Brush Pen
• Royal Talens Art Creation 12×12 cm sketchbook
• Daler Rowney soft cover A5 sketchbook

(Amazon affiliate links. I’ll get paid a few cents if you buy these art supplies using my link, and there’s no extra charge to you.)

2022 update : I switched out the Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen for a vintage Pelikan 140 with a semi-flexible gold nib. I shared more info about that pen in my article on sketching with fountain pens .

2023 update: I got a new bookmark pencil case that fits an A5 sketchbook and can carry up to 4 pencils or pens. I switch the contents all the time, but usually I’ll include both a fountain pen and a brush pen. You can see the pencil case in this short video:

2. Basic sketching kit

When I know I’ll have time to sketch, for example I have a break in between meetings, or I’m attending a conference where I’ll be sitting all day long, I take a different sketching kit that allows me more variety.

My all time favorite sketchbook is the Canson ArtBook Universal in A5 size which has 112 sheets (that’s 224 pages), so these last me a long time, and so far I’ve filled out 4 of them. Because they have so many pages I use them for everything: drawing, sketching, doodling, but also writing notes. So it’s an all-purpose sketchbook for everyday use.

To write with, I bring a pencil case containing an assortment of pencils and pens in my favorite colors. Currently this pencil case contains:

• Pilot Super Grip 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil (Black)
• Rotring Tikky 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil (Red) with Staedtler Mars Micro Color 0.5mm red lead
• Kneadable eraser and a regular eraser (I don’t remember the brands)
• Pentel Art Brush Pens gray and red color
• Uni-ball Signo White Gel Pen Broad
• Pentel Aquash water brush

Depending on my mood, I might replace some ink pens with a few watercolor pencils. But this is basically what I’ve been using for the past few years with small variations.

2022 update : As above, I switched out the Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen for a vintage Pelikan 140 with a semi-flexible gold nib. I shared more info about that pen in my article on sketching with fountain pens .

3. Watercolor sketching kit

I often sketch on the beach, in local parks, or museums. Sometimes I meet with friends and we go sketching together. In that case I’ll bring either my watercolor kit or my study drawing kit.

The sketchbook depends on how much weight I want to carry. If I want to keep it light, I bring a tiny one like this Hahnemuhle A6 sketchbook which comes both in landscape and portrait format. Before that I used the Moleskine A6 sketchbook , which was also pretty good.

If I’m willing to bring something heavier, then it’s usually an A5 size sketchbook with watercolor paper. I don’t have a favorite brand, these were just the sketchbooks was able to find in local stores, and the choice is not that great where I live. I prefer hardbound to spiral-bound because the pages smudge less.

Art supplies I usually carry in my red pencil case:

• Talens Van Gogh and Roman Szmal watercolor paints in a generic metal box
• Prismacolor Col-Erase Non-photo Blue pencil
• vintage Pelikan 140 fountain pen with a semi-flexible gold nib filled with with Platinum Carbon Black waterproof ink
• Jackson’s Nylon Retractable Brush size 9
• Roman Szmal 1/2″ dagger brush
• Raphael SoftAqua 805 watercolor quill brush #0
• White and black gouache paint
• Microfibre cloth
• Bulldog clips
• Water containers

People keep asking me about the red 4YOU pencil case! It truly is an ideal pouch for my needs, it was a lucky find in a local Muller store. I was able to find one on Amazon.de , and some German-only stores as well, including the German Ebay. I doubt you’ll find this exact pouch outside of Europe, though.

2023 update : I replaced a few accessories with newer ones, which you can see in this video:

4. Study sketching kit

This is the kit I take to the museum, or any place outside of my home where I plan to sketch people or animals. The focus is not so much on having a variety of colors, but on ease of use on the go—something that won’t crumble and leave a lot of dust on my clothes.

Art supplies I’ve mentioned in the video:

• Kneadable eraser and a regular eraser
• Watercolor pencils in selected colors: Derwent Inktense , Koh-i-Noor Mondeluz, Conte a Paris
• Conte a Paris pastel pencils
• Derwent Studio colored pencils set of 12
• Van Gogh sketch pencils set of 12
• Kum 4 in 1 pencil sharpener

Sketchbooks I’ve shown in the video are Canson 180° ArtBook Universal in A4 size size and Hahnemühle Kraft in A5 size.

2022 update : I bought a beautiful pencil roll of Faber-Castell Polychromos, I wrote a short review of them here . I haven’t taken them on a study sketching session yet, but they’re my main color pencil set now.

5. Travel sketching kit / Portable art studio

I take this kit with me on weekend trips or vacations when I don’t have to worry about weight too much. It provides a decent balance of flexibility and portability, and it contains materials that I’m currently using most often (this varies from time to time, so what you see in the video is a snapshot at a specific point in my life).

It contains everything from my watercolor sketching kit (see #3 above), plus a few additional tools:

• Derwent Inktense watercolor pencils (a few selected colors)
• Caran d’Ache Neocolor II pastels (a few selected colors)
• Small scissors
• Sticky notes
• KUM 4 in 1 pencil sharpener

I usually pack 2 sketchbooks—one watercolor sketchbook and one “workhorse” sketchbook for pencil and ink, doodles, and writing notes.

What’s in your sketching kit?

Feel free to share your favorite sketchbooks, art supplies, pencil cases and bags in the comments!

I love learning what other folks are using in their art, especially if you have any clever tricks that you learned from your experience of working on the go.

More sketchbook videos

• My favorite black, white & red mixed media art supplies (video compilation)
• 3 video sketchbook tour compilation: Watercolor & mixed media
• Art “just” a hobby? + Creepy portrait drawing process video
• Why I Think Every Visual Creative Should Keep A Sketchbook (+ Video sketchbook flip)

More content like this:

Get the free chapter of my book “The Human Centered Brand”

“The Human Centered Brand” is a guide for service-based business owners who want to craft an authentic brand that’s rooted in their values, and leverages their unique personality. Enter your contact details below, and the free chapter, workbook, checklist, and other bonuses will be sent to your inbox right away!

Optionally, you may choose to subscribe to regular email updates with branding tips, articles, resources, workshops, etc. You also have the option of receiving Nela's Letters with articles on art, design, cultivating creative productivity and growing your business, plus exclusive members-only content and special offers delivered via email.

I want to receive emails on the following topics:

“The Human Centered Brand” book updates & resources

Nela's Letters on creativity, art, business & personal growth

Your contact information is safe, and will not be used in ways other than stated on this page. Read the Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal information is stored and processed.

Affiliate disclosure : Some articles contain links to products on Amazon or Jackson's Art Supplies. I get paid a small commission from purchases made using my affiliate link, at no extra charge for you.

6 responses to “5 types of travel sketching kits I use: watercolor, minimal, study kit & more”

I really enjoyed this peak into your supplies :) You gave me some practical ideas! I’m also an aspiring light traveler and very nervous whenever I take more stuff than I end up use. I usually decide to only do the sketching, so I take one or two pocket mixed media sketchbooks, set of soft and hard graphites and three pieces of dry pastels for sketching (black, umber and brown). Sometimes I take markers or ink pens. I would really like to include more colors in the future and probably will :)

Thank you, Martina! ❤ Haha I know exactly what you’re talking about. I tend to pack way more than I need, and end up using one quarter of it…

Do the pastels work well for you? I love how soft they are, but the dust makes such a mess that I’m afraid to use them outside of home. Pastel pencils don’t make quite so much dust, but I still only take them when I plan to sketch people or animals.

I’d love to see some of your traditional drawings too! :)

Is there any way to locate that pen organizer in your watercolor kit? That’s exactly what I’m looking for.

Betty, I was able to locate it on German Amazon (4YOU is a German stationery brand). https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00KID6EKO/

I know Amazon.de ships to the rest of Europe, but I doubt you’ll find this exact pouch outside of Europe since it’s not a huge brand. It was truly a lucky find in a local store. I hope you do find it, or something like it!

Red puch link please

I don’t know where to buy it online! I bought mine in a local store.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Does your brand need a bit of magic dust?

I can become your design fairy godmother and transform your brand from a frog into a prince.

This website uses cookies. You can accept, or opt-out of cookies if you wish. Learn More