Materials for Plein Air in the Netherlands

What art supplies should I bring?

This question comes up every time I prepare for a trip. Sometimes I take a small sketchbook and pastel pencils; other times, I bring a portable box of pastel.

Very soon, at the end of April, we’re planning a cycling and painting trip to the Netherlands.

This format of plein air allows for part of the materials to be carried on the bike, so they don’t need to be carried by hand—a significant advantage!

This means I can bring more pastel and pencils. Large-format paper isn’t practical since a large drawing board won’t fit on the bike. So, small sketchbooks with a sturdy cardboard backing for support are the best option.

I’ll be taking a Fabriano sketchbook (24×32 cm) with Ingres paper for general use, along with a few sheets of Pastelmat in the same size for more painterly works. Additionally, I’ll bring a sketchbook with smoother black or gray paper for drawing with pastel pencils. This could be a Derwent sketchbook with black paper (30×30 cm) or a Toned Gray Strathmore (23×30 cm). This is my choice for this season, but everyone can bring the paper they are most comfortable working with.

As for pastels, I’ll pack a set that works well for me, and it changes every year. Usually, it’s made up of sticks from different brands, broken into thirds to fit more into the box. If you’re curious, you can read about what I took on past trips here and here.

Last time, I brought a wooden pochade box, which looked fantastic against the backdrop of the sea and windmills. However, this time I plan to take a tripod with a special box that attaches to it.

The box itself is a bit heavy, but it holds a lot of pastel sticks. It can be packed in a suitcase and later carried in a bag on the bike.

I’ll also bring pencils, like last time, for sketching on smoother paper, as well as a kneaded eraser and a couple of charcoal pencils.

P. S.:

For students traveling with me, I recommend bringing a foam seat pad for comfortable sitting or a small folding stool. If you prefer standing, you can bring a lightweight pochade box or a tripod with a pastel box like mine, but it’s not mandatory. Don’t forget wet wipes.

Choose your paper based on your preferences. You can take one sketchbook and tuck a few sheets of different types of paper into it instead of carrying full sketchbooks. For those who don’t mind the weight—bring everything you need!

Take care of yourselves.

See you in the Netherlands!