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You've asked what are my favorites, so here they are!
Art Supplies and Tools
I believe the best supplies and tools are the ones you LIKE to use. There is not a perfect one that makes you a better drawer. Please try out different ones until you find the one that suits you.
Where to buy: Please visit your local art store to support them! However, if you decide to go online, I receive a commission if you choose to buy from the Amazon links below. Thank you!
Brush with a water reservoir inside.
Brush with a water reservoir inside.
Pentel Aquash waterbrush
Fine point, Large
This is my primary brush to use with watercolors in the field. It has it's own water reservoir so I don't need to carry around water.
I have a cloth or paper towel to clean the brush between colors. It's large size bristles holds good amount of water and paint for big washes, yet has a fine point for painting smaller details.
LAMY Al-star Fountain Pen
set with pen, converter
This is the pen i use for all my journaling.
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Medium point gives a broader tip to prevent me getting too much in the weeds like I would with a fine tip. ( I can also turn the pen so that I can make finer lines)
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Aluminum body, instead of the plastic ones (LAMY Safari)
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Converter so I can refill ink -and not have to throw away empty cartridges
I use waterproof ink so that I can use watercolor paint over the drawing.
Canson Mixed Media Sketchbook
7x10 inches, spiral
I used this for several years because its the perfect size- small enough to ensure I'll carry it and large enough that I am not cramped in journaling.
The paper is not expensive, so reduced my fear of 'messing up' a page.
It has some texture for watercolor, and not too much so that you can write and draw with pen and pencils.
Make your own journal--course page.
Blank simple journals
These are great economical, simple blank sketchbooks. I like to have one in my pocket when I go out on a nature walk. I've used these as my journal when I'm traveling ultra-light. Paper is like copier paper, about 24# weight.
Inexpensive enough to give away to those interesting in journaling with you.
This is sold in a box of 24.
Sakura Koi travel watercolor Kit 12 colors
Here is an economical travel kit with enough colors to mix what you observe in nature
I prefer to use the Large Pentel Aquash waterbrush instead of the mini one it comes with.
Colored Pencils:
Prismacolor Premiere
I am partial to Prismacolor. I've used them for over 25 years and love the rich color and thick lead.
This set gives you a nice assortment of nature colors.
Watercolors: Daniel Smith
I used inexpensive watercolors for a long time, and one day I tried Daniel Smith Extra Fine watercolor, I just loved the rich pigments! So, gradually I replaced each color pan with a new paint over time.
I make my own travel palette by squeezing paint from the tube into the half-pans, letting it dry before I close the case and take it in my journal bag!
Here's a basic set of 6- you can make any color with this combination.