Friday, October 14, 2016

why I make a rubbish urban sketcher

Today, for once, I am going to travel light. I'm going monotone so all I need is a black pen. Maybe two.
I'll take one sketchbook. Two black pens, one fine nib fountain pen, one brush pen and the obligatory bulldog clip.
I will need to take refills for the fountain pen. I might take my dip pen, just in case, too. 
Mustn't forget my glasses. But, I'm really impressed with how light I'm travelling. 
I'm thinking, though, that I might as well take one or two fine liners. I'm going to take a paint brush too because I'll probably want to put a wash over whatever it is I draw. Might just take my back up fountain pen and back up brush pen too. That's all though.
But then if I'm taking a paint brush I'll need some water. I'll take a jar with diluted black ink in. Then I could take a water brush with clean water in. Yes, I'll do that. I might take two jars of water with two different inky-water mixes in. And one white pen.
I think what I'll do is take another sketchbook so I have a choice in paper size/format. I don't want to get there and not have the right shaped paper. So that's all I'm going to take. Hold on...
There's no point in taking a dip pen if I haven't got a bottle of ink. One bottle of black ink. That's all I need. I think I'll take my 'Little Reference Book of Noses' too. That's always useful. In fact, it's essential.
Thing is, what if I need a bit of colour? Just a little splash of colour. I regretted it the last time I didn't take any and needed some red. I'll put the ink box in. I could always leave it in the car when I get there. Just because I'm putting it in the car doesn't mean I'll be carrying it all over town. That's a good idea. A good back up plan.
And, if that's the case I might as well take a few bottles of coloured inks. Back up. Sod it I'll take a bag full of them. You never know which colour you'll need.
And that is why I make a rubbish urban sketcher.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hilarious!! I recently did a sketch trip, and had at least 20lbs of stuff, just to make sure!! And what did I use? Two ballpoint pens and a pencil. :)

Making A Mark said...

Too funny! Bigger bags is the answer...

Miz Dee said...

Oh, this is so familiar!

wibbler said...

So so true :)

I need orange said...

I don't think this makes you a rubbish urban sketcher -- it just slipped your mind that you needed to engage a bearer. Who can also hold your umbrella over you, if necessary.............

:-)

Tanja Madsen said...

Haha, wonderful read! Let's NOT keep it simple :D

dinahmow said...

When I've stopped laughing like a drain...I might come back with a sensible comment. Or I might clean out the (jammed) draw that holds nearly all of my take-it-and-go-sketching things.Except sketch books because they don't fit in there so they are in a cupboard.Oh, look! There's my old bamboo pen...

Yeah, maybe I'll come back later...

Roma said...

Ha-ha-ha! I got a tickle out of this post because it is EXACTLY what I do each and every time! Thanks for letting me see the humor of it!

Janna said...

Hahahaha - I love this post!!! It reminds me of th children's story, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," but this one is for artists. I'd definitely buy this book!!!

Unknown said...

Don't forget your raincoat and boots funny lady.

Serena Lewis said...

Haha...this is so me! :)

Terry said...

nice to know its not just me who has the same problem its also the same with my handbag its full of 'just in case' things but as my husband says with the weight it is it should be classified as a weapon as one clout with that would send anybody flying

Unknown said...

I am laughing SO hard right now, because this sounds exactly like me! I bought this cute little "messenger bag" to go out sketching with and my husband was laughing so hard. By the time I stuffed that thing with all of the 'essentials' I needed, it was bulging and lumpy and no longer very cute at all. Plus, the darned thing was HEAVY! Still laughing. Thanks for sharing!

Rae said...

OMG, that's so me!
Minus about 2-3 lbs. more.
I just can't do it any other way.
Hard as i try a minor panic sets in when I
try to eliminate 'extras'....
I'm learning to accept myself the way I am.

hahaha

Rae Ecklund

Rae said...

OMG, that's so me!
A minor panic sets in when I try to downsize.
I am learning to accept myself the way I am
when it comes to packing.
Joy comes when that little obscure tool is actually
used.
Then I love myself again.

Rae Ecklund

Lynn Cohen said...

Laughing hysterically! Did the same this morning getting ready to head out... did not travel light. Need shoulder strengthening exercises!

Debora Missoorten said...

This is soooo recognizable and at the same time a 'consolation' I am not the only one .Thanks for sharing !

Raeecklund@ail.com said...

So one last comment: why aren't we using those wonderful little black make-up luggage carry-on bags with wheels. Some convert to backpacks. Wheels are the answer and what if it converted to a seat?

raeecklund@aol.com said...

So one last comment: why aren't we using those wonderful little black make-up luggage carry-on bags with wheels. Some convert to backpacks. Wheels are the answer and what if it converted to a seat?

Tim said...

That's the Andrea I know.... I was quite concerned at first, but it all became clear.

Great work on here too.

Eden said...

Oh Boy, can I relate! Possibly I'd do better if I signed up for a challenge or made my own challenge that only send a certain tool or color! Love this 😀😀😀

RAE ECKLUND said...

Maybe it has already been suggested but here goes ......

WHEELS!

AND MAYBE AFTER THAT, A MOTORIZED SKOOTER OUTFITTED WITH A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING IN YOUR DROP DOWN SADDLE BAGS. POSSIBLY ON THE REVERSE SIDE COULD BE A PICNIC LUNCH AND A BOTTLE OF CHARDONNAY OF YOUR CHOICE.