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I am an organized person by nature and the idea of having
everything I need for a sketch outing in a compact organized space delights me
to no end! Over the years I have honed a set-up that works for me. I keep my
sketch bag packed with all the necessary items so when I get a chance to escape
outdoors...I grab the bag and go! No need to worry about forgotten items. I
have been carrying a sketchbag around for so long people have nicknamed it the
“Brenda Bag”. Fellow artists and students all over the country have fallen in
love with the bag. You just can’t beat it!

Recently I retired my original sketchbag. It wasn’t worn out, but dingy looking. Actually it wasn’t in bad shape considering it had been hauled around the country for nearly 9 years and to Europe 5 times! I found my sketch bag at a tool store. If you are interested check out Harbor Freight Tools and look for the “Rigger Bag”.
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Sketching Supplies |
I made a few alterations to the original bag but nothing
drastic. I took some of the stitching out to open up the pockets on the sides to accommodate
my sketching supplies.
Happy Sketching!
Brenda
What a great post! I am new to watercolor and this is very helpful. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou are so generous with your ideas.
ReplyDeleteHarbor freight tools is now "back ordering" these bags.
I'll bet you are causing a "run" on the item.
But really they are so reasonable.
The only downside is that you can't carry these too far once loaded up and they don't go over your shoulder.
I an thinking that a luggage carrier (fold up kind) might be nice if you have to walk any distance.
I also have one of those fold up wheeled carts from Office Depot that might work. And I could put a small folding chair and umbrella in that as well (and a thermos of coffee). Things like sun tan lotion, a hat, bug spray, and a small bottle of water could go in the cart too.
Ginny, You are so observant! A carrying strap would be good...you can't see it in the picture but I have added an grommet in two places so I can clip on a shoulder strap when needed. The cart is a good idea accept when you are in a nature area with a dirt, rocks or sand... or in Europe where the street are cobble stones.
DeleteHappy Sketching!
Brenda
I love this bag, Brenda. Whenever I see mine, I think of you!
ReplyDeleteJuliana, How are you?! I hold fond memories of the wonderful days we spent in Tuscany.
DeleteLove the bag! Can you describe how you are keeping your brush tips from getting out of shape? It looks like they are in place against a firm surface that is taller than the longest brush, but I'm not clear how you are keeping them in place. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood question! I use a Masonite board cut slightly taller than my brushes. On the board I glued a piece of non-slip material. I use a wide elastic band to hold the brushes in place.
DeleteHi Brenda, I (formerly Ink & Aquarelle) have opened a new blog. I took some time away to draw and to travel. Do stop over. I love your lessons, your images & your spirit. Hopefully we'll still get you up to Maine for a workshop.
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking in...I am wandering over to see your new blog, now!
DeleteI would love to teach in Maine...someday!
Thanks for sharing, Brenda! I'm new to watercolor and your ideas and tips are very helpful. Two of my kids live in SoCal, so maybe I'll be able to attend one of your workshops sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog lined from the Anacortes Urban Sketchers and I am enjoying reading the "back issues". Having a sketch bag to grab and go is an excellent idea. I see you're in Pasadena..... I used to live in Garden Grove. But now I'm in the Seattle area and this kind of bag wouldn't stand up to our wet weather. After having almost everything get wet during an October sketch outing with our group here, I bought a waterproof backpack from REI! I can't actually sketch IN the rain (doesn't work well with watercolor!) but getting to and from involves walking the rain.
ReplyDeleteThanks again.
--Kate
PS I'll keep your son in my thought and prayers! I'm retired but my specialty was Oncology Social Work.
Kate, Nice to hear you found my blog and enjoy it. Rain does have a way of messing with our supplies.
DeleteThank you for the good thoughts and prayers!
Happy Sketching!
I bought this bag at Harbor Freight and it is an AMAZING watercolor bag - thank you so much for the idea to add grommets for a strap, and the idea to remove some stitches! I am in love with this bag and would never have found it if it weren't for your blog! Blessings to you!!!
ReplyDeleteLori, It's a great bag! Glad you are enjoying it. ~Happy Sketching
DeleteBrenda I just bought this bag, and I love it, I certainly will be removing some of the stitching to make room for bigger items to fit, thank u for all you'd wonderful advice...
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome...Enjoy!
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