To Kaleb, who asked me on YouTube if I’d ever updated my urban sketch kit: I SHRUNK IT!

I’d always been trying to peel things back more. But then added more. Agh! I still do USE those other things, like my sketchbook easel. But I save that for a dedicated outing – when I know I’ll be going out, when I have a plan, etc. But I’ve found that for day-to-day sketching, I am doing more since I have cut back on the kit. Let’s talk about what’s in it!

Tutorial: Revamped! 2025 kit for urban sketching

Watch the video below and scroll to the end to leave comments or questions — or click HERE to watch it on YouTube and leave comments over there. I read both dutifully!

My kit really IS small.

The 5×8 sketchbook is the largest item! The case is about 7″ long. My cup is oversized for the need. But hey, I can carry ALL of this in one hand. Chair in the other. Easy peasy!

Advantages of a small kit are myriad!

1. Easy to transport. No excuses.
2. Tucks into a backpack, purse, car glove box……
3. Eliminates hemming and hawing over which of 5 sketchbooks to pull from a stuffed backpack.
4. Color choices are limited – so forces practice mixing. Always good.
5. Very little maintenance to keep it sketch-ready.
6. Not expensive since you don’t need to buy all the colors or all the sketchbooks.

Sketchbook idea

Have you tried sketching your kits as you change out items? It’d be great to date them and see how your supplies changed over time. Make notes about what you swapped out and why so you don’t revert back in 20 years when you forgot why you didn’t like an item back then.

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Styles of sketching

I have so mannnny styles, depending on my mood. Lately I’ve been trying to practice editing ruthlessly to get down to simple basics. This sketchbook is dedicated to that style – and that’s what’s in the new class too! Going through the planning and filming, I realized if I keep my brain focused on that, I don’t tend to try to stuff in all the details.

Urban Sketching Jumpstart Class

The new class is in pre-registration period right now! That means a deeper discount than normal; I like to reward the early adopters! I’ve got everything filmed but it takes lots to edit, process photos, write up lessons….so the Preclass lesson is done now, and has the first 2 pages for you to work on in your own book, plus elements you can set up for future lessons. Along with, of course, the supply list. 

I plan on having everything fully ready for Saturday the 19th, I’m so excited to see people sketching!!