Urban sketching is a rewarding practice that combines observation, travel, and art. Whether you are a beginner attending Drawing Week Brussels or a seasoned sketcher exploring the city, having the right supplies makes a difference. This guide covers the essential sketching supplies for urban drawing, with specific recommendations, prices in euros, and local Brussels retailers where you can buy them.
Choosing the Right Sketchbook
The sketchbook is your foundation. For urban sketching, portability and paper quality matter most. A common choice is the Moleskine Art Collection (plain or watercolour) in A5 or pocket size. Priced around €16–€22, they are available at many Brussels bookshops such as Filigranes and Tropismes. Another favourite is the Stillman & Birn Beta Series (€18–€25), which has a vellum surface ideal for pen and light wash. For those who prefer spiral-bound, the Strathmore 400 Series (€12–€18) offers good value.
Consider paper weight: 100–140 lb (150–300 gsm) handles ink and light watercolour without buckling. If you work with wet media, choose a watercolour sketchbook like the Winsor & Newton Cotman (€20–€30).
Pens and Inks
Urban sketchers typically use waterproof, fade-resistant ink. The Sakura Pigma Micron pens (€3–€5 each) are a staple, available in sizes 01, 03, and 05. They are pigment-based and waterproof. Another popular option is the Uni Pin Fine Line (€2.50–€4) – similar quality and price. For a more expressive line, try Lamy Safari fountain pens with De Atramentis Document Ink (€15–€20 for pen, €10 for ink). These are refillable and eco-friendly.
Brush pens add variety: the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen (€12–€16) uses waterproof ink and allows variable line widths. For colour, consider Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens (€3–€5 each) in sepia or grey tones.
Pencils and Erasers
Pencils are essential for initial sketches. A mechanical pencil like the Rotring 600 (€20–€30) offers consistent line width. For graphite pencils, the Staedtler Mars Lumograph set (€10–€15 for 6 pencils) in grades HB, 2B, and 4B covers most needs. A kneaded eraser (€2–€4) lifts graphite without damaging paper, while a plastic eraser like the Staedtler Mars Plastic (€1.50) is good for clean erasing.
Watercolour Sets
Portable watercolour sets are perfect for adding colour on location. The Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers' Pocket Box (€25–€35) includes 12 half-pans and a mixing area. Another excellent option is the Schmincke Aka-Demy set (€30–€40) with 12 half-pans. For a budget-friendly choice, the Kuretake Gansai Tambi set (€20–€25) offers vibrant colours. If you prefer tubes, get a watercolour field kit like the Art Toolkit Palette (€35–€50) and fill it with your own colours.
Don't forget a water brush – the Pentel Aquash Water Brush (€6–€8) has a reservoir and is ideal for sketching. Also carry a small spray bottle (€2) for wetting paper.
Accessories and Carrying Solutions
Keep your supplies organised and accessible. A shoulder bag or crossbody bag with multiple compartments works well. Brands like Rickshaw Bagworks (€40–€70) or Tom Bihn (€50–€100) are durable. For a budget option, a simple canvas messenger bag (€20–€30) from a local shop like Brussels Bags suffices.
Other useful accessories:
- Folding stool – lightweight and compact (€15–€25)
- Clip-on lamp for evening sketching (€10–€15)
- Portable chair – the Helinox Chair One (€100) is ultralight
- Water bottle (reusable) – stay hydrated
- Hat and sunscreen for outdoor sessions
Where to Buy Supplies in Brussels
Brussels has several excellent art supply stores. Bureau & Co (Rue des Éperonniers 60) stocks Moleskine, Sakura, and Winsor & Newton products. Boes & Boes (Rue du Midi 110) offers a wide range of paper and pens. Papier Plume (Rue des Chartreux 16) specialises in fountain pens and inks. For watercolours, visit Art & Craft (Chaussée de Waterloo 690) – they have Schmincke and Kuretake sets.
Online retailers like BOL.com and Amazon.fr deliver to Brussels, but supporting local shops is recommended. Many stores offer student discounts – bring your ID.
Packing Tips for Urban Sketching
When heading out, pack light. A typical kit includes:
- 1 sketchbook (A5 or pocket)
- 2–3 pens (e.g., Micron 01, 05, and a brush pen)
- 1 mechanical pencil and 2 graphite pencils (HB, 2B)
- 1 eraser (kneaded)
- 1 watercolour set (pocket box)
- 1 water brush
- Small spray bottle
- Foldable stool (optional)
- Water bottle and snacks
Use a pouch or pencil case to keep items from rattling. The Lihit Lab Teffa pouch (€10–€15) is perfect. For more advice, read our Urban Sketching Basics guide.
Additional Resources
If you want to improve your skills, attend a workshop at Drawing Week Brussels. Many sessions focus on perspective and watercolour techniques – our Perspective Drawing Tutorial and Watercolor Wash Techniques are great starting points. For location inspiration, check Best Spots for Urban Sketching in Brussels.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
You don't need expensive gear to start. A basic set from Action or Hema (€5–€10) can suffice for practice. As you progress, invest in better quality. Many sketchers use Staedtler Triplus Fineliners (€2 each) and Daler-Rowney Simply Watercolour sets (€10–€15). Remember, the best supply is the one you carry with you.