Studio to Saddlebag: What I Bring on a Road Trip
mix of art supplies for my latest adventure
There’s nothing quite like a backroad at golden hour, dust kicking up behind the truck, and the horizon stretching wide open. Road trips aren’t just escapes for me they’re part of my art practice. The West isn’t something I paint from memory alone. I have to go out and experience it. Whether I’m chasing the light in Monument Valley for a watercolor, photographing curious cattle., or just pulling over to sketch a gnarled mesquite tree, I like to travel light but never unprepared. Keep in mind length of the trip and space available makes the biggest impact on what you can and can’t bring in your saddlebag (or backpack, or glovebox). If all you have room for is a small sketchbook and a mechanical pencil that is ok.
For this entry I’ll be going over what I’m bringing on this ten day trip from Kansas to Washington. Space is very limited we did decide to bring the camper but I will have my husband, kids and dogs all with me.
Art Supplies
I always bring the largest sketchbook I have room for and handful of trusty pencils. A portable watercolor kit is super nice when you’re sitting around a campfire but this trip we’re going with watercolor pencils and a separate small watercolor pad. Even without a watercolor kit I still bring an assortment of brushes to use to paint with coffee some mornings.
Sketchbook
Sketching Pencil (4H-6B and woodless)
Tortillons (blending stumps)
Erasers (vinyl and kneaded)
Pencil sharpener
Charcoal Pencils (including white)
Micron Pen Set (005-08)
Watercolor Paper Pad
Watercolor Pencil Set
Small selection on paintbrushes (Liner, round, angle, flat and filbert)
Photography Gear
Most of the reference I use in my paintings comes from my own photography. I’ll pack my old and trusty DSLR and my most versatile lens. Since we are taking the camper I’ll actually bring multiple lenses but note if this was just what I could fit in a saddlebag I would only have one lens and make it work.
I always shoot with light, perspective and storytelling in mind: low angles of longhorns, close-ups of boot-worn stirrups, dramatic shadows cast across the landscapes all bring the image to life. If it doesn’t make an interesting and dynamic photo it’s not going to translate to a piece I want to spend days or weeks developing.
Camera Bag (I use a padded backpack)
Camera (I use a Canon 6D)
Battery Charger
Extra Battery
Extra SD Card
24-105mm Lens (if I have room I will bring a 300mm as well and a fixed 50mm)
Practical Tools
My road kit includes:
A solid pair of cowboy boots
A pair of comfy driving shoes
My favorite hat
Sunglasses
A thermos of black coffee
A gallon of water
Sunscreen and tallow moisturizer
A physical map in case there is no service
There’s also a headlamp, a pocketknife, and a pair of worn gloves tucked into my door panel. I’ve learned not to underestimate roadside surprises.
Sentimental Must Haves
Not a necessity on this trip but in past trips a recent polaroid of my family is something that rides with me if they are not along for the journey.
When the Camper Comes Along
If I’m towing the camper like this trip, I pack differently. There’s all the storage I could ask for. But even when it’s just the truck, I make it work. Art doesn’t need much space just purpose, some creativity and a patch of light. This time the camper is going to be full up with the kids and dogs necessities but I can bring more lenses for my camera and my own coffee and coffee press.
Closing Thoughts
It’s not the gear that makes the artist. Pack what you need and what you can, but don’t let the lack of supplies stop you. If all you have is a hand sized sketch book and a single pencil wrapped in your bedroll, that’s enough. Use what you have, make it count.
What do you bring on your own creative road trips? Drop it in the comments. I’m always curious what rides shotgun with other wanderers.
Keep your boots dusty and your coffee strong,
MERC