How to travel with art supplies | Can you fly with paints? | My travel art supplies

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It’s hit or miss based on the country and the person inspecting your bag. I had gouache tubes taken from me even though they were small enough and inside my allowed plastic bag. In both USA and Germany. Super frustrating. Definitely recommend dried Watercolor or gouache in pans - with *maybe* a fresh tube of white, because it’s PAINFUL when you see your expensive paint taken away 😭

[@annadownya]

I've read that it's harder to get INTO the US with questionable stuff because no one wants to be the airline that let something dangerous into the US.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

@@annadownya Maybe? But I was traveling within the states, it happened in California.

[@jennw6809]

@@SarahBurnsStudio Ouch!! It's so true, I had traveled with icepacks to keep food cold once, but another time they were taken away! You just never know.

[@BeachMum]

Many airports WILL allow you to ship your stuff home if it won’t fit! All you have to do is ask! It helps to get there super early to find out sooner rather than later and not have to worry! Also, putting them in your checked baggage helps not have to worry at all-IF they don’t lose your bag, that is! Also, if you allow your paints to dry, they won’t count as a liquid which they limit more so than solid items.

[@fsun655]

I don't understand why/how your gouache tubes could have been confiscated! If they are legal by TSA standards (flash point above 150F, and 3.4 oz tubes fit into 1 quart size bag), they cannot take that away from you (even as carryon, and definitely not checked luggage). What were the specific circumstances that lead to that? Pls share. Thanks!

[@lisathaviu1154]

One of my preferred water containers for a limited space is a silicone cupcake cup. They just collapse in the bag and can be filled with water from my bottle which I always carry with me. Also, it’s good to have a few clean rags for wiping. Paper towels are good, but rags can be rinsed and reused.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you Lisa! x

[@BeachMum]

I love how you mentioned how you first imagined the colors you thought you’d use while you were there!

[@wcoyotej]

I love this setup, the whole thing!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you! So glad you liked it x

[@hannahthufvesson]

There's also self adhesive whiteboard film that you can buy (instead of palette paper)! I put it in vintage tins! ☺️ I tried spray paint first, it was a bad idea.. 🙈

[@hannahthufvesson]

@@SketchesnScrubs Haha, yeah, the "what not to do"-bit is underrated 😂🙈 I do scrub it with one of those magic sponges/erasers first!! It helps to reduce the colour beading up on the surface. And I paint with watercolors ☺️

[@jennw6809]

Great tip Hannah - I have some of that stuff, and never thought to use it. It cuts really easily. I got mine from MC Squares, but there are probably knockoff brands out there. I always prepare my palettes with a magic eraser or very fine steel wool so it doesn't bead; my Schmincke palette is the only one that didn't need that. I have heard you can use "appliance enamel" spray paint, but have not tried it myself.

[@hannahthufvesson]

@@jennw6809 Thanks Jenn! ☺️ I like your tip! Enamel spray paint, you say! I'm gonna look into that!

[@silviabou5635]

Love the idea of the metal tin for extra mixing space. Thanks!

[@1lorett1]

Wonderful tips! As a new watercolor painter, this is super helpful!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Glad it was helpful! Happy new year x

[@amberclosterman-wyatt1569]

Love the palette paper tin hack! Looking forward to travel painting/sketching this summer!

[@CreatingCuteArt]

Already loved the sneak peek!!

[@rocksandglassstore]

Nice, helpful reminder to pack paint tubes in a clear bag.

[@NancyTipton-u8e]

Watercolor sticks are a great alternative to tubes or pans. They also have their own carrying cases (Daniel Smith, each carrying case holds five sticks with each stick having its own compartment inside the case, very inexpensive). You might want to carry a small chamois cloth or… for dabbing your brush… Great & helpful video for travel. Thank you for sharing.😊

[@lisagiuliani8167]

Aqua brushes for travel are my favorite!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing Lisa! They can certainly be handy x

[@edkmall]

Love the small stay wet palette! Great video. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@SketchesnScrubs]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching x x

[@INCWorks]

This is brilliant and covers pretty much everything I'd want to travel with. Your magnet system is so clever. 👍

[@HumdrumCurio]

They have rechargeable pocket/hand warmers that will also charge your phone in a pinch 😁 my fingers tend to get cold but I loose too much dexterity if I try to draw with thick gloves on 🥲

[@julienotsmith7068]

I had a long, 24 half pan palette arrive in a really nice box with a magnetic lid. I put my brushes in it, and put it in my bag with the bristles pointing up. Never had a problem, but I’ve never flown with it, just trips by car.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for sharing Julie! x

[@ericad3850]

Great video! I cannot travel much due to my poor health. However, I go to a lake house 2-3 times each summer. My aunt and I like to do various arts and crafts. She even brings her sewing machine with her. Luckily, we are close enough to the lake to drive there, rather than having to fly or whatnot. My suitcase is heavy and I'm not ashamed! lol

[@HeyPainting]

So love your nice video sharing!!100% ~Thanks !my friend! have a beautiful day!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Crowquill277]

The folding mat to sit on is an upgrade I’m going to look into. Have been using a piece of stiff foam sleeping mat that I’d cut to fit into my painting bag. Doubles as padding there, but something smaller is tempting! Good video, thanks for posting

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for watching and your kind words! I hope the folding mat serves you well in your art travels x

[@lindyashford7744]

I use yupo paper for palette space or in palettes that I have made myself, it is washable and reusable and with the exception of a couple of very staining pigments like phthalocyanine blus and quin violet any paint will clean right off. I do not stick it in, just cut it to be a good fit. Works great with granulating colours as in general they do not stain much.

[@mentalmadness5402]

I love to travel with neocolor ii. They are really fun watercolour crayons. They have amazing texture and are so, so portable. You should try them. I can get away with just paper, pencil, neocolor ii and waterbrushes with great results.

[@nomadfae]

I recently acquired some magnetic sheeting that is white on one side, to create mixing area in some tiny watercolor tins. You just cut it to size, no glue dots required. Got it from Blick or Jerry's [I forget]. LOVE it!

[@Lulu.G-61]

I love the little gouache palette! I normally don’t work with gouache but I think it’s really cool anyway

[@tainadelcaribe]

Oh, I miss Venezia! If I had been into watercolors back then for any of the 3 times I went to lovely Venezia, I would’ve probably spent the day doing just that (or at least attempting it)!

[@jennw6809]

Well, I recently scheduled a trip for continuing education to Lake Tahoe (I've never been, but it's stunningly beautiful with super clear water that is turquoise and green in the shallows). I'll stay one day extra to enjoy, and obviously I need to paint. So this will be my first time to fly with watercolors, and this video couldn't be more helpful!

[@jejulife_pause]

good tips. thanks ❤❤❤

[@wumblebumblebee]

As an ex-smoker i found my old tobacco tin, its about 2.5 x 3.5 inch and has a hinged lid. I lines the shallow side with stick on vinyl and used stick on magnets on my pans so they stay still and dont rattle about, top it off with a sliver of sponge and there we go! A 10 - 15 pan travel set with interchangeable colours 👍 Great vid btw - thank you - off to look for magnet clips now!

[@elizabeththompson6345]

Thanks for giving me some ideas for my trip to New Mexico in 2024. I was looking for a sensible size bag to carry my art supplies in and I now have some smart solutions. Take care!

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Glad it was helpful! Have a wonderful time in New Mexico! xx

[@margaretspringer9197]

I watched this video early this morning based on YT's recommendation, and have spent hours since watching some of your others -- partly because of the information, but mostly because of your presentation and engaging personality. I'm a fellow artist and a big fan of certain artist KZbinrs. Just added you to that list! P.S. The fact that, like me, you can't resist overspending on art supplies, at least at times, is another plus...The only medium I don't use is soft pastels. I have tons of everything else!

[@revondamehovic3132]

Thanks so much for this video! I can sometimes be over exuberant when I pack art supplies for a trip. I usually pack a quick outing palette in an Altoids tin + magnet + water brush as well as a larger travel palette and brushes when I can paint longer. I love the idea of curating the colors I bring based on the location.

[@0to100Art]

Omg Your Paintings Are So Beautiful I watch Them Everyday!

[@MegaAwesomeAnnie]

A great video! Love the idea of taking some student-quality paint so you feel less pressured by the cost of the materials when you're just relaxing and playing around with paintings on holiday. Also very strategic to think about location-specific colours you might need when travelling to somewhere, such as Venice in your example. Thank you for sharing!

[@SuperCutie4747]

I used a collapsible pet water dish so I have lots of water. Just shake it out when you’re done and voila :)

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Great idea!!

[@samcollage7682]

Small misting bottles, aqua brushes and a collapsible dog bowl, for a large amount water.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks Sam! Xx

[@johannaohgren-bohman7017]

The magnetic clips, love them!

[@megbowyer6436]

Love the mixing palette idea!

[@alexzou5503]

One travel tip for whenever you are on an airplane. Never go barefoot and wear sturdy shoes. A tip to get food is to walk over to the galley and ask for some, works even better with a child

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thank you for watching & sharing x

[@bettythomas6542]

My super small kit fits into a small cosmetic bag and then into a smallish purse. I carry Cheap Joes tiny watercolor palette that's about a 2 x 1 with two foldout mixing trays. It has 6 wells of their paint, small water brush, a small spray perfume bottle for spray water, tiny container for extra water. Small packet of tissues, 4in hard sided quality WC book, Micron pen, pencil, a bit of rubbing eraser. I paint while in the plane or waiting for events to start.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Thanks for sharing Betty!!

[@sarahmcarthur9107]

I'm relatively new to travel sketching/painting, but had an old purse which will work for a bit (until it wears out) to carry everything, and I even carry a piece of foam board that I put stick on magnet tape on to hold my palette. I tried gluing magnets to my water bottles (small plastic ones) but I'm thinking that isn't going to work so I'll just stick them on with blue tack. Otherwise the only other difference I have with yours is that I carry watercolor pencils now, which makes sketching a whole new thing. You can use the aquabrush to activate them, or for a bonus you can add watercolor with a brush, either a different color or the same. Made sketching in a coffee house into a whole new game. I love your mat though--what a great idea!! I'm definitely going to search that out! Thanks for your great video--I'm really looking forward to watching your other videos as we're going to Norway next year and I'm always looking for ideas to practice on beforehand.

[@World_of_Art2025]

This video is a plethora of great ideas!! Nice to see a video that remember us “starving artists “ 😁🤩❤️ I always take with me a couple accenting things topped Posca paint pens in white, gray, and black 😉🤍🩶🖤

[@shadowguard3578]

Twice the fun!

[@shadowguard3578]

@@SketchesnScrubs I’m well thank you, hope you are well too. It was lovely to catch you on Moni Dmajor’s stream today! ❤️

[@shadowguard3578]

@@SketchesnScrubs thank you Sketches! It is a blast to be able to catch each other on other KZbin channels! I read and responded to your comment in Teoh’s video. ☺️

[@nikoreallytlovesme]

You have such a pleasant voice 😊 I love the idea of the palette in the tin I will be doing that on my next art trip thank you 😀

[@malaikalovesgrapes]

i love your videossss!!!!

[@katemarais2709]

Love all the handy hints and tips

[@lilyannepaints]

I just realized you’ve exceeded 1K subscribers. Congratulations!

[@E4Alabbasy]

Thank you for the video it was very helpful 😍

[@eveintheclouds]

I have no experience taking painting supplies on a trip but I just used your helpful advice to pack for my trip to the Cotswolds tomorrow. Thank you so much for the helpful info! I almost forgot my clips and washi tape but you helped remind me! :)

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Glad it was helpful! I hope you have a wonderful time in the Cotswold x

[@connieebinger6343]

Just starting to want to paint outdoors and while traveling so great tips that I can really use! My favorite all the pallets and how to carry water.

[@raymondmalone9721]

Great tips in video, new sub 👍

[@sheilasinghal2922]

This was SO helpful! I always want the least possible hassle at airports. I've travelled the world, and have been randomly checked a few times (no idea what it is about me!), but it's so tiresome to be pulled out of line and bags rummaged through for any reason. Thanks so much!

[@kathleensmith1494]

I’m going to Japan, so this video is extremely helpful! Thank you

[@cjenkins8785]

I like the 16 space, silicone top, collapsible container. I have it in red. I travel with a mechanical pencil, graphite refills,12 watercolor pencils, 12 Inktense pencils, a water brush and a small watercolor paper pad. I take pictures of the scenes and use the wet mediums when I return home.

[@anaribeirodepina6589]

Very useful information! Thank you!

[@juliec.]

Very very helpful 👍👍. Thank you.

[@nathalieernst7640]

The mat is really a GREAT idea !!! Specialy when you sit on Stones for a long time ( like I did in my last trip in UAE !!! I was thinking about finding a small and thin confortable mat when I was "trying" to stand up !!!)Hope I will find it on Amazon France 👍👍👍 Thank you for sharing

[@nathalieernst7640]

@@SketchesnScrubs I fond the mat👍👍 il is in my art bag for holidays 🥰 glad to follow your vidéo and learn about 🙏

[@marigasudaisuki]

LOVE how informative and thorough this video is!! I'm always looking for plein air tips and the specifics of carry on luggage allowance is something definitely new to me, so I really appreciated it! I've newly discovered your channel, but I think your videos are so well-made and informative, it really is a hidden gem! I hope you get more subscribers and I really look forward to seeing you grow. One of my favorite travel hacks I've used over the years was to get one of those sports wristbands (the ones used for tennis/badminton that are meant to soak up sweat) as a sort of towel/rag to control the water in my brush! They're super easy to carry around or to wear, and I don't have to worry if I can't find/run out of tissues while on the go! They're also really affordable, though I've seen people use old sock cuffs or any old cloth sewn together as DIY alternatives too! For those who use a lot of toxic pigments like Cadmiums or Cobalts, I might recommend against it, since it will be in contact with your skin (especially if you do a lot of really wet washes) but for my style (smaller paintings with light washes built up) I think it works perfectly

[@kimberlycorliss9616]

Smart video! Great practical advice. ❤

[@debsmith7050]

Wonderful travel tips!!! TY. I like the Bijou Boxes for travel; either the Whiskey Painters or Schmincke with or without water container - remember that quarter pans are available to expand color options if you choose :) And it's travel/pocket brushes for me. Hope you will be traveling more and that you share with us

[@sarahdownton7754]

Brilliant ideas and lovely presentation. It’s great to have someone in the UK doing such a good film. Thank you. I’ve just ordered some magnetic white board as someone here suggested and will be looking at the folding mat.

[@tekatokiariri4760]

I liked the pencil case I am about to get one

[@TomsArtCafe]

It's a very cool video on the topic! Thank you very much! 😊

[@mendyhand3895]

I use honeybased WC, ( Mission Gold). They really dry a bit sticky. Maybe go with new, dried 1/2 pans is the best bet? Thx for posting… love that foldable foam cushion. I sometimes use a “ gardening knee pad” that’s waterproof. On my was ti Israel for 2 weeks November of 2023. Thx again! 🖌👍🙏🏻🎨

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Great video! My favorite item from your video was the folding mat for sitting comfortably. 😊 Thanks so much for your helpful details for flying with paints! New sub. 💐♥️

[@Danadane314]

I loved your hack for the pallet/water cup combo. I just got one in black! 😊❤

[@LucysArtNSoul]

So informative, thank you for this video ❤️❤️

[@shonvaldry7727]

Hi. I am traveling soon to Europe and plan on taking a small sketch book and water based pencils, crayons and a small paint brush. I do more abstract art journaling so I hope this will simplify my travels. Thank you for your video.

[@shonvaldry7727]

@@SketchesnScrubs Thank you. Our first time to Europe!!🤩

[@jessecobb8756]

I quite enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@FaithAnnNB]

I love the idea of using a little tin pencil case as extra mixing space…fabulous idea!!! I’ve only taken watercolour supplies on driving trips so far, so I haven’t had to be as concerned about space or liquid requirements. This will be very helpful as we gradually return to vacations where we will be flying. Only discovered your channel today and am enjoying your videos! Italy is my dream vacation.

[@yudhipencilart]

Amazing you rewiew pen so beautifull

[@missjamm31]

Hello Sketches n Scrubs. as always great informative video !!! Just wanted t add something as it may apply to other people here watching. I'm from Guernsey The channel islands and am not aloud to take anything from animal origin across the border, which means i can't technically travel with watercolour paints with honey in them !!! i know crazy right !! i never take my beloved Roman Szmal watercolours with me because of this. Have a great weekend .

[@azarazarherteldendestek3245]

Thank you for sharing my new friend👍🙋‍♀️

[@valeriesmith15]

I took watercolour pencils and Newton and Winston watercolour promarker.

[@mariankevolschenk7182]

i have got the Mont Marte - Airtight Watercolour Palette where i put my gouache paints in, it is a great palette to travel with. I also have a hand made paint brush roll that i have a small pocket in where i store my white gouache tube, small spray bottle, and clip. I have a pen eraser that can fit into my roll as well.

[@Angelwrites]

I appreciate you making this video. Thanks for sharing!!;

[@ButterflyBlessingsStudio]

Great video! I think I'll try the magnetic bulldog clips and I love the idea of using the pencil tin for extra mixing space...I knew there was a reason for keeping all those tins. 😉 Thanks for all your great tips and inspiration!

[@althelas]

When I travel I have a small metal palette for my watecolours, as you've said it is amazin because of the magnet friendly nature and I can put the colours I might need take with me and I always pack my peerless waterclours with me, since they are pigment saturated papaer there is no issue with customs at all.

[@515aleon]

Loved your video!! You have so many great ideas. I have been traveling around the US in my car (I live in the Southwest part of the country which is desert)--but this year I am going to the alps (5 countries) and hope to do a lot of watercolor sketching. Of course, I have to take everything ELSE with me. But art stuff is definitely carry on. My great little kit most likely won't be carry-able. I like the little plastic case idea. Good question re: colors? I have a great palate for deserts and know all sorts of tricks. Going to be a challenge I think.

[@lizcharalambous9150]

Thanks for the tips, just got yourself a new subscriber x

[@reneechelsawatercolors]

Thankyou for making this video! I have been STRESSED about air traveling with my art supplies... You didnt have any issues with the pens leaking?

[@Aimz360]

I dont really do art when travelling but this is amazing for limited space in my flat. I only have a small one person fold away picnic table and a A4 piece of paper takes up half the space.

[@Ktpstudio]

I’ve only travelled with supply once and I chose to use watercolour pencils and the water brush and it was convenient.

[@elizabethingram9784]

Great video! Subscribed

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Awesome, thank you! ❤️

[@Girlwithpink]

2:26 gave me a new phobia 😂

[@jillhuhn1129]

Hi I will be going camping with my family this Saturday overnight and I'm going to be bringing my colored pencils and a pencil case and I have another case that holds my gel pens so hopefully they won't spill out in my bag :) love your videos and channel!

[@jillhuhn1129]

@@SketchesnScrubs thank you very much it went very well and I got to create with my Step niece who's 5 years old so we had a lot of fun!

[@amywoolsey6591]

Excellent video, and very helpful. Thank you and Thanks for the links for US as well as UK. I really appreciated the extra care you took :)

[@lunadrea]

great tricks and tips! I really loved the advice you gave about utilizing magnets, they would be super useful to use when painting at any place outdoors 😲💕

[@carmeldee08]

Thank you for this video. I throughly enjoyed it. The camping mat is genius! I forgot about that when preparing for my upcoming trip. Now I have time to grab one!

[@carmeldee08]

@@SketchesnScrubs thank you! I am glad I came across your channel.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow that’s a lot of great information and just about the same questions I have got about traveling with art supplies by airplane ✈️. I am new to watercolor painting and drawing (tubes, pan paints, watercolor pencils, and color pencils) for about 2 1/2 years now at 57 years old. I really enjoyed watching your fun video & especially liked the variety of water carriers for painting. Your magnet idea was pretty cool as well. Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us. I am definitely going to add you to my favorite watercolor artists list & subscribe.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

@@SketchesnScrubs You are welcomed. Thanks as well & I had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend. 💕

[@annadownya]

Everything was very clever! (Not surprised knowing you.) Great video. Looks like you had the perfect travel bag. Any idea where you're going next?

[@smchalk3535]

new subscriber. I got here from Lindsay the frugal crafter. Great video, full of lots of good info. that travel mat is a genius idea. I have used Yupo paper as a palette, worked pretty good. Now off to Venice with you, Thanks for this video

[@carolmarashian8918]

Great ideas. I’ve been debating the collapsible palette/bucket for months!

[@Chidera.m]

Great video, love how organised you were with selecting which colours to travel with!

[@MoniDmajor]

This video was so so usefl, beautiful and well made! I will make sure to come back and rewatch next time I am going for a flight trip! You are the best Sketches, thank you so much for sharing this!

[@MoniDmajor]

@@SketchesnScrubs Not yet, but I feel worlds better, thank you for asking! Maggie is going on a trip this weekend and when she told me I immediately thought of this video and your venice trip!

[@MoniDmajor]

@@SketchesnScrubs Same here!! You guys are amazing 😘

[@carollippincott4699]

Just found your channel! Thank you for sharing your travel kit! It gave me some great ideas and advice for traving light!

[@carollippincott4699]

@@SketchesnScrubs okay,I will. Asmatha spinal arthritis, knee replacements, enlarged heart just horrible breathing issues but I a m encouraged to pack things up and try!

[@wendyvancamp1738]

Another excellent art video. :) Your travel art kit is well organized. Your recommendation for a foldable pad is a good one. I don't know how many times I want to sit and paint a subject, but it is too wet or dirty. I've seen artists carry those orthopedic seats to sit on, but always thought it too bulky. I am going to look into this folded camp pad idea. It seems a great solution. Another art supply.... LOL

[@graham3377]

Very good idea using the pencil tin for extra mixing space, I use the lid of a larger watercolour set so it has mixing wells BUT! its messy and your idea of closing the box after use and keeping the wet paints enclosed is genius. I will be using that one. As for the water, I use an old enamel mug which means I can hold the palette using the ring on the back and still hold the mug in one hand if I need to paint standing up. Subscribed and look forward to checking your older films.

[@kathyhackney7950]

I stopped using my cotman paints but I actually really like the tube version of cotman ultramarine blue. It granulates beautifully. I'm considering replacing my DS smith with it to see how I feel.

[@angiemora9871]

nice video!

[@lynetteclauser3551]

Loved the palette for the gouache. Did the colors you picked prove your be effective for the Venice trip?

[@impala1022]

Great video, I am getting the bag but a bit larger. Also I'm trying large pill bottles for water. Have you used eagles and a watercolor setup? If so would you share it? Thanks, love your videos. Thanks. Barb from USA

[@impala1022]

... used easles... 😂

[@SketchesnScrubs]

😂😂😂😅 thanks for watching Barb! Lol I was wondering if Eagles were some sort of new supply lol. No, I’ve used the etchr slate mini which can act easel -esque but no plein air easels yet xx

[@AnaDMTL]

I'm currently making a travel kit for myself and to sell, I'm using ALTOIDS empty tins and half pans with magnets on the bottom.