Creating art on the move doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. In fact, traveling light often sparks innovation. At Nomadic Art School, we encourage artists to build a simple, flexible kit they can carry anywhere — from urban rooftops to remote valleys.
Essentials First
A good nomadic kit starts with the basics. You want tools that are compact, versatile, and durable. Some favorites include:
- Sketchbooks: Choose a mid-size one with thick pages for mixed media. Soft covers are lighter and easier to pack.
- Waterbrushes & Travel Watercolors: These save space and avoid mess, allowing painting even in transit.
- Mechanical Pencils & Pens: No sharpener needed. Go for waterproof ink if you plan to add washes later.
- Tape & Clips: Useful for holding pages down in the wind or fixing your work to any surface.
Add Personal Touches
Your kit should reflect your creative habits. Some artists carry small ink bottles, others bring film cameras or folding stools. One of our instructors packs natural pigments she collects along the way — crushed stones, soils, and plant dyes.
Think Multipurpose
A scarf can become a sunshade, a ground cloth, or a still life background. A phone might serve as a scanner, light meter, or sound recorder. Nomadic art is about rethinking what tools can be.
Embrace Constraints
Working with fewer materials makes you focus on what matters. Limited color palettes lead to strong composition. Fast sketches catch the essence of a place. Imperfection becomes part of the story.
Ready to Build Your Own?
We offer guidance on creating your first nomadic kit during our intro workshops — including links to ethical suppliers and handmade gear made by fellow travelers.