Recently, I took my colored pencils to a hiking trail and wondered if I could sketch quickly with them like I do with other art supplies. I used to think colored pencils were slower because they need layering and patience. But after trying them outside, I understood that yes, they can work very well for quick sketching. The right setup makes the process much easier and more enjoyable.
Set of 36 Colored Pencils
I recently tried a set of 36 Prismacolor Premier colored pencils, and they are amazing for quick sketching. The pencils are soft, highly pigmented, and very easy to use without pressing too hard on the paper. A set of 36 colors feels big enough to sketch many different subjects, such as landscapes, trees, flowers, urban scenes, and small travel moments. For me, this size is a good balance because it gives enough variety without feeling like I am carrying my whole studio outside.
My review about Prismacolor pencils you can read here.
Wrap Pencil Roll
As soon as I tried colored pencils, I understood that the original metal box was not very comfortable for me. It looks nice at home, but on a hiking trail it is not the most practical option. So I bought a wrap pencil roll, and it made the whole sketching process much easier. The quality is good, it feels nice to use, and it keeps the pencils organized both at home and outside. The best part is that I could simply tie it around my waist, open it, and have all my colors ready without searching inside a box.
See my pencil roll here.
Small A6 Sketchbook
I love small sketchbooks, especially the A6 format, because they make sketching feel less serious and much faster. The smaller the sketchbook is, the quicker the sketch becomes, especially when working with colored pencils. A big page can make you feel that you need to fill everything with details, shadows, and many layers. But a small page lets you capture only the main shapes, colors, and feeling of the place.
Small Crossbody Bag
My crossbody bag perfectly fits my sketchbook and pencil roll, so I do not need to carry too much. It is comfortable for short walks, quick travels, and moments when I want to stop and sketch without unpacking a large backpack. Having everything in one small bag also makes the sketching process feel spontaneous and easy. Of course, if I plan to spend the whole day outside, I would probably choose something bigger. But for a short hiking sketch session, this setup worked very well.
Shadowy Hiking Trail
The place where you sketch is also very important, especially when you are outside with pencils and a sketchbook. I sketched on a hiking trail with a lot of shadow from the trees, and it really helped me enjoy the process. It is much harder to sketch quickly when the sun is too strong. A shadowy area gives you more comfort, protects you from burning in the sun, and helps you stay focused for a little longer. After this experience, I felt encouraged to bring my colored pencils again and make more quick sketches on hiking trails.
This small hiking experiment showed me that colored pencils can be a great tool for quick outdoor sketching. They may seem slower than markers, pens, or watercolor, but with the right setup they become very practical. You do not need to create a finished masterpiece every time you stop to sketch. Sometimes it is enough to capture the colors, the shapes, and the feeling of the trail and colored pencils can do that beautifully.
