BFA Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University

Charisma: capturing the spirit of the Hoi An in drawings!

Sketching people in action quickly

Simplifying and stylizing complex objects

How to include typography in sketches

Showing movement using mixed media

Atmospheric perspective in mixed media

Adding spot color

INK:

Bottle of permanent black ink. Recommended: DeAtramentis document black, or platinum carbon black.

TIP: buy a syringe from a pharmacy to refill your ink cartridges.

PAINT:

Your watercolor kit of choice, whatever you like to take with you outside of the home/studio. Recommended paint brands: Schminke, Daniel Smith, Winsor Newton

BRUSHES:

Water brush (the kind with water inside the barrel – to supplement regular brushes) - the larger the better.

1” wide square watercolor brush - any brand is fine

½” wide square watercolor brush

Round brush - medium

Round brush - small/detail

Any others you enjoy using.

PENS/PENCILS:

Several different markers and fine liners in different colors. Yellows, oranges, and a bright red are important to capture the vibe. Some should be waterproof and some should be watersoluble (i.e. if you put water on top, the lines will soften and bleed).

A calligraphy pen. I recommend: Sailor fude DE mannen, or 1.2 mm Pilot parallel pen. Both available at jetpens.com

2 Black fine liners – 0.3 and 0.8 are recommended. Recommended brands: Staedler, Etchr

Watersoluble pencils - several different colors, including a black/dark value.

PAPER Options:

Sketchbook of choice for casual sketching in light applications of wet media. Recommended: Talens art creation sketchbook A5/8.5” x5”

About 20 sheets of 9x12” watercolor paper, around 300gsm.
Recommended: Fabriano Studio watercolor paper: cold press or hot press.

Other Helpful Items:

Empty pill bottle with watertight lid for storing paint water on the go

Portable stool or pad for sitting

*ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS

Any additional art supplies you love to use – the more the merrier!

Backpack

Sun Hat 

Sunglasses

Sturdy walking shoes

Take a couple hours to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases and vocabulary.

" I really loved this class. I think it has changed the way I will approach illustration forever and gave me a guide map to this area of art." - 2023 student

" I had a great time and no doubt, so did everyone else. [Eleanor] made everyone feel seen, gave everyone time, attention, praise and helpful critique, and permission to really enjoy the process. Bravo!" - 2024 student

Personal Sketching experiences in Vietnam 2016

Urban Sketchers Global Symposium 2019, 2023, 2024 (upcoming)

SketcherFest 2023, 2024 (upcoming)

Sofia in Monsaraz sketch retreat, Portugal - September 2024 (upcoming)

Gage Academy adult and teen sketching workshops 2020-2023

Sketching workshops in San Francisco, Seattle, Hong Kong