Hello from the Sketchy Traveler, a mostly free, mostly biweekly newsletter on sketching, travel, and self-discovery. Paid subscribers make this newsletter possible and keep it free for those peeking out their inboxes. Thanks to everyone for your support! Scroll past the fold for the latest drawing adventures, tips, and tricks.

This week ’s post on Inktober month excited me to talk about more advanced tools like fountain pens and watercolor. These materials and tools are more expensive, but their quality can boost your work and give you a polished piece. They can also push you to start exploring new techniques and unlock new views that these tools make possible. Familiar spots take on a whole new atmosphere with new tools, materials, and techniques.