Since it will still be at least a week before I get the new studio up and running, I put together my travel kit, pencils, erasers, small sketch pad, stumps, rags, anything that would fit in the pockets of my field coat.  It will give me a chance to work, or practice, until I can get back to larger pieces.  The only thing I couldn't fit into my pockets was a few brushes.

I use brushes more than anything else to blend graphite on the paper.  I apply it with pencil, then move it around and finish it with brushes.  Stumps, rags, cosmetic sponges, and all other items I use are secondary to the brushes; a finishing or textural touch.  And since I work at an easel and like to stand back from the work in progress, a long handle is imperative, although not so travel friendly.

I went looking for some new brushes, those I could pack around, yet still use with effectiveness.  Plus, my brushes are very old and quite worn.  Over time the bristles fill with graphite (I never clean my brushes) and can themselves be used to apply tone to paper.  I've got a good feel for what they will do and can use them with pencils accordingly.  Replacing them will require learning new tools all over again, and since I rarely replace brushes, it also means learning old technique all over again.

Which presents a key advantage in a travel kit.  I can re-learn how to break in  a brush in my sketchbook.  Great opportunity to start replacing the brushes too worn to use much longer. 

Art Media is a good lunchtime destination with a good selection of brushes.  Too good, sometimes, and the choices can be a little much for my simple application.  But knowing what I'm after helps, so I was soon browsing for small, flat, stiff bristle brushes able to stand rigorous use.  Some of the house brands were either too soft or quickly shed bristles.  Like many art stores, Art Media generously provides paper for brush testing before purchase.  My apologies for shedding a few bristles, but the clerk on duty was more than understanding of my needs.

 None of the brushes good for my use had short handles, so in the end I chose 2 Winsor and Newton hog hair student grade brushes with the intent of sawing them short and stuffing them in my pockets for use abroad.  I have a few of these in my studio already that see regular use and they hold up great.  They take hard use, hold their bristles, and are very economically priced.  They'll suit me fine until I get things back to normal.