Sketchbook Roundup and Guide
The Addiction That is Sketching
I have been receiving a lot of questions lately about how I travel with my sketchbook and supplies. I posted about this earlier in the year, but want to address it in more detail. For many years I admired the sketches and watercolor art of several artists and all the while was pretty certain that I could not do it myself.
I have been told on more than one occasion that it just takes practice and a commitment to "doing" the work to develop the ability. I was skeptical, but decided that I was tired of sitting on the sidelines so I bought a little sketchbook and jumped right in. It became obvious (have you seen those funky peppers?) that I would not be one to sketch in a realistic style, but instead one my husband calls "comic book abstract" - what does that mean?
It did not take long for me to become hooked! Truth be told, I don't love all my sketches and there are plenty that will never be seen by anyone but me, but I am practicing and I am pleasantly surprised each time I put pen to paper.
My Take & Sketch Supplies
It was a challenge to find the "supplies" that work best for me and I will most likely update my travel set as I continue to experiment, but I think taking too many items makes it hard for me to focus. While I do like more color options and use more when I am at home, my small assortment of pens, pencils and watercolors force me to mix colors...what fun!!
Ideas to Get You Started
The biggest challenge is simply starting. Turn off all that negative self-talk (I do it, too) and give yourself some love. If there is one thing I want you to do it is this: do not approach this with the idea of sharing your sketches on social media or your blog. Do I need to say it again? This mindset will likely cripple you and keep you from trying. Why? Because you will be thinking about how it won't be good enough or it won't turn out how you want it to. Sketch for YOU and if and when you are ready, then share, but do not go into it with the intention of sharing.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
β’Start with something easy - don't choose that bouquet of flowers on your table or the family car.
β’Find some leaves or other organic items and start with those - I find them easier to sketch.
β’Sketch lightly in pencil first and tweak before adding pen.
β’Sketch over some "inky" paper or text paper and then adhere into your journal to avoid the blank page syndrome.
β’Sometimes I like to sketch from a photograph. Take photos of things you want to sketch and work from those or find images on the internet.
β’Don't try to draw what you actually see, but instead focus on the shapes that you see. Put those together and the object will appear.
β’If you have a friend who can sketch, ask them to take a look and offer suggestions. My husband looks at mine and then I have him draw over some with a pencil to show where I could improve my shapes, etc. See my sample at the left.
Inspirations
There are many inspiring sketchbook artists...just search Pinterest. Here are several of my favorites:
Suhita
Nina Khashchina
Jodi Wiley
Liz Ackerley
Liz Steel
Mary Ann Moss
Grab your Supplies and just start!
Reach out if you have any specific questions about the supplies I use. I am still learning and am discovering new things all the time about methods and tools. Let me know about your progress and if you want to share how you travel with your supplies post to Instagram with #takeandsketch so I can see your awesome kit!
Have a blessed day!
