Creating an Artist’s Sketchbook
PERSONALIZED ART PRACTICE
A sketchbook is a useful tool for artists of any skill level. For beginners, it encourages practice; for seasoned artists, it’s a place for honing skills and preparing for larger, more detailed work to be done later.
Carry your sketchbook and drawing implement of choice everywhere you go (just as you do with this book!). You never know when or where the perfect scene will present itself. And even if it doesn’t, you’ll still find plenty of elements around you that can provide practice—dishes, candles, flowers, cars, and even family members.
Unlike taking a photograph, sketching allows you to take notes about a scene as you draw. You might want to record the time of day, the direction of light, observations about color—anything that will help jog your memory of a scene’s details.
When using your sketchbook for preliminary work, use it as an opportunity to experiment with focal points, composition shapes, and viewpoints. Complete several sketches of the same scene, and you might be surprised at which variation is most pleasing.
Consider making your sketchbook more than just an art tool. Make it your visual diary or journal, complete with notes about events, vacations, and the people around you. These personal touches will not only fuel your artistic inspiration and keep you practicing, but they’ll turn your sketchbook into a valuable keepsake. —ETG
TRY THIS!
Glue an envelope to the inside front or inside back cover of your sketchbook. Use this pocket to store small tokens from life, such as postcards, letters from friends, magazine clippings, leaves, or small flowers.