Lately I can't seem to stay away from my sketchbook. I've been gravitating to it as my form for artistic play and just plain ole relaxation. As an artist, incorporating a sketchbook practice into your routing can bring numerous, transformative benefits to your creative process and artistic development. Here are just a few of the compelling reasons why I just can't seem to stay away from sketching and why I believe every artist should have a sketchbook at their side:
- Unbridled experimentation: With a sketchbook in hand, you have a low-stakes environment in which to experiment with new techniques, styles and media. Embrace the freedom to take risks and explore uncharted territory without fear of failure. Combine mediums in different ways. Work with colors you usually steer clear of. Get messy and paint with your hands. The point is to explore and have fun.
2. Sharper observation skills: Consistent sketching helps you develop and refine your observational skills, allowing you to better understand and capture the world around you. This can lead to a deeper appreciation of your surroundings and a newfound ability to translate what you see onto the page. Make a rough sketch of what you see. Capture the basic shapes with your pencil, marker of even your travel watercolor palette. This is not the time to get technical...that comes after. You can always take a photo and include the more details bits later. For now, it's about opening that channel between your eyes and hands.
3. Unstoppable technical growth. Sketching provides an ongoing opportunity to hone your technical skills, such as composition and perspective. Each time you work in your sketchbook, you’ll have the chance to practice and perfect your abilities, leading to steady progress and mastery. **Key tip: I prefer to work with multiple sketchbooks, a smaller one that I can travel with and a larger one that usually stays behind in my studio. I even like to repeat the sketch I capture in my smaller book into the large one. This gives me the chance to work out any kinks with the initial sketch. Try it...get two sketchbooks...thank me later ;)
4. A visual record of your journey: Your sketchbook can serve as a visual diary, capturing your thoughts, ideas and inspirations along your artistic journey. This valuable resource will allow you to look back and see your progress and growth over time, providing inspiration and motivation for future endeavors. **Key tip: Transport yourself back to the time when you made that sketchbook entry by adding the date, writing a quote or observation about your surroundings.
5. Unlimited creative flow: Working in your sketchbook on a regular basis can help you tap into your imagination and unleash your creative potential. It's an excellent way to warm up and get the creative juices flowing before starting a larger project, or to develop new ideas and concepts.
The benefits of a regular sketchbook practice are clear and undeniable. It provides the freedom to experiment, sharpens your observational skills, fuels technical growth, in turn elevating your art to new heights. If you're an artist looking to take your skills to the next level, start a sketchbook practice today and see the transformative power of this simple tool.
Don't be afraid to reach out to me. I'm very approachable. Sign up for my email newsletter to show me pictures of your latest sketchbook entry.
Happy Sketching... xox
