Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Art of a Sketchbook - Friday

First pages ....

Are you usually intimidated to start a new sketchbook / journal?  I am.  I've tried a few different ways to start that help ease me into continuing to use my sketchbooks.  Since most of us find it difficult to start using those nice clean white pages, this week I thought I would share a few of the first pages of some of my sketchbooks this week.



I decided I would start the above sketchbook as if it were a regular book.  I felt I would use it mostly while we are off on our boat so I picked the word Journeys for the first page.  Then added a pencil sketch of a sail boat.  I liked this idea and by starting off this way I never did have a feeling of intimidation.


Obviously I must have started this sketchbook in the Spring.  I was going to use each page with this type of entry.  That didn't last.  I randomly started putting anything on the pages that suited me at the moment.


Because I usually feel intimidated when starting a sketchbook I thought I'd start right off with an affirmation  I had cut out of a magazine and a printed photo of one of my previous watercolors.  This was a good way to start also.


One of my handmade sketchbooks I've dedicated for travel.  We were going to take a cruise to Mexico and I started out the sketchbook with a colorful watercolor.

How do you start you sketchbooks?  do you just open them up and dig right in?  Have you ever done something more special for your first page?

6 comments:

  1. What great ideas! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. I often start sketchbooks with a definite theme in mind...but it never lasts. I end up drawing whatever comes to mind in it when I cannot find the "right" sketchbook. I love your themes and your colors.

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  3. Your first pages are inspiring! I just jump in with anything. I do have one sketchbook that consists of figures and anatomy. All others are full of just whatever.

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  4. I used to be precious with my sketchbooks and good papers too, but now I just jump right in. We're so often locked into the "in must be perfect" mind set that we forget what the purpose of a sketchbook it. It is our journal of sorts to work out ideas, jot down thoughts, create compositions and thumbnail sketches for the future.

    So now, nothing is precious to be in terms of paper or sketchbooks. They are the tools to get the job done.

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  5. Tell us about the book itself: paper weight, manufacturer, etc. I like to know what other artists use. Thanks.

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  6. Anonymous11:55 PM

    Nancy,
    I like the start of your sketchbooks : spring and travels. Pretty watercolors.
    In my sketchbook i draw whatever comes before me.
    Have a nice weekend

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