Sketchbooking is a relatively new practice for me. I used to be more of a haphazard artist where the piece of paper was a place to figure out some stuff and then I’d give it a go on some slightly more expensive paper and hope for the best.
Recently however I’ve begun to really see the value of sketchbooking. This is partially because I really love looking at sketches myself. I like the whole ‘unfinished’ feel of artwork where you can map out the artist’s thoughts as they draw.
My sketchbook at the moment is kinda random. I look up things I like and then draw them. Sometimes super small and quick, sometimes large and more detailed depending on my mood. I’m still figuring out my “method”, but I love looking through it and seeing my progression. I’m still mustering the balls to get out into the world and draw real people.
As someone who has an eternal itch to do better I also like to keep a pinterest board of sketches I find inspirational. I look at it every day and it drives me back to the page to give it a go myself. I suggest to any budding artist that they do they same, I find it an endless source of motivation.
Here is my new sketchbook I began on the 13th of July 2024. I bought it in Barcelona, where I’m currently staying with my partner and his family. It’s a great sketchbook because it feels beautifully bound and epic. It’s hardback, which is a must and Red (with a capital letter because it looks like it has a story to tell).
Page 1 starts with a tree and a crow. Two things I really enjoy drawing at the moment. Trees will always be a lovely beginning. It feels symbolic to me - of growth and nurture, and these are things I feel sketchbooks encourage.
This tree is definitely inspired by Evyind Earle, one of my all time favourite artists. He was an artist for Disney back in the day when Sleeping Beauty seemed less rapey. And I love his motion in trees. I want to explore trees more in my illustrations. Below is one of my favourite images of his.
The crow is a study for an illustration I’m working on called ‘The Orangutan and the Crow’ - I’ll be writing a separate blog post on it’s progression so you see how I work. Crows and ravens all seem so eerily clever and symbolic. Call me your regular Edgar Allen Poe but they do remind you of death, but in a strangely beautiful way. I love the blue colours you see shimmering in their black wings.
Overall I’m really trying to capture motion and movement here, especially in my line. I tend to use soft 9B pencils (anything above 5B will do) to really express the shapes and forces at work.
I hope you like and stay tuned for the next few pages!