sketchbook ideas

Sometimes simple tools work best. I like to use tools that help me to create with freedom. Often that means inexpensive markers and paints and crayons.

I don’t really worry about archival qualities or needing to please a buyer. I make marks and art for myself. This creates a bit of freedom and a lot less pressure.

I really love the combination of waxy crayons and watercolor washes. I love the resistance in the way the colors often complement each other. I like how the crayon captures and repels the watercolor at the same time.

Magazines and old book pages are tools that I like to use as well. I can start a sketchbook page with a bit of collage and watch it evolve over time.

This combination bits and pieces creates a unique story that might mean something to me alone.

I have used watercolor, circles and squares as starters for many pages in my sketchbook. But I’ve recently added a new technique, which is a watercolor scrape. This is just using an old credit card to scrape the watercolor across the page.

I love watercolor drips and spatters as well.  One recent challenge that I am facing, is to find a new paper for my monthly sketchbooks. I used to use to 90 pound Pacon, heavy weight, drawing paper. And it worked well for a little bit of water in a lot of mixed media. But the formulation has changed, and it’s thinner than I would like.  So I am experimenting with other mixed media papers. Hopefully, I will find something that I love just as much as the old paper.

A new supply that I want to try out is tempera paint sticks. They seem to be a quick way to get some color. And they do not require much drying time, which I love.

A fun addition to a mixed media sketchbook is tape transfer. This is great for hiding words, here, and there throughout your sketchbook, that can convey meaning or not.

Checkout the online classes that are available now.

I have noticed that my sketchbook habits have changed. I am using a lot of homemade stamps, scribbles and crayons. If you are looking for sketchbook ideas to expand your mark making skills, the January sale class is Creating Habits. This class includes 20 new habits in 27 short videos.  Save $30 was $75 now only$45. Get the details here.

I am losing my ability to draw with my dominant hand. So I often draw and write with my left hand, which creates more primitive and childlike marks.

I recently had added some collage that I later respond to with watercolors and drawings. I still have to quiet the critical mind, and move past judgment and thoughts of what should be.

I still often start the day with a couple of angel cards.

My subject matter seems to be similar trees, birds, faces, flowers and houses. I have been doing the small sketchbooks regularly for several years now. And it’s kind of exciting to look back a few years and see what I was doing and pull it into the most recent sketchbook in some form.

I really love use of the homemade foam stamps. If you are looking to create personalized and unique stamps, then, check out the stamp making class here.

If you are looking for sketchbook ideas the January sale class is Creating Habits. This class includes 20 new habits in 27 short videos.  Save $30 was $75 now only$45. Get the details here.