We were talking about sketchbooks in class the other day and I thought I should pass on our enthusiasm! I have carried sketchbooks around for years and years and not only still enjoy them, but almost feel a little dependent on them – they capture the moment!
First I would like to differentiate diaries and sketchbooks. I have kept diaries during certain periods in my life – and many I have burned after they served their purpose. For me, they were a place to vent, keep track of important events and/or feelings. I felt an obligation to write consistently, daily if possible. And even when I was venting, I felt a pressure to write well – didn’t really enjoy it.
In contrast, a friend of mine journals regularly. She is writing her family and personal history. And she happily and accurately keeps track of details – we can always go back, have her look up that meal we enjoyed in Florence, and she will find the restaurant in her notes! She enjoys this and is happy to be leaving this for her children. We each have our own experience with these formats – do you have a history with one or the other?
How are sketchbooks different? For me they are more personal and more in the moment. And since they are only for me there is no pressure to look a certain way, contain anything other than what interests me in the moment. Mine are all different sizes and contain paintings, sketches and writings in a variety of materials – watercolors, ink, colored pencils, pastels. When our family goes to the Eastern Sierras every summer, I give each of the grandkids a sketchbook, watercolor set, and markers or colored pencils. In between fishing expeditions, at the end of the day or early morning, we all have a place to just be with where we are in the moment. Focusing on the tree in front of you – to see it clearly enough to draw or paint it – is a different way of being with nature than snapping a quick pic on your cell phone.
Most of my sketchbooks I keep forever – memories and inspiration, a great place to doodle, play with color and design before starting in on a “real” painting. No self-criticism – I’m not writing a book, simply gathering feelings, thoughts, and images.
So I hope you will treat yourself by picking up a couple of sketchbooks, whatever size appeals to you. Keep one in your car, one with your art supplies – pull them out often!
Ask yourself –
Am I willing to have a sketchbook for a companion?
It’s a place to record impressions – verbal and visual. Which sounds more interesting to you? How about both?
Can you allow yourself to play with your sketchbook – that’s where the joy is! And you will be delighted when you look back through old ones to see how that joy jumps off the page to you!
Hope you enjoy dabbling with something new this week! Patty & Suzanne
P.s. We won’t be posting a blog next week due to some unexpected travel, but we’ll be back in 2 weeks with new insights and updates.