Keeping a sketchbook The epitome of (recreational) simplicity

Keeping a sketchbook
The epitome of (recreational) simplicity

One might think of a sketchbook as an artist’s tool witch it is, but a sketchbook and the use and development thereof is a tool that can be used by all individuals, artists and non artists alike. And used and enjoyed by Individuals of all ages.

When discussing art with non artists I continually hear “I can’t draw,” or “I am a terrible artist.”
Good news, For the purpose of keeping a sketchbook it does not matter. Keeping a sketchbook is your own personal and private book. The benefit and enjoyment of creating a sketchbook comes through simply enjoying the creative process.
Sketchbooks are used for recording and developing ideas. You can put down your ideas before you forget them and come back to further develop them. While my focus will be on the visual development of the sketchbook I combine both visual elements as well as text notes to record ideas before forgotten and to serve as a reference for further development.

So how and why do I use a sketchbook and consider it a part of my recreation?
First I like to clarify my favorite definition of recreation: recreation - an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates.
Quite simply sketching allows and enables me to really pause, stop and stand still. Whether for a few minutes of time out taken during a busy day or as the focus of a day’s recreation. Sketching allows me to really cut out all distractions and really focus on the joy of visual creation. It is also an opportunity to take a moment to stop and think and to explore thoughts and ideas. I am amazed how looking at sketches made a seemingly long time ago takes me back to the moment the sketch was made with amazing clarity.
Considering the fast paced lifestyle many of us are faced with and the complexities of living with and coping with the most profound socioeconomic recession in years quiet uncomplicated moments spent sketching can be considered a luxury.

Sketchbooks are about as basic as it gets. The benefits of maintaining a sketchbook and the impact it can have on your own creative process are profound. Keeping a sketchbook will make artists better artists. But anyone keeping a sketchbook will become a better thinker.
The late Frank Erickson one of my first great instructors in the fine arts often said “you never really see anything until you paint it” over the past 40 years I have continually found that to be true. Creating images to communicate entertain and inform opens up thoughts and ideas that might not adequately be represented by words or pictures alone. Combining both words and pictures communicates in an interestingly complete way. Drawings really become a language by themselves.
I think drawing is an important way to understand what you see; it definitely changes your perception of the world and the environment around you.

The classes I instruct focus on enjoyment of the creative process and enjoyment of the experiences gained sketching on location. As one practices sketching proficiency in the technical aspects of drawing and draftsmanship will be realized.

Throughout this blog I will present demonstrations of the tools and techniques I use. Please also reference my blog http://easelbrushbus.blogspot.com for more examples of sketchbook projects.