ONE LOVE, Artist Sketchbook

I am an artist and always keep a sketchbook filled with my rainbow colored ideas.

Supplies

When I am at home or in my studio, I have an abundance of supplies to work with. When I travel (and I always travel with my sketchbook) I have a smaller kit that I bring along.

Step 1: Dont Lose That Book

My sketchbook of choice is MOLESKIN 9"X12" watercolor, it is great for all media and the perfect size for my ideas.

The first thing I do when I begin a new sketchbook is make a page for my name and contact info. As I said, I always have my notebook with me, and if I happen to misplace it, I pray that some kind person will return it to me.

Step 2: In the Beginning

I begin the drawing with a light pencil sketch. Next, I do a light watercolor wash. When dry, I begin with the detail. In enjoy using Sakura Pigma Micron pens. The black line is rich, and the ink does not bleed through the sketchbook pages. I find that Sharpies are a lovely color; however, the ink often bleeds through the page (which in some cases can prove to be a happy accident!) Sometimes I will add colored pencil and even shading with graphite.

Step 3: Sketchbook Themes

Often, my sketchbooks are themed; my book from earlier this summer was filled with BIRDS

Step 4: FISH

My current sketchbook is mostly FISH

Step 5: Sketchbook Memories

During the pandemic, I had to leave the city and relocate for several months. I lived with my daughter's family and was able to spend a lot of time with my grandson, a 4-year-old at the time. Every day we would draw together. Duke would create pencil characters in my sketchbooks, and at night, I would turn them into colorful creatures. My sketchbooks were truly my silver lining to a very complicated time in everyone's lives.