Substack reader Nancy said in the comments recently that she was given a blank sketchbook and was eager to try it out, but wasn’t quite sure how to make sketching a regular practice.
I love an experience that I had while I was sketching in Sedona. A man came to look at my drawing and commented "Now you see an artist at work." I answered with a smile and said that "No, you see an artist at play." We both laughed.
When I first started sketching in public I was really shy about showing my work. But then I realized that people were just happy to see someone enjoying themselves by sketching so I am comfortable sketching in public now. .
I always thought it was funny that musicians PLAY together or play a song, while artists always WORK on a painting or create new works. Sounds like you had the right idea and he recognized it.
When I first started sketching, it felt like a performance or display of my ability. Performative sketching, not for the love of sketching, but for the love of being perceived as someone who draws. I had an artist “ego death” when someone I was dating tore out a page to show his friends how “weird” the drawing was. To be fair, it was a portrait of someone shooting lasers out of their eyes, so he wasn’t entirely wrong.
I think it took that initial push of shame to start sketching privately and learn how to be more loose with drawing. Once I got over the need to impress people, I felt free to explore ideas and concepts that might make me look like a beginner or amateur. Crappy hands, arms that looked broken, toes bent at odd angles—I didn’t care. I was okay with being seen as an amateur artist if it meant I could sketch whatever I wanted.
Know what you mean about the "performative" demands of creating art. We not only have to create the work, but also people want us to share the process in video form, which requires a whole different set of skills and interests.
I started really getting into sketching when I became a Mum, just so I wouldn't lose the ability/practice. I have so many little sketchbooks all around the house. My kids are still little - 5 and under - but I will still take them out and have a go. Often they'll draw on the sketches - which is fine because they're for my consumption and I'm sure I'll look back fondly on those little squiggles.
I use my first page to get my pen working or test out a new nib. When it’s full, I switch to the last page and do the same thing. Either way a mess of scribbles, dots and dashes with various colors of ink always makes the rest of the sketchbook look better.
I’ve been sketching since early middle school (and I still have those sketchbooks), but I think the role of sketching in my practice has changed a lot. I used to use exclusively pencil and then I transitioned to pens and markers. I never used to decorate or personalize my sketchbooks, but now I customize the size and look of them. And only relatively recently have I started journaling in my sketchbooks; to the point where they’re now equal parts journal and sketchbook. Not the intended response, but it’s interesting how my sketching has shifting and changed as I’ve grown as an artist. It’s always been there for me as a way to express myself, especially as my artistic output has fluctuated over the years.
I was already thinking about that topic for a future Substack post, namely "How has your sketching life changed as you (and your interests) have evolved over the years?" My student-era study books are nothing like the notebooks I keep now.
I have always suspected you had a secret cache of notebooks a la Leonardo da Vinci in which you had documented all of your designs, projects, maquettes, etc…..
I love reading the posts and insights on this site. I voted, above, as a person who sketched a lot in college, when I was briefly an art student, before embarking on a career in aerospace and technology. Now retired, I’m returning to sketching and getting a lot of inspiration from you James, and Paul Heaston, Albert Kiefer and other great artists. I struggle at times to make a sketch every day - but that is my simple, current, goal.
My favourite method recently is to let my 20 months old son scribble random lines on my sketch book then I'd try to figure out what shapes, gestures, movements can be developed from those lines. It's a really fun practice to draw from imagination.
Another excellent article! I picked option 3 because I'm always up for trying new media. I'm one of those people who love monthly art supply boxes, that sort of thing.
I'm proud to say, however, after multiple decades of doing art of one type or another, that I'm finally using my sketchbook(s) RIGHT! I used to make almost all my art in them and didn't complete many studies or exercises. Now I'm using them for learning, for experimentation, and for development of more finished pieces. Some of my sketches are really bad looking but I don't mind because they are serving a concrete purpose. I am sometimes goofy in my sketchbook too.
It's a pain to photograph the pages so most of the time I don't bother sharing them online. A few months ago I actually went somewhere outside my house to sketch - to the zoo for my birthday. Usually I only leave the house for errands and there's not much chance to sketch at a place like the grocery store.
765665 When grocery speaker announced a lost child, I started to cry, and looked at my little boys. How can I make that not be me? I took a paper and pen to our next outing...in 5minutes I knew Drawing would focus me. I never lost my kids, WE gained 7 journals with 1000 memories, outlived grandparents, even dad, sigh. Mostly 1-3" drawings w7-10 words, like mini-ads of life. Desire to capture>growth. BIenfang, bottom half lined. Karen Nastuk
PS Also sketched and lettered what I needed to memorize in school classes.
Thank you for shining light on drawing. Indeed yes, artist can edit out and highlight. The few words add context to those who weren't there...and fill in what time has dulled. I loved when your notes accompany your portraits....
What a lovely post. I especially enjoyed the list of 6 ideas. It made me feel more willing to be adventurous. And, I don't mean"I will go climb Mount Whitney" but to do lots more things without self-censure. That "oh, I must present finished, perfect work" thing gets going. So, time to let that outmoded way of thinking drift off to a desert island. Thanks!
Yes, Susan, so true. The adventure might be a modest one (like sketching the lobby of my building on a rainy day) but that can be a quiet adventure-challenge too.
I love that you mention writing in our sketchbooks, because I've found that to be super helpful. Maybe it tickles the part of my brain that always doodled in my notes during class? Besides random notes, quotes, or feelings that were conveyed quickest in words, I also have the phrase, "My sketchbook is my church," written in one. It's from a YouTube video by a user named "ciel" titled "how to actually keep a sketchbook you love." Reframing the sketchbook as a place of play, study, worship (not necessarily religious worship, maybe worshipping whatever it is you love to draw, or worshipping your joy in the act of drawing) is so healing to me.
Also, I always have to spill some food in my sketchbook before I really get into it. Again, stemming from childhood and grubby cheeto fingers hahaha. It makes me less sad if I just slap a ring of coffee on the first page.
It definitely helps me to look at it as my" spiritual" practice.By my own personal definition anyway,which has nothing to do directly with morals or ethics,just me and nature including human nature!It makes me feel and realize that I belong here.
The bite about skippingvyhe first page was super helpful and yes takes the pressure off greatly. This pub encourages me which is why I stay because yes I do need to be reminded that I am not an artist because I create pictures, but because in my design I see the world differently.
I really love sketching, especially urban sketching. I love the immediacy of the lines! I carry a sketchbook with me at all times! I do not sketch as often as I like when I am out and about, but I am working up to it!
I love an experience that I had while I was sketching in Sedona. A man came to look at my drawing and commented "Now you see an artist at work." I answered with a smile and said that "No, you see an artist at play." We both laughed.
When I first started sketching in public I was really shy about showing my work. But then I realized that people were just happy to see someone enjoying themselves by sketching so I am comfortable sketching in public now. .
I always thought it was funny that musicians PLAY together or play a song, while artists always WORK on a painting or create new works. Sounds like you had the right idea and he recognized it.
I love the phrase "an artist at play," that's so perfect! Writing that in my sketchbook ASAP :)
When I first started sketching, it felt like a performance or display of my ability. Performative sketching, not for the love of sketching, but for the love of being perceived as someone who draws. I had an artist “ego death” when someone I was dating tore out a page to show his friends how “weird” the drawing was. To be fair, it was a portrait of someone shooting lasers out of their eyes, so he wasn’t entirely wrong.
I think it took that initial push of shame to start sketching privately and learn how to be more loose with drawing. Once I got over the need to impress people, I felt free to explore ideas and concepts that might make me look like a beginner or amateur. Crappy hands, arms that looked broken, toes bent at odd angles—I didn’t care. I was okay with being seen as an amateur artist if it meant I could sketch whatever I wanted.
Know what you mean about the "performative" demands of creating art. We not only have to create the work, but also people want us to share the process in video form, which requires a whole different set of skills and interests.
I started really getting into sketching when I became a Mum, just so I wouldn't lose the ability/practice. I have so many little sketchbooks all around the house. My kids are still little - 5 and under - but I will still take them out and have a go. Often they'll draw on the sketches - which is fine because they're for my consumption and I'm sure I'll look back fondly on those little squiggles.
That's a very wise and compassionate view.
Yes I have some sketchbooks from 30 years ago that my kids drew and colored in alongside my stuff They are priceless!
I use my first page to get my pen working or test out a new nib. When it’s full, I switch to the last page and do the same thing. Either way a mess of scribbles, dots and dashes with various colors of ink always makes the rest of the sketchbook look better.
Great idea. Like hearing an orchestra tuning. Kind of gets our eyeballs ready for what's to come.
I love this idea, and will definitely be doing so! The only pressure to be had is by the paper :D
I’ve been sketching since early middle school (and I still have those sketchbooks), but I think the role of sketching in my practice has changed a lot. I used to use exclusively pencil and then I transitioned to pens and markers. I never used to decorate or personalize my sketchbooks, but now I customize the size and look of them. And only relatively recently have I started journaling in my sketchbooks; to the point where they’re now equal parts journal and sketchbook. Not the intended response, but it’s interesting how my sketching has shifting and changed as I’ve grown as an artist. It’s always been there for me as a way to express myself, especially as my artistic output has fluctuated over the years.
I was already thinking about that topic for a future Substack post, namely "How has your sketching life changed as you (and your interests) have evolved over the years?" My student-era study books are nothing like the notebooks I keep now.
I have always suspected you had a secret cache of notebooks a la Leonardo da Vinci in which you had documented all of your designs, projects, maquettes, etc…..
I love reading the posts and insights on this site. I voted, above, as a person who sketched a lot in college, when I was briefly an art student, before embarking on a career in aerospace and technology. Now retired, I’m returning to sketching and getting a lot of inspiration from you James, and Paul Heaston, Albert Kiefer and other great artists. I struggle at times to make a sketch every day - but that is my simple, current, goal.
Thanks, James, glad you're getting inspiration. Love Paul Heaston's drawings.
My favourite method recently is to let my 20 months old son scribble random lines on my sketch book then I'd try to figure out what shapes, gestures, movements can be developed from those lines. It's a really fun practice to draw from imagination.
Another excellent article! I picked option 3 because I'm always up for trying new media. I'm one of those people who love monthly art supply boxes, that sort of thing.
I'm proud to say, however, after multiple decades of doing art of one type or another, that I'm finally using my sketchbook(s) RIGHT! I used to make almost all my art in them and didn't complete many studies or exercises. Now I'm using them for learning, for experimentation, and for development of more finished pieces. Some of my sketches are really bad looking but I don't mind because they are serving a concrete purpose. I am sometimes goofy in my sketchbook too.
It's a pain to photograph the pages so most of the time I don't bother sharing them online. A few months ago I actually went somewhere outside my house to sketch - to the zoo for my birthday. Usually I only leave the house for errands and there's not much chance to sketch at a place like the grocery store.
The zoo! Dream location for sketching.
765665 When grocery speaker announced a lost child, I started to cry, and looked at my little boys. How can I make that not be me? I took a paper and pen to our next outing...in 5minutes I knew Drawing would focus me. I never lost my kids, WE gained 7 journals with 1000 memories, outlived grandparents, even dad, sigh. Mostly 1-3" drawings w7-10 words, like mini-ads of life. Desire to capture>growth. BIenfang, bottom half lined. Karen Nastuk
PS Also sketched and lettered what I needed to memorize in school classes.
Drawings definitely take on a life of their own.
Thank you for shining light on drawing. Indeed yes, artist can edit out and highlight. The few words add context to those who weren't there...and fill in what time has dulled. I loved when your notes accompany your portraits....
What a lovely post. I especially enjoyed the list of 6 ideas. It made me feel more willing to be adventurous. And, I don't mean"I will go climb Mount Whitney" but to do lots more things without self-censure. That "oh, I must present finished, perfect work" thing gets going. So, time to let that outmoded way of thinking drift off to a desert island. Thanks!
Yes, Susan, so true. The adventure might be a modest one (like sketching the lobby of my building on a rainy day) but that can be a quiet adventure-challenge too.
For me sketching is my way of making a moment memorable... Painting for me is the execution of a well thought out sketch.
True, and for me, it's often a compilation of moments from the session.
That's a great way of putting it!
Joining a sketchers club is the best way to get sketching. We go every week. Being retired sure helps.
I love that you mention writing in our sketchbooks, because I've found that to be super helpful. Maybe it tickles the part of my brain that always doodled in my notes during class? Besides random notes, quotes, or feelings that were conveyed quickest in words, I also have the phrase, "My sketchbook is my church," written in one. It's from a YouTube video by a user named "ciel" titled "how to actually keep a sketchbook you love." Reframing the sketchbook as a place of play, study, worship (not necessarily religious worship, maybe worshipping whatever it is you love to draw, or worshipping your joy in the act of drawing) is so healing to me.
Also, I always have to spill some food in my sketchbook before I really get into it. Again, stemming from childhood and grubby cheeto fingers hahaha. It makes me less sad if I just slap a ring of coffee on the first page.
Aurora, I agree with you and Lynwood. What is sketching but 'refined attention?' And what is worship but the same wine in a different bottle?
Cheeto fingers!!!
It definitely helps me to look at it as my" spiritual" practice.By my own personal definition anyway,which has nothing to do directly with morals or ethics,just me and nature including human nature!It makes me feel and realize that I belong here.
Yes exactly!!!! 💯
The bite about skippingvyhe first page was super helpful and yes takes the pressure off greatly. This pub encourages me which is why I stay because yes I do need to be reminded that I am not an artist because I create pictures, but because in my design I see the world differently.
I really love sketching, especially urban sketching. I love the immediacy of the lines! I carry a sketchbook with me at all times! I do not sketch as often as I like when I am out and about, but I am working up to it!
Just found this group and I am obsessed.Such great ideas. Thanks for sharing. We artists are shy violets when it comes to sharing.