Sketching a Book

Why having a #sketchbook is important and how to start one.

The First Page on My New Sketchbook

One of the most important things to have as an #artlover is a #sketchbook.

You can find several options available in #artshops.

For an #artbeginner, you should choose something accessible so you can feel free to #sketch and #paint it often and, more importantly, without the fear of making the errors that will help you progress. Having those "imperfect pages" in the middle of the "good ones" is important to keep as a reference for later.

"When I see someone with an immaculate sketchbook, I don’t trust that person."— Kody Chamberlain

I live in Brussels and here, everyone knows how expensive is everything. Especially #art materials. I discovered some good options like:

Art #journal; #blocdepapel divers, #carnetdecroquis or an #oldbooks you can find on “a donner” boxes, very ubiquitous around here.

My three first references are from Action Store (#actionbelgië; #actionfrance; #actionbelgique #actionnederlands #actionspana, etc).

None of these options cost more than two euros.

In fact, I bought one item of each, and I'm using them for different proposes.

The first one, the #artjournal, is ideal for my watercolour, gouache, and acrylics experiences because it has 300g/m2 paper.

The second one has different kinds of paper inside and is ideal for #drawing with graphite and colour pencils.

The last one, "Sketchbook Pu", I'm using for #markers, drawings in general. I recently discovered that it could handle watery experiences quite well, also.

Old books can also be a good surface to work on. I've found some old books that I'm using to make #abstract #painting experiences.

But, after having found or buying one, being an absolute beginner on #sketchbooks, how can you start? Just by trying your art materials and taking notes on them.

This is a good habit to keep. Like that, you will remember: where you bought them; how to store them; if they are water-resistant; how much they last; colours, etc.

"The sketch hunter moves through life as he finds it, not passing negligently the things he loves, but stopping to know them, and to note them down in the shorthand of his sketchbook." - Robert Henri

Now in Black & White :)

And after this, if you feel brave enough, make a simple drawing of a common object to try your #artmaterials in a concrete #artwork. Above all, stART and have fun!