I've tried to keep a regular sketch book before but my ability to keep the practice regular has never quite worked out. So why is this different?
I think it's because I'm keeping the materials simple. Only a little watercolour palette and my pencil case with a few ink tense pencils thrown in for good measure.
And I'm keeping those materials all together in a little grab and go bag, so it's been with me on a recent 'day job' outing.
And I'm also keeping the images simple - flowers and leaves.
A few recent pages for you to enjoy.
This one was very popular on Instagram. The white is simply resist created with torn strips of masking tape. Ok, that wasn't technically in my bag, but it was in the bureau behind me so easy to just reach for in a moment of inspiration.
Another trick I've worked out is to lay down some colour first and then go back later to fill in the detail.
Why have I not succeeded with this before?
Here is my recipe for success (I know it's early days, but let's be positive):
Small sketchbook A5
Simple materials - watercolour palette a few brushes and pencil case
All together in a grab and go bag
Keeping the content simple - in this case just flowers and leaves
Not really thinking about it - just going for it
Laying down a few pages of colour to come back to later
And finally, a little confession. I haven't actually quite managed something every day. A few times life and family etc. have got in the way. So final ingredient for success - don't be too hard on yourself.
Lovely idea. I took a tiny sketchbook on holiday intending to do the same but failed. Will try your colours idea next time
ReplyDeleteMe too. Tried to hard to be something I'm not. I don't do landscapes etc. Go with your instinct. Do what you want to do, not what you feel is expected.
DeleteThanks Hillary, a lovely post. I was supposed to be doing a drawing / day, but life has taken over on several days. these are lovely sketches, and I really like the idea of a few materials and one theme!
ReplyDeleteI have lost count of the number of times I have tried (and failed) to do a daily sketchbook exercise. It has been a dismal failure to date, but I might just have stumbled upon the right ingredients. And keep it small - then there is less pressure.
DeleteGreat idea! I must try harder!!
ReplyDeleteHeather
thanks me too!
ReplyDeleteI think you've summed it up perfectly. I know for me if I am to do anything on any kind of a regular basis, it has to sitting out where I can grab it easily, or more accurately, where I spot it and am reminded to sit down and work on it for a few minutes. Out of sight, SO out of mind with me and if I left it in the studio, well, once I step in the studio, other things quickly take priority.
ReplyDeleteAlso the idea of keeping it all pretty simple with just a few supplies needed and a single theme has worked for me as well. I've not worked with a pre-painted page for a very long time, but the one time I tried it, I saw how it could spark ideas that the blank page did not.
I'm so glad this is working for you. I see real possibilities for ideas from these sketches transferring to your "regular" work. And I can also see how each page you share shows progress, growth.
Thanks - if you see a bit of progression then that makes it really worthwhile.
DeleteI completely agree that simplicity of supplies is a great encouragement to daily activity. I've taken to keeping some watercolour paints/paper/pencils on the shelf next to me in the living room, so that I don't even have to head to the craft room in order to have a little doodle.
ReplyDeleteLovely floral pages - and also a good tip about starting something and going back later for details. It's a necessary step with some of the watercolouring I've been doing as you have to let one layer dry before the next will work. Good for me to have to be patient!
Alison x
Thank you for your comment. Much appreciated(as is your own blog)
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