Sketchbook: How to Use a Sketchbook
Reasons to Start a Sketchbook
To enjoy creating
It's fun to draw.
As a kid, everyone would proudly show their parents what they had drawn.
At that time, you are not judging your artwork critically.
You were enjoying the act of creating.
Would you like to find the joy of drawing again?
By the way, "classical drawing" relates to more formal drawing, but "drawing in a sketchbook" is more casual.
Beginners are better off with starting from a sketchbook.
I recommend an art journal that is no pressure to create and is fun.
Draw your days and experienced in the sketchbook, and when you look back on it years later, you'll be so glad that you kept the art journal.
Moreover, we tend to express what is important to us at the time. By flipping through the sketchbook later, you may discover something new about yourself.
Please give the sketchbook a try!
To grow as an artist
Even the old masters started with one pencil and one line.
Just like them, we also grow into a master-level slowly as we repeat the creation over and over again.
Unfortunately, drawing in your way without learning the principles does little to improve.
It must be a repetition of "learning" new knowledge and "outputting" (practicing) the learned knowledge.
With such correct learning and practice, you will make great strides in a year.
When you get discouraged, the sketchbook will show you all the milestones you've been through and cheer you up to keep going.
It helps me in all ways. You'll never regret starting one.
Sketchbook in Art Journal
Drawing in the classical method requires a great deal of concentration.
That's why I recommend a beginner to start in the form of an art journal. It's meditative and fun.
"What should I draw?" That's the question I often hear.
Today's breakfast
Plants in your garden
Shoes
Vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator
Your hands
The book on the shelf
eggs
Anything you can think of is OK.
If you can, try to draw from life. It trains your observation skills that will be useful for future drawing practice.
Resource: Artist’s Journal by Erin O’Toole
I understand that animals, children, and moving objects are difficult to sketch, so of course, you can use reference photos from time to time.
Once you get used to it, adding some colors will be fun as well. Just make sure to choose the type of sketchbook that takes watercolor or ink.
Resource: Artist’s Journal by Erin O’Toole
How to Choose a Sketchbook
If you use a graphite pencil to draw, I recommend a hardcover bound type.
Many people like the ring binder sketchbook that opens flat. However, it's not suitable for pencil drawing. On the other hand, the ring binder type is no problem if you draw with pen and ink.
Because there is friction between the papers, and they rub against each other. This friction can cause a smudge for your graphite drawing.
Also, suppose you plan to copy a master's drawing in a museum or draw scenery at your vacation destination. In that case, the hardcover can serve as a clipboard for you to hold on one hand to draw.
When drawing a landscape, it is typical to choose a horizontally long sketchbook. On the contrary, when you draw a portrait, choosing a vertically long one is standard. Still life is based on the composition each time.
It's a good idea to have a sketchbook of several different sizes.
Draw only one side of the page.
When closed, some rubbing will occur, so this is to prevent unnecessary stains on the drawn work.
Types of Sketchbook
You can use any size you want but prepare at least two types.
Choose the one you like without looking at the price tag. Now, choose another one of great value.
When I buy something expensive, I start to worry about my artwork. Typically, I'll wonder what to do if you ruin it.
I kept the expensive sketchbooks carefully in a draw for over a year, especially at the beginning stage.
In contrast, I beat up my inexpensive sketchbooks with all sorts of ideas, doodles, and art journals.
The printer paper is OK to use for drawings as well.
I sometimes tear-off pages of sketchbooks to decorate my moon board. The goal is to draw every day, so choose a sketchbook to bring you closer to the ultimate goal: DRAW!
That to be said, a nice sketchbook can be motivating and happy just by holding it on hands.
I use my favorite sketchbook when I have plenty of time, but I use affordable sketchbooks for 10 to 30 minutes sketches.
By the way, there is also a sketchbook type with a light brown background.
Those types are better off with charcoals. You can complete a sketch if you have one white and one black charcoal. But beginners should start with finding the "line" first. Charcoal is to practice "mass" drawing that comes after.
The sketchbook on a white background is suitable for "line" drawing. On the other hand, the sketchbook with middle-value background is better for "mass" drawing.
Develop a Style in the Sketchbook
Some artists have a very distinctive style. People can tell without looking at the name.
It doesn't seem easy to find your style, especially not overnight.
For beginners, quantity is more important than quality. Having a sketchbook is for quantity practices at the beginning stage.
The more you draw, the closer you will be to your future style.
So after drawing for 365 days, 30 minutes a day, you'll be drawing 182.5 hours over the year.
The style needs to be built on top of proficiency.
Practice Classical Drawing in the Sketchbook
When you want to do a classical drawing in a sketchbook, it is a good idea to pay particular attention to the direction of the stroke.
The strokes will add lively movement to the sketch.
Some people use fingers or stamps to make shadows, but I don't recommend it for practicing a classical drawing.
You can draw however you like at the stage of art journaling.
When it comes to classical drawing, we draw one line at a time. Whenever I mention this, people are puzzled.
"Isn't it ok if the drawing looks nicer?"
"Why shouldn't I rub it?"
If you rub it to create shadow, it certainly looks three-dimensional, but it's static.
On the other hand, you can make a "movement" if you use lines. The eyes follow the "line strokes" back and forth between non-moving surfaces.
Guess what? The artist is both a designer and a magician.
Rather than copying what you see, you can emphasize what you want others to see.
You can use the magic "lines" to guide viewers.
It may take some time at first, but please try to draw short and long strokes in the area where you want people's attention.
By the way, when you create a value scale in graphite pencils, you don't need the strokes. I'll cover the topic at another time.
How to Use a Sketchbook Keynotes
It's essential to have a habit of drawing on a sketchbook every day.
If you choose a sketchbook, a hardcover bound type is better. Because the pages rub against each other and the graphite will smudge
The best sketchbooks are the ones that you DRAW every day.
Quantity is more important than quality at first.
If classical drawing is daunting, start with art journaling.
