Sketchbooks
What is a sketchbook for?
I use sketchbooks a lot! For me, sketches are vital to the process of creating a finished piece, so a sketch is
a place to observe and record
a place to experiment, play and take risks
somewhere to plan and resolve
a place to tuck away ideas and let them incubate
a starting point, a way to focus, connect, and “go with the flow”
Sketches range from spontaneous scribbles and swipes of colour to detailed visual note-taking and everything in between. They are often very personal like a journal or diary and carry more potent memories and significance than a photo.
The sketches below were made with a variety of media.
Pastel pencils, oil pastel, graphite, Inktense, wax pastel, ink, charcoal and soft pastel are all put to use in these,
but my sketching kit changes often!
For more abstract studio sketches, I also use collage, texture medium, acrylic ink and acrylic gouache.
”Let’s see what happens if…” is how I approach the various types of sketching I do, and sometimes I just grab whatever materials I have to hand.
Much of my work has its origins in my experienice of the landscape, and I love sketching out because it really makes me think and respond and remember.
Outdoor sketches
Abstract sketches worked in the studio playing with colour, shape, composition, textures and marks
