#4. Looking closer

Last night, I got frustrated at myself for not instantly knowing what I wanted to do when I sat down in my studio. After letting myself relax into some silly sketches, I reminded myself that if you take a break from art (which you should, to rest and re-discover things), it might take some time for the ideas and inspiration to come back.

One of my favorite things to do with sketchbooks I’ve made from recyled paper and magazines from op shops or I also have a Frankie subscription just for this. I stick any kind of image onto the left side of my sketchbook (I’m right-handed), and then, when I’m really stuck, frustrated, or just too tired to think after work but still want to draw, I can pull whatever I want from the visual cue on the left.

Sometimes, this ends with more frustration and the drawings reflect that. But sometimes, I really surprise myself and make something that doesn’t make me question my entire existence.

I think some people call this sketchbook seeding— I like the sentiment of this, planting little seeds of inspiration in your sketchbook to come back to later.

I’ll share some highs and lows from my current ‘seeded sketchbook’ below. It’s more important to make ugly art than to make art you love, practice makes progress!

Finally, here’s a little update on my swatching collection. I think I’ve finished my coloured pencils at this point and will either move on to graphite or the remaining dry mediums I have, like wax and oil pastels. It’s a slow and sometimes boring process, but the result feels worth it.