All in Drawing Tips

But First, Coffee | Sketchbook Play Without Overthinking

But First, Coffee | Sketchbook Play Without Overthinking

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

In today's video, we’re revisiting a fun and messy technique: using coffee to kickstart your creativity!
If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blank page, wondering what to draw, coffee splatters will be a fun way to get started. You don’t need a plan, and you definitely don’t need to worry about making things perfect; just have fun, play, and experiment!

Today I’m using this playful coffee technique to create bold sketches and explore new ideas in my sketchbook. Let’s dive into how you can do the same.

My Latest Sketchbook Flipthrough

My Latest Sketchbook Flipthrough

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

Let’s flip through the sketchbook I filled in September. It has some pages that are little treasures and others being a bit more "meh". And that’s totally okay!

One thing I love about keeping a sketchbook is how it captures the flow of life and practice, with its mix of experiments, personal moments, and creative challenges. It’s not about making every page perfect; it’s about embracing the process and learning to observe the world around you.

How To Capture The Moment In Just 10 Minutes

How To Capture The Moment In Just 10 Minutes

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

Join me in Greece for a quick 10-minute travel sketch in this week’s *Draw Tip Tuesday* video! I found a peaceful spot in Naxos and captured the scene with a limited watercolor palette and a Derwent Inktense pencil. Discover how to simplify shapes, mix versatile grays, and embrace the wonkiness of loose, playful sketching. Perfect for anyone looking to sketch on the go!

Sketchbook Challenge - Part 4: Limited Color

Sketchbook Challenge - Part 4: Limited Color

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!

This week, I'm continuing my sketchbook challenge, and I hope you're joining in!
The goal is simple: draw one subject and approach it differently each time.

In today’s video, I’m focusing on my still life subject and experimenting with a limited color palette using watercolors and a pencil.

A sketchbook Challenge - Part 2: Dip Pen + Ink

A sketchbook Challenge - Part 2: Dip Pen + Ink

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

In this week’s *Draw Tip Tuesday* video, I continue my creative challenge of drawing the same subject using different tools, this time with a dip pen and India ink. Switching tools adds a new perspective to familiar subjects, and using ink brings bold, expressive lines. Watch the video to see how changing materials can inform your drawing process and inspire new creative discoveries.

Make Your Drawing Pop!

Make Your Drawing Pop!

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

Finding inspiration in the park today! Join me as I sketch these stunning water lilies against the dark, reflective water. The contrast between the bright green petals and the deep water is just mesmerizing! Sometimes, simplicity and contrast can make your artwork truly stand out.

The Caffeinated Sketchbook

The Caffeinated Sketchbook

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

Today I am sharing a fun drawing technique inspired by coffee! In this video, learn how to use coffee stains to spark creativity and add depth to your sketches. I’ll demonstrate easy methods for creating art with just a cup or even a sip of coffee. Plus, get details on our upcoming Lisbon workshop, where you can join me and Cynthia Morris for a transformative, creativity-boosting experience. Perfect for artists and coffee lovers alike!

A One-Week Sketchbook Project

A One-Week Sketchbook Project

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

This week, I'm excited to share a special "side sketchbook" I used on my trip to Switzerland. Of course I brought the daily sketchbook I was working in then, but it's a bit heavy. 

Since I was traveling and hiking, I needed something light and portable, so I brought along my Hahnemühle Zigzag Book. This accordion-style sketchbook was perfect along with some simple tools - and because it doesn't have a lot of pages, I was able to fill the whole book before coming home again. And the accordion format made it fun and adventurous to work with.

Creating a Visual Diary By Drawing Daily | Sketchbook Tour

Creating a Visual Diary By Drawing Daily | Sketchbook Tour

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

When you draw daily, you'll fill sketchbook after sketchbook with your art. In today’s video, I’m sharing another sketchbook tour with you. I myself love flipping through other people’s sketchbooks. Whether they’re beginners or advanced, I find it super inspiring. I hope my sketchbook tours spark inspiration for you as well. It’s all about doing art every day, wherever you are.

How Long Does It Take To Make A Drawing?

How Long Does It Take To Make A Drawing?

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

One common and stubborn misconception is that you need hours and a perfectly set-up workspace to create art. This mindset can create a high threshold and might discourage you from starting at all.

In today's video, I’m addressing a frequently asked question: "How long does it take to make a drawing?" Whether my artwork takes hours or just a few minutes, I'll share insights and examples from my drawing archive, as well as the time it took to create each piece.

Hands Drawing Hands

Hands Drawing Hands

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!
Today, I'd like to talk about a special drawing ritual I follow whenever I start a new sketchbook: drawing my hands as they draw! This habit not only helps me break the curse of the blank page but also is a fun and challenging practice.

In this video, I'll walk you through my process, from starting by drawing the tip of the pen to capturing the details and proportions of my hands (wobbly and wonky!), even as they move and change positions.

Sketchbook Tour: Daily Drawing Joy

Sketchbook Tour: Daily Drawing Joy

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

Are you ready for another sketchbook tour?
I filled this sketchbook in May and a little bit of June, and it went by so fast!
Drawing is a daily part of my life, not just a habit or a ritual. It brings me so much joy, and I hope it can do the same for you. In today's video, I’ll take you through my sketchbook, its pages filled with moments in cafés, figure drawing sessions, and drawings from my travels and workshops.

Accordion Sketchbook Tour

Accordion Sketchbook Tour

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday! Explore my sketchbook from the "Capture the Lisbon Wow" workshop with Cynthia Morris. This unique accordion sketchbook from Lisbon's Casa d'Amendoeira is filled with memories, drawings, haiku, collages, and more. From coffee messes to pastry sketches, each page captures Lisbon's essence. Get inspired to dust off your sketchbook and start creating!

Sketchbook Tour | Lisbon adventures and more

Sketchbook Tour | Lisbon adventures and more

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday! Join me as I share my A4 Hahnemühle Nostalgie sketchbook, filled during April and May 2024, with sketches from Lisbon and America. Enjoy my travel stories, drawing techniques, and creative experiments. See highlights from workshops, playful drawings, and familiar scenes from my videos.

Urban Sketching | Color First, Then Line

Urban Sketching | Color First, Then Line

Koosje Koene
Drawing Tips

Today we're heading out on location to draw in the beautiful city of Amersfoort, where I live. 
We'll find a cozy spot, enjoy some great coffee, and do a fun, quick sketch. 

This video shows a step by-step approach of my drawing process, taken with photos every two minutes so you can follow along. I'll be using watercolors, a water brush, and my trusty Sailor Fude nib fountain pen. 
Starting with colorful blobs for shapes, I'll build up the sketch, adding people, details, and using a white crayon for finishing touches. It's all about having fun and embracing the wonkiness. 

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