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 6: water-soluble ink

Sketchbook Challenge - Part 6: water-soluble ink

Koosje Koene

Join me in my latest sketchbook challenge! In this video, I explore a fun technique using a fountain pen with water-soluble ink to create dynamic lines and gray washes. Learn how to experiment with different approaches and boost your creativity. Tag me if you're sketching along, and check out my Patreon for more inspiration and workshops!

Forget “Meaningful” Subjects - Just Draw!

Forget “Meaningful” Subjects - Just Draw!

Koosje Koene

When you're out of ideas for your sketchbook, don’t stress about finding a “meaningful” subject. So many of us get stuck thinking that what we draw needs to be profound or special. But here’s the truth: anything becomes meaningful once you start drawing it. The magic is in the process, not the subject!

Sketchbook Challenge - Part 5: Continuous Line

Sketchbook Challenge - Part 5: Continuous Line

Koosje Koene

Learn the fun and freeing continuous line drawing technique in this Draw Tip Tuesday video! Using a Uniball Eye Rollerball pen and Caran d'Ache colored pencils, I show how to keep your pen moving without lifting it from the paper. It’s all about embracing the wonkiness and enjoying the process. Watch the video and try it in your sketchbook today!

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.

Sketchbook Challenge - Part 3: Paint & Line

Sketchbook Challenge - Part 3: Paint & Line

Koosje Koene

In this week's Draw Tip Tuesday, I’m sharing a fun, colorful technique to loosen up your sketchbook practice. Instead of starting with outlines, we’ll jump right into painting a big, bold “blob” of color, and then draw over it with colored pencils. This playful approach helps you embrace imperfection and adds energy to your art!

Perspective and Foreshortening

Perspective and Foreshortening

Koosje Koene

Last week, while waiting for my delayed train, I saw a great opportunity to sketch. I focused on drawing people and perspective and foreshortening. It's challenging to capture in your sketchbook, but with a lot of practice and a bit of courage, you can do it!

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.

Special Live Online Workshop!

Special Live Online Workshop!

Koosje Koene

I’m excited to co-host a special online drawing session with Puapualena! In this special session, we’ll be stepping out of our comfort zones—each of us exploring unfamiliar tools and subjects. We’ll share our creative processes as we experiment with different styles and push the boundaries of our art. Draw along with us, try out new techniques, and interact with fellow creatives.

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!

Editing: Yes, You're Allowed To Do That!

Editing: Yes, You're Allowed To Do That!

Koosje Koene

There’s this misconception that when you draw from observation, you should draw exactly what you see. But wait! What I see or observe, will be something completely different than what you see, or anyone else. Yet, we set these “rules” for ourselves that make us tense up. We want to “get it right”.
Why though? It’s a drawing! Not a prefect representation of the building, subject or view. So here’s a gentle reminder that drawing is really just about being creative and playful while having fun.

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.

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