How Your Sketchbook Turns Strangers Into Friends
Did you know your sketchbook can be a real friend-maker, even if you are an introvert?
In this flip through you'll see the pages I filled in Bristol and Bath in the UK. I was there last August, participating in a workshop retreat from Pushing Your Sketching Boundaries.
You won't see any of my workshop drawings, because they gave us a dedicated workshop sketchbook. This one is filled with drawings I did outside of class.
This sketchbook taught me things
For the workshop, the first few days, we worked in black and white only. So I kept practicing that in this sketchbook too. I was reminded what a valuable exercise it is. Without color to trust on, you start seeing values more clearly, which really helps with capturing lights and darks.
I also had a sketch date with new friends where we set a timer for a limited amount of time. We kept adding "just five more minutes" a couple of times. It showed me yet again that working with limited time keeps a drawing fresh and lively. There's no time to overwork the page.
My sketchbook showed me its friend-making power, like it so often does. Especially when you're by yourself, it can lead to unexpected and memorable conversations. I had one with a curious 8 year old while sheltering for a sudden rainstorm, for example. I got a free coffee from the barista who niticed me drawing, and who turned out to be an illustrator and tattoo artist. I was welcomed like family when I came back to the Indian restaurant I had sketched before.
Your sketchbook really can turn a trip into a treasure of real memories and real people.
Click the image to watch the video
Materials used in this sketchbook:
Hahnemühle Nostalgie sketchbook, A5
Gouache
Derwent Inktense pencil, charcoal grey
Water brush
India ink and dip pen
Colored pencils
and more
Things I mentioned in the video:
Video: How to make a pocket for your sketchbook
I mentioned the Patreon post with the video I made drawing on top of a blue blob, at a cafe in Bristol. Watch the video here
There's quite a bit of ink drawings in this sketchbook. Did you know I'm hosting an Inktober challenge this month?
You can still join the challenge. Find my prompts list and details here.
