How to Start and Keep a Sketchbook

Learn to Use a Sketchbook Like the Masters

Jul 14, 2006
Alina Bradford

My first sketchbook. - Alina Bradford

Keeping a sketchbook is the best way to help your skills grow as an artist.

When I first started seriously working on building my skills as an artist I began using a sketchbook. Most artists will tell you that using a sketchbook on a daily basis not only helps you grow as an artist, it also furnishes you with an endless supply of ideas for your more formal art projects.

The first thing you need to think about when choosing a sketchbook is what kind of sketching you will be doing. Will you be sketching with a regular #2 pencil, watercolors, or charcoal? If you are sketching with, say, watercolors, you will need thicker, sturdier paper than if you are just using pencils.

Don't know what kind of sketching medium you want to use? Well, pencil is the easiest and most portable choice. If you want color, watercolor or colored pencils may work for you. Charcoal has nice results, but it is also the messiest, and it is very smudgeable. If you are confused, I suggest you decide on a basic sketchbook with a medium weight paper so that you can experiment with different mediums.

So, lets talk more about choosing a sketchbook.

Think about whether you want a spiral bound sketchbook or a hardcover type. A spiral bound sketchbook is nice because it lays flat, though a hardback is much better if you are hard on your supplies.

Also, think about size. How big are you going to want your sketchbook? Do you want it to fit in your purse? Do you want it big enough to allow for more detail? I have a 9"x11" spiral bound that I love. My reason for having such a big sketchbook is because I normally use my sketches as the bases for finished art pieces. I will put down the idea, fold back the sketchbook, and scan the image into my computer to be worked on in Photoshop or Corel.

Okay, my way is not the traditional way to use a sketchbook. Many people use a sketchbook to capture thoughts and ideas for work to be fleshed out on canvas.

For beginning artists it is important just for practicing. Take your sketchbook with you everywhere and just draw. Don't limit yourself to your usual subjects. Draw anything and everything. The more you draw the better you will be.

Here are some ideas:

1. Draw the average. Draw your favorite drink, your bed, your toothbrush...
2. Draw people. Anyone is fair game. Draw your mom, your neighbor, and the funny guy down at the coffee shop.
3. Draw other people's work. Go to the museum and roughly sketch the art you see in front of you. Notice the placement of objects in the art, note the colors, etc.