Playing with the format and size of your sketchbook

Challenge yourself

In a previous post, I mentioned how we as artists, like to collect (or hoard?) sketchbooks, even when we already have a stack of unused sketchbooks. It started to bother me that I kept procrastinating on the sketchbooks that seemed more challenging because of their format or size, so I made a promise to myself not to purchase any new sketchbooks before picking up those that have been collecting dust for too long.

This Handbook journal 3.5”x8.25” fits in my small shoulder bag. Along with my small watercolor box, a waterbrush and a watersoluble Inktense colored pencil, it's all I needed for these on-the-go drawings.

For each vignette on this page I painted first and then added line on the wet paint with the watersoluble pencil. I liked the solution of making small vignettes, rather than trying to capture a whole panoramic view on a double page of the sketchbook.

Energy in your sketchbook

Drawing views from a moving train adds a dynamic element to your sketches! The constantly changing scenery challenges you to capture fleeting moments, making each sketch unique. Plus, it's a fun way to experiment with perspective and capture the energy of the journey!

Materials used:
-Handbook journal - Watercolor pocket panorama, 3.5”x8.25” from the travelogue series
-Daniel Smith  watercolors
-Pentel Aquash waterbrush
-Inktense colored pencil - Ink Black