Summary of How to start a sketchbook | 3 playful ideas

In the video "How to start a sketchbook | 3 playful ideas," the creator shares three engaging exercises designed to help both beginners and experienced sketchbook users overcome the fear of the blank page and enhance their creativity. The video emphasizes experimentation and observation through various artistic techniques.

Artistic Techniques and Concepts:

Drawing Prompts: The creator introduces a series of Drawing Prompts aimed at warming up and improving observational skills.
Reference Imagery: Using a reference photo, the creator encourages viewers to turn it upside down to better study shapes without preconceived notions.
Sketching with Different Hands: One exercise involves sketching with the least dominant hand to encourage spontaneity and looseness.
Value Study: Mapping out light and dark areas in an image to understand tonal relationships.
Negative Space: Focusing on the space around the subject to create a more comprehensive composition.
Combining Techniques: The creator demonstrates how to merge different prompts and techniques into a cohesive sketchbook spread.
Collage: Introducing Collage as a method to replace Negative Space, allowing for a more dynamic and playful approach to sketching.
Mixed Media: Incorporating various materials such as colored pencils, acrylic inks, and soft pastels to add depth and detail to sketches.

Steps and Materials:

Materials:
- Colored pencils
- Water brush
- Acrylic ink
- Watercolor pencils
- Scissors for Collage
- Derwent Inktense blocks (soft pastels)
Exercises:
- Warm-Up Prompts:
  - Sketch four thumbnails using your least dominant hand.
  - Perform a Value Study mapping dark and light areas.
  - Focus on Negative Space around the subject.
- Combining Prompts:
  - Experiment by merging different prompts, adjusting scale and materials as desired.
- Collage Integration:
  - Cut out shapes for positive and Negative Space.
  - Glue down the cutouts and build upon them with Mixed Media.

Final Reflections:

Sketchbooks are safe spaces for experimentation and do not need to be shared publicly.
They can be expanded beyond traditional formats, such as using loose sheets or creating a sketchbook wall.
Progress may feel slow, but consistent practice will lead to discoveries over time.

Contributors:

The video is presented by Ora Stevens, who is also involved in the Outdoor Sketchbook Collective, an online community for artists.

Notable Quotes

— 09:48 — « Sketchbooks are these super safe places to try things out to learn from what doesn't work. And I think that's where all the good stuff comes from. »

— 14:32 — « Sketchbooks are really a place, a safe space for you to experiment and try things out in a good way, in a safe fun way. »

— 14:56 — « I think a sketchbook can actually be quite expansive. It doesn't need to just be a book. »

— 15:40 — « If you're not feeling like you're progressing or you're not feeling like you're making exciting discoveries and feeling really inspired, do not worry. That's totally normal, totally fine. »

— 16:12 — « Just keep on going, keep on working away. Do little and often, and you'll be amazed at where that can take you. »