Demystifying the Sketchbook

In this episode we look at demystifying the sketchbook and discuss how best to view them.

Equipment used

Seawhite of Brighton hardbacked sketchbook
Arteza set of 48 Colored Pencils (Expert)

As always I’m delighted to hear your thoughts, comments and suggestions.

Thank you for watching

Colin

[jmitch]

This is the only sketchbook video I've seen that makes me want to go buy one! The thought of having one really appeals, though I'm a little anxious about it. I need to learn to relax, flow, and let go. I really appreciate this teaching and will re-watch. Thankyou!

[jodycourt]

Yes! I wholeheartedly agree with you. I WANT to be in my sketchbook/journal. I learn so much in my sketchbook and it brings good memories to me during that time and space. I've got my grandkids hooked on sketchbooks and they can really ART. Thank you for this flip through and for showing us how you do your thing.

[debflickinger]

Thank you for sharing this video. I've recently ran across your videos and this one hits home. I have been so afraid of wasting them on just practicing but now realize they are a wonderful teaching tool. ❤

[sarahmcarthur]

Thank you so much for this--as always it's right on point in my life! I have so much trouble getting away from wanting my sketchbook to be for others to see my "art" rather than my safe place to play and learn. I have always felt guilty for not finishing a sketchbook or a written journal but you're absolutely right that it really doesn't matter--it's my place to be me. So thank you again for a lovely video and the permission to just be in my sketchbook. ❤

[karenluke-mannarino]

So wonderful that you are now on You Tube, you are always inspirational! Enjoy your day, I’m going to pull out my sketchbook right now😉😊

[jillbartos]

I agree completely a sketchbook is the perfect place to experiment and not worry about making pretty paintings or drawings. I'm using the small Talens Art Creations sketchbook for quick bird drawings with my 7 in 1 Rainbow pencil. Lots of fun to just "play".

[NinaSChronicles]

Very inspiring, Colin! Just what I needed! Nina

[DaveZemens]

You have such a great way with words, and an inspiring way to present them, along with an obvious love of and talent for art. "A journal back to memories" and a "classroom to learn". Lovely. You also seem like a (young) old friend who just offers the best inspiration possible. Good stuff Colin!

[muireannin]

Such practical advice! You are a great teacher for us beginners Colin. LOVE the N. Ireland accent . I’m 1st generation American. Dad from Tyrone and Mom from Dublin. Lived in Tyrone in the early 70’s (just as the troubles began) and went to Mt Lourdes in Enniskillen. My brother has a home in Moville where he spends the summers - right on Lough Foyle near the fid. I was there most recently in 2023. Ireland is a hard country to quit! Keeps calling me back. Gets in your bones. Stunningly beautiful, mystical and enchanting.
Anyways…. Would love to see more teaching longer videos from you. You are one of the easiest teachers to follow. Need more of what you got!

[Gran]

Great advice, and very inspiring, Colin thanks! My sketchbooks tend to be untidy but they are a place to try out ideas as you say.

[JF-kvgm]

I have 3 sketchbooks on the go...one for haiku some of which have watercolour illustrations, others coloured pencil. Another is a diary for doodles, reflections, quick sketches and, the 3rd, a rectangular sketchbook for more complex sketches and watercolours. Also a stack of cut-up food packaging card on which I experiment and do urban sketches etc. I really like the square sketchbook...I haven't tried square spaces yet.

[FrancesSawaya]

Nothing quite as good as the feeling of opening and starting a notebook or sketchbook. TY for the affirmation and the prompt of the Sligo road. Frances

[fivespice]

Please post your reference photo. I just love your loose, interpretative drawing style.

[SR-vbmw]

This is my second viewing of this video. Very inspiring and a reminder about having a practice. BTW, I just started a square sketchbook the same size as yours. Now I have additional inspiration. Thank you for all your encouragement and work on your channel.

[melryan_king]

Love this video —thank you! Now I gotta go get out my colored pencils! So inspired!!

[majellafergus]

Thank you for sharing these Colin! I’m late to art (well drew a lot early on but I was never allowed to take art in school) but now after a career as a scientist and teacher, I’M RETIRED!!! I’m trying to kick start a sketchbook habit but I have no idea how or where to start and I’ve looked at far too many different sketchbook videos on YouTube, BUT, your ‘anything at all’ approach is the first time I’ve thought I could do this. While I’m playing with all the different supplies and processes, you’ve effectively said go ahead in the same sketchbook. I’m off to get a little square one 😊

[Kris-rfzq]

This is an excellent analysis/description of what a sketchbook can - and should - be. I'm (mostly) past the fear of starting a new sketchbook and being overly harsh in critiquing what I put in it. I have too many sketches on loose pieces of paper when they would be more impactful and instructive in a bound sketchbook. Thanks for another great video about getting inside the thought processes we need to adopt, Colin.

[leemarks]

Colin I always love the videos you do but this one is really a game changer for me. I'm relatively new to watercolour and sketching and recently worried about using the sketchbook incase what I draw or paint isn't right, now that's changed so thank you as always.

[Marteire]

Colin, I have just discovered your channel and I love it here ❤

[NavyAssassinOnBLAST]

Thank you for showing us the various uses for sketchbooks. I use dollar store sketchbooks for experiments & my more exspensive watercolor sketchbooks for final pieces.