Isn't is amazing how important the paper is in bringing a medium to its best advantage? The best paper in the world can't necessarily fix a failed drawing or painting, but inadequate paper can really disrupt a good work of art. There's usually a use for just about every kind of paper, though, so sometimes we just have to experiment and explore until we figure out what works!
Yesterday, I started a journal that I will use to “chat” with my late mom. It’s just a bullet dot journal, paper that is not great for heavy washes. I figured watercolor paintings with lots of layers can always be done on watercolor paper that I can tape on one of the pages. I just want something I wouldn’t be so precious with, something that will allow me to simply cope when I miss my mom.
I'm so glad it's not just ME!! I recently tried a new type and new size of sketchbook. After a couple of sessions, I thought "I am NOT going on with this sketchbook!" But then I decided to keep going. I'm glad I did! Just like you - I went faster, accomplished more, and really stepped out of my comfort zone. At the end of the book, I was a little disappointed there weren't a few more pages. Isn't it funny how something as simple as not loving a sketchbook can make a difference to your art? Happy Tuesday!
I tried your banana marker sketch in a sketchbook that I didn’t like for watercolor - and now I’m in the middle of the sketchbook already. Not being precious about paper or making “meaningful” art is awesome, thank you!
Hi Koosje, it's got a great tip in it, to not be precious about your sketchbook. For quite a while, I only used cheaper sketchbooks. I then treated myself to a good quality one, it sat there for ages, meanwhile, I continued to use the cheaper ones 😂 I am now using it, but I still find it easier to use cheaper ones, that I don't bother about what I am sketching, or how good it will turn out. I will get my head around not being precious about my better quality sketchbook in the end. All the best, John, England
Hi sweet Koosje ! I always look forward to Tuesdays as I get to see what you have prepared for us so kindly week after week ! I always find your sketchbooks so lovely and wish to flip through them and enjoy every corner of your charming sketches ! When I find that a sketchbook does not have the kind of paper I like , I tend to use it for making collages like we did on SketchBook Revival 2023 which you so kindly mentioned in one of your interesting Newsletters ! Thank you ever so much for you commitment and for sharing your knowledge ! Warmest regards and hugs..... Lorraine 🥰💕❤️🎨
Yep, it seems the ‘cheaper’ the sketchbook the faster I go through it. I’m not saying I do not care what I sketch on or what I sketch. I just feel if I mess up a sketch in a cheap sketchbook it is no big deal. Some of my better sketches, especially of people, have been done on a trusty, old, cheap, battered, and torn sketchbook. Then the problem arises, if I like many of the sketches do I keep the darn thing or toss it? Normally, after some thought, I keep it. I try to date all my sketches. That way I can go back and see what aspect of sketching has improved and what aspect has not. Then I need to decide if I am going to work on the aspect that really needs my attention. -OkieSketcher1949
Yes! I feel the same way! I found a very inexpensive journal that pills and tears a bit when I add wet media. But I dug out my old bottle of gesso and solved that issue! Also, I experiment so much more with this journal - just throwing and mushing whatever I can. I’m learning a lot about my materials and I feel so much freer. Thanks for the great video!❤
Thank you for todays video. My biggest lesson is to not be precious. The papers, materials, but mostly my courage. Use it all! Just do it, what’s the worst that could happen, I learn something ? 🤷🏼♀️😁 your lesson learned through this sketchbook really clicked for me. Thank you thank you
This is EXACTLY the video I need right now! I started a new sketchbook recently and was really excited about it but lost all momentum when I realized I hated the paper...but you're right I should just have fun and experiment and soon I'll be able to go back to a sketchbook I like again, and with a whole bunch of fresh ideas! Thank you for the inspiration!
Cool!! And same~ I also struggle with watercolors haha *laughing in pain * I just started making art vlogs/draw with me videos umm content creation outta my art heheh~ I dunno if I'll be able to grow on RU-vid but your video really gave me hope in someway haha
Not sure what you think about using really cheap surfaces to avoid being precious about the drawing: I have been collecting material from discarded cardboard boxes. They are, well, trash. They also work as toned paper. Your sketchbook tours are great inspiration!
LIeve Koosje, you are the first to inspire me to try to draw, and I went to a college level drawing class and improved my ability. Now I'm trying to paint and am also inspired by another Dutch RU-vid teacher. Thank you so much!
Haha! I also rushed thru to finish off my 'disappointing' sketchbooks over the last 2 months, doing as many as 8 drawings a day. A really good learning experience as I learnt to simplify complicated scenes. I also learnt that I cannot buy those sketchbooks ever again 😂. Thanks for sharing!
I am currently struggeling with my current sketchbook, too. Koosje, your video inspired me to do what you did, just paint more to get through it faster 😅I figured that it‘s actually lots of fun because I am getting looser and I don‘t expect too much from myself. I can always blame the paper 🙈
It's so cool that you filled this sketchbook so quickly. And what I find interesting and encouraging: the art is still amazing. Which means drawing and painting even more than you already did still works for you. Can I ask: did you fill more pages in one go, or did you work in your sketchbook more frequently? Also, it fills me with joy to see so many drawings and paintings of my home town. Have you discovered het "Russische Paleisje" yet? It's close to the park, so ideal for an outdoorsy drawing day.
I worked in my sketchbook more frequently, and occasionally filled two or three pages in a row. Thank you for the tip! I will go look for that Russische Paleisje.
I use an old Canon Eos, I have a compact Sony camera that isn't sold anymore because I bought it years ago, and I often simply use the camera on my smartphone.
Do you save all of your sketchbooks? I find myself not wanting to draw in a sketchbook, because I am afraid of having too many sketchbooks on my book shelf.
Yikes, it's holding you back! So far, I am keeping my sketchbooks on shelves, and when they start taking up too much space, I'll figure out what to do. I never want any practical problems get in the way of my creativity.
