I try to have a sketchbook with me wherever I go. Since I have been drawing for over 50 years, you might ask why. The first reason is quite simple. Drawing brings me pleasure. I enjoy reliving the places I have been by getting them down in my sketchbook. The second reason is experimentation. When I was younger, I used to only draw with a pencil. A pencil was safe as I could fix my mistakes. Thank God for the eraser! Unfortunately, pencil smears when left in a sketchbook, and I have had many sketches ruined by simply leaving the pages in the books for safekeeping. Then I began playing with ink pens. Ink was, and is, very fun to use, and it elevates your drawing skills. I started wanting a softer look to my pen drawings, so I added ink washes instead of hatching or cross-hatching. This experiment gave me the confidence to start playing with watercolors.
I can honestly say that I would not be the artist I am today without my trusty sketchbook. Do you have your sketchbook with you? If you don't, why not?
Now go out and get drawing!