ARTicles

The Importance of Sketching

Citadel Chapel
Oak Trees

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!