Sketchbooks

(click on the pictures to see bigger)

Ever since I first started art college I've kept a sketchbook. At first I found it laborious and self conscious but after time I grew to enjoy it and eventually to actually need it! My favourite size is A5 with a hard cover. I think this is because it reminds me of a normal sized book and although I don't read novels very often, I can relate to the excitement of looking at the cover and wondering what's lurking inside!

 I tend to use it as a visual diary and among the pages are fragments of my inner life. Sometimes the pictures are easy to interpret and with others I don't even know what the pictures are about until I go back and look again and the passage of time reveals the answers to me.
I love to look at other people's sketchbooks too and at a recent visit to the Beryl Cook exhibition I enjoyed her little sketches on scraps of paper as much as the finished paintings themselves!
All the pages shown here in this post are from my current sketchbook

 and I like the pages to be strong enough to withstand acrylic paint or watercolour washes.

In my last post I spoke of how my muse had elluded me. My sketchbook once again came to my rescue. This is the most recent page, I can't say what it means just yet but I'm sure after a couple of days it shall dawn on me! :)

Comments

What a fun look into your sketchbooks....very nice indeed!
I forgot to ask if it is ok if I use YOUR fotos of your artpiece that I won ,,,as I just scanned it and it does not do it justice...and your fotos show it off better than my scanner..........as I want to blog about it this weekend. The cute Fox looks good though,,,no problem with him:)
oh p.s. _I forgot..of course I will give you credit for the fotos too
Dear Fireflies said…
Those are probably the prettiest sketches I've ever seen! You know how bad I am at sketching...mine are more like doodles. :)
How beautiful to be able to take a look into your world; i love your illustration, and inventing a story that goes with them :)
there is something quite magic about the black and white drawing...
xo sandra
Jess said…
Thankyou! :))
Cynnie, yes I would be very happy for you to that. :)
noelle said…
Hi Jessie, sorry i haven't commented for a while although been loving your posts Blogger has not been letting me comment . I think I may have sorted it now so fingers crossed. Love your sketchbook, have been wanting to do some sort of journal myself but I never seem to know where to start!! xx
Jess said…
Hi Noelle, I used to start by doing a page a day and not worrying about the outcome. :)
noelle said…
Jessie, thanks for the tips I'm going to give it a go, I just came back to look again at your Beautiful pages! xx
Absolutely stunning sketches...and so vibrant and alive when you add the color! Love them.
naomi orana said…
wonderful!
I'm sure you'll have magnificent creations with these inspiring sketches :-)
Clare said…
Thanks for sharing your sketch book - I think that there is something very private and personal about an artists sketch book and it takes courage to share, its like revealing your journal pages. I hope your muse returns soon.
Jess said…
Thank you so much :) My muse comes and goes but my sketchbook soldiers on! ;) xx
Unknown said…
OMG! Love your creative sketchbook! I'll be back to see more...keep up the sketching. :)
Anonymous said…
HI Jessie, hope your having a great weekend!
Do you go to art college? I was just wondering as I'm thinking about taking an art degree. Art being slow and not selling anything, thinking about going in to teach.
Hugs!
Julie
P.s thanks so much for your beautiful message!
Ciara Brehony said…
Your pictures are absolutely stunning! :-)
kathy hare said…
I love these little glimpses into your sketchbooks.. xx

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