Keeping A Daily Sketchbook

One of my art goals for the new year is to keep a daily sketchbook.  I think to keep it interesting, I want to experiment with different art mediums and try different kinds of sketchbooks.

Today, I used my Strathmore 9×12 Visual Journal with Vellum smooth pages:

I decided to try sketching with a dip pen and Black Indian ink:

I sketched some spices that I had in my cupboard.  First, I held the dip pen loosely at it’s end and then I used the dropper from the ink bottle:

As you can see, they are a bit wonky in shape.  Yet, I kind of like them like this!

After the ink dried, I used my Neocolor II water soluble crayons and a new Pelikan opaque watercolor set to play with color.

I also made notes on my page.  I think I like the ink dropper sketches the best which surprises me.

I will be posting my sketches on my blog about once a week so you can see my progress.  I am hoping this practice will help improve my drawing skills in time.

I challenge you to start a sketchbook this year!  You could keep a weekly sketch if that is easier to keep up.  It really is loads of fun!  And as you can see from my sketches, they don’t have to be perfect.

Be sure to write the date on your page –

Happy sketching!  🙂