Sketchy Business

Perhaps the most famous of sketchbooks that we have as example are those of Leonardo DaVinci. Contained in his volumes are anatomical studies, preliminary sketches for large drawings and paintings, explorations and diagrams of botanical species, and of course, the iconic “DaVinci man” where figure, square and circle are represented in a geometric approach to ideal proportions. Also included are mechanical engineering plans for flying machines to be built in the far future, as well as war machines and defenses that in fact were later built and proved extremely effective.
But also wedged among these noble and refined sketches are notably more down-to-earth examples, like doodles of kittens cavorting and lists of DaVinci’s daily clothing choices. Eugene Delacroix traveled extensively to foreign places and drew extensively in his sketchbooks. These images and details were used as references for his paintings of exotic cultures and places in the age before photography. Today, groups like the Urban Sketchers are out and about recording the details of living in the 21st century. William Blake, both an artist and a literary figure, included poetry in his sketchbooks. Picasso made studies of Old Masters in preparation for his radically different abstract paintings. Frida Kahlo included collaged elements, illustrations, and great amounts of text in her sketchbooks. And David Hockney’s sketchbooks are filled with a focus on ordinary objects to be used later as players in large paintings.

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Using the combination of the Koi Water Color Set (with water-brush placed conveniently inside the box), Sakura Pigma Micron pens, and Sax’s Hardcover Sketchbook, drawing sessions can be done not only in the studio but out in the world.

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The most important maxim to reinforce in this project is that in addition to all the serious art endeavors and goals, it should be FUN and fulfilling as an expression of creative activity. The project is not the “object,” but rather the development of artistic expression and the opening of the door to creativity and inquisitive exploration. The joy of drawing that we had as young artists must be kept alive and the sketchbook, in this instance, is the playground for the imagination. No rules, no pressure to draw in any particular style. Every bit of artistic exploration swirling and dancing across the page is a valuable lesson and integral to the process!

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Creative activities and dopamine are closely connected, so low stress levels and a feeling of happiness and contentment in the process are beneficial psychological results—much needed by students in today’s world.

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The Sakura Koi Water Color set Pocket Field Sketch Box is comprised of a basic selection of 12 colors from which many other colors, tones, and shades can be mixed using the palette surfaces that are part of the boxed set. The water-brush is collapsible and contained in the set. The reservoir is filled with water and the brush head is screwed onto the barrel (note: The threading mechanism is reversed, and rotation is counter-clockwise to tighten). If additional colors are desired, dots of tube watercolors can be placed on a sketchbook page or extra card stock, allowed to dry, and then used as an adjunct color source.

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The 6-pen set of Sakura Pigma Micron Pens allows thick, emphatic outlines with the 08 tip, whereas the 005 provides the means for finest detailing. Crosshatching techniques can provide a mechanical approach to tone and value. Once dry, these markers are permanent, and watercolor can be applied after the ink has set.

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The cover can also be a part of the personality of the sketchbook, and a variety of materials can be used to create an introduction image to each artist’s book. The assemblage of sketchbook and drawing tools create the ideal take-along studio on the go. Creative activity can always be at the fingertips, and will provide young artists the opportunity to fully develop and thereby understand more clearly their personal creative and artistic vision.