Community Sketchbook

Powdered Toast Girl

2009-11-03T20:02:00.005-05:00

There are no good excuses for my delinquent posts here on the community sketchbook... aside from my focus drifting to my baby and me. He/she was due almost a week ago, and I'm patiently (or not) waiting for the grand entrance into this world. In the meantime, I decided I should post something here, so when I found the new sketchbook that Powdered Toast Girl began, I couldn't resist! Check out this sketchbook!

On another note, I'm looking for searching for more individuals who want to be authors here on the sketchbook. If you want to help out, please contact me: scribbles@shawnahandke.com. (If I'm a little slow to respond, just know that it may have to do with my new life as a first time mom. I may be changing a dirty diaper or feeding...)

where does a sketch go after it's sketched?

2009-09-02T19:26:00.002-04:00

ohArlene!

2009-08-07T05:30:00.002-04:00

I found ohArlene's comics a few weeks ago. I loved her sense of humour so much I ended up reading my way through her entire photostream. Partly, I confess, it was because I saw some of my own eccentricities related in her autobiographical comics and I was ablt to show them to my partner and say look! I'm not so strange after all! But it was mainly her sense of timing and ability to make the mundane and everyday stuff of life humourous and worth recording.

Please Don't, by ohArlene

Inventing Memories, by Nura_P

I love this one:

I Know You Listen, by Nura_P

I Love You, by Nura_P

I hope you enjoy her work.

Journal Entries

2009-08-04T07:30:00.002-04:00

Ride by inkydarlin

Yosemite Pine Cone by John Woolley

Sitting behind my market stall by the lime green cardi

Untitled by Heidi Burton

Jul 22 Art by Capt Elaine

finding the good by danny mansmith

Missing

2009-07-19T08:55:00.007-04:00

So..... I've missed the community sketchbook community for quite some time! I've been out on vacations, and the computer we took with us was broken. Yikes! It was a good time without a lot of electronic interference, but I also missed a world of sketches and other things that have been happening. Now, I'm back. I just wanted to begin by posting a few of the sketches that really stand out to me right now. Plus, some of these sketches are by our newest members.

Akkordeon by Flaf

EUBIE IN CONCERT by John Woolley

High Street Oxford by Allen Pirabu

Untitled by Elaine Miller

#23, Draw instead of watching the telly by Lou Simmons

Healing the Shame

2009-06-21T01:08:00.003-04:00

I just found these sketches by Coorain spontaneous and filled with freedom. I love the way that he chooses to work with Healing the Shame That Binds You. This 1988 self help guide has been miraculously transformed into a brilliant sketchbook.

Check out more of Coorain's sketches here.

Animals

2009-06-01T16:50:00.003-04:00

Animal sketches have been on my mind, because I'm using them in our baby's nursery. Here are a few that I'm rather fond of...

And here's one that I created for the nursery.

Book By Its Cover

2009-05-08T09:58:00.005-04:00

If you haven't checked out the site, Book By Its Cover yet, you should! It offers loads of inspiration for any artist or living human being. Today I just observed that there is a new feature in their sketchbook series on Jenny Volvovski. She is the graphic designer for ALSO, and her sketchbooks offer a fresh bit of humor. So if you're looking for a way to brighten your Friday, check out her sketchbook pages. As it's stated best on Book By Its Cover, these sketches are one part "diagram" and one part "diary."

Something of Value

2009-05-04T18:06:00.006-04:00

The analogue book, Something of Value, is about to begin it's journey. This book is a fantastic piece in and of itself, and we should all thank Jan Allsopp for creating it for us! So if you have already contacted me with your name and mailing address, I will soon be talking to you about the mailing process. If you have not yet contacted me with that information, we still have some room for new artists to participate, so please send me an e-mail.

A little about the book: It has been made by rebinding a 1955 edition of Robert Ruark's "Something Of Value" published by Hamish Hamilton Ltd, London. The particular book was chosen for it's title, the size of the book and the fact that it was in reasonable condition. I have never read the book and don't really know what it is about! But it seemed apt for this project to me. I began by disassembling it, removing the original book block from the covers and reinforcing the covers to help it to last its future journeys. Then I separated each page from the book block. Unfortunately it didn't contain much of interest (to the sketch artist!) in its pages, so while I selected a few to go back into the book later, I also dipped into my stash of pages from other old books to add a bit of visual interest with different sizes of papers and different subject matters. I cut new pages of the book from a variety of art papers - Arches 185gsm, both hot and cold press watercolour papers, my favourite sketchbook paper Art Spectrum Draw & Wash, Canson Montval watercolour paper, Stonehenge drawing paper, Canson acrylic sketch paper and some found papers including grid, exercise book and pages with writing guides. When I stitched the new book block together with waxed linen thread, it made a wonderfully eclectic basis for a wide variety of sketches. Artists will be able to select a page that will support their kind of artistic expression. Text pages can be gessoed over or collaged onto. Watercolour pages can take other wet media and the drawing papers are very versitile. I added 2 ribbon page markers to the book and new endpages. These I made from some really rustic handmade paper I found in our local artisan market down by the harbour. I really wanted to leave their deckle edges complete but they were just slightly too large for the book. A little bit of exercising the grey matter later I came up with what I think is an ingenius solution! I used the excess width to create a tab that I could sew envelope pockets on to both front and back. I made the envelopes so they still function well even after sewing. They will be great for artists to slip their cards, notes or info into so it is all kept together as the book travels the globe. Once the book was firmly reattached to its covers I added a little pocket that holds a card of mine that documents the rebinding. I usually make these envelopes out of discarded pages from the book itself, but this time I was lucky enough to have the crumbling remains of the original dust jacket. I used the spine section with the title showing. To me it's a lovely way to keep in mind the origin of the sketchbook, which over time will look less and less like a novel and more and more like an artists sketchbook! I really can't wait to see what happens to our book now!

Love for Spring

2009-04-28T21:20:00.005-04:00

I apologize for my lack of posts lately, but spring has sprung and is keeping me rather busy! Whenever I'm not working on new drawings or sketching, you can find me in the garden or on my bike.

Untitled by o lie

I'm trying to take full advantage of the good weather and my health, because I'm pregnant now. And I don't believe I'll be able to ride my bike during the entire pregnancy. Gardening... now that's another story. So on behalf of the fun spring days I've been partaking in, I chose some sketches to compliment my love for spring.

18 by c'est bon

The flowers are in bloom, and I'll be visiting the farmer's market next week!

Dreaming of Spring by Handcrafted

At the Market by Peter Hart

And if you want the free download that I've created on behalf of the Indie Fixx Free Your Soul project, simply click here to find out more and download the print for yourself.

Cecilia Levy

2009-04-09T18:05:00.004-04:00

I recently discovered Cecilia Levy's artwork, and I am fascinated with her use of vintage paper, stitching, and simplistic drawings. She has a unique way of combining the natural world with these recycled papers, as is evident with this set of drawings and paintings. I also became rather intrigued with her birds and self-portraits.

You can find more of her work here. Plus, she sells some limited edition prints and crochet sculptures in her etsy shop.

Kids' Sketches

2009-04-03T11:33:00.006-04:00

I thoroughly enjoy viewing childrens' drawings, so I decided to showcase a few young artists' sketches. I feel like we adults have a lot to learn from a child; especially the freedom of expression. Most children have no inhibitions when they create!

The young artist John Woolley is a fourth grader who keeps an elaborate journal and creates some fascinating drawings and paintings.

WATER COLOR SET by John Woolley

Another young artist, Maya drew this for her mother. She is also quite talented. I really enjoy the repetition of the shapes on the owl's body.

OWL Sketch by Maya

Malcom is one other amazingly talented young artist who was six when he created this drawing. I really enjoyed seeing the layered dinosaurs in this sketch. Click here to view all of his artwork.

dinos by Malcom

One more young artist that I need to mention is a five-year old girl, Sophia. I had her over one afternoon while I lived in Boston, and she created quite the gallery in my apartment.

This is merely an example of a few talented young individuals we should be watching as they continue creating amazing art.

Something of Value

2009-04-02T08:36:00.008-04:00

I'm so excited! I just received some photos of the Community Sketchbook's analogue sketchbook. It's in the book press currently being bound in its final stages.

This is the sketchbook that I've talked about before... the one that we'll begin shipping across the world to one another. Jan Allsopp has done an amazing job with the creation of this rebound sketchbook, and the best news is that we will all be able to contribute. Jan has donated all of her time, materials, and efforts to this project, so we should all send her a huge THANK YOU! So if you want to do this, e-mail her or just comment on her blog.

My goal with this sketchbook is to publish the images of the work as it is completed here on the blog, and once the book's pages are filled, I would like to have an exhibition with artwork from selected artists who have contributed to the pages.

Now, if you're interested in contributing to the Community Sketchbook's Something of Value, leave a comment here. Or you can simply send me your name, e-mail address, and snail mail address at scribbles[at]shawnahandke.com.

If you would like to read more about the creation of this beautifully rebound sketchbook, click here to read Jan's article.

Nura-p

2009-03-30T04:31:00.005-04:00

Have you seen Nura__'s work yet? Her illustrations are simultaneaously challenging, naive, warm and highly sophisticated - I love them:

Untitled, by Nura_P

Inventing Memories, by Nura_P

I love this one:

I Know You Listen, by Nura_P

I Love You, by Nura_P

I hope you enjoy her work.

Black and White

2009-03-23T16:32:00.004-04:00

I have to admit that I haven't done the greatest job posting to the Community Sketchbook lately, but there are several amazing sketches that have been shared with the flickr group. Nonetheless, I found a few recent sketches rather empowering, and I felt compelled to share these moving black and white sketches.

DARK by K. Hsinmin

Bonestitch by Arlee Barr

after Picasso by Peter Hart

In other news, I'll have an update this week about the real sketchbook that we'll begin shipping from one place to another. If you still have not signed up to participate in this part of the Community Sketchbook, please send me an e-mail now!

Allen Pirabu

2009-03-18T06:26:00.004-04:00

Yes it's definitely a series. Allen Pirabu's sketches are just lovely in my opinion. Fluid and full of character:

503, by Allen Pirabu

490, by Allen Pirabu

I love the guy on the left, below:

422, by Allen Pirabu

Life drawing 23, by Allen Pirabu

As he says in his profile, he loves drawing: that, I think, is very clear. And he also loves people too - these drawings are full of warmth. Well worth spending some time with.

Frida Frida

2009-03-11T06:53:00.005-04:00

I can feel a series coming on: single artist features. This week I'd like to share Frida Frida's sketches with you. I really enjoy her looseness and the freedom with which she uses colour. Whether it's coloured pencils:.

The Old Man with Glasses, by Frida Frida

Media, by Frida Frida

Or watercolour:

Spikkestad, by Frida Frida

Lunch at Piazza Cavour, by Frida Frida

She uses it freely creating sketches with a sense of life, energy and freshness. Lovely!

the People in our Head

2009-03-05T10:26:00.004-05:00

These are the people in our heads. I just wanted to feature a few sketches that some of the Community Sketchbook members recently created while thinking about their lives.

The thought of retracing this makes my... by The Pairabirds

Conservatoire by Alain Bertin

part dork. part Jason. part alien. by artfisch

Untitled by Danny Mansmith

The Notebook of Nat Koffman

2009-03-04T12:01:00.006-05:00

I recently picked up some inexpensive used books at one of the book shops that was going out of business here in town. I was sad to see the shop close, but I have some unique treasures from their sad departure. I found this book, entitled The Notebook of Nat Koffman, and I liked the writing that I found. I had not heard of Nat Koffman before this, but I thought it was worth the few pennies the book cost me. Well, I've decided that I should share a page or two with you here and there, inspiring you just as much as I've been inspired by these writings.

The first excerpt I will share is from the section entitled, The Artist in Relation to Society. I simply thought Art as a Record was appropriate to share here, because recording what we see is sometimes how I would define sketching (or keeping a sketchbook).

I hope you are as inspired by these writings as I am.
And if you want to learn more about Nat Koffman, you can download a short bio here.

Capturing the City

2009-02-26T11:18:00.007-05:00

Each of these artists have a unique way of capturing the places they live and visit.

Downtown El Paso by Tim Razo

Marché rue La Fayette by Alain Bertin

Panoramic wheel by La Ola

Subvergence by Sharon Frost

Kunstmuseum Stuttgart by Flaf

These are the people You Meet on the Streets

2009-02-24T11:02:00.012-05:00

Today, I took a walk through the streets of NYC, and I ran into a few people. I didn't know the people I met, but I knew that they were people I should know. In fact, the more I observed their beauty, elegance, and eccentric behaviors, the more I felt I had met them in a past life. In fact, I had.

You see, we walked into the club the other night and as the lights spun and people moved their bodies in tune with the music, you couldn't tell who was who. You just knew that the shadows and lights kept your eyes in a gaze that only the artist could capture. When we walked out, it was icy and snowy. We knew we would fall, but we just moved in motion as if the music was continuing to spin around in our heads. That's when it struck us, this is a person...this is ice and snow...this is a person on ice and snow...

After we spent all of our energy dancing, slipping and sliding home, we were extremely hungry. When we finally got to our door step, we met him. He was actually standing there naked and starving. We went upstairs, grabbed a blanket and took it down to him along with a fresh sandwich that we slapped together. He was eternally grateful.

When we finally settled into our comfy flat, we were zapped. We fell asleep and began dreaming. It was the most bizarre thing I've ever imagined, but this is it. My head was pounding... life was thundering... blissful death... stampedes! stampedes!. It had encompassed me!

And then I woke up. I realized all of it was a dream, but they... they were the people I had met on the streets that day.

The Brothers McLeod Sketchbook

2009-02-22T16:14:00.008-05:00

Many current animation artists are also illustration artists. I'm am continually inspired by their work. I recently found The Brothers McLeod and their short films. Wow! That's really all I can say. Below you can watch their short animation, Sketch Book No. 1.

"The Brothers McLeod first appeared on the animation radar when they were short-listed by BBC Talent for the New Comedy Awards in 2001. They achieved this with their first short 2D animation Highlights: Sports Day about a sports radio station’s attempts to commentate on the Piddle-on-the-Wyre village annual event."

[ Brothers McLeod on YouTube ]

Oh yeah... on another film note: the Oscars are tonight. Who do YOU think deserves an Oscar? The best thing I found was that you could watch the Oscar Animated Short films here.

samesame! the scribble project

2009-02-20T11:51:00.006-05:00

So... you're looking for another reason to scribble some more? I was. So I created a scribble for samesame! the scribble project. (You can find mine here.)This simple daydream is a fun project that Lisa Currie recently started. Artists and illustrators from all over have begun scribbling on behalf of samesame! And some of my personal favorites include...

Now, download your very own samesame! by clicking here. Then, send it Lisa's way, so she can publish your scribbles for the world to see.

And on top of that project, Lisa recently created good vibe notes. If you want something new to do or are just lacking ideas for a new piece, these projects are a good way to get you brainstorming.

Beetle Love

2009-02-18T16:37:00.014-05:00

If you enjoy insects or the anatomy of colorful creatures, you'll most likely enjoy the beetle collection that Leslie Brenden has recently been creating. Her sketches have the intricate details that make some souls ache. These strange creatures take on a beautiful element with her pen, ink, watercolor, and Prismacolor pencil sketches.

"Though Leslie’s influences tend to be somewhat obscure, strange and often a bit macabre, she is an appreciator of most art forms. She is quite often inspired by imagery-often in nature that is sometimes considered “ugly or creepy” by most, which brings us to the project that she is presently working on. Leslie calls this project her “Beetle a Day” journal.

The project was born as Leslie has always watched and learned from her husband's extensive entomology hobby. She is always willing to help with his collecting insects and arachnids-killing jar always in tow. While listening to him talk so respectfully and admirably about his fondness for the amazing beetle, Leslie decided to draw some of his favorites using sources from specimens in his collection 'to' photographs. After several beetle drawings, she was hooked. The colors, shapes and visual diverseness got her hooked. She began to read about each beetle that she drew becoming more and more intrigued. The project began when she decided to commit herself to creating a beetle a day. Since the project started in early January this year, Leslie has received many inquiries as to whether or not she planned to publish. Though that was not originally her intent, Leslie and her husband have discussed the possibility and are presently courting the idea." [via Leslie Brenden's Artist Biography]

Diana Koehne

2009-02-17T04:56:00.005-05:00

I've been a fan of Diana's characters for a long time now. They seem to express experience of the world in a way that is both humourous and moving. And I love the rawness of her mark making.

Change, by Diana Koehne

Untitled, by Diana Koehne

..., by Diana Koehne

Cupid Shoots...

2009-02-14T02:04:00.005-05:00

He misses! ah... shucks... I didn't get struck by the love arrow. Or did I? Or did you?

Today is the illustrious holiday of Saint Valentine... or as some of us like to say, "the hallmark holiday." The hubby and I really do little to celebrate; in fact, we're brewing beer, and I'm labeling bottles this afternoon. However, I thought I should highlight some of the more interesting sketches that Valentine's Day brings our way during this special time each February.

bouquets of flowers...

love...

kisses...

sex...

more sex...

Cézanne

2009-02-13T06:02:00.013-05:00

I have never liked the impressionists. Instead I prefer those who came before, inspiring and informing them - Degas and Manet for example, and those who were influenced but individual, such as Cézanne. I'm currently reading a book about Cézanne's watercolours which is the inspiration for this post.

Cézanne was actually ridiculed for his drawing and painting abilites when he first moved to Paris. And looking back over his early sketches it's clear that they were awkward, yet as he developed his belief that he could put the whole design of the universe in the drawing of an apple, or any ordinary thing, his drawing developed a sensitivity of line and his paintings, though still extraordinary in their use of colour, were subdued and tamed.

Self Portrait, by Cezanne

That he did achieve his aim of drawing the universe in an apple is beyond question in my opinion: his late paintings depict the sublime and it is this which makes them so arresting as well as his method of using colour to depict form. His paintings are both deeply and fully observed representations of the world, yet abstracted at the same time.

Mostly we know him through his oil paintings now, but his watercolours also reward time spent with them. He uses a similar technique of paint application as he did with oils, the paint is applied in small strokes and build up to represent planes, but the application is looser and the soft translucent watercolours glow with an almost ethereal softness.

Mill at the River, by Cezanne

Large areas are often left unpainted, (unforuntately I haven't got an example to show you) allowing the paintings and sketches to breathe. And again there is the unique, masterful ability to produce work which is at once both representational and abstract.

How did he do this? I mean, of course we can see the brushstrokes, study the technique if we wish, even attempt to make copies and apply those techniques to our paintings but would they capture the sublime? I doubt it. How he drew and painted, the style he developed, was the result of so many factors: his sensitivity, his rejection by his peers, his determination, his belief in his goal and his obsessive nature which drove him to continue even though he was ridiculed.

This has been a very brief look at Cézanne, I hope you've enjoyed it.

Balance

2009-02-12T23:59:00.006-05:00

Balance refers to the ways in which the elements (lines, shapes, colors, textures, etc.) of a piece are arranged.
[ via About.com: Art History ]

Balancing Act by by theway is a perfect example of balance using asymmetry. When I saw this sketch, I had to comment about the "balance" of the composition... (mostly because I liked the punn on words). Aside from that play on words, I also found the sketch to be rather intriguing: conceptually and elementally.

This sketch by Danny Mansmith also tends to display a nice sense of asymmetrical balance and literal balance.

Although Peter Hart's Giant Tortoise is not 100% symmetrical, it is probably the closest to symmetry that I can find within the Community Sketchbook. Plus, it's a great sketch.

One can also have balance but not necessarily be balanced. Obviously, I didn't find a good example of this, but I thought it seemed peculiar.

Lovely Day!

2009-02-11T21:51:00.005-05:00

Today was a lovely day. People strolled the streets, and people thought it was springtime. I thought I should share a couple of sketches that display the way the weather has affected us lately.

F is for Forest... by Question Josh

Sketchbook, pavement cafe. by Peter Hart

The bicycle wasn't what I expected!

2009-02-08T22:38:00.008-05:00

[ PREFACE: This is an introduction to a series of short stories. The short stories use images from the Community Sketchbook, and tell simple stories about life. The images used are sketches by the Community Sketchbook artists; and of course, the rights remain their own. ]

It was a lovely day here in New York today. The birds were chirping and the sun was shining as I walked down the street this morning, reflecting on all of the beauties of the world.

The thing that hindered the beautiful beginning to my day was the bicycle that I once thought was mine had now been reclaimed by its rightful owner. Unfortunately, I had already dismantled it, stripping it of its cables and rust. Although I had spent hours working to create something simple and new, I realized that the only right thing to do was to return it to its owner in one piece... not the dozen that it was currently in.

So I set to work re-assembling the bits and pieces. The only problem remained that I had never attempted a feat of this sort before. You see, I wanted a naked bicycle, not one with gears and brakes!

This task really caused my brain to hurt and made me want to escape.

Now that the bike is back in one piece, I can finally feel somewhat accomplished (and pleased) that the owner will once again have her sentiment that belongs to this possession.

Now, only one problem remains: I need another bike to re-create. And the other thing is... I feel overworked and underpaid!

blue

2009-02-04T08:05:00.000-05:00

Recently I have been ridiculously attracted to the color blue. The following blue sketches are a few that inevitably jumped out at me and offered up a nice dose of inspiration.

Bobby Pin by Jade M. Sheldon

untitled by Danny Mansmith

untitled by Question Josh

Drama

2009-02-04T04:33:00.004-05:00

Looking through the Community Sketchbook group on Flickr I was really struck by the sense of drama in the following works. They are all very different, but each conveys the sense of something happening - a new revelation in the storyline, something terrible, or a pivotal moment:

AgentMicroship, by Tim Razo

I love those lines, and his expression - it says so much about his personality.

geen, by Nina Roos

I have been a fan of Nina's drawings for a while now - they are expressive and layered, always hinting at something, but tantalisingly, they withhold the answers.

new sketch, by Esta.Sketch

She describes this as 'more confusion than shock' but either way it heralds a moment of change in the character's story - and I must say for me it recalls exactly what I felt when I heard my door lock behind me and realised my keys were inside, along with my phone, money etc. etc...

to sleep or not to sleep

2009-02-02T18:15:00.003-05:00

I haven't been able to sleep the best lately, so when I read this cartoon by Question Josh, I thought it would only be appropriate to post sketches that related to the theme of sleep.

Nov 30, 2008 by Question Josh

Although the characters in these other two sketches do not seem to be sleeping, they look like they may be relaxed.

sketchbook 01 by Tim Razo

Untitled by Jade M. Sheldon

Exploring Flickr

2009-01-28T11:04:00.005-05:00

Well this is gross disloyalty on my part, but I hope you'll forgive me. You promise? Okay, well, I've been looking at other Sketching groups on Flickr. I know, I know but wait - you want to see what I found don't you?

I thought so.

Let me share this one first:

City Centre Lady Walking, by owlboogie

Isn't her walk fantastic - he's captured it so well.

And I found this too:

015.We do survive every moment, after all, except the last one, by bglasgow

Moving, yes?

And finally I was captivated by the fresh loveliness of this one:

Cafe, by Rixeaun

Am I forgiven?

This is Life

2009-01-27T11:14:00.004-05:00

These sketches of people make life seem more exciting. It really makes me want to get up and dance or sing or something. I agree completely with Danny Mansmith, "don't be grown up." Have fun sketching today

heads by Amber Perrodin

don't be grown up by Danny Mansmith

Nov 21, 2008 by Question Josh

Lines

2009-01-25T08:30:00.002-05:00

I think that lines are often underestimated. They sometimes get buried under so many other layers that you forget the foundation. Simple strokes of a pen, pencil, or brush are sometimes all you need for something amazing to happen on paper.

Danny Mansmith's sketch has some beautiful line work. I even like the fact that you can see writing from the reverse side slightly bleeding through.

Pantenas p1 by dc9000 has some intricate and delicate lines buried within it's composition making for one beautiful image.

PostIts12 by Kylo has some really nice thick lines in it that are extremely nice!

Deserving

2009-01-24T00:50:00.004-05:00

I think these sketches deserve one another. If the characters in these sketches came to life, they would all be friends.

pale by Amber Perrodin

untitled by Danny Mansmith

I need more art friends by kylo

We're Growing

2009-01-22T09:31:00.005-05:00

It's fun to see this community growing even larger and more active, and I hope that the trees will begin new growth soon, too. Here are a couple of tree sketches (or shall I say completed artworks) that make me think about spring and the new growth during that season.

Love Grows - Valentine by Bound Staff Press

And a fresh clay pot also makes me long for the spring time, too. It may be a long time from now before we can begin seeing the buds pop up through the soil, since there's still snow on the ground. But we can dream.

another old pot by Peter Hart

Keep up the great sketches people!

Things which make me smile

2009-01-21T06:05:00.009-05:00

There have been many good things this week, but on the UK news there have also been some appalling things - the kinds of things which make me despair about the human race. So here are some of the images which have made me feel a little better:...

Sketch Bokeh, by dc9000

and...

White on black - fab.

And this great series by Shandke (Shawna Handke):

Recording Portraits - 1, by Shandke

This one is defintely my favourite!

Recording Portraits - 3, by Shandke

Recording Portraits - 4, by Shandke

New Sketches

2009-01-19T13:28:00.008-05:00

There is so much amazing artwork being added to the community sketchbook on flickr that I don't know where to begin! For now, I wanted to share a sampling of a few of the new members' sketches.

derkye creates some fabulous abstract paintings in his sketchbook.

I've already shared a few of anthead's sketches, but I wanted you to see a few more of these interesting heads! Now introducing... psychotic cock-eyed ruben.

And Jade M. Sheldon also has some amazing sketches, too. I especially like the pieces that are the from the Goddess series, which were created for her thesis.

Soon... very soon I'll post more information about the real sketchbook that will be mailed from city to state, state to country. Just wait! It's going to be fabulous and we have Jan Allsopp to thank for all of her hard work creating this book. Once the book is completed and sketches are being added, and it's getting shipped all over the world, we'll have an amazing collaborative piece. I have a long-term goal in mind for this project, but I want to get a couple more details in place before I share too much more information.

Patterns

2009-01-16T20:34:00.006-05:00

The other day, I noticed that a lot people have been creating sketches that have a lot of patterns in them. I really like the effect repetition creates, and when I see patterns, I notice the impact of the overall image.

With Magazine Doodle I like the way Kylo has not only altered the photograph, but also created an amazing pattern.

As you can see in the sketch below, Danny Mansmith truly is a textile artist. His use of pattern creates a fabric-like image, which could be mistaken as a piece of fabric.

I also like the effect that these two pieces have on one another. I think they compliment one another well, because the negative space is handled so differently in each sketch.

Nostalgia

2009-01-14T03:53:00.008-05:00

When I saw this sketch by Shawna I was transported - 1980, my first record deck. It wasn't an antique in it's own case like this beauty but it lasted for years and in fact 29 years later I'm still only on my second - yes - I still have a deck and a vinyl collection, but it's not like that first one...

Thanks Shawna for triggering those memories

The Jetty Strip

2009-01-14T00:15:00.005-05:00

Jan Allsopp recently created this amazing artist book, which she's titled The Jetty Strip. She lives near the Coffs Harbour and was inspired by the area's reformation. There is a section of buildings that were once old shops, and they have now been converted into restaurants. It's a beautiful concept, and I believe it's well executed.

Thanks for sharing your little artist book with us, Jan.

Let's Play

2009-01-09T18:53:00.008-05:00

Here are a few sketches that encourage me to play. Instead, I'm working on my website... ugghhh!

city head by anthead

knit bear by Andrea Manica

And I'd wear this on a t-shirt.
Bird Design by Kylo

Hair

2009-01-09T00:07:00.003-05:00

I recently colored my hair, but I don't think I colored it a dark enough color. (It's just not noticeable enough yet.) Nonetheless, the only reason I'm saying that is because of all these hair sketches. They've inspired me to get a darker color soon!

Hair by Peter Hart

seated sketch by The Pairabirds

Friends / Freunde by Flaf

Gifts & Celebrations

2009-01-05T15:30:00.006-05:00

I've been away for a while celebrating the holidays with my family. On behalf of the festivities and gift-giving, I thought I'd share some of the community's sketches that may have been influenced by their gifts and holidays this season.

I believe Jade M. Sheldon may have been influenced by Acid Tongue by Jenny Lewis.

I have been traveling by planes, trains, and automobiles. When I passed the farms in Nebraska, I had to create a quick sketch.

And it appears that Sharon Frost has been traveling around the world.

While all of us have been playing with our new toys and traveling, it appears that Danny Mansmith has been partying.

'Tis the Season...

2008-12-23T16:12:00.003-05:00

... for a busy, busy life! Or maybe we just need to take a break and relax. Well, if you haven't noticed lately, I've been doing exactly that. In fact, I'm going "home" for the holidays, so all of us authors will be publishing very little here on the Community Sketchbook. So I'll be back in the new year. Then, I'm excited that I'll be sharing more information about the actual sketchbook, it's soon-to-be-known tour, and many, many new sketches that everyone will create during this break. For now...

And see you next year!

Reading Chair

2008-12-17T23:42:00.002-05:00

I apologize for my posts, which have been few and far between recently. But you see, I've been doing a little more reading (and sketching) in my own time. This chair that Peter Hart sketched just so happens to look a lot like the chair I enjoy sitting in while I read.

Kylo's Pick

2008-12-15T10:30:00.004-05:00

There are several books that I have on my wish list for this Christmas, but one of them just happens to be Kylo's favorite purchase of 2008. It's Mike Perry's Hand Job: A Catalog of Type. He's created this sketch as a response to the giveaway over at Doodler's Anonymous. Not only is their site a great source of inspiration for anyone reading the Community Sketchbook, but they're also giving away a one-year subscription to What Did You Buy Today, a zine published by Kate Bingaman-Burt about her obsessive consumption.

Hand Job Book Drawing by Kylo

All of this is to say that I believe that Kylo's sketch not only shares a book that we should all take a peek at, but that it's also a fabulous sketch and entry for this contest. Does anyone else have something that they'd like to share? What was your favorite purchase from 2008? Draw it, and submit it over at Doodler's Anonymous.

Danny Mansmith Doodles

2008-12-12T17:28:00.009-05:00

I haven't had a lot of time to post much here lately, so I send my apologies your way.

Nonetheless, I was recently awe-struck with these paper doll type sketches (or doodles) that Danny Mansmith created. I recently asked Danny if he uses people that he sees on the streets of Chicago as inspiration for these interesting characters. And he simply said, "I wish Chicago could boast that it had these kinds of people walikn' around..." I found that rather amusing, because then he went on to say that he did see Wonder Woman the other day; hence the wonder woman doodle he's modeling in the photo below.

Now, you can become consumed with his brilliant sketches, too.

And if that's not enough, he's selling doodle pins in his etsy shop, so you can wear his sketches, too.

Ladies

2008-12-08T17:30:00.004-05:00

Attention Ladies and Gentlemen:
Here are some amazing sketches of ladies by some gentlemen from the Community Sketchbook.

Shalyn by Justin Miller of Bound Staff Press

Untitled by Danny Mansmith

Maasai adornments by Peter Hart

Sketches in Color

2008-12-05T00:07:00.005-05:00

I've noticed recently that many peoples' sketches aren't the simple black and white, graphite and paper, or even pen and paper. Many people enjoy creating (may I say) quite elaborate sketches, using watercolor or other mediums. Here are a few that have especially stood out to me in the past week.

Peter Hart used colored pencils with pen and ink here, and his goal was to create a quick, more loose style. I think he's definitely achieved his goal, and it really stands apart from a lot of his other work that is more detailed. Nicely done!

Once again, Flaf has completed an elaborate sketch of an architectural element here. What more should be expected from an architect. Right? This is a very nicely crafted pencil drawing, which implements a nice use of watercolor.

I believe that Megan Kay's work has come a long way since the first time I saw any of her artwork. She seems to have begun developing a secure sense of style, and now she's added color to some of her newest sketches. I especially like this one, for the lines cause your eyes to really move directions.

I had also intended to post about Sharon Frost and her work, but I think I save her masterful use of colors for another night when I'm not quite as tired. (On a side note... this is one of my recent favorites that Sharon has completed.)

So good night for now, and if you're still bored, visit many other artists and their work in the Community Sketchbook.

The internet is a wonderful thing...

2008-12-03T09:36:00.007-05:00

It really is. I've just been flicking through the pages of one of Munch's sketchbooks. Earlier on I had a look through one of Monet's. Both fascinating: and how else would I gain access to them?

This is why I'm so glad there are so many people on Flickr willing to share their sketchbook pages and the inner workings of their creative minds - I feel priviliged and grateful for the insights into other peoples' processes. But Flickr isn't the only place to find sketchbooks pages.

If you aren't familiar with Book By it's Cover , do pay a visit. It's a blog dedicated to illustrated books. Julia began publishing pages from artists' sketchbooks every Friday, a few months ago. The sketchbook archives are well worth a look - as are all the other sections - she has reviewed some stunning books.

TRACEY is an interesting online publication - it's a journal about drawing published by The Centre for Contemporary Drawing Research at Loughborough University in the UK. Included are articles and research papers - all centred on drawing and the creative process, and of course, pages from artists' sketchbooks. In some cases the participating artists have also written about what they use their sketchbooks for, which makes for interesting reading.

There is an open call for submissions of sketchbook pages to the project, if you are interested. They are also looking for other kinds of contributions, too.

This will be my last post for a while, so I hope you all have a happy holiday season and I'll see you in the New Year.

Kylo Sketches

2008-12-01T22:21:00.004-05:00

There are so many amazing sketches that people have been sharing over in the Community Sketchbook on flickr that I had difficulty choosing what I should post first. Recently, I've been continually impressed with Kylo's sketches, so I'm going to share a few that stand apart.

First of all, I really want a bicycle like this one. The lines are so free and full of energy that it makes me want to hop on the bike and take a spin.

Now, Kylo... please draw that homemade fender.

The lines that Kylo places on a page are so fluid and provide the viewer with a steady stream of eye direction.

I also really enjoy these sketches that were created on post-it notes and later placed in Kylo's skechbook. I like to add doodles from napkins and receipts to my sketchbook(s) at later dates, and I think it really adds a bit of looseness to the pages in one's book.

As you can see, Kylo's sketches really have a nice graphic quality to them.

abstract

2008-11-26T04:36:00.004-05:00

I never draw abstract patterns, but I really enjoy the complex patterns other artists create. Where do they come from? I can happily sit and draw entirely from my imagination but patterns never come out of my pen, it's always people, or animals birds and trees, with the odd contorted house. Never patterns or abstract designs. It's a mystery to me how others do it. Alain Marciano's patterns are complex and intriguing or simple and clean. Sometimes they seem to refer to concrete objects, but on closer examination what appeared to be there, turns out not to be quite what I thought it was:

St, Alain Marciano

Others are purely abstract:

acidité, Alain Marciano

And I'm enjoying both kinds.

Mixing mediums in the sketchbook

2008-11-22T13:39:00.013-05:00

I’ve noted a few artists in the pool who are adding other mediums to their sketchbooks and wanted to highlight this. I’m not talking about strictly collaging or using another medium as the main tool, but as an augmentation for texture or visual weight. I’ve noticed too that these are the artists who are “translating” their sketchwork to another medium as the end product.

Danny Mansmith has a mastery with both pen and needle in his work, combining the sketching capabilities of free motion machine embroidery with paper, and ultimately with textiles.

Shemacgo combines the textural qualities of manipulated and cut papers on backgrounds of paint and sketch, using her sketchbooks as a jumping off point for textile work.

I like marking disparate substrates such as painted dryer sheets, tea bag paper, tissues and recycled papers, using paint, marker, pen and stitch, to "find" the image.

I think it's important to see what material will make what kind of mark for weight, effect, contrast and inherent textural effect.

Architectural Sketches

2008-11-21T07:22:00.005-05:00

I'm easily impacted by various architectural elements these days, so it should be quite obvious that sketches of this subject matter really fascinates me. Here are a few recent sketches that I found quite impressive.

My friend, Justin Miller of Bound Staff Press created this sketch, which I believe he is currently working on carving on a linoleum block. So in other words, it will soon become a rather impressive print.

Water Tower by Bound Staff Press

Flaf must be quite the architect, because he can really sketch some amazing buildings. Here's another one of his sketches.

Via della Pace by Flaf

And then there is Sharon Frost's amazing perspective fromthe seat of a train.

Looming Beauty by Sharon Frost

Now are you inspired to share the buildings that surround you? I know I am.

Windows

2008-11-19T11:16:00.003-05:00

When I firt saw Mallori's drawing I immediately thought of windows:

Project 7, pt 1, Mallori

Investigations into texture, each of these squares seems like an enticing little window onto an alternative universe to me. I really enjoy the variety of pattern, design and texture here, and the graphic simplicity of black on white.

rep·e·ti·tion

2008-11-18T21:29:00.006-05:00

rep·e·ti·tion rep·e·ti·tion rep·e·ti·tion rep·e·ti·tion rep·e·ti·tion

Repetitive sketches not only help us to create a trend with our artistic style(s), but it also helps us to improve our mechanics as we sketch. Here are only a few repetitive sketches that were quite impacting to me.

Journal pages - Friends by Heidi Burton

sketchbook hands by Peter Hart

bebop barry puppet sketch by The Pairabirds

One more thing about rep·e·ti·tion is that it is a good design element. So the next time you run out of ideas for a good composition, just practice sketching something over and over again. Who knows, it may become a completed piece of artwork soon.

Continuous Lines

2008-11-15T08:55:00.007-05:00

There is an element of a a continuous line drawing with each of these sketches. Or maybe these are all blind sketches (completed while not looking at the paper). Whatever it is, I really appreciate the fluid linear quality.

Sarah Wilde visited the doctor's office and arrived home after some long waits only to share these beautiful sketches. I too feel that the waiting rooms are a great place to sketch people.

This is silhouette sketch by The Pairabirds, and it will hopefully become something new and brilliant. Sketching really is the way to create something new. New ideas come about everyday when we sketch, and then we only have to execute those ideas. I cannot wait to see what becomes of this sketch.

Although I haven't seen many recent sketches by dou_ble_you, I was quite fascinated with the simplistic elements of this sketch.

2008-11-12T05:52:00.003-05:00

Sleep. It's not very elegant is it? Particularly in this image, by Peter HartBut I love those lines, and though this is unflinchingly honest, it has compassion. We are all this vulnerable whilst we sleep - it's why sleeping with another is such an intimate thing to do.

sketchbook sleep, Peter Hart

Esta.sketch also has some sleepers on her Flickr stream:

Sleepers, esta.sketch

And here:

Sleepers on a train, esta.sketch

The lines in these two artists work are so very different - Peter's style is quite graphic, whereas esta.sketch's lines are fluid, and multiple, as if she is looking for the form. I enjoy both styles very much and each captures something of essence of sleep and that trusting vulnerability which makes us want to protect the sleeper.

Everyday Items

2008-11-06T10:40:00.007-05:00

Recently, I've been enjoying drawings of simple everyday items that people sketch while their bored or just need to create. In fact, it's helping one particular artist, Carolyn Alexander quit smoking, and she's began a blog specific to this. It's called carolyn alexander is giving up smoking.

And here are just a few of the sketches from Community Sketchbook members that inspired me.

Sarah Wilde is cleaning her closet and ridding of many items. These boots are simply one of those items.

elokuu is inspired when he visits a local coffee shop alone, as you can see by the sketch below.

What simple things do you sketch? I think sketching the simple things in life help us as artists build our skills, and if you aren't interested in sketching one day, this may be a good way to get back into the groove. On that note, I think I'd better begin sketching.

Birds!

2008-11-05T04:49:00.011-05:00

I love birds - particularly corvids - but all birds really, so when I saw Nakisha VanderHoeven's page of great crow studies I thought I'd share this and another page of studies with you.

Crow Studies, Nakisha VanderHoeven

Esta.sketch also has some lovely bird studies on her Flickr stream:

Birds 2, esta.sketch

Both of these pages are fresh and lively and capture the spirit of the birds in a way that sometimes only a sketch can.

Different Faces

2008-11-04T07:04:00.006-05:00

We all see the world different ways, and we all have different faces. I really enjoy seeing other artists' spin on other people.

Megan said she was trying to get back into the swing of painting, and I really enjoy the expressive features of Lexi Prior that she's depicted here. I personally think the textures work very well.

sketchbook page fifty-seven by Megan Kay

Peter Hart captured this woman and her fish with a great expressive quality. I personally enjoy the drippings of red that display a somewhat passionate image and a somewhat emotionless woman.

sketchbook girl with fish by Peter Hart

And then there's Danny Mansmith's sketch. His quality of line drives anyone to wish they were sitting amidst the woman that he's depicted.

Untitled by Danny Mansmith

Haunting

2008-10-31T01:06:00.004-04:00

It's Halloween, and it's a bit spooky. So I was inspired by a couple of artists' haunting sketches.

Peter Hart has captured this magpie in a startling manner. His use of line and motion conveys a sense of this bird's attack. It sort of reminds me of scenes from Alfred Hitchcock's film, The Birds.

Magpie by Peter Hart

Then, there are the architectural sketches that Flaf creates. His sketches really convey a real sense of being in the city, near the architectural elements that he captures. This particular sketch reminds me of a eerie alleyway that I may have passed by a time or two. Just as I walk by, a chilling breeze ills my senses.

Placa Mayor by Flaf

And for a ghostly image, the simple pencil markings that Justin Miller uses in this sketch convey a sense of loneliness, fear, or sadness. To me, that is a haunting emotion.

Shayln by Bound Staff Press

Now, enjoy your Halloween and share some more trick or treats.

Sharon Frost

2008-10-29T07:11:00.003-04:00

I've been looking at Sharon Frost's subway drawings this morning so I thought I'd share with you what I enjoy about them.

Firstly it's the looseness - I like the relaxed line which is at odds with the hardness of any subway or underground train, but works here to convey Sharon's affection and compassion for her fellow travellers:

Winging it. October 16/17, 2008,, Sharon Frost

both the colours she uses and the way she uses them create an interesting effect: the enhance the loose lines, but they also create the otherworldly sense of the subway. The effect is almost dreamlike. The subway is part of everyday reality for many of us, but in Sharon's hands it becomes something very different - reminding me a little of Henry Moore's underground sketches from WWII.

Purple phase. October 2/3, 2008, Sharon Frost

The truth about Newark. September 20/21, 2008, Sharon Frost

I love the ghostliness of this man - and isn't there something about a subterranean commute which can make ghosts of us all?

Spot Colour

2008-10-21T06:24:00.004-04:00

Following on from last weeks post about black on white (and occasionally pink) I thought I'd take a look at spot colour. I'm particularly fond of using spot colour myself, so of course I love it in other people's work too.

where ever i go, Danny Mansmith

The selective use of red in this image manages to convey two message to me. Firstly it's the slightly humourous one, which communicates the centrality of the sewing maching in Danny's life, but then a second look - that red - doesn't it make the machine seem malevolent? And his feet don't seem to know which way to go. He's attached to this machine by a thread like an umbilical cord, but just as it gives life (to his work) it can also metaphorically take it away. Amazing how such limited use of colour can convey so much.

Tracy Potts also uses red to convey a darker theme. Just a few marks reinforce the message behind this image - that of driving herself through a day that obviously felt like punishment:

how my day's panning out, Tracy Potts

And finally for a complete change of mood: Elokuu creates a sense of peace and tranquility using touches of lime green.

sketchbook page, Elokuu

This is a sketchbook/journal page - he's included a sticker from the company which is the same green yet conveys a different message from the drawing. Where the page is calm and restful, the sticker says 'wake up'to me - demonstrating eloquently the power of spot colour to convey a multitude of messages depending how it is used and what you choose to highlight.

Black and White

2008-10-15T04:51:00.005-04:00

I love black and white. I also love colour, but there's something about black ink on white paper which never fails for me. Looking through the Community Sketchbook pool on Flickr I found many images, all very different, and all of which I would like to have used - it was hard narrowing it down. I chose the three I'm featuring here because they seem to me to demonstrate some of the huge range of effects and feeling which can be achieved just with the use of black on white. Well, in Richard May's case it's black on a pinkish colour, but I love this drawing so I made an exception!

Family, Richard May

Direct, simple and very expressive. I want to know what's behind those smiles. Why is the speech in the bubble scribbled out? This image really draws me in - it's the confident, loose but bold lines which make this image so interesting and for me, compelling.

Something completely different - Oferta2 is part of a work in progress and Janitzio marries areas of fine line work and solid black and white to great atmospheric effect. There is a sense of time hanging in this image, created through the juxtaposition of finely detailed objects against the areas of solid black and the silhouettes of people standing in a featureless landscape in the top right of the page.

Oferta2, Janitzio Alatriste

La Ola's drawing of Sacre Couer in Montmatre includes only minimal details together with exceptionally clean lines but don't you just feel the solidity and hugeness of the building? The perspective is spot on and really conveys both a sense of the history of Sacre Couer and of the sheer size of the building. The small areas of solid black help to create the illusion of three dimensional space, whilst the choice not to add shadows emphasises the upward thrust of both the perspective and the Sacre Couer itself.

Sacre Couer, La Ola

You can find more work by all of these artists in the Community Sketchbook Pool at Flickr.

Changing Colors

2008-10-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

So... I haven't posted anything in a while, because we've been out of town. My hubby and I had to find a new place to live near his new work place, and we'll be living in Nyack, NY. On behalf of this change, I'm posting some sketches that share fresh ideas and bright colors. Change can be beautiful and so are these colorful sketches.

I began feeling "too fancy" as we looked for a place to live. Many of the spaces we found were not perfect and did not meet all of our wants/needs.

She Has Always Been Too Fancy by Danny Mansmith

I not only enjoy this finished sketch, but I rather enjoy the materials that Arlee used for this sketch. She used coloured pencil, oil pastel, dye, metallic and markers on newsprint.

Pomengranate by Arlee Barr

Don't worry, Megan. You're not alone with this thought... I too want something un-ignorable.

Sketchbook Page 44 by Megan Kay

One Turkey, Many Ways

2008-10-09T05:12:00.006-04:00

Shemacqo's sketchbook images of a turkey are a wonderful example of what happens when you put the same image through many different processes. This is something I was encouraged to do when I was at college, but don't often remember to experiment with now, which I should because it's both a way of exploring media and an excellent ideas generator:

I love the textures in the collage below - and particularly the contrast between the clean edges and the random marks of the textural pattern. Immediately it makes me think of textiles - repeating patterns of turkeys maybe, strutting their stuff in bright colours:

This image is completely different - where the collage is basically simple, allowing texture and colour to do the work, this one is complex and highly decorative. Shemacqo has drawn on the markings on the feathers for ideas then extrapolated to create a beautiful design.

Thanks for sharing these images, Shemacgo.

From Sketch to Form

2008-10-05T14:36:00.003-04:00

I personally am interested in references that show the transition from sketch to other medium. I consider myself a mixed media artist who works primarily with textiles, though i am also interested in assemblage, sculpture and functional work. Sometimes i feel as if i’m making it up as i go along, because there aren’t a lot of sites or books dedicated to this area of development. The opinions and statements in this entry are from my personal experience and method of working.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Working your mind and hands together can result in unexpected unity on the page. The subconscious should be allowed to take over—no preconceptions, no planning, no agonizing over what the sketch “should” be. If this scares you, prep pages ahead of time, with washes of colour, scribbles, text, collaged elements. Put them away and don’t look at them until you use them.

It doesn’t matter if you “can’t draw”---and i say this to those who have just embarked on this adventure, whether it’s a plain sketchbook, an art journal or a project for presentation. When the idea is on paper, no matter how roughly, you can develop and explore the possibilities. Brain-storm, ask “what if”, get silly even. Paths open up and sparks fly into the air; you develop your own unique voice by practicing, practicing, practicing. Keep separate sketchbooks, if it helps themes, series or particular styles.

Turn things upside down, cut them into halves if three dimensional, or pieces. Juxtapose them with the unexpected. Get out the crayons, the watercolours, the scissors and paste. I use dyes a lot from my textile work and stack pages so seepage is absorbed by the underlayers. These pages often become more inspirational and functional than the top piece. Cut these pages up, cut up the main page and slap some glue on----collage your collages! Use photocopiers, home printers, photo editing programs to really mix things up. Simply changing the colour ratios, turning it into a negative, adding special effects to twist or swirl can open up new directions as well. There is a Latin phrase “Concupiscientia Oculorum ” that i have long subscribed to—it translates basically as “visual excitement leading to sensory stimulation” and is often thought of as “lust of the eyes”!

Drawings “fix” vision. The mediums chosen to translate the sketches into other forms are tools, not masters, to flesh out and bring breathe to your art. As a textile/mixed media artist, i then look at the resulting sketches/paintings and start assessing the marks—can this one be a hand embroidered spider-web stitch? Should this area be burnt or melted away in a “hot textile technique”? Does this one move into three dimensional form easily? Will these areas translate into a particular weave or texture of fabric? Artists in other media will look at areas that can become three dimensional in clay, steel, on canvas with different paint techniques, or a movement in dance. I have also successfully initiated an Exquisite Corpse textiles project, where sketches on fabric had to be translated into textile work.

Several books that i can recommend for textile/mixed media artists are:

Creating Sketchbooks for Embroiderers and Textile Artists by Kay Greenlees, a very comprehensive and technical approach to compiling work.
Embroidery from Sketch to Stitch by Pat Langford. Not a how to, but invaluable to see the translation from mark on the page to machine and hand embroidery.
The premiere writer/artist in this field, Maggie Grey: From Image to Stitch and her newest, Textile Translations: Mixed Media.

None of these are “project“ books, focusing more on technique and personal exploration. There are a plethora of books on other techniques that can be used with these references, but that’s something you have to define yourself. I have ordered the last book listed, starting a workbook a month ago in anticipation of the classes also being held online for buyers of the book.

Other Artists' work pt3

2008-10-04T09:56:00.008-04:00

It's been a while since my last update, I've been deeply immersed in textbooks and journals in preparation for an essay. I thought I'd quickly post about another favorite book of mine, Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing.

"Vitamin D offers a fresh and pioneering overview of the current state and underlying significance of drawing as an artistic medium. It highlights the originality and innovation with which contemporary artists in the genre - from across the world and in a vast variety of contexts - experiment with a diversity of styles and statements."

It is incredible to look through. I finally got hold of it through the library and when I realized I wanted to photocopy just about every page in it for future reference, I broke down and bought a copy for myself. (Or rather, suggested if they had no other ideas, my parents might like to give me a copy for my birthday.)

The book covers so many styles, mediums, methods, abilities. From the quick sketch to the huge and detailed finished product and everything in between. Definitely worth checking out!

Other Worlds

2008-09-30T23:58:00.003-04:00

I'm going to keep this entry rather simple. Here are a few sketches that take me into another world.

Untitled by Olszewska Agnieszka

nuevos-signos-de-la-pasión2 by Janitzio Alatriste

neurons ~~~snap by Arlee Barr

Transportation

2008-09-29T10:25:00.006-04:00

I have recently seen some sketches that are related to transportation, and I was inspired to create a post in honor of traveling and transportation. The timing is perfect, since I'll be moving soon. Of course, that means I'll be traveling quite a bit, and it may seem that the posts to the Community Sketchbook are slow and few between.

The good news is that we have a couple of other authors here, and they'll be posting quite often as well. Arlee Barr and etsa.sketch are both amazing artists, and they have offered to write a thing or two about you, your sketches, and inspiration from other artists' sketches. So if they contact you to find out a bit or two about you, do not be surprised.

Now, on with our transportation sketches this Monday...

This sketch depicts traveling by car. It is Dave Graney driving thru Central Coast NSW by Stu Thomas. I love this perspective that Stu sketched.

Here is a beautiful sketch of a bicycle by Olszewska Agnieszka. I thoroughly enjoy the details in her sketches, and a bicycle is the perfect way to travel.

Another great way to travel is by train. This sketch is Train station by La Ola.

And one more way to get somewhere else is to travel by foot. Yes. It is a lot of fun, and you get to see so much more. In honor of that, Sharon Frost has shared Face the foot with us. I thoroughly enjoy her depiction of the bones in a foot.

Let's Party!

2008-09-25T17:12:00.002-04:00

This post really has nothing to do with the skills behind sketching, and there is no challenge for you. It's just for fun!

the Lurid Yellow Mist at the Wine, Music & Cheese festival by Stu Thomas

A drawing of the band, State Bird by Megan Udell

untitled by Danny Mansmith

Just remember to not take yourself or your artwork too seriously. Sometimes I have troubles with this, and that's why I'm posting this.

Atypical Anatomy

2008-09-24T18:52:00.004-04:00

Most people do not have perfect bodies. And if we all had symmetrical anatomy, we would get bored looking around at those who surround us. So why do we continually strive to depict people in ways that only they really want to be seen? I think we should sketch the people around us in the ways that we see them. Sometimes, you can see inside someone when you sketch, and the atypical anatomy or characterized persona reveals something much more exciting to the viewer.

Here are a few sketches that portray the people around them in a personified manner.

Danny Mansmith doodles these sorts of twisted figures. They're lovely.

Demon Out by Arlee Barr.

The next time you sketch someone, I challenge you to free yourself from traditional restraints and to sketch the person how you see them.

the REAL SKETCHBOOK - part 2

2008-09-23T18:18:00.005-04:00

The reason I have been quiet about the real sketchbook is because I have been working out the details. I didn't want to just purchase any old sketchbook for this project, and fortunately we have a member in our little group who volunteered to make one for us. Jan Allsopp creates amazing sketches and seems to enjoy creating sketchbooks as well. I've been obsessing over one of them in her etsy shop for quite some time.

She intends to select a vintage book that will work well with our theme, and then it will be hand bound by her. I think it's worth the extra time it will take to begin the travels of our sketchbook.

I also really enjoy her mixed media artwork. Here are a couple of examples.

If you want to participate in this project, I need some of your details. Please e-mail me the information below. scribbles[at]shawnahandke.com

YOUR NAME
ADDRESS: city, state/province, country
E-MAIL (I intend to e-mail the list to confirm that you are still interested in participating when it's your turn to sketch in our collaborative sketchbook.)

Simple Things. Simple Sketches.

2008-09-22T16:34:00.007-04:00

Sometimes the simple things in life inspire us the most. Some of the members in the Community Sketchbook have been sharing both simplistic sketches and sketching the simple things. I find this rather fascinating, because I too find inspiration in the simple things. Sometimes those things are the mundane tasks that we have to complete, and other times they're everyday objects that we have sitting around. Here are several artists who enjoy sketching the simple things, and many of them have mastered a very simplistic style to sketch these objects.

This sketch is called oferta 2, and it was created by on of our new members, Janitzio Alatriste T.

Here Andrea Manica shared a new zine with us that features several of her sketches, called Stuff in My Room. I'm guessing from these images that the sketches are of the simple things in her room.

And the simplicity of playing with watercolors expresses the playful nature of Megan Udell's sketches.

What simple things have you sketched lately? And what simple things inspire you to sketch?

Other Artists' work pt2

2008-09-19T04:57:00.008-04:00

My post this week is on two of my favourite artists – Andrew Wyeth and Cherry Hood. They have quite different styles and backgrounds but one thing I like about both their work is attention to detail in some areas and the left-unfinished look in others.

Peasant dressby Andrew Wyeth

The Helga series by Andrew Wyeth is definitely worth looking at. Well any of his work really. His range is incredible, from basic sketches to incredibly detailed drawings, often focusing on negative space, like the white of the snow and sky in some of his landscape works.

Gotti by Cherry Hood

Cherry Hood is a more contemporary Australian artist, with an amazing talent for detail and color. I was surprised to find out how large these works actually are, the first time I saw them they did remind me of something that you might see in a sketchbook. (Like, I wish I could get that much detail into one tiny page.)

Different yet similar. And also nice to see that despite of modernism, post modernism, and whatever post post modernism we're in now, the art of drawing is still popular and as beautiful as ever.

I have some more great examples of contemporary artists working in drawing to come soon. In the mean time please do share any of your favorite practicing with the rest of us! From the rich and famous to the self-representing or blogging artist, there are so many great techniques and ideas out there. I could browse through books and websites for hours... but then I'd never get any work of my own done.

Nature Sketches

2008-09-18T19:30:00.006-04:00

I've recently been impressed by these nature sketches. I think we should all sketch what impresses most strongly upon us from the natural world around us.

bunch of leaves by The Pairabirds

bouquet by shemacgo

sketchbook page by laurie clarke

Blue Moon: Unscrewed and Unglued by Arlee Barr

ink blotted flowers by me, Shawna L Handke

scribbles... doodles

2008-09-15T14:59:00.006-04:00

Sometimes when you don't know what to draw, the best ideas evolve by simply scribbling or doodling. Here are some pages from the Community Sketchbook with simple scribbles and extreme doodles. All of my Scribbles-Sketches begin with other peoples' scribbles on a page, and it's nice to not have to be too concerned about making that first mark.

Here are a couple of sketchbook pages by Laurie Clarke. She's a new member to the Community Sketchbook, and I especially enjoy her mixed media artwork.

Arlee Barr considers this to be "markmaking," but I personally see them as interesting doodles and sketches. The glorious thing is that it's experimental work.

Danny Mansmith calls a lot of his sketches "doodles," but I ultimately consider them to be finished works of art. They're all very expressive and full of energy.
Here are his glam girls.

If I left Megan Udell out of this doodle post, I'd be leaving a great doodle bug out of the group. The way I understand it, she especially enjoys sketching while watching TV. This sketchbook page was completed while watching Project Runway and Alton Brown. (I believe those are two shows that my rabbit ears don't get in.)

Illustration Friday

2008-09-12T12:57:00.004-04:00

I don't know how many of you Community Sketchbook people are familiar with Illustration Friday, but I think it's a fun place to find a weekly challenge. Maybe we should begin challenging one another to create a sketch using the word that Illustration Friday posts every Friday of each week. So in response to that challenge, the word to create a sketch for this week is "island." Feel free to post your sketches in the flickr group as usual, or contact me to send me your sketch.

Here is the illustration from last week. The theme was "clutter." So check out the artist, Nessa Dee's response.

And I believe this was the etsa.sketch response.

Other Artists' work

2008-09-11T04:08:00.003-04:00

Many of my sketchbook pages are taken up by clippings, photocopies, postcards, and other things that inspire me. Sure, it's a requirement of my art school classes but more and more I find it helps my own work, rather than just taking up valuable space.

These shots from my current sketchbook show some images by various artists I collected this year while looking for examples of sketches and drawings by other artists. Often artists become recognizable for a certain style or medium, but it can be so much more exciting to dig up some of their lesser known work, or examples from their sketchbooks. One great book I found on the library shelves is Travels with pen, pencil and ink By David Hockney. It's a fairly old book so forgive the lack of information in the link provided but if you can track it down it has some wonderful examples of quick sketches, pencil work, color, basic ink outlines, etc. He's possibly most famous for paintings like 'a bigger splash' or these photographic works, but I'm a sketcher at heart and just can’t go past his drawings and etchings.

Another great (and ancient) book I found was "From Manet to Toulouse Lautrec: French lithographs, 1860-1900", again little useful information online but really, if you're interested try looking up any printmakers, especially lithographs and etchings, since many printmaking methods are based on replicating drawings and detail. The above spread shows a pair of beautifully sketchy ladies by Toulouse Lautrec, amongst some more David Hockney, Da Vinci and a Foujita.

What other artists inspire you? Who, and what, do you paste in your sketchbooks? What other sources help you develop your ideas? Share your secrets with us!

Lounging

2008-09-10T23:30:00.001-04:00

I don't think I'll be able to post anything tomorrow, because I'll be out most of the day. Of course, I was working on a window display most of the day today (and I'm posting now), so I may be able to squeeze the Community Sketchbook in to my short window of time tomorrow.

Nonetheless, I thought it would be appropriate to relax a while with these sketches of people lounging. Well, maybe they're sleeping, but all in all, the lines are fluid and easily convey a restful spirit.

modelo vivo by souu

Mikko by elokuu

sleepers by etsa.sketch

she sleeps by Stu Thomas

Now, I think I'll go to sleep.

Drawing From Life

2008-09-09T12:34:00.011-04:00

"How much virtue there is in simply seeing!"
- Henry David Thoreau

I recently borrowed Drawing From Life: The Journal As Artby Jennifer New from our local library. I had wanted to purchase this book for quite some time, but I've also been trying to save as much money as possible. (Currently, most of my money I make goes back to art supplies, leaving very little for fun reads like this.) So it's a good thing there is a library.

This book focuses on the fact that "journals are unsung heroes, the working stiffs of creative life." Any type of person (artist or not) keeps a journal. You don't have to be a creative genius to jot thoughts and sketch ideas out in a journal. But it definitely seems to help unleash our overwhelming human need to create. While most of us involved in the community sketchbook are artists of one medium or another, it's good to also reflect on the journal entries and thoughts by people from all walks of life. I used to carry a sketchbook around with me entirely for this purpose. I had my friends who claimed they couldn't draw a stick figure write or sketch something on its pages. And you would be amazed at the creativity that I saw. I still have a couple of those books, and one of these days, I may begin to share some of that book here.

There are so many people featured in Drawing From Life: The Journal As Artthat display an amazing skill of observing and sketching that I cannot choose only one artist. Instead, the entire book should either be borrowed from your local library or purchased. This statement says it all:

"...it is the opaque nature of the journal that appeals to outside readers--the series of stepping stones laid out for us, the map with most but not all of the lines connected."
- Jennifer New

You can find more excerpts and visual inspiration from this book here.

Sketches using the Entire Page

2008-09-08T16:12:00.002-04:00

All of these sketches and artists do a fantastic job of using the entire page when sketching. The colors all have a warm undertone and provide a somewhat dreamy quality to me. Do you see any other similar characteristics?

Go Toward the Light by Sharon Frost

Possarchface by Arlee

Untitled by Clair Graubner

Portraits

2008-09-06T00:00:00.002-04:00

I have been looking for themes in all of the Community Sketchbook artists' works recently. I want to find common trends and group them altogether. So that brings me to this thought today. I found that there were several people who enjoy creating portraits. So here are several portraits by many of the artists in the Community Sketchbook.

Selbstportrait by Flaf

another side by danny mansmith

autorretrato en vez de un resumen de historia del diseño by souu

Fellow traveler by De Grootmeester

Untitled by Shawna Handke

Now for a little education: according to wikipedia, which is of course all-knowing, "a portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expression is predominant."

And for some historical context:
"The art of the portrait flourished in Roman sculptures, where sitters demanded realistic portraits, even unflattering ones. During the 4th century, the portrait began to retreat in favor of an idealized symbol of what that person looked like. (Compare the portraits of Roman Emperors Constantine I and Theodosius I at their entries.) In Europe true portraits of the outward appearance of individuals re-emerged in the late Middle Ages, in Burgundy and France."

Now, back to Community Sketchbook portraits.

MARCA REGISTRADA by Erika Kuhn

Untitled by heidillustration

Untitled by bueno-antonioaugusto

Que llueva mostaza en la calle. by sharonNYC

Rabbit Girl by The Pairabirds

Obviously, some of these sketches are more traditional than others.

I personally have been hearing a voice in the back of my head stating that I need to begin creating some self-portraits. Why? It's a free model and a fun way to entertain oneself. Plus, it's a good opportunity to stretch myself as an artist! So who else would like to stretch themselves and create a self-portrait?

Energy

2008-09-04T12:07:00.006-04:00

I thoroughly enjoy sketches that have a sense of deep emotion, some passion, ravenous energy. I can see the innate energetic quality about each of these sketches. Now, sketch something you're passionate about and share it with us.

verge of extinction by Stu Thomas

all will be ok by Danny Mansmith

a quick sketch by the Pairabirds

the REAL SKETCHBOOK

2008-09-03T18:22:00.006-04:00

There really isn't much new to post today, but I intend on getting a sketchbook this week, or if someone wants to create one for the community, feel free to let me know. We'd love it if you wanted to make a custom sketchbook for this project. After I get the sketchbook and organize all of the important info... like people who actually want to participate in the "real deal" and their contact information, we'll begin.

I'm looking forward to this, and if you want to help with this collaboration, we'd love it if you joined in on the fun!

Sketches from the Weekend

2008-09-02T12:40:00.004-04:00

There really haven't been many new posts to the Community Sketchbook on flickr, nor has anyone sent me anything that they wish to share here recently. So I was pleasantly surprised to find some amazing sketches on flickr when I checked for updates today. Here they are.

sleepers by esta.sketch:

stinger on high by Danny Mansmith:

Flush with success. Buenos Aires. August 26/27, 2008 by Sharon Frost:

Selbstportrait by Flaf:

Now, be inspired to do some new work in your sketchbook.

Simple is Good

2008-08-30T14:30:00.004-04:00

If there was nothing else that was engraved in my memory during my early college days, it was a statement that my Graphic Design instructor repeated continually.

Simple is good.

Today, I decided to post although I intend to take weekends off in the future. But I wasn't feeling well yesterday, so I took that day off.

Nonetheless, I found a few sketches from the Community Sketchbook on flickr that I find to be simplistic, yet striking.

platforms from The Pairabirds:

Fakultät by Flaf:

And leaf me alone by tracerapotts:

Lines & Lined Paper

2008-08-28T08:28:00.008-04:00

Here are a couple of amazing sketches, which use lines in an interesting way. They are sketches on lined paper. On a personal note, I really enjoy using graph paper for writing and sketching; in fact, I just created some sketches on my graph paper. What sorts of materials do you enjoy using to sketch?

Sonia Basch has an amazing sense of style when sketching. She just added several new sketches to the Community Sketchbook on flickr, and I really like her expressive nature that she uses to sketch scenes of everyday life.

Here is her blog.

This is another sketch from Danny Mansmith's doodles that he creates. I just read that he hopes to have a solo exhibition with these "doodles." And I think it's a brilliant idea. I'm honored to own one of these sketches and to have collaborated with him.

Book store sketch by Emily

2008-08-27T11:29:00.004-04:00

I found this sketch in a local community book shop that I was visiting in Nyack, NY on Monday. The book store is absolutely gorgeous, stacked with books from the floor to the ceiling in finished bookshelves. And you can climb up and down those fun ladders that slide back and forth on rails. (I'm sure there's a real name for them, but I don't know it.) Anyway, I loved this sketch that I child had given to the book store, and I had to share it here.

sausages for dinner (links for thought :})

2008-08-26T16:11:00.007-04:00

I couldn’t choose today because we seem to have reached a plateau: not a lot of new photos on the Flickr group, except for those who have already been featured---I’m sure a lot of people are getting busy for school or wrapping up holidays!

I have decided instead to post some links to information for the novice and the “pro”—we can all learn new things, whether it’s more precise development of our talents or how to create the sketchbook itself.

Basics for drawing---LOTS of tips, specific and general, to improve your skills and presentation.

The Art itself, compiled into a fascinating book about sketchbooks used in the Graffiti/Street Art world.
“Here is an unprecedented look at the world of sketchbooks including some of the world’s leading street and graffiti artists. It showcases an incredible diversity of working methods, innovative approaches and personal fixations, including declarations of love, typographic explorations, alter egos, storyboards, mythological creatures, anatomical studies, architectural drawings and extreme doodling. They may be diverse, but they all exude creativity and originality.”

Easy way to make your own sketchbook.
And a more advanced level how to.

History! Inspiration! Techie details! Gossip! Topic specific! Concepts and hoaxes! You could spend hours here, browsing the links, kicking up your idea bank and being exposed to the famous and infamous.

I think it’s important as an artist to expose yourself to other art forms as well, making notes and scribbles that lead to your own vision and style—particularly with sketchbooks, you can look back through the years and see where you were headed even when you weren’t sure. New work, new series, new explorations---s t r e t c h!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Warmth

2008-08-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

The colors of these sketches remind me of the warmth of summertime, and it's sad to say that summer is coming to an end. I really enjoy sitting in the sun, and simply relaxing. So enjoy the warm colors that each artist has used in their sketchbooks.

This is Kraftwerk Münster by Flaf.

This is hdjsta by Arlee.

And this is VAMOS A JUGAR by Erika Kuhn.

Fun Colors

2008-08-22T07:35:00.003-04:00

Today, I'm combining some of the sketches from various artists that have fun colors and compliment one another.

Math Head is another "doodle" that Danny Mansmith created. He'll soon have an art show at the Indie Collective, so if you're on the West coast, you should check it out.

This is a sketch I created while waiting on my husband. I later taped it in one of my current sketchbooks' spray-painted pages. Here is where you can find more of my artwork.

Rabbit Girl is a sketch that was just posted to the Community Sketchbook on flickr,and I thoroughly enjoy the warm colors of these sketches in The Pairabirds' Moleskine journal.

La Ola created another great architectural sketch, entitled Castel sant'angelo.

Few New Pages

2008-08-21T09:15:00.004-04:00

Here are a few new pages from the sketches that have recently been posted to the Community Sketchbook flickr group. If you have a flickr account and enjoy sharing your sketchbook, you should join the group. If you don't have a flickr account, you can still join the group. Just e-mail me some of your sketches, and I'll post them to this Community Sketchbook.

I especially enjoy this drawing with watercolor, because you can see the infrastructure of the building. Flaf drew Gaisburgstraße.

This is an amazing "concept drawing" by Arlee.

If you know me, you know that I like hands, so I had to post these sketches by SharonNYC.

Storklings (aka Megan Udell) drew these late night sketches.

doodle draw diary filler-upper

2008-08-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

Lucy Cheung recently shared these amazing pages with us in the Community Sketchbook. I absolutely love the layers and the lines. She has an amazing sense of style. It's so free and full of expression. Here are some more pages from this new sketchbook, which was created from the pages of Heidi by Johanna Spyri.

And here is her etsy shop.

sleepers

2008-08-19T13:02:00.003-04:00

Here's a raw sketch by etsasketch. I think she captures the figure in an elegant manner, leaving simplistic stylistic sketches. Yesterday, in a response to Arlee's recent post, Memory and Invention for the Sketchbook, she mentioned that "the problem lies in transferring that same sketchbook quality to the real work. It almost never works. It's hard to get the same spontaneity..." I couldn't agree more with this statement, although I like the simplicity of her finished work.

She sells her work here.

so many good sketches

2008-08-17T09:26:00.006-04:00

I took one day off from the computer and came back today to find so many great sketches in the Community Sketchbook pool on flickr. So instead of posting only one, I'm posting several sketches from numerous artists all at once.

Flaf, an architect and artist from Germany added several new sketches, and all of them are amazing. But I chose this one, because I absolutely love the lines.

La Ola created this sketch with amazing shapes and colors. I really like the orange that he used here.

I rather enjoy these pages "LA PAROXÍSTICA" by Erika Kuhn. She's a visual artist from Mexico and proves an amazing sense of freedom of expression with her drawings.

There were so many other impressive sketches, but I want to save something else to post later this week. Let's keep the community sketchbook actively drawing. And soon we'll begin passing around an actual sketchbook, and turn it into one giant collaboration.