I Started a New Art Project!
—a New Series in a New Sketchbook
You may remember in a previous blog post I recommended a book by Samantha Dion Baker entitled Draw Your Day: An Inspiring Guide to Keeping a Sketch Journal. Baker is an artist who keeps a beautiful sketch journal in which she celebrates little things—the everyday things that make up an ordinary life.
Ever since I read Draw Your Day, I’ve been thinking about starting a sketch journal myself—but then I always wonder when I would have the time.
I recently read Baker’s latest book, Draw Your Adventures, and with the book’s friendly and encouraging spirit, lots of ideas for subjects to draw and paint, and inspiring examples of Baker’s own sketch journal pages, this was just the nudge I needed to decide to dive right in and start my own sketch journal (which I call my Illustrated Journal).
I love how Baker defines “adventures”:
“From everyday experiences, to staycations, to the grandest trips, you will discover that there are infinite possibilities for turning adventures into art.”
- Samantha Dion Baker
So…drum roll, please: here’s my first Illustrated Journal page!
I tried to create my first entry (the Caltrops in bloom) quickly, hoping this new Illustrated Journal idea wouldn’t take too much time that I wasn’t convinced I have, but I wasn’t happy with the result—my art looked too sloppy for my taste. After reading the following words from Draw Your Adventures, I continued working on the Caltrops, at a more measured “Paula pace”, until I was happy with the result.
“Take your time to complete your pages. There are no rules and there is no rush. Draw and record your adventures in any way and in any timeframe that works for you.”
- Samantha Dion Baker
Following Baker’s advice, I don’t have any timeframe in mind regarding how often I “should” add entries or finish pages in my Illustrated Journal. It’s supposed to be fun! And for me, it is—I had so much fun creating my first Illustrated Journal page that I soon created a second page:
You may be wondering what the difference is between my Perpetual Journal and my Illustrated Journal. That’s a great question!
Although I utilize my favorite sketchbook1 for both of these, and usually use black pen and watercolor, the difference between the two boils down to this:
In my Perpetual Journal, each page covers the same week over the period of a number of years, so the entries on each page are separated in time by a year or two (or more).
My Illustrated Journal is sequential, meaning each page covers a few days or weeks of (continuous) time.
My Perpetual Journal will still be my top priority art-wise, as I love keeping a PJ with a focus on natural history. I think natural history will always be my favorite subject to illustrate, but I want to paint other subjects, too—so that’s where my illustrated Journal comes in!
Here are more words of inspiration from Baker:
“Not everyone can afford grand travel, nor can everyone physically make big trips. The good news is that you do not have to in order to explore new artistic opportunities. Adventure is literally everywhere and in every moment.”
- Samantha Dion Baker
Thank you for being here! I appreciate it. See you next week!
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My favorite sketchbook is the Strathmore Visual Journal, 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper, 5.5”x8”. This paper takes repeated washes of watercolor well, and my pen never bleeds through to the other side of the paper.
Paula I am so touched and happy to read this post and know that my books have inspired you.
These pages are just grand! I love every inch. You inspire me.