Using a sketchbook

One of the ways to know you're an artist is that you own a sketchbook.  Funny isn't it?  I mean, I've owned a sketchbook for many, many years (several in fact) but I've never really understood what to do with one.  I always used printer paper or scraps of envelopes, etc to doodle out ideas and then been really frustrated when the idea turns out well, because I went too far.  

There's a point in all this.  First, that I think I've finally figured out what to do with a sketchbook.  And second, that there's a stage in sketching where you must stop or it's no longer a sketch and you should really consider using better paper (who wants to frame an old bill envelope, no matter how good the drawing)!

Third, one of the blogs I subscribe to, Senior Artist, recently sent a newsletter with great tips and advice (like always) but there was one in particular that I wanted to share.  It was titled "Turn Your Doodles Into Lasting Memories" and it was about how to start a sketchbook, with a 30 day sketchbook challenge.  The article is actually a bit dated since it was originally published in May 2013, but I think it still has very useful info in it.  A slightly more recent article published in September 2013 takes it a little further.

If you're really interested in the author of these articles (Michelle Morris), you can scroll to the bottom of the webpage for a link to her blog and see her artwork.

But what I'd love to know is whether or not you've ever used a sketchbook.  Maybe you use one to paste keepsakes like movie tickets, or restaurant stubs when you travel.  There are so many ways to use one and you don't even have to draw in it!  I use mine for notes and drawing ideas.  Please post in the comments :)

Draw Fu - drawing for beginners

I know a LOT of people who say they can't draw.  Are you one of these people?  Drawing frightens many because it can look complicated and secretive - sometimes magical!  Well, if you are a person that feels you couldn't draw a straight line if your life depended on it (or you know someone who feels this way), the following site may be for you.

I recently came across this website.  It's pretty new by the looks of it, starting this year.  The Art of Draw Fu by Luis Escobar tackles the drawing concept from a different angle.  When you click on the link you will see the home page.  Click on the "If you're new start here" tab at the top to get into Mr Escobar's reasons for why Drawing is like Kung Fu.

He's only just completing the notes for level 0 (beginner), and I suspect it will eventually go towards cartoon/animation illustration eventually, but there will ultimately be 6 levels of drawing instruction, and it's free!

If you scroll down to the levels section, you can download a free digital book for level 0.  Further down the page, you can subscribe to weekly newsletters, tips, etc.

I don't think of myself as a beginner level in drawing, but there's always something new to learn!  I love how the flavour of this site is so unthreatening!  Considering that it's basing it's teaching structure around Kung Fu, that seems pretty funny to me.  I've signed up for his newsletter and I have a copy of his digital book - very cool!

DIY light box

Okay, so I'm sure you'll agree that making art can be an expensive pursuit.  Fortunately, there are many frugal and creative artists out there more than willing to show their personal hacks for DIY art equipment.  I found these two links for VERY inexpensive tutorials on making your own artist light box (which can cost into the hundreds of dollars at the art store) for under $20!

This one uses 2 glass picture frames and a light piece from a lamp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCRzCrsnLnw

But, let's say you only have an old lamp, a cardboard box and 1 glass picture frame.  No problem!  check out this instructable:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Your-OWN-professional-arttracing-ligh/

I'd be interested to know if you've tried either of these, or maybe some other hack has helped you out, let us know in the comments.