sketchbooks

It's true that I have a love / hate relationship with sketchbooks. I love to draw and sketch in them but often don't find the time, yet doodle on envelopes endlessly instead. 

Last year I began a 100 day challenge to fill a page in my sketchbook each day. I didn't even make it half way. You can see the results here.

I tend to have on / off phases with sketchbooks, which is crazy, it should be part of my daily practice.
So I have started to do just that, I'm making sure I spend just 15 minutes a day making patterns, drawing and experimenting.

I'm currently using black ink only, to limit my 'faffing' and trying to create the perfect image with the perfect colour combinations. I waste a lot of time overthinking work in a sketchbook, which is entirely what a sketchbook shouldn't be. It should be free, experimental, a visual diary, inspiring.

Looking at what I've created so far I have a long way to go at loosening up and experimenting. I think I need to play with different inks, collage, scale...  so much to try out.

I'll post updates on instagram as well as on here. I'm looking forward to this!

10.10.10 day 8 and sketching

I'll come clean before I start this post, I've broken the rules a little. This project is meant to be photos just as you see them and no editing. 
I was inspired as I was clearing up after breakfast, the jar of Vegemite sat on the worktop and I remembered my nerdy fondness of packaging. I love bright colours and stylised packaging. Not only do they look great but they often provoke some sort of memory - a time, place, person or emotion.

 
I remember on trips to Greece and Turkey collecting the crisp packets and Coke bottles, they were so different from the ones at home but instantly recognisable. I probably still have them in the chaos that is our loft. That packet of Kimia Dates was polished of at Christmas but I keep rescuing it from the recycling as Mr tries in vain to stop my hoarding.

So, I cheated, as I looked through the cupboards I was struck by so much of the packaging, I hauled them out and photographed them, just there on the worktop. I didn't arrange them, just put them out one by one. 
I don't love the photographs themselves, they are full of flaws - but I love the content.  

I also made a start on my sketchbook, this was something in my hopes and dreams list for this year and I thought I may as well make a start. Missy Big was off school with a high temperature so I had them cutting out, sticking and drawing in their scrapbooks so I joined in. Initially struck by fear - what the heck am I going to draw? Thankfully a vase of lilies were just there and waiting.

I haven't sketched  just for the sake of it since my college days, I started off a bit wobbly, the first one is a bit wishy-washy, but I like how the second one turned out. I like the lines just flowing over each other and the movement of the pencil. I like how it shows that I was enjoying it and more confident as I went along, the left side is a bit unsure of itself and the right is much stronger. 
I think I might enjoy this.

How are your plans for the year going? Keeping up with your challenges?