If you are like me, you might be intimidated by sketchbooks, especially when they are new. Who knows you might get a new sketchbook for Christmas and need some sketchbook inspiration:)Actually the more beautiful they are, the more intimidating it is to start drawing on those blank pages. So here is a bit of inspiration for your sketchbook.
You might also be interested in: Customizing your sketchbook into an Art Journal
I am getting better at filling my sketchbooks since I let go of the idea of having only successful beautiful drawings in there, I leave space for experimentation, mistakes and just ugly drawings 🙂
Here are a few ideas of what you can fill your sketchbooks with.
Click on any picture to see a larger version.
Sketchbook ideas: Draw geometric shapes or repetitive patterns
This might be one of the easier way to start filling out your sketchbook, and it is also a very creative way to relax.
Sketchbook ideas: Draw what is close to you
It does not have to be anything special, just random objects around you.
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Sketchbook ideas: Draw people around you
People on the ferry or the bus, your family when they sleep or are watching tv…
Sketchbook ideas :Go to a life drawing class
If you feel uneasy drawing people in public, then a life drawing class might be the solution.
Sketchbook inspiration: Draw the room you are in or the view from your room
I like to do that on vacation, it is amazing how looking at a drawing makes me remember well some details, even better than a picture sometimes.
Sketchbook inspirations: Try on ideas for upcoming paintings
A sketchbook is a great place to experiment with designs ideas for future paintings
And just for fun, this is a drawing by my son on vacation when we asked him to draw something cheerful for a change 🙂
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Thank you for the great tips. I have a few sketch books, and I do feel intimidated when opening them up. I will keep your advice in my mind when I open one up today.
Mary
Thanks Mary ! Let’s use those sketchbooks 🙂
I loved this article Sandrine. I really need to get back to sketching more. When I visited the art museum in London, I sketched the famous paintings. It made me feel very close to the artist. Like you mentioned, my sketches were better to bring back the experiences of that trip than the photos. I always enjoy your articles. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Carolyn, I am glad you liked this post 🙂
Sketching master paintings is a great idea, I will try it next time we go to the museum!