So what is it about sketchbooks?

I love sketchbooks - both mine and other artists'. Finding an artist sketchbook to look through is a window into how they work and what they see and more importantly what they want to say in their work. Often I come across artists that are scared of 'ruining' their sketchbook - who think each sketch has to be perfect and look like a finished piece of work. To me it is far better to treat the sketchbook as a tool - it's a place to record and learn. My own sketchbooks are a combination of things; a place to experiment and test out new materials and techniques, a place to practise observation, a place to capture a memory and then be able to develop it by testing out compositions and colours.  At art events I'll always have a sketchbook to hand so do flick through and you'll most likely see the journey of the work I have on display!

​I've always taken a sketchbook away on holiday and use it to keep a visual diary of the trip; I found that the sketches then formed the basis of future work. This process of sketching feeding into my paintings is something that I have developed over the years. Now when I sketch I sketch with intention -  I don’t aim to create a perfect representation of the place. So often it's not pretty! I’m trying to record the elements that have made me stop and notice them. ​The aim is to immerse myself in a landscape and imprint the place in my mind through marks, notes, colours. There must be something about being more aware and actually internalising that moment in time. I'd recommend everyone, artist or not, to take the time to stop and capture a memory - so much more personal than a quick photograph.

When I look back through my sketchbook I need the sketches to take me right back to the moment I sketched it; to recall the contrast in light & dark, the feeling of the wind on my face, the smells and sounds. All the senses are in play when I sketch. So in turn when I recall the sketching session I can still see and feel what was important to me which allows me to just paint from within.

I've shared my process with artist Louise Fletcher as a member spotlight feature for her artist membership site, 'Your Art Tribe'. It has been wonderful to see so many artists inspired by the way I work.  If you'd like to learn how you can utilise your sketchbook more then you may be interested in my workshops coming up.  To find out more head over to the workshops page.