BobBlast 309 - Best of BobBlast - "Why Sketchbooks are Your Best Friend"

Best of BobBlast #309 (originally BobBlast #261) "Why Sketchbooks are Your Best Friend" Welcome back to another BobBlast! Sketchbooks! A most important tool to collect your own ideas, thoughts, sketches, writings, journaling, scraps of paper, photos and dreams... These sketchbooks are for your eyes only. Show no one. Sketchbooks help me develop my own voice and direction for making my paintings. They are full of random thoughts, silly sketches and pages from magazines I couldn't part with! I pick up a new sketchbook every time I go into an art store. My must haves for a sketchbook include: •Spiral binding - folds back on itself •Good paper, "Water worthy" in case I feel like doing light washes on my sketches •Sturdy covers My favorite brands: •Cheap Joe's American Journey •Fabriano Studio Watercolor Hot Press Pad 90 lb •Holbein Multi-Drawing Book, 3F •Strathmore Toned Grey Mixed Media Paper I like to collage or paint on the covers. That way, I claim ownership. Have different sizes. Have many sketchbooks, not just one. I journal a lot in my sketchbooks - along with sketching, gluing things that catch my eye, etc. Journaling helps me focus on my goals for the day. I can make notes of concepts I want to try - so when it is time to paint, I am clear in my direction because I have already practiced sketching the design and eliminated any indecision. Your sketchbook is an important step in developing your own painting voice. Hope you have enjoyed these short, weekly blasts! Sign up on my website and keep watching. There are lots of them! Post your work in out newest exhibit - Let's Dance! Keep the theme in mind - Specifically, with this exhibit we want to see your interpretation of dance, movement, and expressiveness. Post your Let's Dance paintings - your vision, and enjoy looking through the international gallery. Here’s what to do next to join our virtual exhibit of Let's Dance: • Click on this link   / robertburridgestudioletsdancevirtualexhibit   • OR search in Facebook for Robert Burridge Studio Let's Dance Virtual Exhibit • Join the group • Post your work! • Add your name, title plus more info. Looking forward to seeing your work! Thanks again for watching and telling your friends! All my BobBlasts are archived on my website and my YouTube Channel. We post new studio tips weekly that offer real content, substance and useful techniques that work for me. And they're free! We appreciate your interest, questions, comments and support! Did you know that I also offer private sessions in my studio? Perfect for beginners who want a crash course in watercolor or acrylic or for artists who are designing an exhibit and want to bounce ideas for content and techniques. I devote 100% of my studio time to you! Designed for 1 to 3 people - if you are interested or have questions, email [email protected] Contact [email protected]