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Artist's Sketchbook: Exercises and Techniques for Sketching on the Spot
Grab your pen and seize the day! Make art a part of your everyday life, and everyday life a part of your art.
Vast opportunities and great joy await you as you learn sketching "on the spot"--be it in your own backyard, amid the bustle of a busy market, on a hike or wherever you happen to find yourself.
Cathy Johnson leads you on this thrilling expedition as you explore ways to turn everyday sights and experiences into a cache of visual memories. She and other artists have opened their sketchbooks to share their favorite subjects, ranging from nature's paraphernalia to aging buildings, crashing waves and beloved pets. You will travel the world through sketches and stories, through deserts and deep woods, cities and small towns. Along the way, you'll pick up helpful tips and clever, on-location improvisations for making your sketching sessions pleasurable, safe and productive.
• Chapters focus on sketching subjects close to home, on travels, in nature, in urban settings and from everyday life.
• 10+ artists share favorite sketches, tips and techniques.
• 15+ demos reveal on-the-spot sketches as they come together.
• Includes expert advice on getting the best results from a range of mediums, including graphite, ink, colored pencil, watercolor and gouache.
The Artist's Sketchbook is pure delight, full of passion and possibility, ideas and inspirations. You'll learn ways to be prepared, simplify, still your inner critic, embrace the here and now, and in doing so, discover wonders you never thought to look for.
Vast opportunities and great joy await you as you learn sketching "on the spot"--be it in your own backyard, amid the bustle of a busy market, on a hike or wherever you happen to find yourself.
Cathy Johnson leads you on this thrilling expedition as you explore ways to turn everyday sights and experiences into a cache of visual memories. She and other artists have opened their sketchbooks to share their favorite subjects, ranging from nature's paraphernalia to aging buildings, crashing waves and beloved pets. You will travel the world through sketches and stories, through deserts and deep woods, cities and small towns. Along the way, you'll pick up helpful tips and clever, on-location improvisations for making your sketching sessions pleasurable, safe and productive.
• Chapters focus on sketching subjects close to home, on travels, in nature, in urban settings and from everyday life.
• 10+ artists share favorite sketches, tips and techniques.
• 15+ demos reveal on-the-spot sketches as they come together.
• Includes expert advice on getting the best results from a range of mediums, including graphite, ink, colored pencil, watercolor and gouache.
The Artist's Sketchbook is pure delight, full of passion and possibility, ideas and inspirations. You'll learn ways to be prepared, simplify, still your inner critic, embrace the here and now, and in doing so, discover wonders you never thought to look for.
- GenresArtNonfictionDrawing
128 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2016
99 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Johnson
35 books39 followersThere is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
sometimes known as Kate, has worked as a naturalist, writer, and freelance artist for the past 30 years, and was staff naturalist and contributing editor for Country Living magazine for 11 years. She is a contributing editor to the Artist’s Magazine and Watercolor Magic and has had a regular column in Personal Journaling magazine, where she wrote on a subject she feels passionately about -- realizing the importance of creativity in our lives. She has written and illustrated -- her own work and that of others -- for a number of national magazines, including Science Digest, Harrowsmith Country Life, Sports Afield, Country Journal, Muzzlelader, Women's History, Early American Life, Sketchbook, Woodworker, Woman’s Day, Threads, Mother Earth News, National Wildlife Magazine, Sierra and additional magazines listed on the writer page. Her writing and artwork has been included in a number of nature anthologies and art books.
(from http://cathyjohnson.info/biography.html)
sometimes known as Kate, has worked as a naturalist, writer, and freelance artist for the past 30 years, and was staff naturalist and contributing editor for Country Living magazine for 11 years. She is a contributing editor to the Artist’s Magazine and Watercolor Magic and has had a regular column in Personal Journaling magazine, where she wrote on a subject she feels passionately about -- realizing the importance of creativity in our lives. She has written and illustrated -- her own work and that of others -- for a number of national magazines, including Science Digest, Harrowsmith Country Life, Sports Afield, Country Journal, Muzzlelader, Women's History, Early American Life, Sketchbook, Woodworker, Woman’s Day, Threads, Mother Earth News, National Wildlife Magazine, Sierra and additional magazines listed on the writer page. Her writing and artwork has been included in a number of nature anthologies and art books.
(from http://cathyjohnson.info/biography.html)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 3, 2017
I picked this one up on a whim from my local library and I'm glad I did.
This topic of on the spot sketching and plein air are ones I'm quite interested in and want to do more of myself. I think the book covered various areas that can be beneficial to both entry level and more intermediate artists. (Even perhaps some advanced who just don't always think of certain things or could use the friendly reminder, haha.)
While the tag line of the book is "Exercises and Techniques for Sketching on the Spot", I found the bulk of the material in the book to consist of mostly inspirational artworks and motivational speeches. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it is a tad misleading. However, I was going into this book pretty blind with zero expectations, and I actually forgot about the subtitle bit, so that wasn't at all a downer for me.
I actually found myself liking some of the parts where the author gave a multitude (and I mean MULTITUDE) of examples of where, when, and what to draw. For me, it was nice to have a reminder, but for the beginner artist, I KNOW this is stuff they don't think about, so it was great to see that so heavily pushed. There are always things to draw and always time to draw it, I'm happy she drills that idea in.
The author does cover a variety of materials from the start, but it does weigh more heavily on watercolors. This includes the demonstrations, which are all watercolor. Don't let that hinder you though, quite a few concepts can be applied to other mediums, plus learning and seeing these concepts in action can be helpful in general to seeing how art can be created.
I especially enjoy the variety of subjects, examples, and artists (it's not just the author's art in here!) she offers in this book. It's awesome to see the different styles and ways people can create artwork, and I think can be especially encouraging to beginners. Showing more polished sketches and very quick messy ones opens the doors for new artists to feel less intimidated in what they create. (It's about having fun, not creating a masterpiece!)
The book mostly covers plein air related tips and advice (such as travel kits, dealing with weather, etc), but I was glad to see her mention the possibility of working indoors as well. You can paint anywhere, and that's the message she was trying to get across.
What was also great is the fact that it's fairly new, published in 2016, and was able to talk about water brushes and Yupo paper. She doesn't go in depth, but it was nice to see new product availability mentioned.
I do have a bit of a gripe with the demonstrations. For more knowledgeable artists, there really isn't much of an issue, but for new artists, I can see them as being very unapproachable. There are only a couple of steps for each one, and they skip quite a bit. The first one or two steps is already quite far into the artwork, and I can see that as putting off some beginner artists as it doesn't really give them too much groundwork on where or how to start. I know this book isn't a "how to draw" book per say, but even one more photograph shot of a step could've been helpful, I think. At the very least, it can give them ideas or inspiration, which is great. (And perhaps have them pick up specific tutorial books later on the "how to draw" aspect for more assistance.) As I said, this book is more about inspiration and motivation, telling the readers that anyone can do this and here's a few tips, than step by step stuff.
But hey, if you need a kick in the butt or some fantastic artworks for inspiration (I might buy this book later just for the art itself, it's gorgeous!), this is a great book! Now excuse me while I go grab my paints, haha.
This topic of on the spot sketching and plein air are ones I'm quite interested in and want to do more of myself. I think the book covered various areas that can be beneficial to both entry level and more intermediate artists. (Even perhaps some advanced who just don't always think of certain things or could use the friendly reminder, haha.)
While the tag line of the book is "Exercises and Techniques for Sketching on the Spot", I found the bulk of the material in the book to consist of mostly inspirational artworks and motivational speeches. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it is a tad misleading. However, I was going into this book pretty blind with zero expectations, and I actually forgot about the subtitle bit, so that wasn't at all a downer for me.
I actually found myself liking some of the parts where the author gave a multitude (and I mean MULTITUDE) of examples of where, when, and what to draw. For me, it was nice to have a reminder, but for the beginner artist, I KNOW this is stuff they don't think about, so it was great to see that so heavily pushed. There are always things to draw and always time to draw it, I'm happy she drills that idea in.
The author does cover a variety of materials from the start, but it does weigh more heavily on watercolors. This includes the demonstrations, which are all watercolor. Don't let that hinder you though, quite a few concepts can be applied to other mediums, plus learning and seeing these concepts in action can be helpful in general to seeing how art can be created.
I especially enjoy the variety of subjects, examples, and artists (it's not just the author's art in here!) she offers in this book. It's awesome to see the different styles and ways people can create artwork, and I think can be especially encouraging to beginners. Showing more polished sketches and very quick messy ones opens the doors for new artists to feel less intimidated in what they create. (It's about having fun, not creating a masterpiece!)
The book mostly covers plein air related tips and advice (such as travel kits, dealing with weather, etc), but I was glad to see her mention the possibility of working indoors as well. You can paint anywhere, and that's the message she was trying to get across.
What was also great is the fact that it's fairly new, published in 2016, and was able to talk about water brushes and Yupo paper. She doesn't go in depth, but it was nice to see new product availability mentioned.
I do have a bit of a gripe with the demonstrations. For more knowledgeable artists, there really isn't much of an issue, but for new artists, I can see them as being very unapproachable. There are only a couple of steps for each one, and they skip quite a bit. The first one or two steps is already quite far into the artwork, and I can see that as putting off some beginner artists as it doesn't really give them too much groundwork on where or how to start. I know this book isn't a "how to draw" book per say, but even one more photograph shot of a step could've been helpful, I think. At the very least, it can give them ideas or inspiration, which is great. (And perhaps have them pick up specific tutorial books later on the "how to draw" aspect for more assistance.) As I said, this book is more about inspiration and motivation, telling the readers that anyone can do this and here's a few tips, than step by step stuff.
But hey, if you need a kick in the butt or some fantastic artworks for inspiration (I might buy this book later just for the art itself, it's gorgeous!), this is a great book! Now excuse me while I go grab my paints, haha.
August 1, 2019
If you are looking for variation in techniques and sketches for inspiration this book will help. It has tonns of author's own sketches and other's work too. Recommended for urban sketching.
July 11, 2019
This book provides lots of inspiration for anyone who likes to sketch or paint on-the-spot, whether that's drawing your favourite teacup or painting landscapes and cityscapes on your travels. There are a few step-by-step demonstrations and lots of suggestions for exercises. I really love Cathy Johnson's art. There are also a number of examples from other artists. Although there's some instruction in it, it's more a book to inspire you to get out there and have a go, regardless of your ability. She talks a lot about finding things that give you joy and sketching and painting things that conjure up good feelings and happy memories. She looks at art journalling and recording the common everyday things that give our lives meaning. She also talks about the healing value of art. I'm just a hobby painter, but it made me want to get out there and do more painting. It's also a beautfully presented book with lovely colour illustrations. I'll look for more of her books.
July 21, 2022
This guide for creating your own sketchbook by Cathy Johnson is set up with some demonstrations, and tips, to guide a new sketchbooker in starting the habit.
This book works particularly well as a companion to her Artist Journal Workshop book- so those who aren’t quite ready to keep a visual journal can work with the ideas and suggestions in this one to start from scratch.
While the author does have a few tips and techniques in the book, they’re very basic, as it is more of a guide to encourage a new sketchbooker.
That’s not really an issue though, as it works well with her other books to create a great library for those who want to produce art for pleasure.
This book works particularly well as a companion to her Artist Journal Workshop book- so those who aren’t quite ready to keep a visual journal can work with the ideas and suggestions in this one to start from scratch.
While the author does have a few tips and techniques in the book, they’re very basic, as it is more of a guide to encourage a new sketchbooker.
That’s not really an issue though, as it works well with her other books to create a great library for those who want to produce art for pleasure.
May 16, 2021
For me, this book is 5-stars because it actually inspires me to pull out my sketchbook and sketch without feeling like it's a chore or that I need to practice some special technique or that I'm not good enough. I love books with technique too but for some reason this book gets me actually painting and sketching more. It is not a full instructional book, so be aware in case you are looking for that. It does have some "step-by-step" exercises but they gloss over the details, so they are more inspirational than technical.
December 28, 2022
Cathy Johnson has a great skill of teaching and sharing art techniques. This book is a great reference to flip back through for ideas. I like her approach of introspection, asking oneself, why do I draw? She asks these questions early on, then later encourages an openness towards exploration and honing in on drawing things that can be near and familiar, and just as dear.
This book is a combination of clearly demarcated demonstrations, other art community sketchbook examples with descriptions on why they are relevant, and personal examples.
Well organized and worth having on hand on shelf!
This book is a combination of clearly demarcated demonstrations, other art community sketchbook examples with descriptions on why they are relevant, and personal examples.
Well organized and worth having on hand on shelf!
September 4, 2021
Inspirational
The style of this book matches its subject matter - ie loose, flowing and broad stroked guidance and suggestions. Don’t expect detailed art instruction! The examples and illustrations alone are very inspirational and instructive and worth the price in my opinion. The kindle version looks great on an iPad.
The style of this book matches its subject matter - ie loose, flowing and broad stroked guidance and suggestions. Don’t expect detailed art instruction! The examples and illustrations alone are very inspirational and instructive and worth the price in my opinion. The kindle version looks great on an iPad.
August 17, 2017
The author is inspiring. A watercolorist would benefit greatly from reading it. I'm more of a pencil or pen and ink sketches.
July 17, 2018
The artwork was lovely but I was honestly expecting more from it, more exercises and information. It was just so brief.
December 31, 2018
Superb
Just leafing through is enough to make you rush around for some sketching tools. Very well presented, even as ebook.
Just leafing through is enough to make you rush around for some sketching tools. Very well presented, even as ebook.
April 27, 2019
Superb, as always Mrs. Johnson!
Lots of good examples to inspire and point the way for your next project. Shows a wide range of topics and ideas for every skill and interest.
Lots of good examples to inspire and point the way for your next project. Shows a wide range of topics and ideas for every skill and interest.
January 23, 2020
Full of examples and wisdom. I liked it!
August 20, 2020
Отличный сборник примеров и заметок на все случаи жизни. О разных техниках, приемах, сюжетах, подходах итд.
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October 17, 2021Wonderful suggestions, techniques, and inspiration for our nature journaling.
January 26, 2022
Great visuals and instructions.
July 1, 2023
Well done!! Lovely sketches, wonderful text. A great resource for anyone wanting to learn to sketch in the real world. Great exercises, examples, demos. Loved it!!
May 7, 2024
Lots of lovely tipe
September 6, 2024
More ideas for watercolour skecthbook but some good demonstrations
April 26, 2019
This is such a great book ! I love how Cathy walks you through a variety of different methods and techniques for drawing, especially when it comes to nature. I've been really struggling with getting my sketches of trees, water, etc. to look real, and she had some great tips. Definitely something I'll come back to again and again!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews