For every commercial work released by an artist, countless doodles and sketches remain in sketchbooks, unseen by all but a select few. It is a rare treat to see an artist's looser, more playful experiments. These early drafts and creative diversions can reveal new facets of the artists process, and often constitute a body of work just as valuable as what the artist deems worthy of the public eye. The Art of the Sketchbook cracks opens the covers of more than thirty private sketchbooks and reveals the personal work of artists off the clock. Travel diaries, life studies, and wildly imaginative cartoons are just a few of the styles represented here, and the materials and subjects are just as varied. Double-page presentations show the sketchbooks in their raw form, and artist interviews provide both context for the images and glimpses into the role sketching plays in each artist's larger body of work.
This is a great book if you like looking at other people’s sketchbooks. Plenty of different styles, as well as talk about influences and specifics about tools they use. Really like the format as well.
Standout collection of artist’s sketchbooks to give a glimpse on the workings of various people across the world. There are plenty of different styles to inspire new techniques. I liked the questions asked for each person as well as a breakdown on materials. This is a must have for any sketchbook enthusiast.
Beautiful layout and good quality print. Versatile selection of techniques and featured artists. The interviews are somewhat dull and repetitive, yet the book contains so much inspiration, recommendations of other artists to check out and is just a joy to hold and look at.