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Expressive Sketchbooks: Developing Creative Skills, Courage, and Confidence
Expressive Sketchbooks shares a host of creative ideas and prompts, tools and techniques, methods for working around obstacles and barriers, and tons of visual inspiration to help you grow in your sketchbooking practice.
An expressive sketchbook is a place for you to explore, express, and enjoy your own innate creativity on your own terms. It is a safe playground for the imagination—a place to mess about, play, and experiment—and to gain confidence in your abilities as you develop your skills.
Expressive Sketchbooks offers techniques and creative exercises that incorporate mark making, watercolor and mixed media, collage, words and text, and more. Take your skills outdoors to capture the world around you, learn how to use a viewfinder, select a view, work with the rule of thirds, explore space and perspective, and much more. It also unpacks some of the obstacles and barriers that you may face along the way and help you decide why and how to start your sketchbook to meet your personal goals.
Ideas and inspiration for subject matter include:
Landscapes and nature
People and places
Emotion and imagination
Poems and books
Political and social issues
Objects and still life
Through this book, you'll find out what lights you up, what makes you curious, fascinated, and what makes you expansive. Discover how to magnify your creativity and enliven your art skills by using an expressive sketchbook as your daily companion.
An expressive sketchbook is a place for you to explore, express, and enjoy your own innate creativity on your own terms. It is a safe playground for the imagination—a place to mess about, play, and experiment—and to gain confidence in your abilities as you develop your skills.
Expressive Sketchbooks offers techniques and creative exercises that incorporate mark making, watercolor and mixed media, collage, words and text, and more. Take your skills outdoors to capture the world around you, learn how to use a viewfinder, select a view, work with the rule of thirds, explore space and perspective, and much more. It also unpacks some of the obstacles and barriers that you may face along the way and help you decide why and how to start your sketchbook to meet your personal goals.
Ideas and inspiration for subject matter include:
Landscapes and nature
People and places
Emotion and imagination
Poems and books
Political and social issues
Objects and still life
Through this book, you'll find out what lights you up, what makes you curious, fascinated, and what makes you expansive. Discover how to magnify your creativity and enliven your art skills by using an expressive sketchbook as your daily companion.
144 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2020
60 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 6, 2021
This is a splendid book for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the world of art and sketchbooks. It is informative, full of ideas, easy to follow, and visually gorgeous. 👍👍
**ARC Via NetGalley**
**ARC Via NetGalley**
February 14, 2020
This is a lovely inspirational book for those who'd like to start making creative sketchbooks (or art journals) or those who'd like to delve deeper. While Wells refers to the books as sketchbooks, she relies heavily on watercolor, collage and a wide variety of media far past mere sketches. Sections include materials, getting started, basic art theories, finding inspiration and dealing with roadblocks, plus much more. She provides step-by-step illustrations of many kinds of art that she's done in her own sketchbooks, with lots of colorful inspiration for creative art projects and lots of encouragement.
I have kept journals for years that combine rambling thoughts, to-do lists, bullet journal type habit trackers and such with art, and I also enjoy making altered books for all kinds of purposes (cookbooks, educational books with my kids, etc.). I can see this book inspiring new directions in both of these for me. It's a fun read that I enjoyed.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
I have kept journals for years that combine rambling thoughts, to-do lists, bullet journal type habit trackers and such with art, and I also enjoy making altered books for all kinds of purposes (cookbooks, educational books with my kids, etc.). I can see this book inspiring new directions in both of these for me. It's a fun read that I enjoyed.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
January 23, 2021
If you know me from other places, you know that as of about six months ago, I decided I wasn't going to just collect blank sketchbooks anymore, and decided instead to fill them up. (Which doesn't sound like that big of a deal until I mention that I've got five THOUSAND pages' worth of blank sketchbooks sitting here. I may have been, y'know, hoarding them a bit.)
So I'm pretty much constantly looking for inspiration/motivation to fill some pages.
Enter this book.
It's a beautiful object, in itself. The artwork depicted is all the author's, which is nice. (Some books sorta verge on name-dropping/cliquishness with the same names over and over, so seeing the author's artwork all the way through was refreshing -- and her art's fantastic, which is a bonus.) The information's presented well, and is both thorough and motivating.
And the part I liked the best is that it's not just for beginners. So many books are sort of dumbed-down for the masses of big box store crafters, watered down so that there's almost no substance left. Put this specific color here, then use this specific pencil to make this specific mark, and voila! You've made what I made, exactly how I made it! This is not that. There are no step-outs (or very few, and they're not...well...specific.), no do-as-I-do "tutorials". There's just idea after idea, all of which are open-ended and inspirational, that kick-start the creative process.
I had to stop every few pages to draw something. Filled up a few pages in my own (overwhelming number of) sketchbook. Which is EXACTLY what I came here for. It's perfect for that.
Moreover, there are some foundational exploration ideas that let you pretty much inspire yourself on an ongoing basis, which is fantastic.
Very happy I picked this up. If you're a step over a rank beginner and are looking for some next-level inspiration and ideas -- this is a good one to pick up.
(p.s. because I'm sure someone will be offended: when I say "dumbed down", I don't mean that general crafters are dumb. I'm saying that someone who's been a fine artist for a few years has different experience, and, frankly, we're usually pretty bored with the same tutorials over and over again, while someone new to a medium or activity *requires* a simplified, easier version to make the activity accessible. There's literally nothing wrong with being a beginner or a dabbler -- every artist started out as one, and I love seeing new people getting creative. And I'm also adding to that statement that a beginner has different needs than someone intermediate, and that those needs are going to need to be simplified and made palatable for newbies. Maybe "simplified" is a better word than "dumbed down", but after seeing four billion of the exact same tutorials in every book, I'm probably just a little bit frustrated that there's not much out there for the intermediate-in-skill-level folks, and it leaked over in word choice.
TL;DR: Crafters are not dumb. Obviously. The presentation of certain information *can be*, though. It's not about you. :D)
So I'm pretty much constantly looking for inspiration/motivation to fill some pages.
Enter this book.
It's a beautiful object, in itself. The artwork depicted is all the author's, which is nice. (Some books sorta verge on name-dropping/cliquishness with the same names over and over, so seeing the author's artwork all the way through was refreshing -- and her art's fantastic, which is a bonus.) The information's presented well, and is both thorough and motivating.
And the part I liked the best is that it's not just for beginners. So many books are sort of dumbed-down for the masses of big box store crafters, watered down so that there's almost no substance left. Put this specific color here, then use this specific pencil to make this specific mark, and voila! You've made what I made, exactly how I made it! This is not that. There are no step-outs (or very few, and they're not...well...specific.), no do-as-I-do "tutorials". There's just idea after idea, all of which are open-ended and inspirational, that kick-start the creative process.
I had to stop every few pages to draw something. Filled up a few pages in my own (overwhelming number of) sketchbook. Which is EXACTLY what I came here for. It's perfect for that.
Moreover, there are some foundational exploration ideas that let you pretty much inspire yourself on an ongoing basis, which is fantastic.
Very happy I picked this up. If you're a step over a rank beginner and are looking for some next-level inspiration and ideas -- this is a good one to pick up.
(p.s. because I'm sure someone will be offended: when I say "dumbed down", I don't mean that general crafters are dumb. I'm saying that someone who's been a fine artist for a few years has different experience, and, frankly, we're usually pretty bored with the same tutorials over and over again, while someone new to a medium or activity *requires* a simplified, easier version to make the activity accessible. There's literally nothing wrong with being a beginner or a dabbler -- every artist started out as one, and I love seeing new people getting creative. And I'm also adding to that statement that a beginner has different needs than someone intermediate, and that those needs are going to need to be simplified and made palatable for newbies. Maybe "simplified" is a better word than "dumbed down", but after seeing four billion of the exact same tutorials in every book, I'm probably just a little bit frustrated that there's not much out there for the intermediate-in-skill-level folks, and it leaked over in word choice.
TL;DR: Crafters are not dumb. Obviously. The presentation of certain information *can be*, though. It's not about you. :D)
November 29, 2021
I like the ideas presented to help give the artist inspiration.
June 15, 2020
I really needed to read this book at this point in time.
Sketchbook fear and perfectionism is real!
The author captured my exact feelings and fears as an artist and this little joyful book will help me finally finishing my sketchbook and it will help me along my art journey.
It talks about discovery, creativity, being kind to yourself but also how to evaluate your art going forward with great writing prompts.
Thank you so much Quarto publishing and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC. This book was so helpful! 😊
Sketchbook fear and perfectionism is real!
The author captured my exact feelings and fears as an artist and this little joyful book will help me finally finishing my sketchbook and it will help me along my art journey.
It talks about discovery, creativity, being kind to yourself but also how to evaluate your art going forward with great writing prompts.
Thank you so much Quarto publishing and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC. This book was so helpful! 😊
March 12, 2020
The author of this lavishly illustrated title encourages readers to make sketchbooks that are uniquely theirs; she emphasizes that perfection is not the goal. Rather the book is designed as a guided journey and exploration as readers create their own books. The author points out that a sketchbook is a safe place, kind of like a journal it seems to me.
In our current time when it feels that there is so much to stress about, this book will be welcomed by those who need a venue to express and show feelings, thoughts, artwork and more. Throughout the author is encouraging and non-judgmental; she is a welcome companion on the journey.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
In our current time when it feels that there is so much to stress about, this book will be welcomed by those who need a venue to express and show feelings, thoughts, artwork and more. Throughout the author is encouraging and non-judgmental; she is a welcome companion on the journey.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2020
I was able to read this book thanks to Netgalley.com
I started going through the book looking at the art and wasn't sure how much I'd like it. She shows images from her sketch books and lists types of sketch books, types of mediums you can try, pretty standard. Then I began reading. What touched me deeply was the quote on page 22: "There were many years of my life when I stopped drawing . . . I was critical of everything I produced. The sad thing is my mental chatter and self-criticism about not being able to draw well got in the way of me doing something I loved." This is me, this is so many people who love to draw, but they don't necessarily consider themselves artists. This book is for those of us who need a guiding hand sometimes to keep on the creative path. To remember why we create and maybe a little push to expand our boundaries. I recommend this book for everyone, but especially for those people who have doubted yourself in the past. #netgalley #expressivesketchbooks
I started going through the book looking at the art and wasn't sure how much I'd like it. She shows images from her sketch books and lists types of sketch books, types of mediums you can try, pretty standard. Then I began reading. What touched me deeply was the quote on page 22: "There were many years of my life when I stopped drawing . . . I was critical of everything I produced. The sad thing is my mental chatter and self-criticism about not being able to draw well got in the way of me doing something I loved." This is me, this is so many people who love to draw, but they don't necessarily consider themselves artists. This book is for those of us who need a guiding hand sometimes to keep on the creative path. To remember why we create and maybe a little push to expand our boundaries. I recommend this book for everyone, but especially for those people who have doubted yourself in the past. #netgalley #expressivesketchbooks
May 8, 2025
Helen Wells makes gorgeous visual art, and she's a gifted writer, too. Her tone is intelligent, warm, thoughtful, and encouraging.
February 25, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This book is a fantastic book on how to start an expressive sketch book or art journal. There are some great ideas and lots of tips and information on how to start, things you could use, materials you could use/need, overcoming obstacles such as when your uninspired and also shows some beautiful art journal sketchbooks the author has made herself.
I've found some great ideas and information in this book to get me started!
This book is a fantastic book on how to start an expressive sketch book or art journal. There are some great ideas and lots of tips and information on how to start, things you could use, materials you could use/need, overcoming obstacles such as when your uninspired and also shows some beautiful art journal sketchbooks the author has made herself.
I've found some great ideas and information in this book to get me started!
April 15, 2020
Expressive Sketchbooks by Helen Wells
Developing Creative Skills, Courage and Confidence
A sketchbook is a place to put down ideas, try new patterns, record ideas, keep track of your art journey and so much more. It is a safe private place to express yourself that will have personal value now and in the future. With information about what tools you might want to buy or to make, hints and ideas about sketchbook needs for various mediums, papers you might want to work with when when creating collages and also creative ideas for sketching inside or outside. I enjoyed the mention of the rule of thirds, color use, light & dark, curves vs straight lines, use of background and space and the white areas when creating. This book was filled with many ideas but no specific guided activities. I think one of the greatest takeaways was that there is nothing wrong and that we all can draw though getting started is often the hardest part of the journey.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry for the ARC ~ This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Developing Creative Skills, Courage and Confidence
A sketchbook is a place to put down ideas, try new patterns, record ideas, keep track of your art journey and so much more. It is a safe private place to express yourself that will have personal value now and in the future. With information about what tools you might want to buy or to make, hints and ideas about sketchbook needs for various mediums, papers you might want to work with when when creating collages and also creative ideas for sketching inside or outside. I enjoyed the mention of the rule of thirds, color use, light & dark, curves vs straight lines, use of background and space and the white areas when creating. This book was filled with many ideas but no specific guided activities. I think one of the greatest takeaways was that there is nothing wrong and that we all can draw though getting started is often the hardest part of the journey.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry for the ARC ~ This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
March 8, 2024
A fantastic and inspiring book by one of my favorite artists! I discovered Helen Wells through a yearly event called Sketchbook Revival (via Facebook). As soon as I saw her artwork and heard all of the enthusiasm in her voice, I knew that this lovely and vibrant person would inspire me.
I've only been seriously keeping a sketchbook for around two years, but now it means so much to me and I cannot go even a few days without doodling, sketching, or putting down some kind of paint or pattern.
Helen's book gave me even more creative ideas, inspirations and joy. Looking through her art brings light into my life and a burst of sunshine into my heart. I feel like art from my own hands is possible when I when I hear Helen speak—through her book, Facebook posts and YouTube videos. I would love to have the talent, spark and liveliness that Helen Wells possesses!
I'm planning on taking one of Helen's online art classes very soon. There are so many to choose from and they all speak to me in some way.
If you've always wanted to keep a sketchbook, but you've been on the fence, this is the book to try! There's everything in this beautiful instruction manual to get started...tools, color theory, subject ideas, ways of painting or filling a blank page and how to mix media and patterns together.
This book is absolutely awesome and I highly recommend it!
I've only been seriously keeping a sketchbook for around two years, but now it means so much to me and I cannot go even a few days without doodling, sketching, or putting down some kind of paint or pattern.
Helen's book gave me even more creative ideas, inspirations and joy. Looking through her art brings light into my life and a burst of sunshine into my heart. I feel like art from my own hands is possible when I when I hear Helen speak—through her book, Facebook posts and YouTube videos. I would love to have the talent, spark and liveliness that Helen Wells possesses!
I'm planning on taking one of Helen's online art classes very soon. There are so many to choose from and they all speak to me in some way.
If you've always wanted to keep a sketchbook, but you've been on the fence, this is the book to try! There's everything in this beautiful instruction manual to get started...tools, color theory, subject ideas, ways of painting or filling a blank page and how to mix media and patterns together.
This book is absolutely awesome and I highly recommend it!
November 4, 2024
Huge fan! I was glad to see her touch on lack of inspiration and self-sabotage. It's a beautiful book, and great to see an established artist acknowledge the difficulties in getting to where she is.
April 18, 2025
Loved This Book!!!!
This book is valuable for any artists. This book will INSPIRE you & give you a plethora of ideas to use in your own sketchbooks! You will find this to be a good reference tool that you can come back to for ideas if you find yourself needing inspiration.
This book is valuable for any artists. This book will INSPIRE you & give you a plethora of ideas to use in your own sketchbooks! You will find this to be a good reference tool that you can come back to for ideas if you find yourself needing inspiration.
February 24, 2020
I absolutely loved this sketchbook guide. The colors, artwork and illustrations are truly inspirational and was enthralled by the level of creativity within it’s pages.
This was a fantastic find and I feel it is very expressive and opens your thought processes to really challenge your own creativity. I highly recommend it I just loved it. I received this book from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an honest review.
This was a fantastic find and I feel it is very expressive and opens your thought processes to really challenge your own creativity. I highly recommend it I just loved it. I received this book from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an honest review.
March 8, 2020
This book is a great resource for those that want to get started with a regular art practice. She includes basics, such as color theory, and has many prompts to get you started down your creative path. She is very encouraging, and the book includes many examples of the author’s own artwork. Highly recommended,
March 5, 2020
I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
An absolutely wonderful and informative guide, surrounded by beautiful and inspiring images of the author's own sketchbook artwork. The book covers practical advice: types of sketchbooks, art mediums and colour theory, but has a strong focus on the emotional difficulties of getting started and the personal struggles that so many people have with allowing themselves to express their creativity. Expressive Sketchbooks is a sincere and encouraging source of support for anyone looking to begin or resume their creative journeys.
An absolutely wonderful and informative guide, surrounded by beautiful and inspiring images of the author's own sketchbook artwork. The book covers practical advice: types of sketchbooks, art mediums and colour theory, but has a strong focus on the emotional difficulties of getting started and the personal struggles that so many people have with allowing themselves to express their creativity. Expressive Sketchbooks is a sincere and encouraging source of support for anyone looking to begin or resume their creative journeys.
March 2, 2020
If you're a beginner Sketchbooker or are interested in beginning, I think you will really enjoy this delightful book. It has a great collection of the author's sketchbooks and some really simple ideas to help get you started. And it also has elegant, beautiful, and more sophisticated ideas too. There's a great mix of ideas with pencil, watercolor, and collage.
This book also talks about the emotional experience of creating, of doubting yourself, of getting stuck and learning to make peace with your art and looking at it as practice and learning. I really enjoyed the author's kind voice and soft guidance throughout. She was both relatable and knowledgeable.
A great encouragement and idea-filled book for sketchers.
with gratitude to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book also talks about the emotional experience of creating, of doubting yourself, of getting stuck and learning to make peace with your art and looking at it as practice and learning. I really enjoyed the author's kind voice and soft guidance throughout. She was both relatable and knowledgeable.
A great encouragement and idea-filled book for sketchers.
with gratitude to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2020
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a free ARC of this ebook. What a lovely surprise this ebook is. Having recently started drawing and painting again, I was keen to have a visual guide for inspiration. This ebook is perfect. It is beautifully laid out, the text is clear and very well expressed. The illustrations are lovely. It is absolutely inspirational. I will be going back to it again and again. I highly recommend it.
December 25, 2020
Can't remember when I got this book. It was sometime in Spring, I think. I absolutely love it. It is guided yet not restraining. I feel like it has helped me with being creative and not expecting perfection. It helped me see creating art as a way for me to relax and de-stress. In this crazy year, I am more appreciative of that than almost anything else.
May 6, 2024
The book is full with good advice that unfortunately I’ve read before. I wanted to learn more about the author’s work and processes, so I am a little bit disappointed. Very good book nonetheless.
April 22, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Expressive Sketchbooks is a tutorial and technique guide for developing artistic skills and confidence by Helen Wells. Released 14th April 2020 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
I enjoy writing and journaling. I like putting into words what I've been experiencing and processing in my day-to-day existence. I am a huge list-maker and find that for me, prioritizing different goals and dividing large projects into smaller tasks increases my productivity greatly. On the other hand, probably half of the gorgeous notebooks, sketchbooks, journals, and other paper books I bought with the best intentions sit still wrapped in plastic, unused, in my bookshelves. I am intimidated and sad/frustrated by my 'lack' of artistic talent. That's where this book helps.
The author has an accessible and encouraging style of instruction. It's a restful book to read and quite appealing graphically. Through guided instruction, she provides help with motivation, getting over starting difficulties, actual artistic techniques, finding inspiration, choosing subjects, and more practical lessons for getting over the intimidation of the blank page staring at you. (This was the most valuable takeaway for me personally).
This is a good book for bullet journals, sketchbooks, art diaries, building up a sketchbook library, art practice, mindfulness, etc.
I really loved the author/artist's wise words and advice about self kindness and avoiding being cruel with ourselves with regard to assessment.
Four stars. Lots of useful advice and accessible information.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Expressive Sketchbooks is a tutorial and technique guide for developing artistic skills and confidence by Helen Wells. Released 14th April 2020 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
I enjoy writing and journaling. I like putting into words what I've been experiencing and processing in my day-to-day existence. I am a huge list-maker and find that for me, prioritizing different goals and dividing large projects into smaller tasks increases my productivity greatly. On the other hand, probably half of the gorgeous notebooks, sketchbooks, journals, and other paper books I bought with the best intentions sit still wrapped in plastic, unused, in my bookshelves. I am intimidated and sad/frustrated by my 'lack' of artistic talent. That's where this book helps.
The author has an accessible and encouraging style of instruction. It's a restful book to read and quite appealing graphically. Through guided instruction, she provides help with motivation, getting over starting difficulties, actual artistic techniques, finding inspiration, choosing subjects, and more practical lessons for getting over the intimidation of the blank page staring at you. (This was the most valuable takeaway for me personally).
This is a good book for bullet journals, sketchbooks, art diaries, building up a sketchbook library, art practice, mindfulness, etc.
I really loved the author/artist's wise words and advice about self kindness and avoiding being cruel with ourselves with regard to assessment.
Four stars. Lots of useful advice and accessible information.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 3, 2020
Creative ideas for the artist
"Expressive Sketchbooks. Developing Creative Skills, Courage, and Confidence" is presented by Helen Wells and was published by Quarto Publishing Group - Quarry. The book is divided into an introduction and five chapters that cover 1) Magic and Motivation, 2) Getting Going, 3) Techniques for Exploring and Experimenting, 4) Growing Ideas, and 5) Practice and Progress.
Wells states that "an expressive sketchbook is a playground for your imagination - a place to nurture your creativity and develop your own artistic style" (p. 6). She also underlines for the readers to "know that your sketchbook will not be filled with flawless drawings or perfect outcomes" (p. 6). The beginner and the advanced artist need to take note of this. Throughout the book readers can find valuable information, but Wells also encourages them to get practical and show how objects, plants, and photos can be used for inspiration.
I highly appreciated that Wells uses a broad range of media and presents plenty examples. The book is presented with excellent photographs, pictures, and design, the only thing missing is an index. I highly recommend this book for beginning and advanced artists, it can also be used as a great present for them.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ExpressiveSketchbooks #NetGalley
"Expressive Sketchbooks. Developing Creative Skills, Courage, and Confidence" is presented by Helen Wells and was published by Quarto Publishing Group - Quarry. The book is divided into an introduction and five chapters that cover 1) Magic and Motivation, 2) Getting Going, 3) Techniques for Exploring and Experimenting, 4) Growing Ideas, and 5) Practice and Progress.
Wells states that "an expressive sketchbook is a playground for your imagination - a place to nurture your creativity and develop your own artistic style" (p. 6). She also underlines for the readers to "know that your sketchbook will not be filled with flawless drawings or perfect outcomes" (p. 6). The beginner and the advanced artist need to take note of this. Throughout the book readers can find valuable information, but Wells also encourages them to get practical and show how objects, plants, and photos can be used for inspiration.
I highly appreciated that Wells uses a broad range of media and presents plenty examples. The book is presented with excellent photographs, pictures, and design, the only thing missing is an index. I highly recommend this book for beginning and advanced artists, it can also be used as a great present for them.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ExpressiveSketchbooks #NetGalley
August 1, 2020
Expressive Sketchbooks is a book for the person who is struggling to use a sketchbook. I found it very inspiring in many ways and have tried out several of her suggestions already. At the same time, I found the book felt both too wordy and too much white space, and not enough inspiring pictures or ideas. Additionally the pages with a quote, a short paragraph and picture seemed meant to inspire but fell short for me, leaving me feeling like they were there just to fill out pages. I find myself extremely conflicted on how to rate this book because the parts that were good were excellent, but felt like they were few and far between in an otherwise average book. I would suggest getting this book out of the library if possible first.
January 27, 2021
This book, about sketchbooks, emphasizes process over outcome, as it should be. I see so many sketchbook guides that are beautiful and perfect,, but they are meant to please and impress, which is not really the purpose of a sketchbook. In "Expressive Sketchbooks," Helen Wells has captured the true purpose of sketching: to explore, experiment, play around, plant the seeds of your own creativity. The results are no less pleasing, but they are more honest and will be more useful to artists who want to discover how to unleash their own creativity rather than emulate a set path.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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April 6, 2020Wonderfully inspirational, Expressive Sketchbooks by Helen Wells, outlines basic supplies and cool techniques to motivate budding artists. While she doesn't necessarily provide step by step instructions she gives the reader lots of details to start an art project. Wells strongly suggests that research is key to success, something I have not read in other art books, but is helpful for the uninitiated. Perhaps the best part of Expressive Sketchbooks is that she touches on the psyche of the artist and the importance of self-evaluation and kindness to self. Great read!
September 22, 2020
I received a copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful book about starting and using your own sketchbook. While not a sketchbook its self it has tips on what to use a sketchbook for, ideas for getting started, and suggestions on how to get into the right mindset for your sketchbook.
There's also reminders on self care and not being too critical of your work. There's also helpful questions to guide you in creating what you're envisioning.
Overall it's a colorful and inspirational book!
This is a beautiful book about starting and using your own sketchbook. While not a sketchbook its self it has tips on what to use a sketchbook for, ideas for getting started, and suggestions on how to get into the right mindset for your sketchbook.
There's also reminders on self care and not being too critical of your work. There's also helpful questions to guide you in creating what you're envisioning.
Overall it's a colorful and inspirational book!
April 28, 2022
A glorious book brimming with colors and pattern. It’d be so easy to just try and recreate what I’m seeing but obviously that’s not the point. 😮💨 Why is making your own artwork in your own style (whatever it is)so hard?? Naturally there are some tips and clues within this book to answer that question…
Anyway I’m happy I got to read this; I took a class with this author for Sketchbook Revival last year and it was brilliant, so this was a great continuation of that.
I’ll be down to read other books by this person too—just sign me up.
Anyway I’m happy I got to read this; I took a class with this author for Sketchbook Revival last year and it was brilliant, so this was a great continuation of that.
I’ll be down to read other books by this person too—just sign me up.
June 12, 2022
Saying I've read this large format, colorful book is hard to say because I'll dip in and out of it for a long, long time!
Why? Because Helen Wells covers topics I've never read about when artists write about sketchbooks: art process rather than outcome, the roadblocks artists encounter, finding inspiration outside and many other topics. I said over & over to myself: "She's a real artist."
There are MANY illustrations of her processes; she's generous with them. I'm so happy this book was published and grateful I bought a copy of it.
Why? Because Helen Wells covers topics I've never read about when artists write about sketchbooks: art process rather than outcome, the roadblocks artists encounter, finding inspiration outside and many other topics. I said over & over to myself: "She's a real artist."
There are MANY illustrations of her processes; she's generous with them. I'm so happy this book was published and grateful I bought a copy of it.
May 7, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for offering me an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.
"Expressive Sketchbooks" is not only a good book on art techniques and materials, but an inner journey to unlocking creativity. The author focuses a lot on letting go of perfectionism and self-criticism, and embracing the journey and experimenting with your sketchbook. It's great and inspiring!
"Expressive Sketchbooks" is not only a good book on art techniques and materials, but an inner journey to unlocking creativity. The author focuses a lot on letting go of perfectionism and self-criticism, and embracing the journey and experimenting with your sketchbook. It's great and inspiring!
May 11, 2021
Well worth the money for the inspiration to create again. I would have given it a 5 star rating but the spine of my soft cover edition is already coming away. I would recommend the hard cover version ( if it’s available). Quarto is the publisher - has anyone else had this problem with that companies books? I won’t be buying anymore books from them as the quality is disappointing ( I’ve had the book less than a week).
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