* Do you often have a busy mind? * Do you race through your overbooked day, and feel like the fulfilling part is still missing? * Do you wish the solution could be simple, inexpensive, and actually fun?
“Yes, but I’m not artistic.” Oh, that’s even better!
Explore this new, lighthearted approach to looking, seeing, and finally sketching. So-called “non-artists” will quickly develop an artist’s eye. Artists will rediscover the joy of “beginner mind," back before perfectionism set in. You will come to love those five minutes of “Look-at-That” practice which have the power to relax and reinvigorate you at a moment's notice. Best of all, when your sketchbook is filled, you will also have a travelogue of your recent adventures seeing your world for the first time. You will be amazed.
“Look at That!” will introduce you to: * The Sketchbook Adventure Kit * Step-by-step ways to begin filling your sketchbook with practice exercises * New ways to pause and observe your surroundings, without using pen and paper * Warm-up exercises to use between moments of inspiration * Ways to meet fellow sketchers, to learn from each other, and begin building a creative community
My bold promise: You might be on the verge of falling in love—with looking, with seeing, and finally, with sketching. You have nothing to lose, and a whole new outlook to gain. “Look at That!”
Quotes from readers: “I had been rushing to beat this panicky feeling of giving the day away, all day, to expense reports et al, and then pen to paper...POOF!!! Stress gone.”
“I was at my mechanic's garage, waiting for my car. Began sketching and the day was suddenly all mine.“
"Gem of a book for aspiring sketch journaling-- After many classes, I think this is the most concise and manageable book on how to start a sketch/watercolor journal practice. It’s quick effective reading!"
Short (about 75 pages) and useful beginner book for those new to sketching. It was free to read with prime, so I give it four stars for the few exercises it contains. I wouldn’t have been impressed if I had paid anything more than a couple dollars, but for a free read it was worth the time and I actually did the exercises and felt they were a good use of my practice time.
Perfect for adults or teens who really want to know how to start sketching you've got all the stuff and you sit there with your pencil to paper not knowing where to start and how to fix what you just attempted this little book really helped me look at the world around me differently and help me put things in perspective. I will actually use this book! It's not a "how to sketch tutorial" is a book to read about how to see the world as a sketch subject. Clearly written and actually useful!
I don't think of myself as an artist. A writer, a poet, maybe even a photographer and musician - sure. But my drawing skills have not much evolved since I was six or seven. So why did I pick up Bobbie Herron's book?
I have mental illness, and my current therapist did his undergrad in visual art. He has been urging me to try art therapy - to draw my fears, or his newest challenge, myself as a superhero. First he suggested I try sketching what I see around me, advising that I look for lines and shapes. Huh?
I just read and reread Look at That! and found myself encouraged and so eager to start that I followed up by ordering some of the supplies suggested. My sketchbook, paints and brushes arrive tomorrow. And I made an out-loud commitment to my accountability partner to sketch daily for the next month.
Am I an artist? No, but that's not the point. This book is perfect for people like me, who are looking for new perspective.
As an aspiring artist who hasn’t made art in over a year, this was just what I needed. This book supplied me with plenty of ideas to start making art again without fear of failure. It’s full of great ideas that were new to me, as well as creative prompts to kickoff your sketchbook adventure. It’s all about mindset and this is the book that I will return to whenever I feel stuck.
I’m a beginner at sketching. This is is the first book that makes me feel I can actually sketch instead of sighing with disappointment at an artist who doesn’t “get” beginners. Bobbie’s approach is simple, love her explicit suggestions for supplies, and the exercises are doable and fun. I see lots of sketching in my future!
I am beginning my sketching/watercolor journey and this book was helpful. The exercises were practical and accessible to me as a rank beginner. I first read it on kindle unlimited then purchased it so I could refer back to it. Sweet little book that was kind in urging and encouraging a true beginner.
I liked the fact Bobbie keeps it SIMPLE! Helpful tips for those of us who tiptoe to a blank page and panic! Great ideas to warm up...liked the idea of following a "squirrel" along a roof line...fun ways to "see" and suggestions for doing so. Thank you Bobbie!!!
Quick non regrettable book a art person could enjoy
A surprisingly short but endearing book about the enjoyment of taking in the world around you. The author felt like a relative you loved seeing with their encouragements throughout the book.
After many classes, I think this is the most concise and manageable book on how to start a sketch/watercolor journal practice. It’s quick effective reading!
This was so lovely! Short, sweet, and practical. It doesn’t get into the weeds like many beginner books do. And the exercises were ones I hadn’t seen before. I immediately made some pre-washed shapes to ink draw in later. Very happy to have found this.
I love the ideas Bobbie Herron gives in the book. She has a warm and gentle style of writing. Doing one small thing each day can move your sketchbook practice forward, gently and steadily, even if you're a brand new beginner, like me!
This book gives several techniques for non-artists to learn to see, instead of merely looking. The tips within this book are simple but make a large impact. The book also gives a template for starting the first few pages of your sketchbook to avoid the daunting blank page.
A delicious wee book for those of you who like drawing, anything, anywhere, anytime, be it is fridge art, smile making, delighting, inspiring or because you can :-)
A very wonderful way it inspire encourage and jump start anyone to create drawings. I highly recommend this creative and precise way to exercise your brain and relax.
I expected this book to be about sketching with a pencil and paper. It turned out there was a lot of info on markers and watercolors that I’m not sure I’m ready for! The tips and techniques were well explained. The author gave a lot of very specific product suggestions.
I have now read both the first and second editions. The first edition was incredibly helpful. The second is a significant improvement. I learned a lot from the first edition, and more from the second edition. First painters draw shapes. Something I forget. Second, you are painting with water. Third, I learned about values.
I bought this for myself at Christmas time, but didn't really begin using it until March. I have one college art course behind me and found this very inspiring. I also bought the author's suggested packet of artist's tools, so when I was ready, I was ready. It's been fun. When I get frustrated, I reread her instructions. It's there!