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Sketch by Sketch
Transform your life, process your emotions, and find joy in Sheila Darcey's Sketch by Sketch
During a difficult time in her life, author Sheila Darcey found that the act of sketching and freestyle drawing―of giving a physical form to her thoughts, emotions and ideas―was an impactful way to process what she was feeling. One simple sketch became a daily practice and developed into a meditative and therapeutic tool that Sheila has taught and shared with thousands of people.
Sketch by Sketch will help you create a daily sketching practice that shifts you from negative thinking and spiraling emotions into the realm of possibility. By using art to connect your left brain with your right brain, Sketch by Sketch will unlock your basic human need to create, express, and feel―regardless of whether or not you think of yourself as an artist.
In Sketch by Sketch, you’ll find over 40 sketching prompts on a variety of topics from hope to stillness that will help you connect with your emotions, practice mindfulness, and negotiate change. With each drawing you'll find you are able to process your experiences in a powerful new way. Step by step, sketch by sketch, you'll find peace, creativity, and healing on the page.
During a difficult time in her life, author Sheila Darcey found that the act of sketching and freestyle drawing―of giving a physical form to her thoughts, emotions and ideas―was an impactful way to process what she was feeling. One simple sketch became a daily practice and developed into a meditative and therapeutic tool that Sheila has taught and shared with thousands of people.
Sketch by Sketch will help you create a daily sketching practice that shifts you from negative thinking and spiraling emotions into the realm of possibility. By using art to connect your left brain with your right brain, Sketch by Sketch will unlock your basic human need to create, express, and feel―regardless of whether or not you think of yourself as an artist.
In Sketch by Sketch, you’ll find over 40 sketching prompts on a variety of topics from hope to stillness that will help you connect with your emotions, practice mindfulness, and negotiate change. With each drawing you'll find you are able to process your experiences in a powerful new way. Step by step, sketch by sketch, you'll find peace, creativity, and healing on the page.
- GenresNonfictionSelf HelpArt
352 pages, Paperback
Published January 4, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 4, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Sketch by Sketch is a philosophical and compassionately written book on art as a therapeutic activity by Sheila Darcey. Released 4th Jan 2022 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a book full of inspiration and encouragement to start and sustain a daily art habit by mindfully sketching (and processing) feelings, experiences, and thoughts. It's gently written and I found the exercises very restful. I can certainly understand how creating time to sketch daily would have positive mental (and probably physical) health benefits.
The book's layout is easy to follow and accessible. There are prompts and blank areas for readers to fill in to build up a library of shapes and outlines. The author expends a fair bit of effort on explaining the whole process and the tutorial chapters which follow and delineating some ways to examine our feelings objectively. I found some good info in this chapter since I'm not always consciously aware of what I'm actually feeling emotionally on the deepest levels.
The 21 tutorial chapters contain prompts for exercises on hope, faith, love, truth, belief, silence, trust, courage, and more. This is very much a book which craves active input; not a passive book, and it's not a traditional technique book either. It reminds me in some ways of zentangles, but it's not at all derivative of that system.
Finally, the author has included a solid reading list of ancillary books on allied subjects which will provide readers with hours of further exploration.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Sketch by Sketch is a philosophical and compassionately written book on art as a therapeutic activity by Sheila Darcey. Released 4th Jan 2022 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a book full of inspiration and encouragement to start and sustain a daily art habit by mindfully sketching (and processing) feelings, experiences, and thoughts. It's gently written and I found the exercises very restful. I can certainly understand how creating time to sketch daily would have positive mental (and probably physical) health benefits.
The book's layout is easy to follow and accessible. There are prompts and blank areas for readers to fill in to build up a library of shapes and outlines. The author expends a fair bit of effort on explaining the whole process and the tutorial chapters which follow and delineating some ways to examine our feelings objectively. I found some good info in this chapter since I'm not always consciously aware of what I'm actually feeling emotionally on the deepest levels.
The 21 tutorial chapters contain prompts for exercises on hope, faith, love, truth, belief, silence, trust, courage, and more. This is very much a book which craves active input; not a passive book, and it's not a traditional technique book either. It reminds me in some ways of zentangles, but it's not at all derivative of that system.
Finally, the author has included a solid reading list of ancillary books on allied subjects which will provide readers with hours of further exploration.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 29, 2021
“You don’t have to be an artist to be a creator. You don’t have to be perfect to create. You don’t have to be fearless to take the leap.” - Sheila Darcey, Sketch By Sketch
CW for this book: The author describes memories of domestic violence at the beginning of chapter 4: Sketch Silence. There are other potentially triggering topics discussed throughout the book (e.g. individual experiences with anxiety, PTSD), but not in detail or for extensive lengths of text.
Sketch By Sketch is a very accessible introduction to a self-help art therapy practice. Each chapter begins with the author’s personal anecdotes, thoughts, and experiences with the topic of the chapter, like Hope or Silence. There are defined sketching exercises and prompts that provide clear enough guidance to be easily understood without feeling too restrictive or prescriptive about what “should” be drawn. After each sketching exercise, a set of reflection questions invites the reader to analyze their experience.
Also interspersed through the book are small stories about other people and testimonials from participants in the author’s SketchPoetic community and/or workshops. I found that these parts helped to make the practice seem more real and allowed me to see how pieces of it may fit with my own experiences. It does feel a bit cult-y though, as many standardized/commercialized self-help practices tend to.
Recommended for: those looking for permission to reconnect with their inner artist to express things that are hard to put into words; fans of Zentangle looking for a more emotional connection with their meditative drawing practice
I received this book free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I read this book in electronic format, but would recommend a paper copy instead to better connect with the art and make sketches and notes as you read.
CW for this book: The author describes memories of domestic violence at the beginning of chapter 4: Sketch Silence. There are other potentially triggering topics discussed throughout the book (e.g. individual experiences with anxiety, PTSD), but not in detail or for extensive lengths of text.
Sketch By Sketch is a very accessible introduction to a self-help art therapy practice. Each chapter begins with the author’s personal anecdotes, thoughts, and experiences with the topic of the chapter, like Hope or Silence. There are defined sketching exercises and prompts that provide clear enough guidance to be easily understood without feeling too restrictive or prescriptive about what “should” be drawn. After each sketching exercise, a set of reflection questions invites the reader to analyze their experience.
Also interspersed through the book are small stories about other people and testimonials from participants in the author’s SketchPoetic community and/or workshops. I found that these parts helped to make the practice seem more real and allowed me to see how pieces of it may fit with my own experiences. It does feel a bit cult-y though, as many standardized/commercialized self-help practices tend to.
Recommended for: those looking for permission to reconnect with their inner artist to express things that are hard to put into words; fans of Zentangle looking for a more emotional connection with their meditative drawing practice
I received this book free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I read this book in electronic format, but would recommend a paper copy instead to better connect with the art and make sketches and notes as you read.
May 3, 2022
Every so often you come across a book that taps into a moment in your life and creates space for something new. I came across ‘Sketch by Sketch’ by Sheila Darcey by first getting to know the author herself. She is a true connector of people and a true believer in everyone’s ability to tap into source and to ultimately heal trauma through creativity.
‘Sketch by Sketch’ can be enjoyed from front to back like a course or a consecutive day challenge or it can be dipped in and out of; either it will unlock things within you that you will be eternally grateful for.
I pre-ordered a few copies of this book and they came just before Christmas – a perfect present for those in your life who are teetering on creative pursuits but lacking the confidence to leap in. What it did for me was helped me verbalise something that had been with me my whole life which was a framework for using creativity as a comfort and a meditation in difficult times. It also helped me explore the releasing of some held trauma - I was in the process of also working with a biodynamic psychotherapist and the two things complimented each other very well. The biggest message I got from the book is the duality in all feelings and states, once fully understood this can be a game changer for people, so many of the exercises are around a certain topic but also show us the duality of that state or emotion.
Sheila’s writing flow and the thoughtful structure of this book make it very easily accessible for all. I would say it does deep work in an easy way. And I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to explore self-growth, looking to unlock potential creativity and being freed from the emotional shackles that hold them back. I would also highly recommend Sheila as a great facilitator of arts and healing in general.
‘Sketch by Sketch’ can be enjoyed from front to back like a course or a consecutive day challenge or it can be dipped in and out of; either it will unlock things within you that you will be eternally grateful for.
I pre-ordered a few copies of this book and they came just before Christmas – a perfect present for those in your life who are teetering on creative pursuits but lacking the confidence to leap in. What it did for me was helped me verbalise something that had been with me my whole life which was a framework for using creativity as a comfort and a meditation in difficult times. It also helped me explore the releasing of some held trauma - I was in the process of also working with a biodynamic psychotherapist and the two things complimented each other very well. The biggest message I got from the book is the duality in all feelings and states, once fully understood this can be a game changer for people, so many of the exercises are around a certain topic but also show us the duality of that state or emotion.
Sheila’s writing flow and the thoughtful structure of this book make it very easily accessible for all. I would say it does deep work in an easy way. And I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to explore self-growth, looking to unlock potential creativity and being freed from the emotional shackles that hold them back. I would also highly recommend Sheila as a great facilitator of arts and healing in general.
January 19, 2022
Art therapy exist for a reason. It helps with healing and mental being through creative expression. You don’t need to be an artist to sketch and draw.
Author uses prompts to help a reader shift the negative energy into positive. Daily practice of drawing meant to empower and help with recovery, healing.
Author uses her abusive experience, and through daily sketching expresses her emotions and feelings.
Author’s sketches are abstract. But they showcase her emotions. She is asking that reader to do the same. Each chapter talks about different emotion, and then gives an exercise to observe it, and finally sketch it. There is space to do it in the book.
When a reader is done sketching there is time to reflect.
There are prompts to sketch hope, love, silence etc.
This is definitely a book that doesn’t require reading in order. You can choose the chapter and prompt that feels right for a given day. And come back the next day for another prompt.
I personally think that this book is a great idea and helps practice positive thinking, helps with healing and helps with expressing your emotions.
I have won this book in GoodsReads giveaway.
Author uses prompts to help a reader shift the negative energy into positive. Daily practice of drawing meant to empower and help with recovery, healing.
Author uses her abusive experience, and through daily sketching expresses her emotions and feelings.
Author’s sketches are abstract. But they showcase her emotions. She is asking that reader to do the same. Each chapter talks about different emotion, and then gives an exercise to observe it, and finally sketch it. There is space to do it in the book.
When a reader is done sketching there is time to reflect.
There are prompts to sketch hope, love, silence etc.
This is definitely a book that doesn’t require reading in order. You can choose the chapter and prompt that feels right for a given day. And come back the next day for another prompt.
I personally think that this book is a great idea and helps practice positive thinking, helps with healing and helps with expressing your emotions.
I have won this book in GoodsReads giveaway.
May 24, 2022
As a non artist, I wasn't sure where this book would take me! But from the moment I started the first chapter, the hesitancy that I felt in picking up that pen, disappeared as I began to truly understand that no one was watching or judging my sketches, that I needed to sketch through my emotions and let it all out on paper! It was a cathartic feeling to do my first sketch and the authors incredible guidance and helpful prompts, brought me to a place of release and healing! The author is vulnerable and authentic and I connect to her words and process in ways that I never thought I would. I place the book near my front door so I can take it with me when I leave the house! I am amazed at how the book has piqued my interest in exploring sketching as a way to heal and release my emotions. I am grateful for this book and have been gifting it to non artists like myself.... in the hopes that it will open up hearts and help with healing and self expression!
March 1, 2022
This is not an art or creativity book, although it is artfully written! This is a book about life and learning about yourself in ways you hadn't imagined. I'm an artist, but I've ordered the book as gifts for non artists in my life. It is for everyone! It’s beautiful, and eye opening, as well as heart opening. I honestly didn’t want to finish it. I savored each page slowly. It teaches not only how to express yourself creatively, but how to approach the difficult stuff within us like shame, and hidden memories and thoughts. I discovered Sheila Darcey on a live webinar during the lockdown, and fell in love with her method of creative expression. I had waited for this book for almost a year. It will not disappoint! This book is a precious gem that happens to be written on paper. Buy it and savor it, and be prepared to be enlightened, whether you want to or not!
November 29, 2022
As I've always struggled with much anxiety and anxiousness-- it is a must that I recommend this book to everyone and anyone who needs an outlet, a hobby, a way to remove the thoughts and be awoken to such awareness; a free mind while sketching and learning a new hobby. I cannot recommend this book enough. Shelia really poured her heart out in this book and it is very powerful.
The book fits the name to a T; emotional transformation really can occur thru the outlet of art but Shelia's words are so encouraging. Reading her words really gives you strength, persistence, and the confidence to keep going; as Shelia did. She shares her own journey along the way and I just love this so much. This book will not disappoint.
The book fits the name to a T; emotional transformation really can occur thru the outlet of art but Shelia's words are so encouraging. Reading her words really gives you strength, persistence, and the confidence to keep going; as Shelia did. She shares her own journey along the way and I just love this so much. This book will not disappoint.
September 17, 2022
Sheila, I am so glad your book, Sketch by Sketch is a great success! I was just reading a book called, "The Painted Sketch", which is about American Landscape Painters and doesn't have much to do with your type of sketching, but it made me think of you nonetheless. I am doing really well in my artwork, and think fondly of my time in Sketch Poetic and how much it helped me establish the habit of drawing on a daily basis. It has been extremely beneficial for my studio practice! I applied for, and was accepted to be an artist in a county-wide Open Studio Tour. That will be in November, so I am gearing up for it now. Blessings to you and your important work! ❤️❤️❤️
March 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sketch by Sketch by Sheila Darcey is an empowering and therapeutic guide that turns sketching into a tool for emotional processing and personal growth. With over 40 prompts designed to help connect the mind and emotions, Darcey shows how drawing can unlock creativity, reduce negative thinking, and promote mindfulness. The book is inspiring and accessible, encouraging anyone—artist or not—to find healing through art. A perfect companion for those looking to explore their feelings in a new, creative way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sketch by Sketch by Sheila Darcey is an empowering and therapeutic guide that turns sketching into a tool for emotional processing and personal growth. With over 40 prompts designed to help connect the mind and emotions, Darcey shows how drawing can unlock creativity, reduce negative thinking, and promote mindfulness. The book is inspiring and accessible, encouraging anyone—artist or not—to find healing through art. A perfect companion for those looking to explore their feelings in a new, creative way.
May 7, 2022
I've started to dive into this book and am finding it so beautifully designed and presented. It's also helping me! The book is like a toolkit designed just for what I need.
What makes it extra special is that it is valuable for a range of ages. I work with teenagers and have recommended this book to them!
I met this author when she provided a drawing/sketch workshop to the teens I work with at WIT (d0ingwit.org). The workshop was enjoyed so much by the teens that we are bringing the author back this summer!
What makes it extra special is that it is valuable for a range of ages. I work with teenagers and have recommended this book to them!
I met this author when she provided a drawing/sketch workshop to the teens I work with at WIT (d0ingwit.org). The workshop was enjoyed so much by the teens that we are bringing the author back this summer!
September 3, 2021
I'm not an artist, by any stretch of the imagination, but I do know the benefits of art therapy, etc, so I was interested in checking out this book. I like how the book is focused on shifting one's focus/negative thinking, something that's very important! There's a nice variety of prompts, so there's likely to be a bit of something for everyone.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
January 29, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads First reads contest,
I have slowly started using it once a week to get back to art making since the pandemic has zapped my creativity. I admit I ignore some of the rules that the author set in stone because my punk rock foundation self is like..."No I won't do as you tell me!" So, I use colour pencils and other things beside pens because I know I will lose interest unless I mix it up a bit.
So far so good. Hoping to stick with it.
I have slowly started using it once a week to get back to art making since the pandemic has zapped my creativity. I admit I ignore some of the rules that the author set in stone because my punk rock foundation self is like..."No I won't do as you tell me!" So, I use colour pencils and other things beside pens because I know I will lose interest unless I mix it up a bit.
So far so good. Hoping to stick with it.
January 12, 2022
I'm no artist, and I'm not always a fan of books that land on the Self-Help shelf, but I am already loving this book! Just reading the intro gave me a sense of peace that made me excited to do the first exercise (rather than anxious about doing it "right").
If you want to bring a quick, impactful new practice into your life this year, I highly recommend starting here.
If you want to bring a quick, impactful new practice into your life this year, I highly recommend starting here.
September 2, 2022
Fascinating way of pulling out thoughts. I love every prompt even when I didn't fully grasp why I was doing it. Fabulous self help book but it also helped me work on my art.
I sketched, painted, and when did paint pours using the prompts. This can be used in a number of ways to get through and understand your feelings.
I sketched, painted, and when did paint pours using the prompts. This can be used in a number of ways to get through and understand your feelings.
May 27, 2022
I am not an artist and had reservations about sketching and what that might be like for a non-artist - but this practice that Sheila has developed is an excellent way to leave the artistic judgment aside to dig into your emotional conditions through sketching. It’s a gift to take the time for yourself to do it.
September 16, 2021
Love the wide variety of prompts and the way Darcey breaks down the exercises. I am definitely not creating masterpieces but that's OK! I'm learning to trust myself in my art and be more willing to accept imperfection.
January 10, 2022
What a wonderful resource for anyone, not just artist!
January 15, 2022
It was a tuff read ! Learning ways to heal is amazing but hard
January 15, 2022
A master class - I loved the process - and the instruction. Sometimes we just need to look through a different lens. We are all artists in our own way.
January 15, 2022
Very good. Daily therapy.
March 14, 2022
Great book
April 27, 2022
Sketch by Sketch is a love letter to your heart. It has been such an empowering experience having authenticity and vulnerability hold hands when I sketch!
January 1, 2023
I’m excited to try some sketches
July 29, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I was already an artist engaged in drawing before I read it so I may be biased, but this book was wonderful.
When I draw on a non-casual basis, ex. not just sketching, working on an actual piece, it usually isn't the most relaxing activity. While I enjoy drawing and I do find it easy to get lost in, sometimes it does feel like "work" especially if you're doing a piece with a lot of intricacy. Drawing in a serious manner requires a lot of focus and for my brain to be in the correct mindset (left side activate! lol) to get good results.
What I really liked about this book is that it helped drawing feel more free, casual and relaxing. While I can't always engage in this kind of drawing, I found that the book greatly helped me get into the mindset for serious focus driven drawing through the method of relaxing free style sketch and doodles.
By doing the exercises in this book, I felt more inspired and intuitive when I went to do an intensive piece. I feel this book helped me get in the flow and activate the left side of my brain for creative endeavors.
I also really like how freeing and spontaneous it can be, sometimes the most beautiful art just comes out naturally, without you even meaning to put it down on the paper as such. This book has a way of bringing out those surprisingly beautiful sketches that come from the soul, without technical specifications making things complicated. It helps the pen, pencil, or whatever tool you prefer to just flow, and let out your intuitive creation.
Another thing I like is being given prompts, when I have art block it can be extremely hard to get out of the funk. By having a prompt to get me started, it can set me on a good path and get those creative juices flowing again. I find that when given a task I can sometimes become more motivated rather than being left to my own ideas that I find hard to decide upon.
It is also most definitely therapeutic and good for the soul, for the reasons I stated above and just in general. I encourage everyone to give it a try, as we all draw when we are kids, but seldom continue when we grow up. I think embracing your inner creative regardless of your skill level can be nourishing for the mind, body, and soul. Don't take your art too seriously and just have fun and relax, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
When I draw on a non-casual basis, ex. not just sketching, working on an actual piece, it usually isn't the most relaxing activity. While I enjoy drawing and I do find it easy to get lost in, sometimes it does feel like "work" especially if you're doing a piece with a lot of intricacy. Drawing in a serious manner requires a lot of focus and for my brain to be in the correct mindset (left side activate! lol) to get good results.
What I really liked about this book is that it helped drawing feel more free, casual and relaxing. While I can't always engage in this kind of drawing, I found that the book greatly helped me get into the mindset for serious focus driven drawing through the method of relaxing free style sketch and doodles.
By doing the exercises in this book, I felt more inspired and intuitive when I went to do an intensive piece. I feel this book helped me get in the flow and activate the left side of my brain for creative endeavors.
I also really like how freeing and spontaneous it can be, sometimes the most beautiful art just comes out naturally, without you even meaning to put it down on the paper as such. This book has a way of bringing out those surprisingly beautiful sketches that come from the soul, without technical specifications making things complicated. It helps the pen, pencil, or whatever tool you prefer to just flow, and let out your intuitive creation.
Another thing I like is being given prompts, when I have art block it can be extremely hard to get out of the funk. By having a prompt to get me started, it can set me on a good path and get those creative juices flowing again. I find that when given a task I can sometimes become more motivated rather than being left to my own ideas that I find hard to decide upon.
It is also most definitely therapeutic and good for the soul, for the reasons I stated above and just in general. I encourage everyone to give it a try, as we all draw when we are kids, but seldom continue when we grow up. I think embracing your inner creative regardless of your skill level can be nourishing for the mind, body, and soul. Don't take your art too seriously and just have fun and relax, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
February 22, 2024
I heard about this book in a podcast. In it, the author and podcaster discuss how the book came to be. Before I was half way through the podcast, I'd purchased 4 copies. I've since given out the other three copies to my daughter and friends of mine. We are all having different experiences with it but all of them are eye-opening and life-changing. I am so grateful to Shiela, for sharing her story so candidly that I could not help but take notice. (Also for being a delightful human being!) I am just as grateful for this book that can help so many...if we just let it.
September 19, 2021
Usually, I enjoy reading art books, but for some reason I just couldn’t get into this one. It felt too “wordy”. The book focuses on sketching your emotions. Some of the prompts were interesting. There were drawings and illustrations throughout the book. I enjoyed the Q & A at the end of the book. The reading list that was provided was much appreciated.
*Thank you Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
*Thank you Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
October 8, 2021
I'm not much of an artist but I loved how this book helps you realize that this isn't so much about doing great art but expressing yourself in a new way that gets in touch with emotions. I'm a huge journaling fan, so this was a great way to add another layer to how I journal. I love the prompts throughout and I like how this encourages you to think about the emotions you get in touch with while you sketch. This is a book I'd definitely recommend.
February 25, 2022
I liked the idea of a sketch book. However, this isn't really what I had in mind. There were directions to try to sketch an emotion but I found myself trying to concentrate on the directions so much that I couldn't really sketch the emotion that was the target. I found the book very wordy for being a book focused on sketches.
October 6, 2022
This is an interesting book. It's full of ideas to help you on your sketching journey. Highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy from #netgalley of #sketchbysketch by #sheiladarcey I was under no obligation to post a review. #art #drawing #nonfiction #suitableforgifts
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews