Mindful Sketching: A Drawing Book for Adults

by Peggy Dean

Slow down, connect with your artistic side, and unleash your innate creativity with this unique guide that’s one part mindfulness practice and one part drawing instruction.

“[Dean's] joyful approach to embracing imperfections throughout the process is a breath of fresh air… Thanks to her inclusive style, beginners and pros alike can feel confident in their creativity.” —Brit + Co

Let beloved art teacher Peggy Dean ( @thepigeonletters) show you how powerful it is to create something! Discover the pleasure of expressing yourself through sketching—even if you think you can’t draw. 

Peggy’s got tips on the materials you’ll need, easy techniques you can use right away, and methods for approaching any subject or location. She offers step-by-step exercises to help you relax into the drawing process, and gives you ways to tackle tricky beginner problems like “what should I sketch?” 

Learn how to stay with the small moments as you work, draw what you see around you, and embrace the results.

Grab your sketchbook and experience how relaxing, rewarding, and life-changing a drawing practice can be.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts

176 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2022

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Mindful Sketching is an art workbook/sketchbook self help manual combining art and sketching with mindfulness and mental health. I loved the concept of this book and enjoyed that it was broken down over eleven chapters all relating to sketching, art and mental health. Practicing mindfulness in the world of today is very important and often something so many of us struggle to do for ourselves or fit in to our hectic lifestyles. This book combines two topics and blends them to help support aspiring artists and positive mental health practice. The book covers all aspects of sketching and encourages on the go sketching, ideas of things to sketch, awareness of what we see around us and encourages us to let go and feel free and non critical of what we draw.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great instructional book for beginners who want to become more involved in drawing, sketching and doodling. I love that the main point indicated here is "mindfulness", when I'm pretty sure it's actually "mindlessness" that's the goal. To let your mind roam free and just relax and draw, as a sort of therapy almost... To be in a meditative state, ya know? Anyway, however you choose to say it, drawing is indeed a great way to unwind and enjoy yourself as you develop and grow your artistic skills. I highly recommend this book for all the art babies out there - some really great tips and tricks are ahead!

Thanks netgalley for giving me the advanced pdf so I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 🧡

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am a huge proponent of using the arts to help people with mental health issues, so I was excited to get my hands on Mindful Sketching. Part workbook, part "self help" book, the author takes you through many "how-to" sketching and mindful exercises. The book is well laid out. With plenty of visually pleasing and colorful sketches, to spark your creative imagination. There are also sections that include practical advice, like "materials" and "techniques" that will help beginners get ready for their own mindful sketching journey. Two thumbs up from yours truly!

**ARC Vua NetGalley**

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book on art, mindfulness and personal awareness.

The author starts with art concepts of perspective, details & lack of them, vanishing points, etc. She takes us through "seeing" these concepts and applying them to paper.
She then moves into the mental awareness aspect of art. Feeling something about our drawing, finding a subject matter that excites us and makes us feel something. The feeling will add life to the art.

I think (but may be mistaken) that the author means for us to bring our selves to any artwork and make the work part of ourselves. Art is a form of self expression and one should lose oneself in the making of art. I think this is the concept.

The ideas and concepts are solidified with exercised of practice for the reader.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit and hope to bring some of the concepts forward.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindful Sketching by Peggy Dean
~ How to develop a drawing practice and embrace the art of perfection imperfection ~

Preparing for a trip that will require over twenty-four hours reminds me of previous trips…more than one had me in an airport on a long layover and one memorable layover had me buying colored pencils and paper then sitting around a table sketching what I saw, I went into greater detail and beverage bottle but all around me was fare game. This book would have come in handy had I had it to refer to at the time. I wonder if my children and their friends remember passing the time sketching at that table, too?

This is an art/sketching book that incorporates “mindfulness” in the way the author sees it – as an “awareness” of what we see and experience. Perhaps sketching allows us to deal with suppressed thoughts and emotions if we choose to let that happen. Ms Dean also speaks of taking up sketching with the intention of being imperfect but in so doing putting down what we see and feel in the moment.

The book has easy to follow directions with examples related to perspective, scale, and framing that make it simple for anyone sketching anywhere to use. Two-point perspective and having people “on the sightline” was something new to me and well worth learning in a new way. The suggestions on choosing subjects to draw and how to assess what is important were relevant and helpful with a lists and questions to ask oneself when preparing the “why” of what will be sketched.

This is definitely a book I can see having on my bookshelf and will look for when on my next trip to the USA. I have also decided to pack some pencils – lead and colored pencils – with a sketchbook should I be inspired to sketch on the long trip to the USA.

Thank you to NetGalley and Spruce Books – an imprint of Sasquatch Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Jennyfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindful Sketching is a guide book to both exploring how to sketch, and the art of mindfulness (without being full of the 'wellness' buzzwords)

While the book is text heavy, it is not dense with it, and there are some solid art principles laid out in the pages. There are tutorials for how to view a scene with the eye of a sketcher, pespective, scale, framing and balance, alongside photographic examples and places to practice for yourself. Architecture, nature, still life and people are all treated to the same exploration.

The underlying theme of this book is to embrace imperfection in the art - want to draw with pen? do it! Wobbly lines? They're fine! It's all about the emotion and the headspace to draw. There are drawing prompts, challenges (three minute timers!), a guide to knowing when to stop and overall trusting the process for mindful sketching.

I'm all about art therapy, and this is a great resource even if one is not an artist

~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

[Mechthild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combine Mindfulness and Sketching
Freelance artists, author, and online instructor Peggy Dean presents her book "Mindful Sketching. How to Develop a Drawing Practice and Embrace the Art of Imperfection", published by Sasquatch Books (Spruce Books). Dean thinks about "creativity as a process that is both mindless and mindful—focusing our thoughts and efforts on a creative project allows us to release the day’s stress, busyness, and worries, while we check in to something we can feel proud of. Something that we create with our own bodies. It’s a beautiful thing.
Your self-expression is important and I’m going to take you through one of my favorite creative methods that embraces imperfections along the way. Get ready to connect with yourself!" (P. xii). She also tells her readers "As you connect with your creative side, know that you do not need to know how to draw. Sketching your surroundings is even better when your efforts have an organic energy without perfect lines, proportions, or symmetry. Being free in this way will allow you to cultivate a deeper connection with all that surrounds you" (p. 6).
The book contains eleven chapter that treat topics such as "The Flip Side of Mindfulness," "Techniques," "Capturing Moods in Sketches," and "Techniques for Sketching People." Dean touches the topic of mental health and is honest about her own background. She provides step-by-step exercises and clear instructions. Furthermore, she presents artwork by various artists which I highly appreciate and uses photos as a basis for her sketches. The book comes in a great design and includes resources for sketching and mental health as well as an index. I recommend this book for beginners who want to combine mindfulness and sketching.
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.
#MindfulSketching #Netgalley

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice foundational drawing skills covered and observation techniques. Felt very focused on cityscapes, but also covered figures, food, landscapes. It's a good tool kit to have in your pocket for a diary, travel or practicing mindfulness through low-pressure art!

[Ren Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now own all but one of Peggy Dean’s books, and I love each one in turn. This one in particular covers the basics of sketching with an emphasis on urban sketching and landscapes that was a lovely back to the basics for me as I both reignited my sketching practice and delved into urban sketching for the first time.

She giver useful basics such as perspective, horizon line, vanishing point, framing a scene, and identifying the shapes to get started. For those of us who often feel overwhelmed when looking at a cityscape or urban scene, she breaks it down step by step so it feels manageable.

I also love that she didn’t spent a lot of time on mark-making, as you can read that in most how-to-draw primers.

Finally, I really enjoyed her discussed of representing and communicating energy in a sketch or urban sketch. I feel like it’s brought more awareness to how I use line in my own sketches. I realized I’m very definitive in my line making and tend to strive for accuracy. I’m not sure that’s the look I was going for, so now I know what I want to change to better communicate my interpretation of a scene or still-life.

She also includes several prompts to get you started. My favorite one so far was the comfort zone prompt.

Enjoy!

[Lanette Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful book that encourages us to journal with drawing and offers lots of practical lessons and steps one can take to incorporate journaling with art into our lives. I highly recommend this book to journalers, those who think they're not artistic, those who wish they made more time for creativity in their lives, and just about everyone.

As someone who uses sketching and watercoloring to stay mindful, the idea of this book appealed to me, and the author did not disappoint. Indeed, she far exceeded my expectations with easy-to-follow lessons on perspective, contrast, choosing something out of a scene to draw, turning 3D into 2D, finding the vanishing point, creating shadow and light, framing your subjects, and techniques for sketching people, food and architecture.

The book is chock full of exercises and ideas, and its last chapter focuses on mindfulness meditation and how to use art to achieve greater inner peace. I highly recommend this book, which was given to me as an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. (I'm so happy I downloaded it onto my Kindle so I can keep going back to it again and again; it's the kind of book you will want to refer to again and again.)

[Jamie Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wished it had more on how to be mindful/meditative/practices for mindful sketching than how tos on sketching itself

[Esmel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I have mixed feelings on this one. I do appreciate the authors intent on using art for mindfulness and also embracing imperfection. I can easily see how art can be a type of therapy for people and also bring about mindfulness. I also like how the author encourages the reader to let go of the perfect drawing, which is an area all artists struggle with. The majority of the book is basic drawing instructions with a wrapper on mental health and mindfulness. It is a really good attempt, and perhaps for some people this is exactly what they want in an art instruction book. I found the mindfulness/mental health discussion did not really intersect well with the art instruction. I'm not sure how it could have been improved. Perhaps discussions/examples on how a particular drawing brought about mindfulness for the artist? She does dive into that some, but I did not connect with it.

As a general art instruction book, it is good for beginners. It lacks some of the typical beginning art topics of drawing shapes and adding shading, but only in detail. Those things are there, but more subtly introduced. Some of her drawing examples show how to break down complex scenes, which is helpful. She mentions adding color, but doesn't really cover it. It is a place to start, but art students will want to explore other books as well.

[Mags (mbooksbycandlelight) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely little book. I think I was expecting something slightly different when I picked it up. Something with more actual sketching, coloring, drawing prompts and examples, than all the mindfulness focused text we got, but I still enjoyed it.

I received an eArc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carolyn Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for people who would like to learn on-site sketching, sketching in a more relaxed, emotive style, or sketching on a regular basis--in PEN.

If that's frightening, this may be the perfect stretch for you. The focus is "embracing imperfection" while improving mindfulness (present self-awareness with surroundings).

The author, from experience, shares "In order to show up authentically, you also have to be vulnerable; ...to be vulnerable is to be brave."

Learn to recognize what you feel, and what affects you differently (a fluffy blanket, a pile of junk, a plate of donuts, a woodland path), and ways you can learn to sketch those emotions into your "purposely imperfect" art.

With these illustrations and exercises, you can create a sketchbook for you alone, (unless you decide to share it). The effectiveness of the art therapy is up to you, with the guidance throughout this book.

Starting a daily practice can begin with a timer and 3 minutes.

My forays into free-sketching have been few and brief, so my past was my motivation to read this book. The sketching refresher alone was worth it (with some great tips I'd never seen anywhere). I'm fine with imperfection--it's the audacious use of paper that gives me pause! [Lessons learned so deeply and young, are difficult to reprogram.]

As I journeyed through this book, I have built up my confidence and self-permission to use the blank sketch books in my closet. And I feel so much more free and relaxed. Even I can do 3 minutes!

5/5 Stars

Many thanks to the author, Sasquatch Books, Spruce Books, and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook; the review is voluntary.

#MindfulSketching #NetGalley
#SasquatchBooks #SpruceBooks
#ArtsPhotography #SelfHelp #SketchInPen
#Sketching #OnSiteDrawing #Mindfulness
#ArtTherapy #3Minutes #MentalHealth
#EmbraceImperfection

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Mindful Sketching is a technique and philosophy guide with prompts for developing and maintaining a drawing habit written by Peggy Dean. Due out 22nd May 2022 from Penguin Random House on their Spruce Books imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is an encouraging and gently written book which will hopefully help readers develop confidence and support a drawing habit. The emphasis is very much on embracing imperfection and serendipity in the process and concentrating on the journey and not necessarily only the product.

The author has an inviting and calm style of writing. She explains some of her own background and reasons for starting with mindfulness in her drawing, and she invites the reader to find the methods and inspirations which work for them. This is much more of a philosophical treatment of the subject rather than straight drawing tutorials. It includes a lot more examining feelings and thoughts than advice on shading and rendering different subjects. The book is full of self-examination and prompts for drawing, but light on actual technique instruction.

The author has also included a number of small gallery illustrations from artists with varied styles for inspiration and reference. This is a very pretty book with a lot of useful information and tips for self examination and some drawing

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peggy Dean is well known for her books helping beginning artists create illustrations of flowers, botanicals and animals. This short volume is intended for the same audience but this time she provides a pathway toward using sketching as a tool for self-expression and self-discovery by practicing awareness and embracing imperfection. Dean deliberately shies away from the usual esoteric language of mindfulness practice, and speaks with a practical, down to earth voice that makes developing a sketching practice seem accessible. Although Dean claims that readers don’t really need to know how to draw to do the exercises in the book, her own personal sketch practice concentrates on architecture and buildings, which can seem intimidating to the beginning sketch artist. She jumps right into learning 1 point and 2 point perspective in order to draw buildings, which is a little like saying (from my point of view as a textile artist), “you don’t need to know how to crochet to do this project. Step one: chain 6 stitches.” If an artist wants to truly embrace imperfection as the title says, it would be helpful to do later exercises in line drawing, mark making and shadow first, and let go of the need to make anything that looks realistic. I really loved her exercises that asked the artist to concentrate on the colors, smells, textures and emotions instead of the subject itself. All in all, this is a helpful little book that can be digested easily and carried with you as you sketch. **I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**

[Jemmy Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great little starter book for anyone who wants to get into sketching. I, however, am a seasoned sketcher, so I was less interested in the “how to”, and more in the mindful aspect of the book, so unfortunately I didn’t learn as many new things as I’d hoped.

However, I really do think beginners can get a lot out of this. It features a lot of breaking down a scene, ideas for what to draw, hints on which areas to focus on, and some exercises to try, as well as resources in the back. Lots of lovely pictures too, and I really admire the artist’s style of sketching, it’s very energetic and liberated.

One positive thing it did do for me was to describe drawing one and two-point perspective to the layman: something I was taught in College in the most haphazard way, and failing, had to adapt my own scheme to understand it. This was explained excellently in this book, and I applaud it for that, because learning perspective is a pain in the patella!

I think the only downside, aside from me already knowing a lot of the technical stuff, was just how little mindfulness there was. There was plenty of encouragement and inspiring quotes, but on actually describing how to wind down and be mindful whilst drawing, it was somewhat lacking. There’s a resources section at the end that cites some meditations and breathing exercises to try, but ultimately the mindfulness part of the book was very surface level.

But for absolute beginners - those who perhaps want to try sketching but are feeling nervous - I think this could be a great one to add to the bookshelf.

[Steff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from the start, Peggy is upfront about her personal struggles with the whole concept of mindfulness, and many of her personal challenges resonate strongly with me. She encourages us to think of mindfulness more as awareness for the purposes of this book. Slowing down, being more aware of our surroundings and what we can find in them in that moment. And then drawing them! She is quick to confirm that this is not about creating the perfect work of art, and no previous drawing skills are needed for the exercises she teaches. It's all about looking at a scene, finding what appeals to us, taking note of the emotions and feelings the scene is stirring in us, not about getting every tiniest detail of that scene correct and perfect. Finding the little things that are bringing you, if not joy, then contentment and an escape from our daily stressors, and making note of them in sketch form, for future reference and memories.

There are tips throughout the book for sketching different scenes, and breaking things down into basic shapes, notes on perspective and sketching people, as well as tips for drawing flowers. All in all, it's a great read, with exercises and tips to encourage anyone to slow down, take a break from screens and finding something worth sketching in their present surroundings. This book, like her others, did not disappoint.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been too long since I let my creative side out to play, and I was hoping this book would help get back into things especially as it would tie in to the mindfulness (meditation) that I also love.

And... while I haven't started yet, I am feeling hugely inspired. My first feelings were that the technique lessons were written too much from someone who finds these things incredibly easy (and I still can't grasp half of them after *cough* many decades), but then the whole approach just made me keen to - well, *try*.

However, as much art lesson as is here, the real meat of the book seems to me to be about mindfulness - and art is just one path into that.

Overall, I really liked it - more than I expected!

You can check out my full review on my blog, LittleFrogScribbles, with thanks.

[Cay Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like another reviewer, I was expecting something a bit different. I've not read Peggy Dean's other books but found this in a bookstore recently, and it sounded interesting upon scanning.

The book is a quick and easy read. I appreciated the author's guide on perspective (vanishing line and point, and one- and two-point perspective, etc.). That said, the author tended to lean more heavily on using sketching for self-help. She combines many themes (embracing imperfection, awareness, meditation) as vital parts of her practice and recommends readers consider incorporating them, if helpful.

As a stand-alone book, and the fact that her sketches are enhanced with watercolor, it could benefit from a section on how to use watercolor. Aside from that missing element, the book is good for beginning sketchers with a lack of confidence as well as those looking for relief from perfectionism.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

While my internet was down this morning, I took a mindful moment to sit in the sun and read Mindful Sketching by Peggy Dean. It talks about the basics of sketching like vanishing point and perspective. However, it also dissusses how the mindful part is about being observant and being aware of what is around you. She discusses how sketching is more about the feeling than perfection. Sketching in pen is her preferred method because it embraces mistakes. She also give some prompts for mindfulness exercises that utilize sketching such as tools such as Blind Contour where you sketch an object without looking at your paper. Many of these, I had already heard of, but for someone new to the concept, it would be a perfect introduction. She also gives other mindfulness and mental health resources to refer to for more information on the practice. #NetGalley #May2022

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a burst of childish excitement. I used to sketch constantly as a child and liked what I drew. When I grew up I no longer liked my drawings, thinking them “not good enough” for the perfectionist I grew up to be. Early on this book advises us to avoid too many details. *sigh* Yes! It’s good to simply sketch what you see without trying to make it look like photograph. Following this advice to relax and celebrate mistakes you’ll find simple advice and exercises on techniques such as horizon, vanishing points, perspectives, and so on.
This is a nice book for so many people. The fidgety, nervous, stressed type of person like me. The art lover who ants to learn. This is a much better, healthier and more relaxing alternative to spending your free time scrolling on their phone. Pick up a pen and paper instead. #netgalley. #MindfulSketching

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that while this book does teach fundamental sketching principles, the focus of it is on being mindful (in the mental health sense). The way it is laid out and designed is calming, not intimidating. In fact, overcoming perfectionist attitudes is one of Dean’s objectives. I appreciate that it is not crammed full on every page. There is space on the page, intentional and mindful space. It allowed me space to accept my misplaced lines and other sketching “mistakes,” and even helped me see that most of the time those mistakes can be worked into the sketch.

The book itself is of beautiful construction. The pages lay flat so nicely, making it easy to use while working the exercises. I’ve been wanting to sketch like this for years, but this is the first book that actually got me doing it. And guess what? I actually felt refreshed after sketching mindfully!

[Meg (thyme.for.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Netgalley & Spruce Books!

Mindful Sketching introduces the concept and benefits of sketching for mental health well being. The author offers tips and techniques that are helpful for beginners and intermediate artists. This how-to guide thoughtfully includes some additional resources not only for sketching but for mental health.

I think this book would be best suited to someone who is already interested in drawing or learning how to draw. While it is not comprehensive it is a great starting point for someone who may be interested in trying a new hobby or expanding their skills.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to seeing sketches and painting, but I am always think it need talent to do it. This book show me different way, drawing and sketching is for everyone. It is gentle way to embrace imperfection through lines and shapes.

With so much stresses built up during our daily life, calm and mindfully hobby is necessary to keep our brain relax. This book not only offer technics but also story about mental health as well. So far, I found this book useful and I might trying some of the lesson.

Thank you Netgalley for provide me with this book. I am glad I could learn something new for free today.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy for review. I think I have all of Peggy's books, but this might have just taken the top spot as my favorite.

Mindful Sketching: How to Develop a Drawing Practice and Embrace the Art of Imperfection is full of wisdom and exercises to help you combine the mental health benefits of mindfulness with the joy of sketching. Think you can't draw? Guess again. You absolutely can, and sitting down and focusing on the object or scene in front of you is an excellent way to still your mind and give yourself a 'brain break'.

Well done Peggy, you've done it again my friend.

[Flora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keeping an art journal and sketching can be great psychotherapy, and Peggy Dean invites us to do so using mindfulness or, as she defines it, a sense of awareness. She presents some useful techniques and tips and tricks with some emphasis on perspective, framing, mark making, architecture and others. Readers are given exercises and prompts and encouraged to jump in without expecting any perfections.

I feel that this book would have been more complete with some coloring instructions. After all, many people feel good just looking at their color palettes, me included.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peggy Dean's book is an invitation to use sketching as a way to practice mindfulness. To slow down and observe the world around you and take time to re-create it on the page. She gives simple but comprehensive sketching instructions and covers all of the basics like perspective, buildings, people, etc.

This is the perfect book to get you started on your sketching journey and to help you practice mindfulness alongside this wonderful pasttime.

with gratitude to netgalley and Sasquatch Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a good book for people who want to sketch but don't quite know where to start. It offers examples of how to frame a subject for sketching and zero in on the elements that pop out to you. It also offers some examples on perspective and getting started with a basic sketch that can become the basis for a more detailed work. It shows you different sketching techniques and how to finish your work by adding watercolor.

Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting arrival of this book since I preordered it - it arrived this morning. I couldn't put it down, and have read it from cover to cover already. It is written in such an awesome way that it makes you recognise that you are present when reading (in fact it feels as if Peggy is actually there sharing her insights.) I cannot wait to employ the many suggestions in the book and know that my sketching life will be richer for it.