Returning to the Basics
Lately, my intention when working in my sketchbook has been simple but humbling: to get better at drawing.
I have to admit, when I was in school and should have been learning the basics of drawing, my ego had a lot to say. It was very much a “yeah, yeah, yeah… I know how to draw” situation. The truth is, I didn’t. At least not in the way I understand drawing now. Over the past few years, I have been slowly learning and unlearning different techniques, revisiting fundamentals I once brushed past, and allowing myself to be a student again.
Exploring Edge Work
Today’s sketching session was focused on edge work. I had been hearing a few artists talk about lost edges, and it sparked my curiosity. When do you use them? Where do they belong? How do they help a drawing feel more natural or dimensional? As usual, YouTube did not disappoint. I came across a handful of incredibly informative videos that helped clarify the concept and gave me a lot to think about.
Here’s a video I found helpful from Brent Eviston
After gathering as much information as I could, I sat down to put what I learned into practice.
Shifting My Approach
This sketch wasn’t about getting the image “just right.” Instead, I focused on finding and understanding the shapes within the subject. In the past, one of my biggest mistakes was obsessing over the accuracy of my lines, trying to make everything perfect, rather than seeing and drawing the shapes that actually make up the form. Shifting my focus this way felt freeing and more intentional.
A Cozy Winter Setup
You’ll have to excuse the poor lighting in today’s session. It’s freezing here in upstate New York, and the warmest spot in the house happens to be right next to the pellet stove. Honestly, I don’t mind one bit. I love being in the living room with my husband and our fur babies. I put my headphones in, played some soothing music, and let my hand do what it wanted to do.
Materials and New Supplies
For this sketch, I used a Prismacolor pencil in indigo blue. Speaking of supplies, I recently ordered a few new art materials. I am not a fan of the paper in my current sketchbook, which is frustrating because there are still so many pages left and I feel oddly obligated to finish it. The paper is very thin, which makes working with markers less enjoyable since everything bleeds through to the next page.
Because of that, I ordered a watercolor sketchbook, along with a pencil extender for my short colored pencils and a Winsor & Newton gouache set. I thought it would be fun to experiment with something new. Ironically, when I went to grab my art supplies, I realized I already owned a watercolor sketchbook that I had only used for four pages back in 2022. Proof that I haven’t always been the best at sticking with sketchbooks.
Following Curiosity
This year, I really want to focus on exploration and play. It might seem silly to step away from digital painting for a bit, but I feel such a strong pull toward working with physical materials right now. I’ve learned that when that feeling shows up, it’s best to listen to it.
Documenting the Process
I’m also interested in creating more vlog-style videos that capture my art sessions. I genuinely enjoy learning about videography, editing footage, and piecing moments together into something meaningful. Below is a video from today’s drawing session, along with a fun little clip introducing our fur babies: Winnie, Fiona, Fargo, and Wyatt. All of us were soaking up the warmth from the pellet stove.
I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into my sketchbook practice and creative process.
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