Thank you Sonja for laying out all these considerations about sketchbook practice. You have inspired me to have several ongoing sketchbooks…an abstract, a landscape one etc. I liked your argument when you talk about the WHY, that a reason is to improve your feeling of self, a really really important one, often overlooked, also by be. I am 74 and have always done some kind of art, but always in between other things in life, never really committed to it….realized during a long online course with Louise Fletcher during covid that I had big difficulty getting in touch with myself, felt kind of numb…and since then I have included Julia Camerons the Artists Way into my life, dealing with this 12 week writing program to find out about the numbness…got a bit nearer to myself, but am still struggling. So what you suggest in this video is very important to get clear about “why do I want to do it?” and then commit via scheduling. My problem has been a huge garden and a Big house…could always come up with a reason not to make art. I have even become irritabel with you, with your “strange” sketches, but realized why it provoked me: I still have a “standard” in me about sketches need to be beautiful. And that is just the point, this need for perfectionisme is blocking my art…it is better now than ever, make lots of “ugly” sketches, but will now make a looking into how I am doing and think of why…I need to improve my feeling of self, nurture myself with artmaking and maybe then I can start having a real art practice, which I still have not managed to establish…feeling somehow floating around, not being able to get from sketching to the bigger project. Keep going Sonja, a great project with your videos. Have a lovely Christmas and New Year😍
Hi ! I am really happy to hear that some of this makes sense, is of help to you. having a few sketchbooks has increased my enjoyment - being able to switch size/subject just works for me- For me the why is actually the most important question that helped me carry on with daily drawing projects - I put it at the end because I know we are all different and some people just want tips and to get on with it but it is important because sometimes I wonder if people are just going to stress themselves over another thing to do - and it is OK actually to give up art if it turns out you prefer something else. However it is interesting if you do commit and then realize it is other stuff holding you back , or rather holding back your pleasure in it- ie perfectionism . Feel like there's a lot of videos /talks on this but I might talk about it at some point. You've seen my wonky , quick sketches- you can probably tell I am not a perfectionist! I have learnt what I like and I know my art is not for everyone- but if I ever don't get the same flow /sense of enjoyment from it - then it might be time to step away. You are doing a lot ! Congratulations on putting the time in- also just to say I had a stage when I was transitioning from more realistic art to looser and abstract art and I do recall feeling irritated /disatisfied very judgy about my art. Sometimes it does work out pushing through, or it can show us that art niche is not for us.bvest sonia
I like your suggestion of having a theme each week. Many times I find myself looking around my home for something to draw. Having a theme will focus my attention.
It did work really well for me at that time - prevented procrastination!!!!! Also lkk I’m ed to write what I planned to draw in my diary on different days so I could tick it off which was very satisfying and as a reward for cleaning chores - lol
I think you can definitely do a video of the WHY of doing art. Like how do you strengthen the WHY of making art. I get so bogged down with the "noises" around me that sometimes I loose track of why I'm doing what I'm doing. The constant evaluation of "will people think this is good?" "am I improving?" "will this sell?" "is my mental health better now" are literally all different "whys" and I think that's why I (and so many people) loose sight and inevitably get discouraged.
That is as good point- I still deal with the "why' if I can get clear on my aims, am I getting meaning, sharing encouraging material then I feel so much more engaged and positive about my art practice - I did get a comment that they didn't want too much chatter, I'e on the confidence video - I removed the comment, but I think it might be of interest to some people- so will revisit that question at some point. My channel my prerogative and all that. Thank you !!
Excellent video. I’ve done challenges with no success in finishing them because I would quickly get bored with them. I love the idea of doing a weekly series. That is doable for me. I can also extend the series into another week if I wanted to which makes this process very flexible. Thank you for sharing.
Great advice ❤ I have a big problem with daily sketchbook habit. I get bored quite quickly. I've already tried the prompt idea. It worked well for me. Thanks to this, I didn't have to wonder what to draw every time. I like your advice to keep the prompts weekly. This should save me from boredom :) (A month of drawings on one topic was too long for me) And I prefer the term "daily habit" to "challenge". Great video 👍
Thank you! I hear you on getting bored quickly - it is why I have learnt that sometimes doing all these other people's challenges doesn't work for me. Enjoy your art habit :)
Thank you Sonia. I think my biggest excuse is not having enough time and being afraid of the outcome, also not having a dedicated space to make art.. Otherwise, I know wWHY I need to create. Thank you for sharing, that was quite insighful also encouraging.
Hi Maria - not having not enough time is a fair point!- , and space to can make a difference - making a small desk in my bedroom an art desk instead of a make up table/general stuff area was a good initial move for me. I left out all my work there as it was also private so visitors wouldn't know what I was up to.
An old art teacher I had could tell I was scared to get back into art after almost a decade away, and he told me to think about it this way: “make the drawing and if it’s bad, what’s the worst that will happen? You can tear it up and try again.” This seemed so obvious, but it really helped relieve a lot of the pressure I was putting on myself. I’ve had a daily art habit for four years now, and appreciated all the great tips here to help me focus, or get over the, what do I draw stage of the day, because it still happens! I used to think I didn’t have the time to do it either, but I realized that the time I do it, is not work, it’s relaxing and fun and that made it easier for me to make time (sometimes, sometimes I hate myself and just want to go to bed!!). I should say I usually do a 5 minute sketch before bed as a way to unwind, and sometimes it’s longer, sometimes even shorter, but I have no expectations of growth, just doing this for me.
Anything art I love. And I absolutely love the talking about practice. Great video. I love to see your interior and book covers work. I love both of those things too . 💕 😊
I feel it helps free me up when my head is all over the place and it has also been helpful for remembering any processes that have been helpful and ideas for videos here too, best sonia
Love that! for Me the why has to come first to be successful in these sorts of projects- but get also some people just want to get on with it and not overthink things. That year long project really changed things for me in my attitude to my own art, it really made a difference, so I did want to share all my tips just in case someone also considering a project. (I remember reading a lot of blog posts at the time before embarking on mine)
I like the idea of making art a daily habit. I am very much a beginner, just playing around, doing some online lessons. And the idea of setting aside each day sounds wonderful! Also like the idea of answering why. Thank you for a very thoughtful video.
Thank you !! these are all things that helped me get back to an art practice - and to enjoy it. The why for me was important because in the midst of so many other things I could see I kept putting off art and I could see it was a good thing for me , making something with my hands. Having the sketches build up was very satisfying, more so than when I was pregnant with my first and got addicted to candy crush lol .
Thank you Sonja for laying out all these considerations about sketchbook practice. You have inspired me to have several ongoing sketchbooks…an abstract, a landscape one etc. I liked your argument when you talk about the WHY, that a reason is to improve your feeling of self, a really really important one, often overlooked, also by be.
I am 74 and have always done some kind of art, but always in between other things in life, never really committed to it….realized during a long online course with Louise Fletcher during covid that I had big difficulty getting in touch with myself, felt kind of numb…and since then I have included Julia Camerons the Artists Way into my life, dealing with this 12 week writing program to find out about the numbness…got a bit nearer to myself, but am still struggling.
So what you suggest in this video is very important to get clear about “why do I want to do it?” and then commit via scheduling. My problem has been a huge garden and a Big house…could always come up with a reason not to make art. I have even become irritabel with you, with your “strange” sketches, but realized why it provoked me: I still have a “standard” in me about sketches need to be beautiful. And that is just the point, this need for perfectionisme is blocking my art…it is better now than ever, make lots of “ugly” sketches, but will now make a looking into how I am doing and think of why…I need to improve my feeling of self, nurture myself with artmaking and maybe then I can start having a real art practice, which I still have not managed to establish…feeling somehow floating around, not being able to get from sketching to the bigger project.
Keep going Sonja, a great project with your videos. Have a lovely Christmas and New Year😍
I am so proud of you. Good for you for for figuring it out and making the effort. Being a human is hard. ❤ Good luck to you!
Hi ! I am really happy to hear that some of this makes sense, is of help to you. having a few sketchbooks has increased my enjoyment - being able to switch size/subject just works for me-
For me the why is actually the most important question that helped me carry on with daily drawing projects - I put it at the end because I know we are all different and some people just want tips and to get on with it but it is important because sometimes I wonder if people are just going to stress themselves over another thing to do - and it is OK actually to give up art if it turns out you prefer something else. However it is interesting if you do commit and then realize it is other stuff holding you back , or rather holding back your pleasure in it- ie perfectionism . Feel like there's a lot of videos /talks on this but I might talk about it at some point. You've seen my wonky , quick sketches- you can probably tell I am not a perfectionist! I have learnt what I like and I know my art is not for everyone- but if I ever don't get the same flow /sense of enjoyment from it - then it might be time to step away.
You are doing a lot ! Congratulations on putting the time in- also just to say I had a stage when I was transitioning from more realistic art to looser and abstract art and I do recall feeling irritated /disatisfied very judgy about my art. Sometimes it does work out pushing through, or it can show us that art niche is not for us.bvest sonia
Thanks for your story, it is encouraging
I like your suggestion of having a theme each week. Many times I find myself looking around my home for something to draw. Having a theme will focus my attention.
It did work really well for me at that time - prevented procrastination!!!!! Also lkk I’m ed to write what I planned to draw in my diary on different days so I could tick it off which was very satisfying and as a reward for cleaning chores - lol
I think you can definitely do a video of the WHY of doing art. Like how do you strengthen the WHY of making art. I get so bogged down with the "noises" around me that sometimes I loose track of why I'm doing what I'm doing. The constant evaluation of "will people think this is good?" "am I improving?" "will this sell?" "is my mental health better now" are literally all different "whys" and I think that's why I (and so many people) loose sight and inevitably get discouraged.
That is as good point- I still deal with the "why' if I can get clear on my aims, am I getting meaning, sharing encouraging material then I feel so much more engaged and positive about my art practice - I did get a comment that they didn't want too much chatter, I'e on the confidence video - I removed the comment, but I think it might be of interest to some people- so will revisit that question at some point. My channel my prerogative and all that. Thank you !!
Excellent video. I’ve done challenges with no success in finishing them because I would quickly get bored with them. I love the idea of doing a weekly series. That is doable for me. I can also extend the series into another week if I wanted to which makes this process very flexible. Thank you for sharing.
thank you !!! I hear you, boredom is such a big factor for me - I need variety. Enjoy a weekly series!
Great advice ❤
I have a big problem with daily sketchbook habit. I get bored quite quickly.
I've already tried the prompt idea. It worked well for me. Thanks to this, I didn't have to wonder what to draw every time.
I like your advice to keep the prompts weekly. This should save me from boredom :)
(A month of drawings on one topic was too long for me)
And I prefer the term "daily habit" to "challenge". Great video 👍
Thank you! I hear you on getting bored quickly - it is why I have learnt that sometimes doing all these other people's challenges doesn't work for me. Enjoy your art habit :)
I agree, “daily habit” is a much better term.
Thank you Sonia. I think my biggest excuse is not having enough time and being afraid of the outcome, also not having a dedicated space to make art.. Otherwise, I know wWHY I need to create. Thank you for sharing, that was quite insighful also encouraging.
Hi Maria - not having not enough time is a fair point!- , and space to can make a difference - making a small desk in my bedroom an art desk instead of a make up table/general stuff area was a good initial move for me. I left out all my work there as it was also private so visitors wouldn't know what I was up to.
An old art teacher I had could tell I was scared to get back into art after almost a decade away, and he told me to think about it this way: “make the drawing and if it’s bad, what’s the worst that will happen? You can tear it up and try again.” This seemed so obvious, but it really helped relieve a lot of the pressure I was putting on myself. I’ve had a daily art habit for four years now, and appreciated all the great tips here to help me focus, or get over the, what do I draw stage of the day, because it still happens! I used to think I didn’t have the time to do it either, but I realized that the time I do it, is not work, it’s relaxing and fun and that made it easier for me to make time (sometimes, sometimes I hate myself and just want to go to bed!!). I should say I usually do a 5 minute sketch before bed as a way to unwind, and sometimes it’s longer, sometimes even shorter, but I have no expectations of growth, just doing this for me.
Anything art I love. And I absolutely love the talking about practice. Great video. I love to see your interior and book covers work. I love both of those things too . 💕 😊
I love that mini journal of colours and abstracts. Very yummy.
And your current abstract flip through was a real tease. I love it.
thank you very much !! , I might do a list video on some subject ideas so I will try and find them and show them then :)
thanks - that one is nice to have handy just to swirl on a color or shape - especially if I'm not feeling great about overworking a previous piece.
yay - I'm trying .... to see if that can be a little 30 day project for myself
This was really fabulous Sonia. Loved it. Thank you x Nell
So glad! I think this is stuff I'd written about in blog posts but actually nice to be able to talk through things I'd learn and show examples
Thank you very much. this Video is so helpfull for my art praktice. Greetings from Germany🥰
You’re welcome 😊
I write as well because I enjoy writing!
I feel it helps free me up when my head is all over the place and it has also been helpful for remembering any processes that have been helpful and ideas for videos here too, best sonia
Definitely want to focus on my 'Why' next year. Some solid, practical tips for those who want to develop their art practice. Thanks Sonia.
Love that! for Me the why has to come first to be successful in these sorts of projects- but get also some people just want to get on with it and not overthink things. That year long project really changed things for me in my attitude to my own art, it really made a difference, so I did want to share all my tips just in case someone also considering a project. (I remember reading a lot of blog posts at the time before embarking on mine)
I like the idea of making art a daily habit. I am very much a beginner, just playing around, doing some online lessons. And the idea of setting aside each day sounds wonderful! Also like the idea of answering why. Thank you for a very thoughtful video.
Thank you !! these are all things that helped me get back to an art practice - and to enjoy it. The why for me was important because in the midst of so many other things I could see I kept putting off art and I could see it was a good thing for me , making something with my hands. Having the sketches build up was very satisfying, more so than when I was pregnant with my first and got addicted to candy crush lol .
Magnifique travail de fond, de forme!!! ❤ Bonne continuation! 😂😊
hi thank you !!
Interesting thoughts Sonia. I will do this.
thanks - hopefully there might be one or two ideas that appeal to people in here.
Great video! And the why makes me want to get some more play in my art practice. New subscriber here
Cheers, yay for play - best Sonia
I love your drawings!
thank you !!
May I ask what kind of book you used for your 2015 book?
so that year I used a few- a old graph paper sketchbook past on from my father, a cheaper sketchbook- not sure of the brand. I liked the A5 size then.