— In case you missed it, HERE is Part One! —
This sketchbook started out as a place to work on ink and watercolor pencils. But by the end, I was getting restless and was rushing through it. I was using all kinda of media, and struggled to find quotes. I was much less worried about how neat and pretty the finished project was for the second half, and honestly it shows. Instead I was focused on consistency in my work habit, making sure I put pen and pencil (and marker and paint) to paper everyday.
I didn’t love the over all look, by the end of it. But I can’t really complain since it did keep me working. And if you follow my work closely, you might see a few pieces that were basically rough drafts for other finished works I did separately from the sketchbook. If there has been one less I’ve learned this year, it’s been the value of practice and sketching (two things I normally try to skip, if I can).
Let’s begin!
“There is a place for anyone who wants to be creative.” – Danielle Krysa
I own this lantern, but in reality is a like a green/red plaid and pretty gaudy. I’m not sure how it caught my eye at one time. So here I used the shape as a reference and practice a much more subtle color palette.
“My time has come when my crown is reunited with the eternal flame! I shall be restored to my full might and will tower over the mountains to bury my sword deep into Asgard!” – Thor Ragnarok
I watch a lot of movies while I work, but mostly the same movies over and over. The Lord of the Rings, Pride and Prejudice, Arrival, and Thor: Ragnarok. This piece was absolutely inspired by the landscape at the beginning of the movie. Epic!
After the Italian landscape in Part One, I felt encouraged to try another large landscape. I think the large open shapes are not my style usually, but the watercolor pencils provided a nice texture to keep it interesting, so I think it works. But I actually don’t think it would be nearly as interesting if I had used traditional watercolors.
“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” – Julia Child
I hate this one. Nearly everything about it, I hate. There are plenty of times that I finish a piece and hate it, and maybe even throw them away… I can’t do that with this one, so I guess it’s just a reminder there is always room to improve. Ugh.
“Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.” – Jane Austen
Disheartened after the macaroon incident, I decided to paint this house instead of using the pencils as I normally did. I had just started reading “Everyday Watercolor” by Jenna Rainey and felt like I could tackle a house drawing if I took it step by step… Yeah, not so much. So this house is very blue, very streaky, and not great, but it did give me a pretty great idea… (but that’s another sketchbook!)
“Body be bangin’.” – Playing House
Playing House is a three-season TV show that ran on TBS a few years ago. It’s one of my favorites and I quote it all the time. The female leads are amazing — my heroes. And this lady statue was giving real hero vibes. Second, I did not realize the boob was out until I started inking the piece. I don’t normally draw boobs, but eh, “want a boob? flop, there’s it is.” (A quote!)
“Wildness is a part of who we are.” – Beth Kempton
More watercolor painting. Decided to take a step back and try something that can handle a little messiness. Flowers are very forgiving.
“Ut pa tur aldri sur.” – Norwegian saying
I’m pretty sure it’s literally “out on tour, never sour.” Basically, it’s hard to be in a bad mood while hiking. Agreed… This daffodil was also done with watercolors. Still definitely just learning at this point. But I drew the daffodil from memory instead of a photo, so that was something different for me!
This is when the watercolor fatigue hit for a while, and I switched over to markers. I really enjoy drawing palm trees, their leaves are so interesting. I didn’t love the way the markers worked out, but I enjoyed the ways the colors popped!
Still too lazy to practice watercolors. I really wanted to try to draw the ocean, but wasn’t sure how to tackle it. It’s mostly a matter of color, the ripples and waves are just suggested with lines. I drew it twice to see if I could duplicate the color of the water but pair it with a lighter color sky. Turns out I can, and that I actually liked both!
“You can find your true home in the full relaxation of your mind and body in the present moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
More markers. Again, at this point I’m drawing just keep to the habit up. I like the shading at little, but otherwise don’t love this one. I think this piece is peak “what am I doing anymore??” with this sketchbook.
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” – Rachel Carson
At the time, I was proud of this piece for painting with bolder colors, and trying a more detailed landscape. Now I’m just proud of how much I’ve improved since then! 😉
“It might have been done before but it hasn’t been done by you.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
This quote by Elizabeth Gilbert keeps me going on, when it feels like absolutely nothing is original anymore.
At this point, I realized I want to practice landscapes more. A lot more. I knew I wasn’t getting it “right” but that I was really enjoying the challenge of it.
The last page! And a personal favorite! I think I went back to watercolor pencils for this one. And after this piece, I was resolved that I would keep trying new landscapes… (but that’s another sketchbook!)
So there you have it! A finished sketchbook!
I have a few other sketchbooks I’ve been working on lately, and if you want to see some of the work before it makes it to the blog, check out my Instagram! If social media is not your thing, I definitely plan on posting more sketchbook tours on the blog soon!
Summer Child Designs 