HOW-TO

Expressive Sketchbooks: Developing Creative Skills, Courage, and Confidence

by Helen Wells
Quarry: Quarto. Apr. 2020. 144p. ISBN 9781631598357. pap. $26.99. CRAFTS
COPY ISBN
Artists are harsh self-critics. Creative outcomes do not always meet expectations, and it can be difficult seeing one’s work with an unbiased eye. In her book, professional artist Wells emphasizes the importance of keeping a sketchbook to help with the creative process and mitigate blocks that can slow it down. She presents various techniques and ideas for learning new approaches to allowing thoughts to flow freely and randomly. Each page is filled with beautiful illustrations of Wells’s own sketchbook art, as well as exercises to help develop one’s creative skills. Most artists will utilize sketchbooks to work out and expand on ideas before the final rendition of a complete work of art, be it illustration, painting, or sculpture.
VERDICT Wells intends to help artists develop a means of inner and outer exploration of the creative journey by utilizing an expressive sketchbook as a form of journaling. Amateur artists especially may find this guide helpful.
Reviewed by Sandra Knowles, formerly South Carolina State Lib., Columbia , May 22, 2020
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

Inky Meditations: Learn To Create Mindful Mesmerizing Paintings with Water and Ink
by Inky
NONFICTION

Well Worn: Visible Mending for the Clothes You Love
by Pennant, Skye
NONFICTION

The New Silversmith: Innovative, Sustainable Techniques for Creating Nature-Inspired Jewelry
by Ringgold, Nicole
NONFICTION

Huggable Amigurumi: Crocheting Teddy Bears and Other Cute, Cuddly Friends
by Pfoser, Franziska
NONFICTION

Dynamic Character Design: Draw Faces and Figures with Pencil, Markers, Digital Tools, and More
by de Carvalho, Fernanda Soares
NONFICTION

Watercolor Your Way: Techniques, Palettes, and Projects To Fit Your Skill Level and Creative Goals
by Cray, Sarah
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?