Extra Time Doesn't Exist

Every day has 24 hours. Time always runs out at the end of the day. We’re never going to have EXTRA time. It doesn't exist!  Laundry will need folding, dishes washed, yard work, grocery shopping… Trust me these things will be there tomorrow.

Some days family comes first...I know this all too well. Sorrow and loss has visited our family many times. What I’m talking about is moments in the day we waste. What do you mindlessly give your time to? Is it scrolling through social media, sleeping in, shopping… ?

I’m as guilty as the next person.I was better at finding reasons why I wasn't living my dream then putting energy into making it happen. So what was the problem? Simply put…ME! It’s easier to make excuses than taking responsibility and making it happen. The honest-to-goodness truth is I had to change my thinking. I didn’t value my time. I’m not alone here…its common thinking among women to see what we do for others as more valuable than ourselves. What we fail to see is creativity is the core of who we are.

It all sound so easy but where do you begin? 5 minutes is a start! Start small and enjoy the little jewels you create. Keep your expectations realistic. Don't expect to do a masterpiece if you only have 20 minutes. Sketchbooks are a great place to build confidence. 

I made a short video to help show what I mean. See 3 separate examples of what can be achieved with limited time and supplies. With a bird as my inspiration I show design, shadow and color. Each sketch is on a different surface. 

Click on image to see the video or visit this link https://youtu.be/ffD-nTCD0DY 

We make the choices of how we spend our time…PERIOD. What are you waiting for? Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverb 13:12

If you'd like to learn from me in person please visit my Workshop Schedule for 2020. I know this isn't possible for many people to attend workshops. My blog and YouTube channel is especially for you. 

Happy Sketching!

Brenda 

What is the Purpose of Art?

Life is busy with workshops, travel, judging shows, writing and painting. Let's not forget those things that need our daily care: exercise, laundry, grocery shopping, appointments…  When I get time for myself I need something that will recharge my creative battery and feed my weary soul…sketching.

Sketching is a very broad term and I’m often asked, “What exactly is a sketch?” A sketch is anything I do in my sketchbook. Some people will disagree…that’s okay. Let’s face it the world is full of rules, laws, guidelines, restrictions, constrains… What I do in my sketchbooks is not defined or dictated by any one but me (big smile). What happens in my sketchbook is my playground, my challenges, my success, my failures…my business. 

My sketchbook is a safe place to go when I want or need to recharge, create, stretch, grow, play, explore and sometimes pour out my heart.  Within the pages I don’t ask for anyones approval or acceptance. Everyone needs a safe place to call our own. A place where we don’t seek or need anyone's approval or acceptance. 

You will learn more about me by looking through one of my sketchbooks than seeing an entire show of my work. Why is that? My paintings are me at my best (dressed up, make-up and on my best behavior). My sketchbooks are a true picture of me (in my play clothes, being silly, exploring my world, hurting…as a friend would see me). 

I take my sketchbooks everywhere I go. You can find me sketching at a cafe, in a garden, airport, sketching with friends…or a hospital.  People passing by like to comment. Most of the time they say, “nice sketch”, “wish I was talented” or “are you an artist?” But I’ve also heard, "What a shame it's in a sketchbook you could have sold it”. Why is it that so many people do not see the value of something unless they can attach a dollar amount to it?

Take a tour inside a recent sketchbook. Click on the video below or click on this link https://youtu.be/hkvCpZgJ1FQ

The sketchbook in the video is one I made. To learn more see: The Perfect Sketchbook

My favorite manufactured brand is the Stillman & Birn, Beta. My video review: https://youtu.be/TiIt0-H-yK0

I leave you with this question...

What is the purpose of art if it does not feed the soul of the one who created it? 

  Happy Sketching! 

  Brenda

The Perfect Sketch Bag

I'm an organized person by nature and the idea of having everything I need in an organized bag delights me to no end. I keep my sketch bag packed and when I get a chance to sketch I grab the bag and go. No need to worry about forgotten items. 

Over the years I have refined the set-up and it works for me. I use a “Rigger Canvas Bag” I found at a tool store called Harbor Freight (they no longer sell the bag but I've seen similar bags at Home Depot and garden shops). I've made a few alterations to the original bag.  I took out some stitching to open up the pockets on the sides, put cardboard inside on the bottom for added support and a shoulder strap. Now my pens, brushes, palette, sketchbooks…fit snuggly. You just can’t beat it! 

I have been carrying a sketch bag around for so long friends have nicknamed it the “Brenda Bag”. I use my Sketch Bag when I travel across the country and overseas. I simply take everything out, roll up the bag and put it in my carry on luggage. Yes, I carry my palette on the plane. I leave it open for a couple days so the paint will harden and put in a plastic bag. 

The sketch bag has become like a old friend. We have traveled across the U.S. countless times…to Prague, Germany, France, Tuscany…by car plane, train…

If you wish to learn more about my larger 10x11 sketchbook, read the "Perfect Sketchbook".

Would you like to know what I keep in the bag? Here's my Youtube video. Click on my Sketch Bag to view the video.

If you have a problem viewing the Youtube video paste this link in your browser. https://youtu.be/iKsme0wedDk 

Happy Sketching!   

Brenda

Wish I Had Your Talent

Filled sketchbooks on top shelves

In the last 22 years I have filled dozens upon dozens of sketchbooks. At last count I've filled 60 plus books. I've worked hard at perfecting my craft. My sketchbooks mean more to me than any painting I’ve ever done. I am not afraid to try new mediums, techniques, subjects and I can see tangible growth in my work. Within the covers of these books I can see my life. Here is where I am free to express myself with words and images. The pages contain the ups and downs of my life. I treasure these books.

Lighthouse Sketch 1992

Next week Danny Gregory and a film crew will be at my house to film my klass for Sketchbook Skool (the spelling isn't a typo). Danny thought it would be helpful to have students see some of my earliest sketchbooks. I had to go deep into the closet to pull out one of my first watercolor sketchbooks but I found one from 22 years ago. YIKES...this is a humbling experience! What a powerful reminder of how far I've come. I can honestly say to anyone who says "wish I had you talent or gift" ... I wasn't very talented or gifted 22 years ago.  It is also very clear how much I improved when I found a teacher who nurtured and encouraged me. Their teaching influence is very notable. I didn't make this journey alone...I was guided and nurtured along the way by teachers I admired and trusted. During their years of instruction I can see my greatest growth. I owe them a debt of gratitude! 

Lighthouse Sketch 2013

The first page of a new sketchbook feels a little unnerving and the last page feels a little sad...like the end of a friendship. With each new sketchbook I wonder where it will lead me, and what lessons I will learn along the way. 

I can hardly wait to share my sketchbooks, experience and knowledge. 

Happy Sketching!
Brenda
  

When I Hurt...

This morning I caught my breath...it has been a year since Daniel and I made our trip to Trinidad,  CA to be with Thomas & Lisa (my oldest son and girlfriend).  The long weekend was perfect in every way... even Daniel catching poison oak was a blessing because it got him into the doctors office. While at the appointment Daniel asked the doctor about a lump he felt on the side of his neck.  Most of you know the rest of the story...(you can read it here). 

A year has passed and Daniel is doing wonderful for which I am very grateful. Nowadays I'm surprised that whenever I talk about it I begin to cry. During the year of turmoil I held my emotions in check (most days).  I wouldn't dare give thought to the idea he wouldn't beat cancer!

Why am I telling you this? Usually I share sketchbook pages that reflect joy, travel,  adventure, and all around happy experiences. Rarely do I share pages of when I'm at my lowest.  For some reason I feel compelled to share my experience of how I process emotions in my sketch journals. Does somebody need to read this today or is it part of my healing process to let it go? I don't know the answer to that question.  I simply feel I am called to do so.

On my page, I AM SO TIRED OF BAD NEWS! I write that along with Daniel my dad's cancer has returned. It's been nine months since I wrote this page. Today he is being treated at the City of Hope and he's not doing very good. My heart aches to see him so sick. I save all his phone messages, little notes... I want to treasure each and every minute with him. Please keep him in prayer. He's name is Wes.

On the page OUCH! I was raw with emotion and wrote some pretty strong words... I needed to get out. When I write something like this I'm conscious that these books will be around after I'm gone.  I don't want my words to hurt somebody I love that is why I'll use a water soluble pen. When I am ready I use a wet brush and smear the words.

We all need a safe place to express ourselves without fear or concern of what others may think. I hope

♥♥♥Me and my Dad ♥♥♥

through sharing these pages I've opened your mind to ways of healing through art and words.

Happy Sketching!

Brenda

An Illustrated Journey, Video

Its been a couple months since "An Illustrated Journey", by Danny Gregory was published. Before I had a copy of the book in my hot little hands Danny interviewed me on Skype. We had a wonderful conversation about techniques, tools, materials, my personal journey, and thoughts. As promised, I said I'd tell you when it was posted on-line. Today it was posted! Here is a link if you would like to watch the video interview. The beginning is a little choppy, but hang in there...it's good stuff!

The book is a real jewel...filled personal thoughts, creative inspiration, funny stories, wonderful adventures and more. The artists in the book are diverse, talented, inspiring, unique...and from all over the world.
Here's a link if you are interested in the book, "An Illustrated Journey".

Happy Sketching!
Brenda

Putting Zeta Paper to the Test

Recently the Stillman & Birn Sketchbook Company sent me samples of their new Zeta Series paper. When the paper arrived the first thing I noticed was the papers surface. It is similar to Hot Press watercolor paper. To the touch the surface is smooth, bright white and the weight is 180 lb. The Zeta Series has both internal and surface sizing, it is acid-free, lignin-free and chloride-free.  

Click on image to see larger

Step #1 Pen drawing. I used the technique of Contour Drawing with a waterproof pen.

Step #2 Watercolor painting. I began by blocking in the larger areas with watercolor.

Step #3 Here is where the paper is put to the test. I like to build up rich color in glazes. The paper held up great.Where I wanted to lift color for highlights the color came up easily with a soft brush and clean water.

Pen & Ink

I thoroughly enjoyed how pens move on the surface…they glide! I also noticed that some inks take a little longer to dry than others. This has to do with the papers sizing. This isn't

a problem, just an important fact. Quite often I select pens/ink because they move when wet, but for this demonstration I wanted the line work to stay put. The Pitt Pens by Faber-Castell dried instantly, and this is the pen I used (medium tip). Noodler’s Ink in Polar Brown and Lexington Gray dried instantly, too.

Watercolor
I am predominately a watercolor artist so I was curious to see how the paper would hold up with watercolor. The paper was a joy to paint on! It was easy to build up layers, soften edges, and lift color. I found it easier to work on than Hot Press watercolor paper. All my colors remained clear and vibrant and the paper didn't warp.

Final Thoughts
I take all my artwork seriously whether I'm sketching or painting. The Stillman & Birn Company takes their paper seriously, too. I can’t wait for the new sketchbooks made with Zeta paper to arrive in stores. I will definitely be using it!

Happy Sketching! 
Brenda

The Perfect Sketchbook

My Finished Sketchbooks

I have come to the decision that The Perfect Sketchbook...is one I make. I like stitched bound sketchbooks for travel and journals but for an all around workhorse I like my own best! Listed below are the papers and the sizes I use.

Watercolor Paper

3 Sheets of 22x30
I like an assortment of 140lb.  Saunders: Bockingford & Waterford (Cold Press, Hot or Rough)

(available at Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, (800) 227-2788 www.cheapjoes.com)

Toned Papers

8 pieces of pastel paper (11x10)

I use Mi-Teintes by Canson. I prefer creams, grays, and sepia tones. The paper comes in pads or larger sheets. Mi-Teintes can be found at most art supply stores.

Drawing paper

4 pieces of white drawing paper (11x10)

Simple Cover & Backing

For a simple cover and backing have spiral bound at an office supply store (Kinko’s, Staples, Office Max…). They provide a light weight cover, backing, and spiral.

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If you want to get creative with the cover...here's what I do.

Additional Supplies for Decorative Cover

 

1 Piece decorative paper for cover.

Paper should be at least 1 inch larger than sketchbook size. A good resource for decorative papers is scrap booking stores. Papers that are thin should be avoided (tissue or Japanese paper). 

1 piece 11x10, 140lb watercolor paper

1 piece 10½X9½, 140lb watercolor paper

1 piece 11x10 stiff backing for back cover. I use thin illustration board, or mat board.

Miscellaneous items

Yes! Paste

Stiff brush for paste

Bone folder or burnishing stick

  

Directions

Place 11x10 watercolor paper on top of decorative paper (12x11). Cover watercolor paper with a light coat of Yes! paste. 

Turn watercolor paper over and burnish down with bone stick. 

Trim 4 corners as seen in picture.

Use paste on 4 flaps, fold over, and burnish down with bone folder.

Cover 10½X9½ watercolor paper with a light coat of paste and mount on top of cover (backside). This gives the inside cover a clean look and extra strength.

 Selection of papers in my sketchbook. The papers where punched with a spiral binder (picture taken before spiral was put on). Spiral binding is available at most office supply stores (Kinko’s, Staples, Office Max…).

 

Make a sketchbook fit your own needs. Use any brand of watercolor and drawing paper you like and any size you like. 

Happy Sketching! 
Brenda