As an artist, maker and teacher, I would like to sing the praises of sketchbooks.  Over the past many years, my sketchbooks have been a vital part of my art-making process.  For me, as with many artists, sketchbooks are multi-page visual problem-solvers.  Blank pages in a book are much less intimidating and much less precious than a large, freshly stretched canvas.  In a sketchbook, I can explore on a small scale before attempting a larger work or I can experiment and try out new combinations and techniques.  No matter how off-kilter or kooky my ideas or expressions are, it’s a risk-free, safe, non-judgemental way to play.  Over time it helps me visually dig into the meaning behind my abstract work.  I often refer to my sketchbook as my “playbook” where I can collect and play with color, texture, mark, layer and meaning. It’s also a place I collect notes and scribbles and snippets of visual inspirations. 

My students use sketchbooks in my classroom as well.  In their own books, students experiment with many materials, techniques and subject matters on a small scale to continue to further their experiences and build upon their skills  

One of my favorite things about sketchbooks is their portability.  I often bring my sketchbook on road trips, to a doctor’s waiting room, while at my kids' lessons, or to a park.  Recently I’ve been enjoying Boal City Brewing’s “Crafts and Brews” every Monday evening where I join a wonderful community of creatives. You can sketch anywhere!

Feeling stuck in your creative practice?  Want a challenge?  Grab an empty sketchbook and sketch for 5 mins every day.  There are many sketchbook “challenges” on social media that can help with motivation.  After some commitment and time, you’ll be growing and developing your own visual ideas.  It’s a great way to find and keep a creative flow. 

Erin Welsh is an artist and an art teacher at Bellefonte Area High School.  She graduated from Penn State with degrees in Art Education and Painting & Drawing.  She lives in State College with her two kids and husband Jim, a bicycle wizard. 

Sketchbook Haiku

Filling the pages

Seeking and finding the marks

Chaos to order

My sketchbook is a witness of what I am experiencing, scribbling things whenever they happen.

— Vincent van Gogh