If you regularly read my blog, you know that I keep a daily sketchbook as well as an art journal. In fact, I keep many sketchbooks and art journals. I believe there are numerous benefits to sketching daily including:
- Records your progress as an artist. That’s why it’s important to date your daily art sketches. When you later look back over your work, you’ll be surprised at the progress that you made in your technical skills.
- Sketching can be a form of art therapy that quiets your left brain while allowing your right brain to express itself. This act can lead to a relaxing, meditative state.
- Provides a handy reference of your body of art work. Making quick notes about a particular sketch will help you remember details or the feelings you had while you were drawing - or even why you chose a specific subject to draw. You might want to make notes on colors, shapes, weather conditions or shadows to help you recreate a specific scene later.
- Record and develop new ideas for larger works of art.
- Experiment with new techniques, mediums or tools. As you try new things, make notes in your sketchbook for future reference. Then, when you have success with various mediums, you will have a record of how you achieved it.
- Provides a place for practice and experimentation. Producing a series of versions of a specific subject, such as a cityscape, helps you grow artistically.
- Sketching daily will sharpen your observational skills.
- Offers a relaxing and informal place in which to work. There is no pressure to be perfect. The sketchbook is your private oasis.
- Set daily sketching goals. Start with one sketch a day and work up to three or more sketches on a daily basis.
- Developing a habit of carrying a sketchbook with you, at all times, helps you to find drawing material in any situation.
What benefits do you gain from sketching?
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