Feb 29, 2016

Sketchbook Project: Week 8

I FINISHED A SKETCHBOOK!!

When I began this project, filling a sketchbook was my goal. I can't believe I filled this one in just two months.  I have dedicated an average of two hours a day on creating pages that I (mostly) like.  Some spreads have taken double that time, and others less than two hours. I've experimented with subjects and mediums, and this week I tried my first ever self portrait.  Well, half a portrait anyway.  I'm not comfortable with creating any human forms.  Especially trying to recreate my oh-so-familiar face. I almost erased the portrait about thirty minutes in.  I even said out loud, "I don't know why I keep working on this because I'm going to erase it."  But then I just kept going.  And then there was a finished (half) face. To me, there are glaring problems with the portrait.  And I still considered erasing it even after I was done.  But then friends threatened my life if I did, so it remains in the book.  Ha!  I know with time and practice, I will improve and become more comfortable with drawing people.  But for now, here's where it starts, immortalized on the interwebs, which is a truly vulnerable feeling, if I'm honest.  It seems about right though, to start the project feeling vulnerable about putting a daily sketch into the world and ending this book with the same feeling.

Enjoy the pages.  And don't worry, I've got a fresh, blank book waiting for today's drawing.

(Catch up on previous weeks here.)

Watercolor, Gouache, Japanese Brush Pen, Colored Pencil

Watercolor, Micron Pen
Micron Pen, Watercolor, Gelly Roll Pen

Left: Gelly Roll Pen   Right: Mechanical Pencil

Watercolor
Prismacolor Colored Pencils

It's Finished!


I will be starting a community revolving around the goal of filling a sketchbook very soon.  I'm excited to offer support and encouragement to others who want to get their creativity on paper.  So many folks have expressed to me that my project has sparked them to start (or pick back up) their own book.  I can't wait to see what we can do together!

Have a great week! 

4 comments:

  1. I've really enjoyed this series - your sketches are beautiful! Thanks for putting yourself out there. :)

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  2. I have enjoyed watching you progress though your sketchbook. You are very talented and inspiring. I look forward to meeting you in Atlanta this spring!

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  3. Nicki Kamau - @nicnak104 on instagramMarch 24, 2016 at 3:39 PM

    I scroll through my instagram every week looking for your recap video of your daily sketches! LOVE everything about it. You've probably mentioned it somewhere, but I can't find it - what type of sketchbook are you using? It looks like it opens flat and doesn't bleed. I'd love to buy one of my own! Also, that watercolor pen - I need one! My bundle of brushes and massive palette are not travel friendly. I would love to hear your opinions on the tools you use, or just what the tools are in general.

    Thanks for being amazing!
    Nicki

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    1. Hi Nicki! Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm using a Moleskine Art Plus Sketchbook and the watercolor palette is a Sakura Koi kit, which comes with the waterbrush. The pages of the sketchbook don't bleed, but do warp with a lot of water and brushstrokes. I don't mind, though. ;) Feel free to shoot me an email with any other questions! xo

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