Morning Musing on Finding The Right Sketchbook
Luvlies, Good morning. Remember my musing on nightmares and murderous roommates? Well, I went to the scene of the imaginary crime yesterday. I had to pick-up new sketchbooks from an art supply store that is at that intersection. That intersection and I have beef. As a kid, I was attacked by a crazy woman in a 50’s nurses uniform, while standing at that exact corner, so it’s understandable that it’s a place of my nightmares. But that’s not what a want to qvetch about. I want to focus on the elusive sketchbook, and how I found one that is bring me back to life.
During and after the pandemilovato, I went on an international hunt for the right sketchbook that would take my art to another level. For I, a neurospicy, the right paper/right pen help me reach flow state. The wrong paper/right pen aid me in doubting why I want to make art at all. The wrong pen has me writing an unrecognizable signatures on the backs of my lotto tickets. You get the drift.
I purchased a variety of sketchbooks in 2022, before the prices skyrocketed to what they are currently. Each book had different paper qualities. Some I dabbled in and hated instantly, where in others I blossomed. It’s an outer body experience when I reached the point where I looked at my work, and marvelled at how I was … a drawer now (inside joke).
Some sketchbooks I abandoned for years, but eventually picked them up again and felt a type of way. That’s what happened with the Alibabette artbook. In the beginning I couldn’t understand why there were profesh sketchbooks that could only handle pen and pencil, not liquid. I didn’t love the colour nor texture of the paper, but I did love the lay flat option each Alibabette has. From 2022- 2024, I barely touched it. But for the past year, I’ve loved working in it.
My work was become more refined and quick. My bravery is building with each hour I spend in it. I love that I see the paper grain in the skin textures. I use my LEAST favourite colour pencils (*sideyes polychromos*) in them and the work comes out flawless (see hero image). I drew this piece the day I was filled with Peri’s self-loathing and adored this layered character on the page. Like, it’s actually good and I finally feel like I’m ready to start my journey to becoming a Mistress portraitist in oils. This sketchbook will be the starting point in my process. Where I will flesh out the final shapes before I commit them to canvas. Cuz my ultimate dream is to paint those portraits you see in hospitals and estates of quirky, yet important family members, loved ones, and doctors.
I’m finally on my way there.
…and that’s time. Still here? Leave your thoughts down below.
See you tomorrow Luvlies!
xoxo Luv Laney Luv
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Morning Musing is a pomodoro-timed, free thought experiment to get back into the swing of things. No Ai added.
