Keep a Sketchbook Journal for Reference
“Anderson House” pencil sketch of a place in McCarthy taken from a 1986 sketchbook by Gail Niebrugge.
One of the most useful tools an artist can use for gathering reference material is a sketchbook and box of colored pencils. These items are easily portable, compact, and can be quickly utilized to record a moment, or place. The practice of making quick sketches is an exercise that will keep your eye sharp and develop eye-hand coordination. I have saved all of my sketchbooks and use them regularly for reference. Not only do I make quick sketches, I add notes about shadows, colors, detail, and any other aspect of the scene that I want to remember. Sometimes I record entries about a place or event that are important, somewhat akin to keeping a journal or diary.
More tomorrow,
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist
