A new love of mine is keeping a sketchbook. I have multiple ones going at once but I do have my favorites. Recently I adore the hardbound-type books. I usually use them to jot down quick compositions, color schemes, concept collages and other doodles. Sometimes I write little notes all over them til the picture gets covered in words! Last weekend I started a few finished detailed sketches which is very addictive! I found some beautiful folk art flower imagery and decided that its leaves could support a whole colony of little cabins. It was only proper to have a girl support the whole living structure. The cluster of houses was inspired by this little find (scroll down to see the white house) and the sketch as well from my moleskin last year. Here it is: We Are Neighbors, Leaf to Leaf

Graphite on creme paper with acrylic paint

Detail:

It was so hard for me to leave her faceless (I do get caught up in drawing features) but I kept her simple. Her face is so tiny!

a print can be found in my shop.

I would like to expand this idea, but for now I have lots of little sketches (very loose and not print worthy!) to develop into paintings.

Tell me doodlers which type of sketchbook is your favorite? I would love to know, as I am always looking for new ones to try!