Art Lesson #8: Pocket Sketchbooks, Reviewed

The sketchbook I always carry with me

Do you debate whether or not to take art supplies with you?

This is definitely a conundrum for artists: you’re heading out the door, and you stop and think, “Is this thing I’m going to a sketching thing? Could I sit and draw in the middle of this concert/walk/drinks with friends?”

You debate whether or not it’s appropriate. Whether you’ll have time. And most of all…whether it’s worth the effort to gather up your art supplies and carry them around.

It’s even more of a question on vacation. You’re headed out the door for a long day of walking across London. Do you really want to carry that big bag of art supplies with you all day, only to reach the end of the day and realize you never once had an opportunity to draw?

The answer to this is to carry a little pocket sketchbook with you everywhere you go. Take just one or two drawing tools—maybe a pen and a colored pencil. That’s it. Use it, don’t use it, it’s always with you regardless.

And of course these little notebooks are also useful for w…