Quote of the month

So here's a new thing I want to start doing on my blog: monthly quotes. Also, this is a page I did in my new sketchbook, which I am so far keeping up with. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and don't forget to let your flowers grow. 

The Art of Sketchbooking

I think I have a little bit of a commitment problem, when it comes to sketchbooks. I can never, ever, have too many, but I've also never been able to commit to one. I have basically developed a sketchbook routine of going to an art store, buying a sketchbook, immediately busting it open, and then tearing out pages because they don't "represent me" or look cohesive. Eventually I find myself getting a new sketchbook and abandoning this first one. Thus the cycle continues. 

So of course, a few weeks ago I got a new sketchbook. Below are some of the drawings I have done in it so far. With this one, I am going to try extremely hard to commit, and not relinquish it completely. If I am able to do this, I will post more art from it here, and also give updates and tips, on how to successfully stick with a sketchbook. It'll almost be like a relationship advice column, but instead of a dude, you're dealing with some paper. It's much more reliable anyway. Maybe I'll even get really into it, and make a break up playlist for when I get to the end of the book. 

Right now, my only tip is not to limit yourself. And I know that sounds cheesy or typical, but it's really true. One of my favorite things that my mom tells me is that you are your only limit. There's nothing else stopping you.

For me, in this case, I always limit myself with the medium I use. When I buy a new sketchbook, I devote it entirely to pencil drawings, or only watercolors, or only collage. But some days, I want to make art, but it's not really pencil that I feel like using. I have finally broken free from that box I put myself in, or at least I somewhat have, and I have started to experiment with different mediums in my new sketchbook. It was surprising how well the sketchbook held up with watercolors (which I used on the hands), since the paper isn't intended for watercolors. I am planning on heading to acrylic soon too, though my acrylic painting skills could really use some improvement.

"The world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort to be less horrible to one another." -Ellen Page.

This is a drawing a did over the course of a few days that was intended to be Ellen Page. It didn't turn out exactly like her, but it is one of my favorite drawings that I've done recently. Ellen Page is definitely one of my favorite actresses, and role models. I was so excited to see an article about her in The New York Times, about a debate she had with the Republican candidate Ted Cruz. Not to get into politics or anything, but I love Ellen Page's stance on things, especially in her conversation with him. It's a solid article, and everything she says is thought out and intelligent.