For a while now, I’ve enjoyed taking a peek into others’ sketchbooks – Alisa, Lori, and Denice, to name a few. But it was Blair’s sketchbook project that gave me the nudge to start a sketchbook again.
Over the years I’ve started many sketchbooks. I’ll start out with good intention, but then I quit. I lose interest or simply get frustrated…I can’t draw. The good news is that drawing can be learned (this I discovered while taking a drawing course in college), but it takes time and practice. Honestly, there were always other things that I preferred to spend my time on, especially when drawing didn’t come naturally and felt incredibly uncomfortable.
I guess I wasn’t ready.
In my past sketchbook attempts what I’ve failed to see is the point keeping a sketchbook. PRACTICE. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s not supposed to be a book filled with beautiful perfect drawings – it’s for experimenting!! And discovering!! And playing!! Oh my goodness, how did this concept elude me?
Now that I’ve set myself straight on the purpose of a sketchbook, drawing is fun. I’m stuck on these silly little houses. So what if it looks like a first grader drew them, I don’t care. I’m having about as much fun as a first grader with a brand new coloring book!! I’m enjoying the process, so the outcome doesn’t really matter, does it?
I’m sure I’ll get sick of these houses eventually, then I’ll move on to something else. Little by little, I am beginning to feel more comfortable and not so afraid to try something new…even if it turns out awful. After all, it is only a sketchbook.
