The importance of a sketchbook for stimulating creative thinking in art
students is widely recognized. This book provides all the advice,
support, and inspiration needed to start and maintain a sketchbook.
The book is illustrated with pages from the author's sketchbook and from
the sketchbooks of many well-known artists, both historic and
contemporary, including Turner, Picasso, Hockney, and Cornelia Parker.
Subjects covered include choosing or making your own sketchbook, getting
into the habit, and living with your mistakes. Clear, punchy, and packed
with information, this book is the essential tool to inspire creativity.
Praise for Your Sketchbook, Your Self
From *Publishers Weekly:
*This how-to guide for building a sketchbook contains samples of
preliminary sketches, notes, and doodles from the notebooks of various
artists, including Picasso and J.M.W. Turner. Allen asks readers to
closely observe artwork and the natural world--as well as to avoid
self-censorship--as they develop their personal collection of artistic
reflections. Throughout, Allen underlines the importance of tenacity,
open-mindedness, and remaining true to oneself (A sketchbook should be
customised to do what you want it to do), and the message about studying
and learning from the processes of accomplished artists as a way to
develop one's own skills and style is invaluable. Ages 14-up
