Such practical advice! You are a great teacher for us beginners Colin. LOVE the N. Ireland accent . I’m 1st generation American. Dad from Tyrone and Mom from Dublin. Lived in Tyrone in the early 70’s (just as the troubles began) and went to Mt Lourdes in Enniskillen. My brother has a home in Moville where he spends the summers - right on Lough Foyle near the fid. I was there most recently in 2023. Ireland is a hard country to quit! Keeps calling me back. Gets in your bones. Stunningly beautiful, mystical and enchanting. Anyways…. Would love to see more teaching longer videos from you. You are one of the easiest teachers to follow. Need more of what you got!
You have such a great way with words, and an inspiring way to present them, along with an obvious love of and talent for art. "A journal back to memories" and a "classroom to learn". Lovely. You also seem like a (young) old friend who just offers the best inspiration possible. Good stuff Colin!
This is the only sketchbook video I've seen that makes me want to go buy one! The thought of having one really appeals, though I'm a little anxious about it. I need to learn to relax, flow, and let go. I really appreciate this teaching and will re-watch. Thankyou!
Yes! I wholeheartedly agree with you. I WANT to be in my sketchbook/journal. I learn so much in my sketchbook and it brings good memories to me during that time and space. I've got my grandkids hooked on sketchbooks and they can really ART. Thank you for this flip through and for showing us how you do your thing.
Thank you for sharing this video. I've recently ran across your videos and this one hits home. I have been so afraid of wasting them on just practicing but now realize they are a wonderful teaching tool. ❤
I have 3 sketchbooks on the go...one for haiku some of which have watercolour illustrations, others coloured pencil. Another is a diary for doodles, reflections, quick sketches and, the 3rd, a rectangular sketchbook for more complex sketches and watercolours. Also a stack of cut-up food packaging card on which I experiment and do urban sketches etc. I really like the square sketchbook...I haven't tried square spaces yet.
I agree completely a sketchbook is the perfect place to experiment and not worry about making pretty paintings or drawings. I'm using the small Talens Art Creations sketchbook for quick bird drawings with my 7 in 1 Rainbow pencil. Lots of fun to just "play".
Thank you for sharing these Colin! I’m late to art (well drew a lot early on but I was never allowed to take art in school) but now after a career as a scientist and teacher, I’M RETIRED!!! I’m trying to kick start a sketchbook habit but I have no idea how or where to start and I’ve looked at far too many different sketchbook videos on RUclips, BUT, your ‘anything at all’ approach is the first time I’ve thought I could do this. While I’m playing with all the different supplies and processes, you’ve effectively said go ahead in the same sketchbook. I’m off to get a little square one 😊
Nothing quite as good as the feeling of opening and starting a notebook or sketchbook. TY for the affirmation and the prompt of the Sligo road. Frances
This is my second viewing of this video. Very inspiring and a reminder about having a practice. BTW, I just started a square sketchbook the same size as yours. Now I have additional inspiration. Thank you for all your encouragement and work on your channel.
@@Woodwardswatercolours absolutely! Whether you want to make something nice or ugly or practice or journal, etc lol every little thought just go for it!
This is an excellent analysis/description of what a sketchbook can - and should - be. I'm (mostly) past the fear of starting a new sketchbook and being overly harsh in critiquing what I put in it. I have too many sketches on loose pieces of paper when they would be more impactful and instructive in a bound sketchbook. Thanks for another great video about getting inside the thought processes we need to adopt, Colin.
Thanks Kris.. I appreciate that feedback - I think that’s exactly what I’m trying to put across is the thought processes we need to reject and lay hold of!
Colin I always love the videos you do but this one is really a game changer for me. I'm relatively new to watercolour and sketching and recently worried about using the sketchbook incase what I draw or paint isn't right, now that's changed so thank you as always.
Thank you for showing us the various uses for sketchbooks. I use dollar store sketchbooks for experiments & my more exspensive watercolor sketchbooks for final pieces.
This was really great! I loved that you talked about also using your sketchbook for notes. For years I carried a sketchbook around and mostly wrote in it. When I’ve tried to be steadfast in only using it to make “good” drawings in (as I see often in other videos), I find that I rarely pick it up. Also I find that I have trouble deciding when to use a sketchbook and when to make a stand alone drawing. What if I make something in my sketchbook and I wish it were not in a sketchbook but a finished piece? I appreciate that you seem to be playing and trying things out. I see mostly small, quick drawings. Do you use your sketchbook out and about or in your studio? Do you bring both your sketchbook and separate drawing materials when you go out and draw? How and when do the two things happen for you in your practice? Thank you!
I have to discipline myself to use the sketchbook because I don’t normally work up to a ‘final piece’ I’ve let go of that lense and now just get on with it.. sometimes I just want to have a go with a new media or just play in a safe space.. at times there are ideas I develop from sketchbook.. it really is a classroom and a journal for me
I'm not too far off from starting on a clean Talons sketchbook from the craft store. Currently I'm using a discount store $2 drawing prompts book that I treat like a public phonebook. I've been scribbling and scrawling over every bit like scrap paper has been discontinued. A habit I definitely need to curb since I only been sketching for 6-8 months now. As Barney Fife would say" Nip it, nip it in the bud."
Hi Colin. Barney Fife is a character on The Andy Griffith show from the 1960's. You Tube has videos, but won't let me put a link into my comment.@@Woodwardswatercolours
Colin, I’m very good at getting started in a sketch book and then I stall! Sometimes I just sketch with pencil or ink and the paper is too light for watercolour; other times I save a book for watercolour and I don’t use it for rough sketching ideas and never finish the book. Is there a happy medium - do you use a standardised weight of paper in all your books?
Hello! Thanks for watching! I prefer a good weight of paper in a sketchbook like 220gsm - I paint on 350gsm but am happy with less in a sketchbook! I’m not too concerned about paper buckling in using watercolour in a sketchbook!
Such practical advice! You are a great teacher for us beginners Colin. LOVE the N. Ireland accent . I’m 1st generation American. Dad from Tyrone and Mom from Dublin. Lived in Tyrone in the early 70’s (just as the troubles began) and went to Mt Lourdes in Enniskillen. My brother has a home in Moville where he spends the summers - right on Lough Foyle near the fid. I was there most recently in 2023. Ireland is a hard country to quit! Keeps calling me back. Gets in your bones. Stunningly beautiful, mystical and enchanting.
Anyways…. Would love to see more teaching longer videos from you. You are one of the easiest teachers to follow. Need more of what you got!
You have such a great way with words, and an inspiring way to present them, along with an obvious love of and talent for art. "A journal back to memories" and a "classroom to learn". Lovely. You also seem like a (young) old friend who just offers the best inspiration possible. Good stuff Colin!
Lovely words David, thank you I’m really encouraged!
This is the only sketchbook video I've seen that makes me want to go buy one! The thought of having one really appeals, though I'm a little anxious about it. I need to learn to relax, flow, and let go. I really appreciate this teaching and will re-watch. Thankyou!
Ah thank you.. really encouraging to hear
So wonderful that you are now on You Tube, you are always inspirational! Enjoy your day, I’m going to pull out my sketchbook right now😉😊
Excellent! I hoped that would be the result!
Yes! I wholeheartedly agree with you. I WANT to be in my sketchbook/journal. I learn so much in my sketchbook and it brings good memories to me during that time and space. I've got my grandkids hooked on sketchbooks and they can really ART. Thank you for this flip through and for showing us how you do your thing.
Sorry for the super slow reply. That’s so good to hear - you’re very welcome
Thank you for sharing this video. I've recently ran across your videos and this one hits home. I have been so afraid of wasting them on just practicing but now realize they are a wonderful teaching tool. ❤
I have 3 sketchbooks on the go...one for haiku some of which have watercolour illustrations, others coloured pencil. Another is a diary for doodles, reflections, quick sketches and, the 3rd, a rectangular sketchbook for more complex sketches and watercolours. Also a stack of cut-up food packaging card on which I experiment and do urban sketches etc. I really like the square sketchbook...I haven't tried square spaces yet.
I agree completely a sketchbook is the perfect place to experiment and not worry about making pretty paintings or drawings. I'm using the small Talens Art Creations sketchbook for quick bird drawings with my 7 in 1 Rainbow pencil. Lots of fun to just "play".
Please post your reference photo. I just love your loose, interpretative drawing style.
Will do!
Thank you for sharing these Colin! I’m late to art (well drew a lot early on but I was never allowed to take art in school) but now after a career as a scientist and teacher, I’M RETIRED!!! I’m trying to kick start a sketchbook habit but I have no idea how or where to start and I’ve looked at far too many different sketchbook videos on RUclips, BUT, your ‘anything at all’ approach is the first time I’ve thought I could do this. While I’m playing with all the different supplies and processes, you’ve effectively said go ahead in the same sketchbook. I’m off to get a little square one 😊
That’s wonderful! Jump in!
Nothing quite as good as the feeling of opening and starting a notebook or sketchbook. TY for the affirmation and the prompt of the Sligo road. Frances
You’re welcome Frances!
This is my second viewing of this video. Very inspiring and a reminder about having a practice. BTW, I just started a square sketchbook the same size as yours. Now I have additional inspiration. Thank you for all your encouragement and work on your channel.
That’s so good to hear. I’m glad it’s impacted and influenced you in an encouraging way
Ive always loved using my sketchbook for every little thing and it is very freeing and wonderful to have a place to let go!
Yes that’s it isn’t it.. A place where you can just go for it
@@Woodwardswatercolours absolutely! Whether you want to make something nice or ugly or practice or journal, etc lol every little thought just go for it!
@@mantiscore90 yes!
This is an excellent analysis/description of what a sketchbook can - and should - be. I'm (mostly) past the fear of starting a new sketchbook and being overly harsh in critiquing what I put in it. I have too many sketches on loose pieces of paper when they would be more impactful and instructive in a bound sketchbook. Thanks for another great video about getting inside the thought processes we need to adopt, Colin.
Thanks Kris.. I appreciate that feedback - I think that’s exactly what I’m trying to put across is the thought processes we need to reject and lay hold of!
Colin I always love the videos you do but this one is really a game changer for me. I'm relatively new to watercolour and sketching and recently worried about using the sketchbook incase what I draw or paint isn't right, now that's changed so thank you as always.
That's so good Lee... isn't that the stuff we all have to let go of - what we think is right and wrong! Thanks for commenting and watching. Colin
@woodwardswatercolours and @leemarks4543: I try to remember what my dad used to always say, “Do something, even if it’s wrong!” 😊
Thanks Colin , great video ... very refreshing . I'm off shopping tomorrow for a new sketchbook ☺ .
Ah, that's brilliant - you'll not regret it as long as you have fun in it, document and experiment!!
Colin, I have just discovered your channel and I love it here ❤
Ah wonderful! So good to hear!!
Thank you for showing us the various uses for sketchbooks. I use dollar store sketchbooks for experiments & my more exspensive watercolor sketchbooks for final pieces.
Ah you’re welcome. Thanks for watching
Love this video -thank you! Now I gotta go get out my colored pencils! So inspired!!
This was really great! I loved that you talked about also using your sketchbook for notes. For years I carried a sketchbook around and mostly wrote in it. When I’ve tried to be steadfast in only using it to make “good” drawings in (as I see often in other videos), I find that I rarely pick it up. Also I find that I have trouble deciding when to use a sketchbook and when to make a stand alone drawing. What if I make something in my sketchbook and I wish it were not in a sketchbook but a finished piece? I appreciate that you seem to be playing and trying things out. I see mostly small, quick drawings. Do you use your sketchbook out and about or in your studio? Do you bring both your sketchbook and separate drawing materials when you go out and draw? How and when do the two things happen for you in your practice? Thank you!
I have to discipline myself to use the sketchbook because I don’t normally work up to a ‘final piece’ I’ve let go of that lense and now just get on with it.. sometimes I just want to have a go with a new media or just play in a safe space.. at times there are ideas I develop from sketchbook.. it really is a classroom and a journal for me
I'm not too far off from starting on a clean Talons sketchbook from the craft store. Currently I'm using a discount store $2 drawing prompts book that I treat like a public phonebook. I've been scribbling and scrawling over every bit like scrap paper has been discontinued. A habit I definitely need to curb since I only been sketching for 6-8 months now. As Barney Fife would say" Nip it, nip it in the bud."
Not sure who Barney fyfe is, but sound advice, I think the ‘all in one place’ element of a sketchbook is so helpful
@@Woodwardswatercoloursruclips.net/video/B5-AydDNKS4/видео.htmlsi=osjrzKC3bNBJOL_V
Hi Colin. Barney Fife is a character on The Andy Griffith show from the 1960's. You Tube has videos, but won't let me put a link into my comment.@@Woodwardswatercolours
Colin, I’m very good at getting started in a sketch book and then I stall! Sometimes I just sketch with pencil or ink and the paper is too light for watercolour; other times I save a book for watercolour and I don’t use it for rough sketching ideas and never finish the book. Is there a happy medium - do you use a standardised weight of paper in all your books?
Hello! Thanks for watching! I prefer a good weight of paper in a sketchbook like 220gsm - I paint on 350gsm but am happy with less in a sketchbook! I’m not too concerned about paper buckling in using watercolour in a sketchbook!
Did you apply watercolor to this sketch???
Hi Ralph, the sketch was just in colouring pencil