Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
FIG 7.13
Small sketchbooks may
allow for a more discrete approach to
drawing. They fit easily into a pocket
or bag and you can take them almost
anywhere.
degree of discretion, particularly in situations such as coffee shops and the
markets or on the bus or train, where you will be relatively conspicuous
and close to your subject. It would be unfair to make people feel awkward
if they knew you were closely observing and drawing them, so take
a degree of care to avoid that. Using a small, discrete sketchbook will
help. Sketching people going about their daily business at the market,
in parks, and at sports events is not easily done with large, cumbersome
sketchbooks and a bag full of art materials. This is where the small
sketchbook and fine-line pens really come into their own. Working in this
way requires speed; you will not have the luxury of spending minutes over
rendering a particular aspect of a life model. The subjects will be constantly
on the move and the nature of pen and ink dictates that the first mark you
make is the mark you are then stuck with. Yes, you can overdraw on the
image, but you will not be able to erase with the same ease as you can with
a pencil. This type of observational drawing helps you develop a very keen
observational eye.
The different kinds of sketchbook bindings also have a bearing on which ones
you choose for a particular purpose. I find that small hardback sketchbooks are
ideal for working on location because they are small enough to be stuffed into
bags and pockets and the hardback offers the protection to the individual pages
that I look for. Sketchbooks with a spiral binding allow you to fold the topic back
on itself, again something that is very handy when you're drawing in confined
spaces. I find stitched bindings much better than glued bindings because they
seem to be able to take more punishment. I particularly like larger sketchbooks
with soft covers to be spiralbound along the top edge. Again, this allows me to
fold back the pad on itself and keep the binding well out of the way of my hand
as I draw. These are my personal choices; you will no doubt discover your own
preferences through experience. There are plenty of options out there.
