26 Sketchbook Paintings
I finally finished! It took me 7 months but I finally completed my 26 sketchbook paintings that capture select special moments from our 2021 Epic Summer Road trip across the USA.
Over the years, I have started and stopped sketchbooks, and never had a continuous theme like I did with this one. Having a goal was important to ensure I kept going to the end. It feels really rewarding to have memorialized our trip in this special way.
A lot of artists I talk to, have hesitations when it comes to keeping a sketchbook. I know that for me personally, I have had comparison issues. I would see other artists sitting outside the Duomo in Florence Italy and they were drawing this elaborate architectural marvel with such skill and artistry and I felt so inferior. I can’t possibly draw like that. Trying to get all of those proportions correct and accurately depict the angles and perspectives while sitting on the curb in the street. Not happening!
Some artists post their gorgeous travel sketches online and I’ll admit, I have a moment of art envy. Their paintings are incredible and so is their lettering and decorative handwriting. Comparison syndrome strikes again.
I made a promise to myself when I begin this travel sketchbook, to just paint like me. No comparison, no envy, no worrying. I just approached each new painting the way I wanted to, mostly very loose, but a few more technical ones. This gave me all the freedom in the world, which also gave me happiness.
I love how all of these turned out and flipping through my book makes me smile as I remember each unique place and what it meant to me on the trip.
If you have any inner anxiety about starting your own travel sketchbook, please allow me to encourage you. Lay all your worries aside and just draw or paint the way you want to. Capture that special place on your trip with colors or pencil or paint or whatever makes you happy. Don’t let that sneaky comparison monster rear his ugly head. You are creative and you are totally unique. Make art that brings you joy and let the rest go.
Happy sketching and enjoy the journey!
😁🎨🎒🧳