... Read moreHey fellow art lovers! I know we all sometimes hit that wall where we want to draw but just can't think of what to put on the page. Or maybe you're like me, trying to build up a 'chunky sketchbook' filled with lots of different ideas. I've been getting so many questions about easy sketchbook drawings and where to find inspiration, especially for those quick, satisfying pieces that don't take hours to complete. It's all about making art accessible and fun!
One of the biggest takeaways from my recent drawing journey, as you saw in the 'SKETCHBOOK TOUR!', is that 'easy' doesn't mean boring or simplistic in a bad way. It means finding joy and focus in simplicity. For instance, my 'Types of Cacti' page was all about breaking down a plant into basic shapes like ovals and cylinders, then adding just a few characteristic details like spikes or ridges. You don't need a full botanical illustration degree to draw a cute, recognizable cactus! Similarly, the 'Moon and Stars' piece shows how powerful simple celestial shapes can be. Just a few clean lines and perhaps some gentle shading can create a magical vibe that feels complete.
If you're looking for 'Flower Power!' on your pages, start with basic petal shapes and then layer them, focusing on the overall form rather than intricate botanical accuracy. Don't worry about perfect realism; think about the feeling or the essence of the flower. My 'Citrus Slices' were another super fun and easy experiment – just bright, vibrant colors and simple, repetitive forms. You can find inspiration for these quick, satisfying drawings everywhere: your fruit bowl, a potted plant, or even a glass on your table – much like my 'Martini Time!' doodle. These everyday objects are perfect for short drawing bursts, helping you fill pages without feeling overwhelmed.
Getting that coveted 'chunky sketchbook' look isn't about drawing masterpieces on every single page. It's about consistency, embracing variety, and letting go of perfectionism. I've found that dedicating pages to different themes, even if it's just a few doodles or quick studies, really helps. For instance, after spending time on something more detailed, I might switch to something quicker like a pattern, a simple object, or a quick landscape study. My 'Coastal Maine' sketch, even if it was just a quick impression of the scenery, adds to the rich visual story of the sketchbook. It captures a moment, a place, an idea, and contributes to that satisfying thickness.
Don't feel pressured to make every drawing portfolio-worthy. Honestly, some of my favorite pages are the ones where I've just played around with different pen color combos, as I mentioned in my original post. It's truly about the process and filling those pages with your unique artistic journey. Using materials you genuinely enjoy, like my trusty Pilot precise V5 pens or the cheerful Papermate flair! felt tips, also makes the entire experience much more enjoyable and less like a chore. The smooth flow of a good pen can really encourage you to keep drawing.
To easily kickstart your drawing sessions, try picking a simple theme for the week – maybe 'desserts,' 'geometric shapes,' 'random objects on my desk,' or 'things I see from my window.' Having a prompt can significantly reduce decision fatigue and spark your creativity. And yes, platforms like 'Pinterest' are fantastic resources for visual ideas and inspiration, but also just observing the world around you can be incredibly inspiring. Look at the patterns on your clothes, the textures on a wall, or the simple outline of a coffee cup. Every little sketch adds up, making your sketchbook uniquely yours and wonderfully chunky. Happy sketching!
Love the last and the first the best