finishing a sketchbook in a week ✰

instagram ✦ @leighellexson
patreon ✦ / leighellexson
Hope you enjoy this video. I am going to try to list all the supplies I used in the video below :-)
Strathmore drawing sketchbook
Prismacolor Premiere colored pencils
2B pencil
Fudenosuke Tombow Brush pen
Posca markers
Winsor & Newton Gouache
Winsor & Newton Pigment pens
Sugar House Ceramic Co palettes & paint cup
Assorted oil pastels

[@eminorthworld]

I am so happy to be rewatching older videos as this sense of not letting go art that is a failure is very current. Or even starting in my case these days. I love rewatching your videos ❤

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

It’s so strange. When I see your colored pencil art, or other people’s, I love it when it has texture. But when I do it myself, I want it super smooth. I’m trying to break out of that need for “perfection”.

[@AmaliaTh]

i had that realisation today - with any medium I feel the need to make any art I make look "smooth" but i love seeing texture in other people's art .... i dont understand 😂

[@bandofweirdos]

Same! There’s so much emotion in the texture I think. But I can’t seem to let a line be uneven at all 🤦‍♀️

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

I’ve decided to try to do some scribbly drawings in my sketchbooks in order to try to break out of this mentality. Even if I end up not liking the results, I want to just do the drawings and leave them there as a reminder to stop worrying about perfection and just enjoy the process.

[@AmaliaTh]

that sounds like a great plan! might follow in your footsteps and do something similar

[@monikaazariah9237]

Same 🙂

[@arleebean]

This is SO inspiring. I actually sat down with my sketchbook yesterday while watching this, which I haven't done in a long time. Thanks, Leigh! ♥

[@cycts]

You talking about feeling guilty about not posting things Just For Content made me realize that not only have I gone through the same thing, but I actually haven't posted anything or shared my art for probably 2 years now. I've just been in this stage of self reflection and just.... making art for the sake of making art. It's been very good for me while I try to rebuild my relationship with art making. Obviously don't be like me and go 2 years without sharing but it's absolutely something I think more people need to remember. You're an artist because you like doing it! So you should do it just for yourself just as much as you should do it for other people.

[@pherranine]

i understand your guilt but on the other hand i think its also really cool you do it for yourself and dont need external praise to continue what u love doing!

[@LeighEllexson]

right! everyone works differently but I have been noticing so many people struggling with their three way relationship with themselves, art and social media.

[@gabriellaritaart]

Same. I have been thru the same. And I decided I wanted to make art for myself and not to get likes or please others, so I'm creating much less content than before and I only post what I like, I don't consider "trends"

[@ArtySubu]

I've always found it difficult to post new work all the time too. This month I've been doing Andy J Pizza's PEPtober challenge which shares process and thoughts and more of ME and only ONE new piece of work in 30 days! It's invigorating and have found a new way to share my art without so much pressure to make and show new work. 👍🏼

[@erikaleighart]

My job is in a different industry from yours, but I can definitely identify with the mindset that if you’re doing something, you should be “productive” or in some way capitalizing on the time you’re spending…and feeling guilty when you’re not. That mentality can hold you prisoner, and it is so liberating to challenge it. Satisfaction in utilizing your skill set for YOURSELF and no one else may not pay the bills, but there’s definitely a high value in it. Glad you gave yourself permission to play and do what you want, and thanks for sharing that process! Side comment: you’re a cool human, and I think it’s neat how you often remind people to stay hydrated! :-)

[@emma-qc1vx]

absolutely wrecking a new white pencil for the sake of aggressive blending is a young artist rite of passage

[@myriamtillson]

Your work is so completely the opposite of mine, it's so bright, colourful, vibrant and whimsical, that watching your videos feels like a vacation from my brain and I always feel relaxed and happy after I've tuned into your content. Love it. This was so much fun, thanks for sharing it with us!

[@furrylittlepeach]

beautiful 🌟🤠

[@LeighEllexson]

❤️‍🔥💋🎃

[@roseodonovan6979]

​@@LeighEllexson and Sha'an you both are gems made out of pure sunshine and rainbows. ✨🌈Love that you both support each other and fellow artists while inspiring us blossoming art peeps! (gouache & prisma colored pencils are now my new favs to experiment with) Speaking of your butterfly phantom pains, going through that time right now and couldn't wait to watch your latest videos since they're always cozy and soothing. Thanks for everything you do! 🦋

[@emmelinesprig489]

i love the tiger, he cute. his eyes with the pale mauve-y coat make him look innocent

[@Alex_Stark-]

Anyone else can’t stop watching her videos her art is so cool / pretty, can’t wait to watch this

[@squidpigeon7048]

i love watching you draw birds and recognizing the reference photo you used because i used the exact same one (this has happened 3 times in the 2 videos of urs i've watched tonight). constant bird sketchers unite!

[@anothergayartist]

tombow brush pens for lining are honestly amazing, if you like variety in your lines that you can't get with normal fineliners, this is amazing and the ink is black, not like dark blue or purple. it's good and it's so fun to work with so if it seems like something you like, they aren't super expensive I swear

[@dmccoy802]

LMAO at the blending colored pencils and that short ass white colored pencil as a result. So me in high school.

[@mdwrm]

leigh, you are one of my most favorite artists!! i love the way you document your growth when it comes to making art. i think most people are focused on "getting better" at art by making a lot of work, when i think a lot of people would benefit more from developing their artistic hand and eye. the way you describe your frustration with social media's interaction with the direction you take your work highlights this somewhat. you seem to want to push your boundaries and see how far you can take your abilities in a broader sense of what making art entails. people seem to see art as only about making good looking finished pieces but ignore how it feels when making the art itself. that act of doing can sometimes be why art is even made-- just to make it (vs having a product after). i support you on your journey to *make* art regardless if the reception is good or if it comes out looking good. this isn't to say your art hasn't been good; i've been loving your looser work lately. just know that whatever numbers you make on social media, you have so many people who enjoy your work. please keep doing your best! :o)

[@LeighEllexson]

Wow much love for this comment !!

[@krista_elise3838]

On the last pages of my sketchbook I will often collage a simple landscape- this helps with the 2 different types of paper and often the 2 different colours of paper if my cover is black or brown. I can use magazines, tear up old watercolour paintings I don’t like, reuse packing papers or envelopes... then draw over it if I want. The super blended coloured pencils remind me of a girl I taught my first year teaching high school AP art. She would “sharpen” her coloured pencil onto a sheet of paper and then use the tiny dust from the sharpening’s with her finger and blend it onto the paper. It was beautiful work, but quite a process. ❤️ watching your videos Leigh. Thanks for your inspiration!

[@thelinus]

Cannot tell you how much i love the way you use colour. Its so free and bright and inspiring!

[@Foxsy_Official]

I can't tell you HOW MUCH I relate to your discussion of feeling guilty for creating stuff that I don't plan on monetizing. UGH! That type of loose drawing/painting is so essential to growth and mental health and such, but it is so hard once you have the pressure of an online audience! It's wonderful to hear you talk about it though, it's such a specific feeling that's hard to put into words sometimes. It's nice to have people to relate to!

[@leahjespersen1698]

Watching you make art is such an inspiration and just makes me want to whip out my sketchbook, enjoy myself, and not care about the final results. Can't wait for the sketchbook tour! 🥰 💕

[@poppybarnes4018]

My Favourite thing to do after school is paint and watch ALL your videos again and again. They are so CHILL and inspirational and I love that! Cool video, love the vibe, so cute! Keep up the amazing work! :)

[@HartDraws]

art is my only way to run away without leaving home 😂

[@thebirdartistscottage]

I’ve found that creating work that’s for just me has been very empowering. I’ve done probably at least six 100 day projects plus a 366 last year. I guess that’s a little extreme but it really broke me from the whole producing to be seen thing. But that’s not the reason I did them-I was trying to grow myself as an artist but then I found that making daily art like was so good for my mental health. I just feel better when I sketch/draw/paint for my own pleasure. 💝 Thank you for all the effort you put into your videos and for sharing your thoughts and art with us.

[@RadishTheFool]

These types of videos are by far my favourite. Thank you very much for sharing your creative process, it's so heartening and inspiring.

[@gremren]

it's crazy how much i can relate with how you're feeling at the moment. wanting to grow and try new things, feeling somewhat trapped by external expectations, enjoying the process of something fresh... dude, i love this for u. get it!!!!

[@Lisa_Flowers]

I'm completely new here, I've never watched any of your videos before this so I had no previous expectations about what your art 'should' or usually looks like. So I think it's really interesting how you talked about breaking away from your usual artist self and experimenting and allowing yourself to be loose. I l LOVE how loose and playful the art in this video is, and there's just something about it that makes me super happy. I've also now (after finishing this video) checked out your other work, and love that too. But this specific vdeo and the art in it just draws me in, maybe because of that looseness and play. I think that's definitely communicated in the actual art work.

[@roarie]

I definitely remember making a colored pencil drawing of a Monet painting in high school for my french class. It was on printer paper and covered the whole thing. My french teacher loved it and put it up on the wall. I was v proud lol

[@Bamberdoodle]

I love this kind of draw with me talk with me type video! It's so great to feel like we're just hanging out drawing together. I like seeing your thought process as you work.

[@MrsQuam]

The deeper we get into fall, the more tan and summery Leigh looks! 😉

[@babystarcandy7]

The blended colored pencil thing is a THING? I absolutely went through that phase in high school! I did a realistic picture of some giraffes that I thought was just the epitome of Art and the best thing I ever did or would ever do. amazing.

[@wesleythecowguy4280]

Proud of you Leigh! I have been stuck after taking some commissions. I want to grow and just enjoy art, but I've been healing my mind of this idea that everything I make has to be shown to everyone rather than producing joy just for myself. It's an art journey. I'm trying to just dig into my new Strathmore and play with pens and pencils to give me some creative outlet while I'm busy with college classes. 🐮🐄

[@iburnedthetoast13]

something that has helped me recently is trying to reframe the invisible relationship with the algorithm...anytime i feel anxiety or guilt building, i think of artists in the 1800's who went entire careers hustling to get eyes on their work. i also visualize the internet like a slot machine and i'm just feeding it cookies like a friendly neighbor. even a shitty cookie is still a cookie.

[@danniclark]

As someone who gets really anxious around business talk as of late, I really appreciate this full-on art creation video! Would love to see more of this kind of content! Thanks for sharing :-)

[@AgushOjeda]

Yesss the blended color pencilssss i thought that was the supreme art form. Now i wont even get near a color pencil. Watercolour and inks 4life

[@garancem7303]

such a good inspo, your videos always put me in a chill artistic mood, I love it

[@quartzbees643]

I was just about to say "and the white pencil was a STUB" haha - totally was my best friends signature thing in art back then!

[@lemongacha]

NOOO THE OVERLY SMOOTH COLORED PENCIL ART i went thru that phase… very short lived,,, but i had classmates who would swear by that prismacolor colorless blender and just wear all the pencils down to stubs… this was also usually paired w hyperrealism so i was like im out!!!

[@Psych.o.delica]

"I'd rather suffer even tho I know there is a solution" :') * killed me *

[@sydneycombes7914]

YOU HAVE A LIL BIRB?!! oh my god he is so cute, he, she, i love themmmm! i just started following, and that was such a cute surprise i literally gasped 😂

[@LeighEllexson]

his name is Herc and he is a 9 year old parrotlet :-)

[@sparklesparklerainbow]

yep, is me! Coloured pencil blending gal! All the way! Also, yes, I can instantly feel how I felt when I look at pages in my sketchbook! So weird but true! Such a lovely video, thoroughly enjoyed it and wanna go finish my own sketchbook now🙃 Great inspiration, you are😍 xoxo Caro

[@mythandmilagro]

Cheers to finished sketchbooks! Something I’ve only ever done once 😵‍💫😂

[@noovernightguests]

I'm working way up to something like this where I just feel free to experiment without the amorphous "pressure." For me, I'm starting with re-decorating/organizing my apartment. Getting comfortable with trying a new look, getting inspired etc.

[@aleanim7649]

I started therapy recently and one of my big issues is creating for myself and not others. I won’t even start to draw because I’m afraid it won’t be good enough to post. Like, holy crap it’s hard to just do it because I enjoy it and not focusing on advertising and throwing everything I make into the void that is the Internet and social media.

[@llamabean529]

I really love this doodlely sketchbook, I love just watching the pieces come together and the different media you select for each one. Can just feel chill.

[@bryanamartinez3260]

I completely understand not being able to flip the sketchbook halfway through. I once did a spread that I was so proud of and loved it. I went to close the book and quickly realized the entire spread was upside down. It has haunted my dreams ever since.

[@LeighEllexson]

My nightmare!!!!

[@alexandriasdh3185]

Wow the colored pencil statement. It did take me back, though my high school days were awful I would look at artist and my friends and feel really defensive or perceive my friends as pretentious if they only wanted to use Prisma colored pencils. In actuality I was really insecure about my art. I had no reason to be I was good at what I did, top of my class even but I was very hard on myself and projected that on others. Not good memories but it took me back.

[@carro_ott]

Watching u work is an experience in itself. So beautiful

[@alyonajudina6750]

Such a wonderful video. Thank you for being so real and sharing all your ups and downs with us.❤️🤗

[@kimberleecatena]

I love your plants and the bird and your use of baby pink and green I love so much together im gonna try these diffrent mediums and just wing it. 👏💕

[@12321abcdefgh]

I'm super digging the bok choy and green onions. They would looks hella tight as stickers

[@gracesellers4871]

I have gone through that smooth colored pencil phase as well. Now I love the look of sketchy colored pencil in a sketchbook.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

You're always an inspiration, Leigh!

[@dakshagovil4460]

Everything here was so honest so genuine so hard to find and so beautiful That i kne nothing other than subscribing to this channel Bcz I'd want more of this energy in my feed as much as possible ❤

[@deborahmeyers7839]

Leigh you nailed this sketchbook I loved this video Herc and the pig getting carried but looking very much like a Toadie thanks for sharing 😘

[@yasmeenalkordi595]

The colored pencil high school aesthetic. I was there. Thank god we are progressing! My budget can't handle that much color pencil use.

[@stephaniemclean2451]

we love you leighh! your art still stands proudly on my living room wall, main feature babyyyy \m/

[@chanelcolors3168]

Ahh, colored pencils ♡ I remember those days in high school, haha. I'm loving your sketchbook pages! I think it's important for artists to take a step back and just make stuff sometimes, regardless of the results. Likewise, I agree it's a strange mindset, I think many of us can relate to. I feel guilty too if I'm not making something to turn into a sticker, print, etc. Watching you draw for yourself has given me the itch to break out random supplies and make a mess after constantly working shop stuff.

[@aria5295]

Ok, first of all, that shirt you wore on the 4th looked absolutely gorgeous on you like 🤌🏾. And second of all, I love your color combos to a fault, they're all so beautiful and mesmerizing. How do you come up with them? Do you take inspo from colors you see around you or on other people's art or do you just go with your intuition or smth? Everytime you start a new page and I see the colors you're using I first go speechless and I feel touched and inspired, and then I'm left wondering just ho w... Keep being awesome as you are. Love ya 💖

[@LeighEllexson]

My colors are really intuitively chosen. 😇 I have no real process to picking them! Thank you so much 🥲🥲🥲

[@hejstephanie]

Ahh Leigh I like that you just do what feels right for you. I change my style so often and feel guilty about it, but now I feel more empowered to just give a shit and do what I like! Thanks for that and that videooooo and you, so bye !

[@fuzzydragons]

love the bird! the colours are great 😀 kestrels, so tiny but so very very angry lol

[@wildcardkang]

I really like that you experiment with different media. Makes me less scared to experiment with my own art supplies 🎨✍

[@theclayagenda5162]

Love the butterflies and pastels! I never finish the last or first page of my sketchbook. It’s too much pressure!

[@LeighEllexson]

they're both so scary for no reason. threatened.

[@nanairomiso]

I'm glad you were able to find the joy in sketching again! The pressure to make everything Insta-ready/finished/polished kind of inhibits the artistic desire to just explore and try new things, especially when you already have an audience with expectations. It really was an enjoyable watch! :D

[@animecats4ever]

I love watching your vlogs. They are very calming and fun to watch and they make me want to doodle with some traditional mediums. Also, your hair reminds me of the characters in Tokyo Revengers.

[@heatherartsy8944]

I definitely did artwork with pencil crayons and it was mind blowing. I was not the greatest and even thinking about it makes my hand hurt. Thats probably why I didn’t continue doing work solely using pencil crayons, but they are good with finer details when mixing with water colours!

[@poppybarnes4018]

CAN NOT wait for your sketchbook tour!

[@kimberleecatena]

The way you work it almost looks like your just slopping things down and feeling it out and yet it all comes together so pretty and cute and charming and thats very inspiring to someone like me. Love it. 💗

[@AutumnLeaf24]

A cat in a jack o' lantern?! That's super simular to a drawing my sister did a few years ago, her's was just a pumpkin though.....😄

[@elysesimpson2207]

This got me so pumped and inspired. Thanks for being so honest about the process

[@artofmustafacetin]

Good ideas to draw and also encouraging record to make something new! Thanks Leigh!

[@moramie84]

Playing guess the vegetable while Leigh is drawing

[@krystalkalikala]

I loved watching this video, and recently subscribed to your channel. I've been craving to find artists who communicate all the nitty gritty real life stuff about being an artist and just making art in general. I've started to consciously call my books "sketchbook" and "art book" because I often times forget to just play in art rather than do fully completed projects. Both are good, but both are very different forms of mindset and creation.

[@meganlobrien]

Probably my fave vid of yours ☆◇☆ let it flow girl! Yay! Thanks for sharing ☆♡☆ x

[@artimals_]

Oooooph such a good video. Love how you write bye at the end of your sketchbooks 😆. I really struggle to finish my sketchbooks, but maybe if I say bye at the end instead of worrying about the last page it might help😁🥰 . Really loved that last clip of you flipping through the sketchbook, the lovely crisp sounds of worked sketchbook pages niiiice 😁💝👍

[@MikoBarb0uille]

thank you so much for this video it was really nice to watch AND all of the topic concerning art and expectation that you are discussiing in it are so inspiring and relieving actually , this is absolutely what I needed to watch and hear ! ♥

[@alileach5513]

Can't wait to see this sketchbook tour!!

[@lakshmiraman1223]

Had been going through a creative lull the past few weeks, started watching your videos yesterday and they ignited the spark in me to start drawing again. Thank you for that ❤ love your videos.

[@RachelleByersArt]

OMG that bird is beautiful! So inspiring 😍

[@peytonbailey365]

watching this while trying to finish my own sketchbook, loved the video :)

[@priyajoshi4838]

What a delightful watch. I resonated with so many things you talked about, the challenges, mindset and art goals. Your work is so fun and inspiring, thank you ❤

[@fourdexterity600]

oh my god the highly blended color pencil phase drove me crazy when i was in high school all i wanted was some high quality colored pencils and my parents refused to buy me $60 worth of prismacolors and i was so devastated i literally worked and washed cars to get monies just to but some and it was only a 24 pack of the veri-thins 🥲 but i cannot find my old sketchbook where i literally just blended to the death so many drawings thank you for reminding me of such a time 😭😭

[@boutotgeorgia6681]

Oh my god… I just started doing art after Highschool and I’m definitely going through my overly blended colored pencil fine art phase right now. Lol!

[@emmettowl]

Herc still chasing that forbidden juice. ❤️

[@RitaRitiRoo]

I feel the struggle to move beyond an art style is a constant struggle for a lot of us artsy folk, so it's super cool to see how you're finding new ways to grow! I got inspired to go through my art supply drawer and see what I can find/ make with it hehe x

[@aimeecreative]

Love this! Great goals with your art! I often quit in my head before I even start for similar reasons, so pushing through those thoughts and just having fun with your art is really important I think for growth and creativity. Go Leigh!

[@avamarti5051]

Another delightful video as always Leigh! I especially loved the birds in the blue pen spread. Your work is so inspiring to me. 🐛💛

[@jawarablake]

I love the idea of letting so of exceptions.

[@HippieHooray]

I totally get what you're saying and I have the same problem (about creating things purely for the internet). I am really bad with deadlines, and I'm super random, so I kind of just want to do what my brain wants to do! I used to be a professional illustrator but I paused/stopped it now so that I can also do other creative projects. Also that don't need mass production for my webshop, so I can take more time and actually enjoy it! Lovely video xxx

[@LaurenceP-art]

Seeing you work in your sketchbook is so inspiring! I can't wait to finish mine now 😊

[@slowandsimplelivingdiaries]

I love to draw and paint too, and your channel is so inspiring. I need to get a new sketchbook, too! Love your channel and the vibes!

[@cheryldimatteo9046]

I so love just watching you make art! Its as enjoyable as making it myself!! Your music choices are great❤️

[@MarionSMartinez]

I loved it when you said, "this is not the vibe." Can totally relate to that. I hope you do a sketchbook tour soon! ❤

[@SabrinaOlivera]

Just found your videos and I love your energy. I officially started posting my art on YT and this is very inspiring😊 I also just got a sketchbook and my brain is “you can’t post that blah blah”

[@amandaray_art]

I’m at a similar point in my sketchbook where I just want to move on from it and I have about 20 pages left. I’m going to take this video as inspiration to relax and get it done 😊

[@LeighEllexson]

you can do it!!!

[@amandaray_art]

@@LeighEllexson Thanks 😊

[@thebirdartistscottage]

I’m thinking the same thing! I’ve got seven pages left in my current sketchbook. It will be sooo good to finish is off (and so fun to start a new one). 💝

[@amandaray_art]

@@thebirdartistscottage yes!! Exactly 😁

[@julinhalazara]

The pressure of needing to make art profitable is what holds me back on starting to share what I create. I'm super scared of it making me stop creating because I want to, and I love creating just for the sake of it and me, and start feeling just this overwhelming need to make art just to be productive and profit somehow. I also don't want others expectations to affect what I do, or want to do. My art is messy, even "ugly" probably ... sometimes, and it's just freeing lol.

[@julinhalazara]

On the note of using wet media on drawing paper, I get the frustration but I love me some ruined, thick, wavy paper haha specially on sketchbooks. But yeah it's really easier to do with acrylic or gouache because it goes with less water.

[@julinhalazara]

Lastly (shit I'm talkative today haha) love the concept of the vídeo, adored your spreads and I'll probably die loving your style and your general vibe.

[@artsumeshae]

That’s so spot on. Im trying to get my art career off the ground, so I have to make time for art4fun and art4work and my full time job. That can be frustrating but seeing you make it possible in small ways more and more is inspiring. Im glad you’re enjoy the art process either way! ☺️

[@AnooshaSyed]

Ahh this is so inspiring!! I love the totally free approach you have towards your sketchbook, I gotta try to be more relaxed and open to experimentation and not try to make everything perfect!! (Though everything you made in this video was truly perfect hehe)

[@Dawnasy]

Thank you! I love this video! Congratulations on another finished sketchbook🙌🏼🤗✨

[@artbynao]

First of loving the hair and the glasses 🥰🥰. Totally agree with what your saying about creating art for you and not what is going to be nice for others. I love your choice of color and not out lining with black. Something I need to work on. Yass I was like that with the color pencils. Worked hours on one piece for that blended look 😂😂

[@JoelMorales-ky2gp]

Work has been extremely busy the past few weeks. I feel like I’m experiencing art vicariously through you!

[@sam_saba]

THANK YOU for this video and just the overall vibes of this 🌻 I sketched out a few birds while watching this and it's been so long since I've given myself permission to just be messy and imperfect 💛

[@adkllkda4953]

So much art in one video! Love it :)