MY FIRST SKETCHBOOK || Coffee Chat & Tour

[@theroadhome_Liz_Summers]

Thank you for this! I have watched your “mini” cafe drawings so interesting to see this “start” in ink and wash and to hear your thoughts as you review. I don’t typically watch sketchbook tours, but the “my first sketchbook” got me! At 68, I am 5 months into ink, sketching and watercolor not having done anything of the sort for over 50 years. So, my sketchbook … actually several are a combination of experimenting, my tutorials attempts and illustrated journal (lots of coffee cups :) ). I enjoy them all. None of them masterpieces! I am a long time amateur photographer/blogger and I really love how any creative documentation of live cements memory as well as brings joy to review for all sorts of reasons: skill progress, revisiting good and challenging times. Thanks again for this share!

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I think it’s great that you’re creating art. Grandma Moses certainly didn’t let age deter her. I think my own best art has been created after 50. There’s a lot to be said for having the and desire to create. I wish you continued luck on your art journey! ❤

[@AliceBeyers-e3w]

I’m very attracted to your style. To be honest, I enjoyed every painting in your sketchbook! One of the most significant takeaways for me was where you talk about how much time it takes at first (4 hrs. for one painting) and how, with practice, you get much quicker. That is encouraging because I’m still in the beginner/struggling stage. Thanks for sharing your skills and thought process with us. Cheers!

[@Saucy444]

What a gem of a video! What a progression! You’re right huge difference in paints, like when Dorothy opens the door! I loved seeing this all again. The mission looked like a photograph. I like them all but the Pentel Christmas scene with the wreath over the door, absolute favorite! You’re amazing❤

[@Angie-pl3uw]

I loved watching this. Your English views and American farmhouses are just lovely, as is your Tucson mission. Thank you. It’s a lovely beginning to a lazy Sunday.

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks so much! At first I wanted this to contain only English architecture, but the American scenes (and Norway church) were just too compelling! 😊

[@deboramissoorten6765]

Sketchbook flip throughs are awesome and my favorite to watch , always so inspiring , certainly on a 'again' rainy Sunday . It is indeed so , we all had our sketchbooks in the art academy but used for ideas, scribbles, notes and it is also years later through the start of youtube and IG that my passion for the artsy sketchbooks came alive . I love to collect small art zines 😊 I also love your tiny sketchbooks and how you capture the beautiful UK scenes , I found your channel a while a go already through the channel of the lovely Sunny Kabocha . Thanks for sharing and I wish you an inspiring Spring 🌺

[@LeslieStroz]

I’ve just packed up your zines and will send tomorrow. 😊 Sunny is such a lovely person and a talented artist. We are overdue for an artist date! Wishing you creativity and joy on this rainy day. ❤

[@deboramissoorten6765]

👏looking forward to them @@LeslieStroz

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

Hello Leslie ! It's incredible the evolution of your painting, (through the skies and the trees)it's encouraging 😁🙏🏼 I love the promenade with the seagulls 😉 and the idea to paint a sketchbook for the futur members of your family is great and sweet 🥰 You make me think to starting one for my boy 😉 Have a nice sunday, bises

[@LeslieStroz]

You should DEFINITELY start one for your son!! And for his children. 😊❤

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

@@LeslieStroz thaaaaaank you ! Now I have to find a nice sketchbook to start ,not too big and you advise a 100% coton ??? Any ideas ???

[@LeslieStroz]

@@-MEL16-A.O.CI haven’t used enough of them to know the best, but so far I really like the Etchr. I’d say just make sure the paper is 100% cotton! 😊

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

@@LeslieStroz thank you so much ! I'll take a look at these ones 😉🙏🏼😘

[@ThatPaintingLass]

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. Leslie when I see your paintings I feel like you can walk straight into them. Getting to see your 4 year progression is so cool. Especially knowing that the paper was holding you back so far. You have grown so much and it was beautiful to watch.

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks so much! It was a shame about the paper, but I still learned so many other things about layering and mixing. 😊

[@fantasy3786]

leslie ahh u inspire me to draw more buildings and love appriciate the art of architecture thank you ❤ love you lots!!!

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m so glad! I hope you find time to draw this week. 😊

[@karinwarch4331]

Hi Leslie, I love seeing your beautiful paintings and sketches and learning how to compose scenes and organize a travel art kit. I wanted to tell you that I was thrilled to learn you have been to Ellison Bay, WI in Door County. It is a favorite place of mine. Thank you for sharing your art journey and for all your insights. You have inspired me to get back to sketching and painting more regularly - I look forward to seeing your next video soon! Thank you again, 😀

[@alexandramoore8200]

Such a neat way to see how your art style and technique has changed over time, as well as being a snapshot of memories! Love it!

[@lizcharalambous9150]

Great idea, I love mine. It's been interesting to look back and see how I've improved :)

[@LeslieStroz]

I always made my students save their work all semester and lay it out chronologically on the last day… and it was always so incredible to see their improvement. Yet, I’ve never done it to this degree for myself until now. ☺️

[@Dante343]

That sap green really sap-ped the life out of your paintings 😜 I really appreciate this sketchbook which has been done over a few years. I see artists get through sketchbooks in months by doing nothing except sketch every waking minute or have one for each year which frightens me. It really is interesting to see one's growth and it's easier to see with a compilation like this that's been done over the years.

[@DanniGeee]

Leslie, thank you so much for sharing this with us! I love *everything* about it; from your art to your narration, it’s truly inspiring in so many ways. (As is the case with all your videos & shorts…except for my ever-increasing desire to own _all the tiny things,_ lol!) For me, the most meaningful element of the video was your willingness to share it with us in the first place. Our own “inner critic” is always the loudest & most damning, isn’t it? Your challenge, especially at the beginning, to not over-criticize your work, was viscerally relatable (even though your work was amazing). But the most invaluable aspect was the process by which you talked through it. In giving yourself grace, you also modeled & encouraged it for all of us who struggle with our OWN worst “inner critic” when we create. Thank you again, Leslie. Your sketchbook is a wonderful glimpse into distant places & simultaneously a timelapse of your watercolor/ink & wash journey. It’s truly beautiful, from cover to cover, hopefully accompanied by equally lovely memories that you & yours cherish, both now AND for generations to come!

[@HomairaEkra]

Leslie you are really inspiring❤ you inspired me that i could love my paintings more and tried to improve my skills harder than before 🥰🎨❣️

[@LeslieStroz]

That makes me happy. Best of luck in your own art journey! 🤗

[@KariAndresen]

What a fun sketchbook flip-through. So many lovely scenes. I love the idea of sketching homes from movies or tv shows. I might try that.

[@HarukaTsunoda]

How nice!! I'm glad see your many colors❤Very attractive. You are good painter and keep your amazing drawings. Thank you.

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@mfiniteone]

Good morning from California! Thank you for sharing your journey ❤ so inspiring

[@LeslieStroz]

Good morning! 🌞

[@nancydb1390]

I've entered my "sketchbook era" and loved seeing yours.

[@annesilver8387]

Thank you for sharing, Leslie . Your art is beautiful! It was wonderful to be able to look through your sketchbook. We are all, always learning and growing, with our art.

[@christophermckellar1352]

Brava! Wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@Vissanalla]

I really love your sketchbook! It's inspiring me to try and do something similar, I've been an on and off artist for most of my life. But perhaps its the push I need to try to have more fun with art and connect with art again on a regular basis! Thank you for showing us your wonderful sketchbook! And also for all the really great tips on your channel! I've watched a lot of your videos and they have helped me a lot!

[@karinmerlijn1866]

Gorgeous sketchbook❤ beautiful. Thank you for sharing🙏

[@MariaEkeblom-ld5bb]

Thank you! You got me painting again!!!❤

[@Angie-pl3uw]

Thank you, Leslie, for the enchanting river-boat cruise. I don’t think I’m writing in the proper comment section as it disappeared from my screen! I did love the scenery, the architecture, and , of course, Poppy and you two girls. To be able to produce a mini-sketch such as yours in three minutes is the result of your training and a wonderful talent. Thank you for your generosity in sharing it with us.

[@kathrinacf5037]

thank you for sharing this ❤ it's beautiful and inspiring 😊 Congratulations in finishing your sketchbook🎉

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks! Now I need to get busier on my new sketchbook! 😅

[@judihussey5889]

Loved seeing your artistic growth! It is inspiring. Altho I found your art at every stage beautiful!

[@lindafernandez5778]

Greetings from Tucson! Just discovered your channel. Love your work❤!

[@LeslieStroz]

Helloooo Tucson! ❤

[@lindathaxton1994]

Thank you - that was fun! It was all good!

[@pirrmoments]

This was really interesting, inspiring and soothing to watch. 😊 Thank you for sharing!

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m so glad! 🤗

[@lasky4204]

Thank you, it was an inspiration to see your evolution and the improvement in your paintings. Like your pieces a lot.

[@TheNailPolishHound]

Inspired by your videos I’ve just bought my first small sketchbook and en plein air palette. Wish me luck 😃

[@pippas5808]

When I started learning watercolour, my tutor advised skipping the 'student' stage and buying artist grade paint straight off - she said there were enough challenges as a beginner without having to deal with inferior pigment on top of all that! Seeing the difference in your paintings once you switched, I can see what she meant - the earlier paintings are lovely, but the professional colours just sing compared to the student ones! (We were limited to six different colours for the duration of the course, so it wasn't as expensive as if we'd had to buy loads)

[@pinkpanther3431]

From France, thanks ! I adore your style.

[@KarenK-r4f]

It never occurred to me to use gouache and watercolor together 💙💜💚I like, I like😊

[@henkvanzuylen]

What a pleasant voice you've! And nice work in your sketchbook, I'm still far away from that kind of results

[@TineFederliebe]

I swatched W&N Sap Green the moment you mentioned it 😅😂. I am very grateful that you share your journey with watercolour, the struggles and thoughts you had on it. I´ve always been an artist in my heart, drawing and painting til my mid-twenties. Then job and family left me no time to do it. My three children are now old enough to give me a little bit more time, but I still have a very challenging job. So I still struggle with too little time to paint, and I am really frustrated. No time to paint- no progress.... But seeing you carry on your journey over years soothes me and gives me hope to carry on. Thank you so much! Warm greetings from Northern Germany!💜

[@peacockalleyent]

Thank you! Really special look at your process in a sketch book

[@lindahipple4817]

Thankyou so much Leslie for sharing your sketch book! I loved it, I understand about paper quality and using prof level watercolors...your artist journey is beautiful and will continue to change and grow. I never thought about passing my sketch book down to the up coming generation, what a grand idea.

[@LeslieStroz]

I loved the Cotman and still think they are great for beginners, but wow, professional paints and cotton paper are definitely game changers! I love thinking my art can somehow influence (or even just entertain). I have this vision of them being discovered in an old box in an attic and inspiring one of my grandchildren or great-grandchildren. 😊

[@margaretpinsent6388]

I love your sketches, the ink work and the colours. Thank you. I'm new to watercolours, and I've been introduced to the Japanese Kuretake paints which are really creamy and come in full pans. I'll check out your channel. I don't use tiktok, and ig reels are often too fast for me to enjoy. Thank you for showing your lovely art.

[@TheMaryWriter]

This was a wonderful video to watch. I picked up sculpture and painting a few years ago after not doing it for many years and I've had to be patient with myself as I get back into it. Despite minoring in art in college and spending hoards of hours studying color and design on my own just for fun, I haven't felt like a real artist. Seeing your sketchbook and how you grew and pushed yourself to grow was a much needed reminder that there is no one way to do art and that growth takes time. Thank you for sharing your paintings with us. I would love to see you repaint some of those compositions now with your newer style, if you were able.

[@LeslieStroz]

I think a big part of the problem is that most universities don’t properly teach skills since the mid 1900s. The exceptions are few in the Western world. But it can be learned. And if you feel compelled to paint and sculpt then you ARE a real artist. I look at these old ones and half marvel and half cringe, but I love that they are a document of my growth. It’s true what they say that practice makes perfect (or at least makes one better!). Best of luck on your art journey!! ❤

[@snoxander6333]

Great sketch book, thanks for sharing .!

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@maryannperkins6000]

I have just discovered you on utube and am inspired and intrigued by your sketchbook I am awaiting the delivery of my tiny sketchbook off on on a new journey Thank you

[@ayshafatima7109]

Your paintings remind me of illustration in kids books brings back memories i really loved that style of drawing and painting still do

[@mildredmassey4742]

Love this sketchbook Leslie!!! I love all of the paintings. I do love the mission painting as I live in Arizona.😀

[@ChantelleArts]

What an incredible sketchbook, Its such a journey ☺☺☺

[@LeslieStroz]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@OpalInspired]

Lovely your sketches Leslie , there is truly a real feel for the places and environment.❤❤❤

[@craftykat]

I love all of these paintings; you are so talented. I was very happy to hear that there is a chance that I might get faster as I learn. It takes me so long, lol.

[@LeslieStroz]

The more you draw and paint the faster you will get. I promise! 😊

[@calistafesuiai218]

Thank you for sharing Leslie 😊

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure. 😊

[@maryalgar8779]

Oh WOW - I too noticed the shift in your work when you started using professional grade watercolours. When one wants to start learning this style of painting, should you work from a photograph or on-line reference photo?

[@eltrym]

Hi Leslie, I'm loving your channel. I grew up in Somerset and have visited alot of the places you've drawn. My uncle is the artist Maurice Bishop who has a gallery in Lynmouth, Dunster and Watchet. Some places I loved visiting growing up were Dunster, Watersmeet (Lynmouth), Minehead, Selworthy (Minehead). Anyway, question... What did you use to write the description of where you were in this sketchbook? Was it just pencil? If so, will it not fade over time? Thank you xx Ps.. You might like the book The Landscape of Somerset by David Sellman & Roger Evans. It contains beautiful landscape photography.

[@Brilliantnash]

Loved this Leslie.

[@ankeschultz3404]

Hallo Anneli, what a wonderful journal. Love your Art and your grandios ideas. I'm happy, that I found your place on KZbin and also happy, wenn I see the red point on my Abonnement 🥰. Greetings Anke

[@cazkiwinz4300]

I loved every single picture… I love sap green… I don’t understand why people want “realistic” or too much detail in line and wash/watercolour and ink “sketches”… the whole point is to be drawings. I’d kill to be able to draw like this… one day

[@stacypearce3945]

Would love to see some re-do paintings :)

[@lidiamarina]

Lovely!!! subscribed!

I think you're too hard and dismissive about your past works. They're awesome! They're not worse or better, it's simply a different style. I personally love them so much, probably more than anything. And the shading and reflections are so on point. You should be kinder and more accepting of your own works, just because you change your style it doesn't mean you were worse and now you're better. You simply changed! =) All the paintings you showed are absolutely gorgeous!

[@CaroleBoulware]

It is so comforting to hear the moleskine sketchbook is garbage, I thought I was going crazy.

[@mpmansell]

Many years ago, I seem to remember that the Cotman Sap Green was a more vibrant colour than it has been the last decade or so although it is possible I misremember from the pro colours.

[@LJ-xw3ou]

Beautiful work! I subscribed!

[@LJ-xw3ou]

What do you consider a good brand for sketchbooks?

[@jezza_wut]

♥♥♥♥

[@varadharajannadarajah]

❤

[@K.ART_vlog]

so nice ❤ new subscriber

[@KanshikaKms]

Is this a three paper?