Sneak Peak: Inside my Most Important Sketchbook

Today I am sharing a sneak peek into my studio journal. This sketchbook is just one of the ways that I develop my ideas and think things through. I hope this insight into my process helps to spark some ideas for you!
The sketchbook I'm using is this one: www.amazon.co.uk/Jumbo-Square....
The paints are acrylics.
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#sketchbook #artbook #sneakpeek #artist #abstractpainting #paintingdemo #artinspiration #artistic #painting #painter #abstractart #artistsonyoutube #youtubeartvideo #inmystudio

[@jessicastrideart]

I think it’s a great idea to have a creative book filled with your thoughts about your art and pages of experimenting. What a book of treasures!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It does feel that way x

[@dianeoconnor8310]

I could never see the point in a sketchbook. I saw so many artists doing immaculate images in theirs, and when they came to doing a finished picture, the spontaneity was lost. But a journal is whole different ball game! When I finally understood what the difference was, I just fell in love with the whole idea, and I have several on the go.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I felt the same about sketchbooks in the past too - we just have to find the way that suits us

[@magdalenastonesart]

I've just finished a long artist's mindset course with Cheryl Taves, and during that I developed a very similar way of using my sketchbook which... much to my delight... really, really suits me! It's a kind of sketchbook/scrapbook/notebook/journal combo, and I've found that the ever-changing nature of what turns up in its pages keeps me interested. There are no rules! Looking forward to seeing more of your studio journals in Art Tribe 🙂

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That sounds wonderful! It's funny how everyone has their own version of inspiration. ♥

[@jodiepugh8529]

I’m so glad I joined Artist Tribe so helpful and the community is supportive

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks Jodie xx

[@christydickerson575]

I never kept journals of any kind. I didn't want to admit what I might see. Thanks to you Louise I now have several journals going. Some for inspirations, some for exploration and a newer one where I continue to work on paintings until I feel they are finished. The other night I was working on exploring purples and when I finished I had too much paint to throw out, so I just let something out on the next page and it turned into a rant about the over turning of Roe vs Wade, mass killings and the turn to hatred in the US. It was painful, but at least I got it out for a bit and it's in my journal as a reminder of work that needs to be done. Each session with you gives me more freedom and confidence.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That's so great to hear Christy x

[@sharonputman3633]

WOW ❤ I love your abstract art Louise. I’m a beginner at 80 I was inspired to try abstract painting when Covid shut down life as we know. What is mind mapping this is the first time I’ve heard of it! 😮

[@ThisPaintingLife]

www.mindmapping.com/mind-map

[@lindarobinson3130]

That was very inspiring , beats bits of loose paper floating about the studio for the house rabbit to eat !

[@ThisPaintingLife]

haha - but think of the rabbit!

[@merrypannstudio]

Thank you Louise, this peek into your sketchbook with your explanation is really helpful and inspiring! Great ideas for how best to get the most from keeping an art journal! ❤ Love it, thank you again!! Merry x

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@giovannascottart593]

Thanks for your generosity Louise. I recently opened my sketchbook at an Artist’s Talk event. Felt extremely vulnerable but it was well received. People now appreciate the depth of preparation for each piece or series. It’s not for everyone so thanks again for opening up.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks for sharing!! When people look in my books they say "Oh, so you CAN draw!" lol

[@sarigoldberg2499]

Louise, Thank you! I've been in a non-painting rut lately & I'm going to take your idea of a Studio Journal and start up again!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@susanmerkel]

totally understand that💓🙈

[@laurienye7514]

I loved it, I think it is a great idea that you keep a creative journal, I think that is great to remember what you have have done and what you want to do. You journals are a gift.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad you enjoyed it Laurie and I very much feel the same way!

[@mai_8j888]

Keeping a journal has only very recently become a practice for me. In the past I would buy hard covered blank books, hoping they would inspire me (they did not), or people would gift me hoping that I would take up doing art again, and except for the very occasional doodle, the journal books pretty much stayed empty. Although I've yet to start painting (what, wasting paint? ;)) in a journal, I am doing writing and sketching, perhaps in watercolour pencil, as a practice. As with with meditation, doing it daily, even if it's only for a few minutes. Watching your TY videos of what you put into journals has helped me understand the sort of things that would be included as subject material. I'm crediting you, Louise, for getting me to understand the importance of keeping an art journal. Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I am so happy to have helped!

[@jeannettecotter3119]

The joy of orange into the light leaving the darkness behind! In love with this so much I am going to paint my front door orange!

[@mai_8j888]

@@jeannettecotter3119 Orange is such a beautiful colour. Now you have inspired me to create using orange!

[@caroletalktings]

As I listen and watch, I think of waterfalls and dramatic water shapes in front of, or within, layers of colour from nature. I think of the sun, layers of sunshine, patchworked landscape, the sky changing from dark to light. I have a journal as part of a floral and abstract painting course, as I wanted to learn about creating floral shapes and building up layers.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

How interesting! I love that you can see all that :)

[@gerricalpin4825]

thank you for the journey through your journal. It opened the door for me to organize my daily play into a sketchbook. 🥰

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@lindasteger7207]

You, your art and your energy is as lovely as the sunbeams on the tip of a dove’s wing. Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wow, thank you!

[@Happy2bwoman906]

I’ve just started using a sketchbook in a similar way… i like your idea of cutting or cropping paintings on paper to help me notice arrangements that i resonate with but haven’t started working directly with . Like reminders but also invitations ❤

[@michelemarie4559]

You are single handedly responsible for my keeping a studio art journal! That and so much more. Thank you Louise!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@eliza479]

I so agree. I should have thought of keeping such a journal as I'm sure it would have helped me with the serious and lengthy creative block from which I only recently started to emerge. Does anyone else get this - periods where you get too scared to even try because you've convinced yourself that you are going to 'fail'?

[@ThisPaintingLife]

YES! That is exactly where I have been. I taught a class about it this month in Art Tribe if you are a member. It has really helped me :)

[@anneforsythe9987]

Thanks Louise! I am looking forward to this Masterclass in February!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@aishasheikh9056]

You’ve always been my INSPIRATION!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks so much Aisha x

[@PaulWalesArt]

I don't currently use a journal like the one demonstrated. I can absolutely see the value.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It really has helped my work massively x

[@Marianne_C_O_Art]

I'd be lost without my sketchbooks and journals and just today I rearranged my art space so that I have easier access to them as they were put away in a tub.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That's a great idea :)

[@ckass32]

Always inspiring me and you're amongst my all-time favorites. 🥰 Love you Louise! Thanks for all you do, and share with us!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much - that is so kind of you x

[@sarahgranville]

When I started your find your joy course, I really tried to use a journal but found it hard to do and I left it collecting dust. I think now I can see the benefit it would bring. Must get on and join art tribe! Thanks for the insights xx

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I hope to see you there x

[@23GAGirl]

Love it… going to buy a journal now ❤

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Good! Have some fun with it - it can become like a really good friend - one who keeps all your secrets and always understands x

[@marionjoy9475]

The insight into your process is invaluable . Thank you for sharing Louise. The Journal is inspiring and your commentary helps to understand your process. Much appreciated. Thank you

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@safiabutton]

Thank you for sharing - and your process and why you use it makes complete sense. I have kept sketchbooks with ideas (as well as full drawings) for ages - and I still use them as references, but that's more line drawing & inkwork. The more I reawaken my mixed media/acrylic paint mojo, I realise I need something akin to what you have and similar to that line-drawing sketchbook too. I need a place to experiment with colour combos, with mixing, with shapes and 'ideas', not in a fully fledged way but in a 'doodle and plonk for reference' sort of way. Actually invested in two new A4 sketchbooks just last week for exactly this - now to make a start on it!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That's great - have fun with it :)

[@marlashaw7399]

I LOVE this Louise! I have soooo many ideas in my head I have focus issues. This looks like it may be a viable way to do a daily brain dumping!!! THANK YOU!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Perfect!

[@sanaedvorjetz4809]

Hi Louise, Thank you for sharing your valuable sketchbook . It showed me some ideas on how I could use my sketchbook more innovative manner.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad that it was helpful!

[@sallynicol4737]

Very interesting and sparking ideas

[@mauimorgan9757]

Thank you for being so generous with yourself♥

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are very welcome Maui - I am so glad this one has been so well-received

[@DeloresHaugland-xx6nc]

So helpful...a way to harness thoughts, ideas, pieces of things...I feel.nowbits ok to cut a piece of work out of a book! The studio journal..what an idea...yes! Delores Pierce-Haugland Edmonds wa

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad you liked the idea!

[@aishasheikh9056]

Wow! Best abstract paintings so far🖼

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much 😀

[@tanyataggart8297]

Thank you so much for sharing Louise. I have always had journals but, some I wrote in, others I painted in and some were just for sketching. To see it work in one book has given me more inspiration to put it together. Thank you again for your generosity!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I used to do that too and it's so much pressure!

[@maureenmcauliff4083]

You have changed my life My heART tell you thank you so much!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so very welcome Maureen ♥

[@traces2807]

This was brilliant Louise and generous of you to share, thank you! I'm beginning my abstract journey and the thought of just jumping into (onto? lol) a big white canvas is pretty intimidating. This type of journal could really help me explore and play with the paint/mediums first. 😊

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad you liked it! Don't be afraid to just jump in. 🖌

[@joellengiraffe5840]

Hi Louise I don’t remember how I discovered you but I love listening to you for two reasons. First, your accent is delightful. I once said that to a man from London and he told me he didn’t have an accent, I DID! And here in the upper Midwest of the US we think we’re the only ones in the world without an accent! Second, and more important, in one of your videos you said something about not giving up on abstract painting- like you wouldn’t give up on learning to swim after one or two lessons. That’s me! I tried abstract a couple of times and thought “this is not for me”! But I don’t want to give up. I’m 73 years old but just a fledgling artist. I am signed up on a waiting list for one of your free offerings. I hope you will continue to inspire me not to give up on abstract. Thank you. JoEllen

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi JoEllen, abstract painting is really difficult - but also super-rewarding. It has challenged me in so many ways. It took me a few years and a few good teachers to find my way but once I did, I haven't looked back x

[@Elliebes]

Thank you for this video I was wondering how to approach all the therapeutic ways of using art to achieve my goals which I never thought of. I'm familiar with mind maps as a great way to development of those ideas 😊

[@tracyhickman1359]

A great video Louise, always so informative and generous! 🎨🎨😁😁🙌🙌

[@ThisPaintingLife]

My pleasure 😊

[@treezydcm]

Brilliant!!!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thanks :)

[@michaelvivier9538]

Louise, i got this idea from you last year. It has been the MOST important thing for me. As you say, it has helped with new ideas, techniques, colour palettes, etc. It keeps my ideas organized. Just got myself one of those concertina sketchbooks. looking forward to working in it. thanks again

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful! I am so glad I was able to help :)

[@ellengoodloe9786]

Yes, I use a studio journal/sketchbook as well. I use it to reflect on aspects of my art and others that I like, and to note things that don't work for me. I make notes about work I may want to do. Sometimes I tape my work in and sometimes I work directly in it. So, it sounds like I use mine in a similar manner. Can't wait for the new class in Art Tribe!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

i hope you'll share your book too!

[@ellengoodloe9786]

@@ThisPaintingLife I will, when I figure out how to video 😳

[@susanborghesi1349]

Thanks for sharing your being “stuck” these past few months! Same here! Not normal for me. I am a clay artist and jewelry maker. I just brought out my journal and sketch bookand found many ideas that I never persued. That book has so much inspiration nowfor me that I began doing clay again! Thanks! Susan

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I am so pleased you found those ideas - nbow you are off and running!

[@normalaming3943]

Fascinating thank you

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're so welcome!

[@susanmerkel]

Louise You give so much freedom in teaching.. making others feel comfortable 💓

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Aww thank you ❤

[@kimimarlowe5826]

Really lovely marks and colour pallets Louise. Very inspiring to watch, thank you !

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks so much 😊

[@peggylee5021]

I didn't refer to it as a journal until recently, but I have been painting color mixes as well as painting 4" x 6" pieces and gluing them onto the pages. Thankful to have found your channel.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I think the name is irrelevant anyway - it's what you do that counts :)

[@ArtFlyer01]

Excellent. Very practical. Thank you for sharing.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jackieswe]

Thanks Louise for sharing your journal, it's a great insight and very useful ideas as well😊I've recently signed up for Cheryl Taves sketchbook course, it's definitely thought provoking and challenging!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome and I am so glad you are enjoying the video!

[@arlenealbanese8764]

I find the sketchbook a way to just have fun with markings and painting. I do journal but haven’t in the sketchbook. Will try and put the two together . It’s so personal but I see where it can be helpful. Thank u as always.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Remember it's all about what you like - if the journaling turns out not to be fun for you, don't do it :)

[@ConnyLehmann]

Dear Louise, thank ypu for this great and informed video. I myself find it very difficult to keep an art journal. I often don't have the patience to wait for the page to dry. And I always have the feeling that these sites limit me. That's why I've now started experimenting on loose sheets and binding these sheets afterwards.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes we all have to find our own way - that sounds perfect :)

[@lisalopez5147]

Really great ideas Louise. Thank you for sharing your journal. I love to see your process. I do a lot of sketches in a journal but never really thought about painting in it. As always, I appreciate your videos. Thanks!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@fannyroche6887]

Thank you for this video, so inspiring to see the backstage! I'm watching it again this morning in my studio to get motivated to start my painting day!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful and so glad you enjoyed it!

[@laurasalzberg9447]

I haven't gotten the hang of keeping a sketchbook practice or a studio journal. I'm looking forward to the February master class!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

hopefully I can inspire you x

[@crismatos8409]

Love the images and the whole cool idea of yours🎶inspiring 🙏🏽🕊

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thank you x

[@wileycom]

Many thanks for your wonderful intuitive ideas and ALL that you do. I’m new to your channel and just subscribed! I look forward to exploring your artists group as well. I have Procreate but never even thought about working out my analog ideas digitally! Brilliant!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Welcome aboard! Yes I love playing with it, but sometimes it's frustrating not to be able to achieve the same results in paint!

[@muffetfeddo4922]

Thank you for taking us on a tour of your studio journal, Louise, and I’m really looking forward to the master class in Art Tribe! This video and your newsletter inspire me a great deal - I always appreciate how honest you are about your art journey, especially hearing about the challenges. Thank you for your generous presence!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@awakenedheartroom]

Love the idea :)

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you! 😊

[@VanessaRobson]

Thank you for sharing such a personal private element of your practice. Very helpful.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@janbaker9744]

Thanks Louise .Real inspiration in this video plus great examples to support the idea .

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you liked it!

[@monckeyman14]

This video is both inspiring to view and to review my own studioJournaling. I want to add pieces of old work I love to have ideas for new starts in color palette or design.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Go for it! I think the more we add into these books , the richer they become as a resource

[@tyragilb3318]

I work in my art journal (or sketchbook, as I call it) every single day. I love that it is something that I can keep forever, that I can’t or won’t sell to anybody (although people have asked to buy certain pages, I always say no because there’s something equally special on the back). It’s a lovely object in and of itself, and the piles of sketchbooks on my shelf say “I was here“. I experiment in them, I sketch, I paint, I write, I try different materials. They are my happy place, my playground, and are completely irreplaceable, my most precious belongings.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That's a perfect description Tyra. If you ever make a video sharing them, let me know! I love looking in other people's books

[@tyragilb3318]

@@ThisPaintingLife I do have videos on my Instagram page. The latest one is especially interesting to me because it moves from realism to more abstract work towards the back. Always experimenting! I tried sharing that link here but that comment seems to have disappeared. My page is simply my name. PS-- I LOVE your posts. Thank you so much for your continuing inspiration!

[@susanmerkel]

i have a journal or 2 and not consistently 🙈Your idea was GREAT!!!❤

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much 😄

[@beverlymozak5263]

I loved your “complicated” pages .. so interesting!! I haven’t such a journal but can really appreciate what it could teach me. Thanks for sharing lady.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@velmagay8554]

Hello Louise, I love your art journals. I began using an art journal along time ago to sort of track my thoughts and be able to refer back to something to much easily begin another project. Currently, I have about 7 journals. This has helped me to easily creates various cohesive body of artworks. However, since I have begun to review your videos my art journals have a stronger direction and you advice and demos. Although my journal is experimental, I'm no longer am guessing my art pieces seem much more intentional, if that makes sense. I cannot wait to take your online course

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That's so exciting Velam! And journaling is a big part of my course so I know you'll enjoy it x

[@angmacleod]

Thank you! Love this your through your book!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@artjojo52]

Love this sketchbook. Really inspiring. I so need inspiration. Really blocked.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much and just keep plugging along! Inspiration is everywhere.

[@susanmerkel]

This is FANTASTIC 🎉🎉🎉😮❤

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad you think so!

[@lindapowell2660]

Love this Louise. It reminds me once again how different we all are. I would really love to make some of those simpler pieces but at the moment I don't seem to be able to resist complication. The exploration is just too interesting.! Thanks so much for letting us in.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are welcome x

[@Handle1916]

Great journal - really motivating for me as I’m in a slump trying to get back to art making after a hectic career in corporate world. Life drawing group today and my drawing ability is the pits compared to years ago. Thank you ❤

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It will soon come back x

[@Handle1916]

@@ThisPaintingLife Thank you x

[@andreaharley4047]

Thanks Louise. Such a good idea as we can all come unstuck in this creative arty world us artists build our lives around.👍

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Absolutely!

[@piakelley7477]

A great reminder to open and express in my art journal. Thank you Louise for sharing yours, it’s pretty cool! ❤️

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@ellenwilliams6406]

Such a great idea. I do most of what you have in that journal but usually just do it on a piece of paper and forget to write my thoughts and then who knows where it ends up!🤣 I always have multiple journals that I am using but never thought to put all my ideas/practices into one journal. Not sure why? So thanks for the great idea. Can’t wait to see you at work in the masterclass.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I can't wait to see what happens when you start your journal!

[@menatholen8113]

Absolutely fabulous presentation, Louise. As always. Thank you so much for your continuous and honest inspiration.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@monckeyman14]

I kept this kind of studio Journal in my FYJ class with you, Louise and enjoy going back into it to read notes and review past art I love. This video is a great share.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I hope you're still adding to it (she said cracking the whip LOL)

[@linzebrandon]

I started exactly such a journal for myself this year. I wasn't sure how or what I am going to do with it yet, but your video has inspired me to experiment with a few different ideas - and I love being able to do that in a safe space. Thank you, Louise! 💜

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome. Make it a safe space where you always say 'yes' to yourself xx

[@linzebrandon]

@@ThisPaintingLife 💜💜🇿🇦

[@amandalake2500]

Yes I use sketch books big time and plot and plan and stick things in and work directly mine are a lot like yours apart from the actual journaling, I don't do so much of that, I really like to work on a piece and record each layer what I did in what order because im always chasing the perfect process!!!!!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@The_artistic_yogi]

I think this is a great idea... Something I think I will look into for 2023!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I really hope it helps :)

[@joancollier4488]

Loved looking with you through your journal. Very inspirational and actually makes me realise I need to work in a larger sketchbook again. Thank you :)

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad this was helpful Joan x

[@Manda_TrashPanda]

I have always kept an art journal, they are wonderful to look back on and great references and practice spaces. I have picked up some new ideas from this video. Thank you for sharing your processes. Its like a sneak peek into the workings of the artists mind ☺

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@michellepodolak2780]

Thanks Louise, I love this look into your process. I’ve been trying to keep a journal like yours. After watching this, I think I need to explore this more in depth. Looking forward to the class. Belonging to Art Tribe is so worthwhile and inspiring ❤

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome and thank you for being with us :)

[@paulalovesart4545]

Newer subscriber and I love these ideas. Thank you for sharing.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks for subbing! I'm so glad you're enjoying my videos x

[@MadelineHalliwell]

Thank you, it's really inspiring to see. The use of quotes, exploration and experimentation resonates and helps me to see how to carry out such a practise.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@ArtySubu]

Lovely to see your journal. I do have an idea-book too, using an accordion-style sketchbook so the thoughts can flow over a space that expands, and it's really useful to ideate in that manner.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Sounds great! Yes I like those books too x

[@celesteroe4672]

Thank you so very much, Louise! I have recently begun to use a journal. I started out using bits of prints and paintings to make compositions. Now, I am becoming more experimental. I'm exploring line against large shapes. Quite a difference between the beginning of the book and the end. Your video has come at a perfect time.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elainealmond5378]

Thanks Louise -really helpful. I tend to experiment on paper = perhaps I should do some more cutting & pasting as an aide memoire

[@ThisPaintingLife]

If it feels right for you :)

[@SharonLynnWilliams]

I have not used a studio journal -yet. But you are definitely inspiring me to do so. Just noting what I am interested in is valuable when going back to pick up the crumbs after a series is done is a great idea -thanks again Louise!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That's it exactly - you learn so much over time

[@annrubino6252]

Going down right now to do the black with various hues. I think this is also a lovely image, in and by itself. Thank again, Louise.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Have fun with it :)

[@Hazelnut1946]

Fab…. I have not been ‘producing’ as packing up my studio ready to move. I know what you mean about the creativity being there in the background ‘waiting in the wings’, in hibernation as it were, quietly waiting to SPRING forth. And I love that you use Procreate as part of you creative journey. Thank you for sharing your processing journey and how you document that. 👍🏻

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Good luck with the move!

[@Hazelnut1946]

Thank you. 👍🏻✔️

[@tanyabayliss1021]

This is exactly what I need and working towards but hadn't quite gotten there. Thank you for sharing.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lisaseckold9296]

So inspiring seeing your amazing art Louise. I'm obsessed with watercolour but love the layering you can achieve with acrylic and oils. Your video has sparked some ideas though for me to try in watercolour. I do keep a swatching-type journal, but would love to start being a bit more experimental in it, and try more linear brushwork.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You can be really free in your journal and try all sorts - it's just for you, so there's no pressure x

[@LisaMetcalfeArt]

Thanks for the sneak peek! I’ve never done a studio journal before but I’m about to start some new work for this year so am looking forward to next months Art Tribe! It’s come along at the perfect time!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That's such good timing!

[@alicerossleon4313]

Artist Journal: I get it! Record of workarounds. Thanks 🎨🖌️

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It really is whatever you want it to be :)

[@davidtidsall9266]

Hi Lousie great video and a good reminder of the value of journal sketchbooks. I know what you mean about the frustration of moving from digital to paint. I have sort of given up making a direct transfer. Now I use the digital as and interim or intermediate spring board between wet media, digital and back to wet as a way of developing and idea. So the digital becomes part of the process. I remember you saying in a video last year in art tribe that you don’t try and replicate a sketch into a painting but rather the sketch informed your process towards a painting or series ; this was such a useful tip to me, thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're so welcome David - thanks for watching :)

[@mariamartacrespo6768]

Thank you very much! I loved seeing your art journal, could you go deeper into your "map" and how to develop it and also SUPER interesting how you deal with procreate, it is very difficult for me to think and develop my work there, however I would really like to be able to do it. Thank you so much!! nice day!! I am writing to you from Argentina, hopefully one day I will be able to listen with a Spanish translation 🤩

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Great suggestion!

[@angiemichal1455]

Louise, I recently started using a journal on more regularly. I have a few around, half finished - how often do you go back to them? Do you go to them for inspiration or do you work out your ideas as you use them? I know you'll be doing a masterclass so I am happy to get more in-depth answers in YourArtTribe. As always, thanks for sharing

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi Angie, it will be covered in the class but I dip in and out as I need them x

[@mariettakopriva-vogelmann6384]

GREAT!!! Thanks a lot- this comes next - for sure!!! But at the Moment I'm prepairing my studio wall to hang the work like you often showed. Would you be as kind giving me a tip: What is the best distance between screws and dowels, so that many sizes of stretcher frames would fit? Love to hear from you - Marietta

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I don't know Marietta - it depends what size canvases you like to use. I measured the ones I used most and then spaced the screws accordingly x

[@ivywredenmultimediaartist9918]

I love this studio journal idea, when will you be teaching this in art tribe. I am very interested.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes - coming in February x

[@raybercey]

Thank you for your generosity and time. Can you tell what print that you use? The cropped prints of your work are lovely.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Sorry I don't know what you mean...?

[@raybercey]

@@ThisPaintingLife I apologize for being unclear. You mentioned that some of the images in your sketchbook were Procreate images. The color and details were so clear, what kind of printer do you use to print out the images? Also I do a lot of mind mapping before I start a series. I bring quotes and poetry in as well as colors I associate with those ideas.

[@jennyunderhill6797]

Really enjoyed this as usual, the book and contents most inspirational. Was it a sea white sketch book to lie so beautifully flat when open, maybe A4? Many many thanks. Working myself up for my new batch of artist creativity, very best wishes

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes it is - they do get less easy to life flat the more I do x

[@lauriesherman5340]

Thanks for that share…where did you find the work book it’s self? Love the size and would love to work. In that size

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It's a Seawhite sketchbook - they come in all sorts of sizes and shapes x

[@suef3086]

Hi Louise and thank you for all the creative wisdom you share with us, I am so grateful! 🤩Would you share which iPad artist app you use? TIA

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I did mention - its Procreate x

[@suef3086]

@@ThisPaintingLife Thanks so much Louise! I figured you did and I just couldn't find it