The BEST Sketchbooks, The First Page, Draw with me! Art Studio Vlog

Today's video is another busy week in my art studio! Today, I'll tell you which sketchbooks are the very best, finish the first page in my new sketchbook, talk about supplies and have a fin time making some art! So, grab yourself something cozy to drink and come on in to my Northwoods studio for a chat!
Videos mentioned:
Sketchbook tour: • Sketchbook Tour, Best ...
this week's livestream: kzbin.infovsgFRBv_cV8?...
Time Stamps
0:00 Quick recap of This week!
0:52 Start of the video
2:12 Small sketching supply haul
08:05 going through all of my sketchbooks!
19:33 Copic Update!
21:18 Mystery supplies!
21:55 greenhouse progress
22:28 Organizing my drawing supplies!
24:02 Comparing three different brands of hot press watercolor paper
26:26 Making the first page in my sketchbook!
Small sketching art haul
Sterlite air tight tub: kzbin.infovsgFRBv_cV8?...
Bic Crystal in black and red- extra smooth: amzn.to/42YoRJM
Bic pastel highlighters: amzn.to/3Tk7UVR
Paper mate inkjoy ballpoint colors: amzn.to/3T3a1wK
Pentel Energel pens in color: amzn.to/3V4inab
Zebra Steel
.5 mm: amzn.to/49WG9sQ
and .7 mm: amzn.to/3wAuyRT
Sketchbooks mentioned:
Talens Art Creation Sketchbooks
Small Square: amzn.to/3P0WDrO
Medium horizontal: amzn.to/3TmuJte
large vertical:amzn.to/48AV7E2
Moleskin Art Journal: amzn.to/431Ct6N
copic paper sketchbook: amzn.to/49WDfEK
handbook co watercolor sketchbook: amzn.to/3UYmYdW
Illo sketchbook: amzn.to/4c0Naus
Stillman and Birn Zeta Series: amzn.to/3P0kTun
Moleskin Watercolor: amzn.to/3SRXdJy
Strathmore watercolor tiles: amzn.to/3IpGQiw
Hahnemuhle watercolor sketchbook: amzn.to/4bXxAQo
Strathmore toned tan sketchbook: amzn.to/49zYyvW
Stillman and Birn nova series: shrsl.com/4fuh8
Other supplies mentioned:
Kalour drawing kit: amzn.to/3SYBIXM
Faber-Castell pitt matte graphite drawing pencils: shrsl.com/4fuhc
Copic Gassenfude brush pen: shrsl.com/4fil6
pencil erasers: amzn.to/3wwIhJo
Winsor and newton fine liners: amzn.to/3P5FugV
col-erase colored pencils: amzn.to/3P2GUZo
jelly rol gel pens: amzn.to/3wJvDH0
tombow zebra pens
Arches hot press watercolor paper: shrsl.com/4filf
Legion Stonehenge aqua hot press paper: shrsl.com/4fuhj
Baohong Artis grade hot press paper: amzn.to/49WR1H8
🎨Join my Patreon! 🎨 / winterwoodsstudio
New Tiers:
$4- Sketchbook Club- A monthly sketchbook theme, three weekly prompts with copyright free reference phots from the internet, an active community on Discord and Facebook plus a Patreon Chat, and 4 Nature inspired, copyright free reference photos taken by me for use in your art, and a $15 art supply gift card given away each month!
$8.50- Student artist- All of the above, plus at least one monthly video ( could be an exclusive tutorial, a challenge, a lesson on art supplies, etc.) plus two monthly digital phone wallpapers lustrated by me!
$13.50- Apprentice Artist- All of the above plus at least one monthly Live Zoom call (these can be sketchbook sessions, paint-with-me, Q&A, or art challenge planning sessions)
To buy me a tube of paint!: www.buymeacoffee.com/winterwoods
One of my viewers suggested I should add my Amazon Wishlist for my channel since it's my birthday, so here you go! : www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
My shop is finally open!: www.winterwoodsstudio.com
My every day supplies:
Invisible Glove Barrier Cream (protect your hands from your supplies!): amzn.to/3Tl9JRC
Oil Painting:
Michael Harding oil paints (my favorite oil paints- the best of the best):
Six tube set: amzn.to/40vYN6Z
Ten tube set: amzn.to/3lcjVz2
Gamblin oil paints (my runner up paint and a little cheaper):
Nine tube set: amzn.to/3wY67e8
Winsor and Newton Winton oil paint (Best inexpensive but good quality paint for beginners):
Ten tube set: amzn.to/3JKEXPq
Liquin (thinning medium and speeds drying):
amzn.to/3Rzgr5S
Liquin for fine details:
amzn.to/3YLjryz
Liquin Impasto medium (for thicker texture):
amzn.to/3wYCSaW
Gamsol (oderless paint thinner and cleaner):
amzn.to/3DHpgVC
Watercolor:
Daniel Smith Watercolors:
amzn.to/3JQm91v
Arches Hot Press Paper:
amzn.to/3JLKW6H
Pastel:
My favorite pastel surface is ClaireFontaine PastelMat:
Amazon: amzn.to/3iWcRWx
Blick Art Materials: shrsl.com/3w5on
Stabilo CarbOthello Pastel Pencils:
Amazon(set of 60): amzn.to/3wooZmq
Blick Art Materials (sets and individual pencils): shrsl.com/3w5ph
Art Materials (individual pans): shrsl.com/3w5p0
All music by Epidemic Sound
Affiliate links with Amazon and Blick art materials help me buy more supplies!

[@winterwoodsstudio]

You guys, do you use sketchbooks? Why or why not? Are your sketchbooks finished works of art, or more practice and messy? Did I miss any of your favorite sketchbooks? I'm always wondering what other artists do, so leave me your comments! Have a great Saturday!

[@Samantha_tookey197]

I do, but usually to literally sketch out ideas and play with colours and swatch. I practice animals and faces and flowers etc, they aren’t pretty. I was so pleased to hear your views as everyone has beautiful sketch books and I was starting to feel bad about mine, I’m not a natural artist and I need to try really hard and I never get things right first time so I sketch in my book and sometimes trace and transfer my sketch.

[@jennbutterfly4448]

I would love to see your real working sketchbook! This is something I struggle with because of the demand for finished works. I don't really know how to structure a learning and practicing routine, which is such a large part needed to improve skills.

[@jessbutterfly9801]

Hi Amy, I absolutely love working in sketchbooks both are playing around, swatching and for finished work. I simply don’t have the room to produce as many finished products of work as I would like or have to space to hang them. And I’m no good at computers, so I have no idea how to upload pictures make them into prints or stickers and sell them although I have had people want my work before on all sorts of things. Unfortunately I’m just not that way inclined when it comes to computers. I’m in maker and tactile person in traditional art when it comes to me computers, there is a major disconnect. I would love to have a hashtag that we could all share our rough sketch books in maybe we could use the #AmysRealSketchbooks what do you think?

[@eleanortaylor4389]

I use sketchbooks to try out new supplies from SketchBox. However, most of my sketches are digital now. Mainly in Sketchbook Pro.

[@christicovington]

I have a super large cotton sketchbook that is 11x15 that I use as an art book for finished pieces and a couple others. I have my regular "ugly" sketchbooks to plan, draw and make a mess. Then I transfer any drawings with graphite paper into my Artbooks so I don't tear up the paper with erasing while drafting out ideas. Much ❤ and good luck with your surgery. Praying that all goes well and for a speedy recovery. 😊

[@lorettaadams5669]

I'm still very much a beginner, but I realized early on in watching you tube videos that a lot of the "sketchbooks" are not really a sketchbook. It's like you said, a small finished piece. I felt bad at first that mine had a lot of pages where I was figuring thing out and just learning to draw, but have realized it is very unrealistic to expect perfection. I appreciate when you post the real thing with timed sketches, work that isnt so perfect and things you are planning out. You keep doing you and I will keep watching. I say it's your channel and it's about your art journey. You do what you want and to heck with the people that want to be negative.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I know how you feel so much! One of my goals with my channel was to show what it is really like, not just he beautiful, glamorous, perfect bits! I just feel like we're making it harder for beginning artists when that's all they see on social media! I am so glad you appreciate it! Thank you so much for the support and for taking the time to watch and leave a comment!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Well said!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

I agree so much with what you said about sketchbooks!!!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

My sketchbooks are “sketch”books! But also finished work that is “good enough” lol.

[@suspage]

I’m so glad you talked about the purpose of sketchbooks! I too have been confused by the flawless sketchbooks I’ve seen on YT, and I felt so incompetent when I doodled in mine. I had really been wondering what the point of a sketchbook was, because, to me, it should be a place to practice and to explore new techniques and ideas and mediums. In other words, it won’t always be pretty!

[@bobbibrady9649]

Amy, I love when a utuber shows the working sketchbook, the only other person, that I watch, is Sharon Cullen Art. It doesn't teach me or make me feel good to just look at their beautiful finished pieces. Prayers for a good surgery and a speedy recovery.

[@susiemejia7917]

You are amazing. An artist to the core of your being. Thank you for the inspiration. May your surgery go well and healing be speedy.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Thank you! I think that might be one of the nicest things anyone has said to me about my art! I appreciate it so much!

[@marybuhl6097]

My sketchbooks are for working, trying, exploring, making mistakes, aren’t pretty, are for brainstorming with myself so I think you’re right on! i don’t put myself under more pressure of time limits. Then I wouldn’t take risks. Good job!

[@tammylong111]

You had me at "working sketchbook" so I subscribed!

[@angelabrommit7795]

Hi!! I love watching artists just play with their supplies!! It gives me the inspiration and freedom to do the same!!

[@tara-lee]

A sauna? I'm so jelly. My cousin just across the M river has one too. I've heard they're great if you deal with inflammation. It's so nice to see that spark in you again.❤

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Ours was here when we bought our house and we sue it at LEAST two times a week! It helps SO much! We really lucked out! And I am so glad I feel excited about art again too! Thank you, Tara Lee!

[@mariecurle5901]

I like to see both kinds of a sketchbook. As a beginner I like to see all the steps you take…it helps me learn. Thank you. 🙂

[@kyliescolouringindownunder3098]

I love watching your videos thank you hun ❤❤❤

[@kathlynsteinman3599]

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery from your surgery! ❤

[@JinnyCJ]

Now I understand what sketchbooks are actually for! Thank you, I’ve been intimidated by all the perfect results.

[@terrilyon6825]

I agree on the sketchbooks. Mine are a pile of scratchy messy drawings, scrappy and bitty, not finished beautiful spreads. I use them to do thumbnails and compositions, colour notes and value studies. Mostly I use them to speedily draw the same thing over and over to get familiarity with the shape of something so that when I put pencil or brush to surface for a 'proper' piece my muscle memory is there. My sketchbooks are a riot!!😂

[@franswey2]

Getting such a wonderful large box of Art supplies is like having an addiction to my studio!💁🏼‍♀️😍 you and your surgery team, are in my thoughts, heart and prayers. 🙏🏻 You are so much fun to spend time with! Love, Fran

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I appreciate the prayers and good thoughts so much! I'm trying not to worry about it but it's coming up fast. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Denise_A0810]

You mentioned getting more boards to tape down your paper before surgery. I wanted to share with you what I recently did to cut down on costs. I bought a 4x8 hardboard wall panel and cut it down into the sizes that would work best for me. I wanted smaller boards and was able to get approx 40 boards of various sizes, the largest being 12x16. The board was $14. Now I can have several pieces working at the same time. Best wishes on a speedy recovery. You will feel so much better when this is all over, just in time for the nice weather!

[@cjtittle]

I mostly use 34:19 for trying new art supplies, paint swatches etc. But a few years ago I invested in some mini sketchbooks that are handmade and leather bound My goal is to create art in those that will be something my kids and grandkids can have from me as a remembrance. I will use one to draw all my earrings and where I've collected them from. So I think sketchbooks can work both ways. I enjoyed seeing yours 😊

[@bobbiegraham7729]

You will love the Zebra Zebra Zebra gel pens. Have to catch later - cuz Saturday errands. Love you in sunshine.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Ha ha! I said it like 50 times! have fun with you errands!

[@gwenkelly1]

this is only my second time watching you, very interesting, informative. hope your surgery isnt to bad

[@dawn4224]

My sketchbooks are places of exploration. I try different mediums, write comments, and generally play! When something turns out well, I am joyful and use that page to do other works of art. When something turns out poorly, I reflect on how to fix it, why it was not successful. Plus I can carry a sketchbook and use it when I need to occupy my time elsewhere. My sketchbook is my personal art journey. It is generally a private place and is my art diary.

[@whitneyarthur4921]

I have also noticed that people put forward a finished piece even for the art prompts on facebook and it is so sad to see how scared people are and when I first started posting my art man was it intimidating looking at these sketchbooks that I have and they are all over the place..but one thing I try to do is encourage myself and others who get upset because they are expecting lessons instead of just being brave and posting with the intention to learn and stretch. I mean I am in awe of people like you who have really been outing front and you are one of the few people who are really honest…and it resonates. I aspire to get to a point where I feel that kind of confidence instead of fearing ridicule like I did from my art professors in art school..which discouraged me using words like never and man it has taken me years to overcome that…and just work through all the discomfort and post a mess if need be! Keep it up…this art movement is awesome but at the same time tough to watch people get so stuck in the finished work!

[@NelaDunato]

I'm always eager to see how other people approach sketchbooks 😁 All of my (many!) sketchbooks are working sketchbooks, but each has a different purpose, so the pages can have a different level of finish to them. I'm much more careful in expensive watercolor & mixed media sketchbooks that have fewer pages, so you won't see many swatches or quick doodles in them. I use them for studies and experiments which sometimes work out and sometimes they don't. They're certainly not perfect, but to a beginner they can seem like "finished art". (Not to me though 😅 my "actual art" is quite different, both in subject matter and technique.) If a sketchbook has more than 100 pages, I feel more relaxed about it, so they are full of "stuff". Swatches, doodles, thumbnails, notes, both finished and unfinished drawings... I'd love to share more of them on my channel, but those videos can be an hour long and I don't know who wants to watch that. Since I live in a "poor" country where sketchbooks are much more expensive than what people in the US or UK are used to, the cost affects how I use them. I reserve my best quality materials for work that "matters". I'm seriously considering never buying watercolor sketchbooks again, but making my own concertinas out of an imperial sheet.

[@ma1539ry]

I love to see the drawing process. I’ve never been good at just drawing from a subject and not just copying someone else’s work. My goal for spring and summer is going out and drawing or sketching in the park or anywhere really. Just trying out different subjects but I really don’t know how to get started. 32:31

[@MandyLovesBooks]

I really loved this vlog. As for the sketchbook debate and what I do - I work in a sketchbook every day. It is a working sketchbook for me and I try to push myself to do one finished piece a week or every 2 weeks depending on what I’m doing. But I also have really fun full finished spreads. It’s all about play for me. Sometimes they are finished pieces and other times it’s random junk and style studies. I also sometimes glue nice pieces over my really ugly pieces. 😂 My sketchbook is my safe space. I go there to just be with me. If that makes sense.

[@denisevance1045]

My sketchbooks are TOTALLY practice! Swatches, patches of collage I’ve thrown in, totally mish mash!!

[@Samantha_tookey197]

I’m glad you heard back positively from Coptic. We had snow yesterday, (Friday) unfortunately it puts me in a flare so I’ve been in a lot of pain today, snows melted co I hope I’ll feel better tomorrow xx

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I hope your snow melts and you feel better tomorrow too!:) Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@rachelhambone1159]

First page faux pas, try gesso and an lil acrylic abstract to cover up the bleed through

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Ooooh! Thats a great idea! I'm going to do that I think! Thanks!

[@gailmariefriend8903]

I really like the toned tan Strathmore for colored pencils

[@lindajohns726]

You are so right about the sketchbooks we see. They are so pretty and with finished work. My sketchbooks look nothing like that. I do have finished work on some pages but on others I have all sorts of unfinished stuff. Definitely not the perfect Pinterest sketchbook. Mine are for practise or trying out new products. Sometimes I get lucky and can use something but it's not what my books are for.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I was just talking about that with another viewer. I also have a ton of Canson Mixed media that are really my ugly sketchbooks, and no one ever sees those ever! I also think that's why I'm not farther in to some of my nicer sketchbooks. Because I feel like they have to be nice, finished pieces since the sketchbook was so nice! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment!

[@jennbutterfly4448]

You are such a tease! I want to see whats in the mystery supply box!!😅

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Lol! It's coming! I'm hoping to finish up the video this coming week and turn it in by friday!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

The illo sketchbooks are so very smooth.

[@melissaaldosari8024]

I’m so glad copic is doing the right thing and replacing the bad markers!

[@winterwoodsstudio]

They said they were going to replace them but no package or tracking number yet so we will see!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

It would have been REALLY nice if they had said they would replace the entire set!

[@liz-anna2365]

I like seeing actual working sketchbook tours. I haven’t really grown into sketchbooking yet so I’m still trying to figure out how to use them.

[@andreagossmann1898]

Amy i think you are a wonderful artist.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Wow, thank you! And what a nice thing to say! And thank you for watching!

[@meganmcdonald8938]

I have both types of sketch books. The pretty ones that are art books and working ones, which I put anything in them. The working one is where I put swatches (which I always forget to label so have to do it again), practice pieces,sketches etc. Maybe when you do an art video on put a timestamp for the finish work. I personally like watching the whole process as I am trying to learn

[@stacys447]

I really only work in sketchbooks. So much of my sketchbook has finished pieces. Thanks for the fun video!

[@winterwoodsstudio]

That's great! What's your favorite sketchbook? I am always curious what other artists like!

[@stacys447]

Homemade Arches or Saunders Waterford sketchbook for watercolor would be my favorite. This would be followed by Etchr. For gouache, finishing a Fabriano Quaderno sketchbook before trying out a Stillman and Birns Nova Trio sketchbook. For oil pastels, I don’t usually put those in sketchbooks.

[@annawozniak6807]

I like etchers and Hahnemühle sketchbooks but they are expensive...so i started to make my own ( i look on youtube tutorials and i bookbinding class in domestika) and i made 3 so far...love them. You can personnalised them etc. When you are healed you should try to make one....

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I made an art journal with cheap paper for practice, but I think until my arm heals, I'll have to wait to try making an actual sketchbook. I would like to make one out of Arches paper! I think it would be awesome! and I love Doemstika so much! Not sponsored, but love it! I was watching a a class on there this morning while I was folding laundry! :) Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@annawozniak6807]

@@winterwoodsstudio me to i am a big fan domestika, just bought an new class lol. I use fabriano 100 coton paper for making my sketch book because i could find a good deal in my art store for big sheets of paper ( i cut after to the size i need for my sketch, i made 3 different format). Whising you a speedy recovery :) Big hug

[@lauradill1447]

so good to see you bounce back.....love your sunny and upbeat persona.... as always love your channel!!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@akschauer]

I have one small sketchbook that I'm a bit precious about that I use for Neocolor II paintings. I don't know why, but it just seemed like a fun idea to have it dedicated to that supply. The rest are a mess of swatching, sketching and finished pieces. I'm so happy to hear the Copic is replacing the cracked markers.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I'd love to see that one! I sort of have sketchbooks separated out by supply but also do mixed media too where i do everything! Thanks for taking the time to watch and leave a comment! I appreciate it!

[@tessarotmify]

I use sketch books to try new techniques and mediums. I learned to paint using Arteza watercolor sketchbooks. I have filled 5 1/2 of them in the 10 months I have been painting. I like looking through them to see how much I have progressed. And to see what worked and what didn't.

[@irenearty]

My sketchbooks are practice pages and can look messy or sometimes neat, it tends to to be a mix of both, including some finished and some half done. I do sometimes go back and continue on with the page as ideas hit me. But the main use of my sketchbooks are that it is for my eyes only, it takes the pressure off on trying to be perfect.

[@desilake5776]

Hi Amy. The Pentel RSVP Ball Point in assorted colours are really nice for drawing as well. I practice drawing with them sometimes.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

They are totally going on the list! I remember drawing with them in high-school! Thanks for the reminder!

[@ansk1991]

Anything goes in my sketchbook: finished pieces, sketches, doodles, ideas, thumbnails, quotes etc🙂

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I think that is an EXCELLENT way to think about it, and I might steal your idea :) I might just call all of them my "Art Journals" and adding more stuff to them to make them more interesting and sort of a documentation of life! Thank you for the idea and for watching!

[@Jackjonesis]

Great video. I have two kinds of sketchbooks. Ones for messing around and working out ideas and ones for finished work. I only watercolor in a small format, so the books are great. An example of a finished workbook is my travel / daily record which will be a gift for grandchildren when done. I have you on my prayer list for your surgery and I am impressed with how much planning you are putting in for this time.

[@terrilyon6825]

I love the Strathmore 400 series grey toned sketchbook - the paper is so great for paper and oil pastel practice. Polychromos work nicely on it too. I also love my Stillman and Birn sketchbooks - I don't have a favourite, I like them all. I'm not a huge fan of the moleskin ones (not least because they're extortionate!). I like the art creations ones but my favourite is one from a company called Rymans (I think they might be called staples in the U.S??) It's like 140/150gsm and has an elastic that goes across the width instead of up and down the length. It's off white paper and technically for fry media but can handle light washes and inks, and is fab for oil pastels and soft pastels. I take it everywhere - it's become my baby 😂

[@liz-anna2365]

I like the Handbook sketchbooks a lot. I have new sketchbooks that I’m dying to get into but I’m using up partially used sketchbooks cause unfinished business really hangs heavily over my head.

[@Carol-ny2pp]

I like seeing you working sketchbook. I find it helpful.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Oh good! I am so glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@akschauer]

We had a similar squall happen yesterday where I'm at. It was very nice outside and relatively warm and then it got dark, windy and snowy.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I hope your snow melts fast so you can enjoy the sunny weather again! Thanks for taking the time to watch and leave a comment!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Hello gorgeous doggo!

[@c.s.102]

Beautiful animal sketches!

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Thank you!

[@loveandlife4222]

I’m so happy that Copic is going to replace your markers. 👏👏👏 I saw your excitement with the pens you purchased. I think you need to splurge and get a fountain pen and a jar of fountain pen ink. Just be sure to buy waterproof ink. De atramentis archival ink is great for being waterproof and it is also lightfast. You will love having and using a fountain pen. They are so fun! If you don’t want to do that, I love using the faber castell Pitt pens. They are also waterproof and the best pen I’ve used except for fountain pens.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I think that sounds like a great idea! I have some fountain pens I use for writing but not a specific drawing one. I've heard a lot of artists like the Lamy Safari pen and they don't seem too expensive. Maybe that might be a good one to start with?

[@loveandlife4222]

@@winterwoodsstudio yes, Lamy is great! I don’t have the safari but I have the Al star which is the same pen. The Al star are metal and the safari are plastic but the same as each other otherwise. I love it!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Multi color highlighters are so delish!

[@winterwoodsstudio]

And they were pastel! I was ridiculously excited!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Oh yeah!​@@winterwoodsstudio

[@michaelbusby1802]

I was watching ArtProf last night and Clara Lieu was showing her sketchbook- it is all just practice, a lot of random thoughts, nothing finished. So don’t feel bad about having unfinished or messy sketchbooks- that’s what they are for.😊 ~ Kathy

[@winterwoodsstudio]

That sounds awesome! I might need to go find that video and watch it! Thanks for the recommendation and the encouragement! And thanks for watching!

[@laura59design]

I love watching Clara Lieu. she’s very talented and real. As well as you too Amy!!! Sketchbooks should be for practice and discovering. I love watching artists show all that!

[@Carol-ny2pp]

Really enjoyed seeing the sketching, so helpful.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@anchesenamonsims5356]

Bic has lovely refillable pens now. Same Bic ball point pen, but reusable.

[@susancunningham60]

I have a collection of sketchbooks I am afraid to use too. I appreciate your comments about what they truly are meant to be. I feel like I can use them unless i'm going to create an amazing page,... so wrong. Looks like you've got some great ideas to be able to keep up with art while you are healing. Could hear your excitement about it! 🙂

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I am FOR SURE using them in the next couple of months! Maybe we can get through our fear together! :) I am excited! I'm looking forward too all of my plans and it's good to feel excited about art again! Thanks for watching!

[@NoBagsChecked]

Hi 👋 I’m a new subscriber on your channel ;-) … I’m a sketchbook lover. My biggest challenge is to finish a book before I start up another. And yes, I also have expensive books that I look at just a bit scared to make that first march and committing to its “Theme’.

[@juliagreen3965]

I think sketchbook’s purpose can be very special for every artist. Some artists just like messy sketches for finding new ideas while others want to have a beautiful drawing they want to share on social platforms. I personally use my sketchbooks to draw thumbnails for bigger projects, or practice brushwork, playing with watercolors, swatching, studying a new subject or medium. Thought sometimes it turns into a lovely little piece of art 😊

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I totally agree! And I didn't mean to make it sound like artists who were using sketchbooks to only make finished art were wrong. I think what I really meant was, maybe we need a new name for those kinds of books? Not SKETCHbooks. I have no ideas! Finished Art Books doesn't sound great! Lol! Thanks for taking the time to watch and leave a comment!

[@btwilks]

Until recently I was using cellulose sketchbooks, some of which I used as genuine 'try out anything I want' books and others I kept solely for those times I was trying a create a (small scale) finished work. However, the cellulose paper really held me back for finished works because of the difficulties in layering, wet-in-wet, blending etc. So I decided to keep cellulose sketchbooks for dry media and maybe simple line & wash works (and perhaps even gouache). For the 'finished works' I invested in about half a dozen 100% cotton sketchbooks, which should get rid of some of the problems I was encountering with cellulose. I haven't yet had time to make a start on exploring the cotton books, mostly because the wife & I have both been dealing with various 'medical issues' for most of the winter, but if we can get those resolved, I'm hoping to try out the different cotton books and see for myself just how much better they perform. Incidentally, great news that Copic seem prepared to work with you on those markers. Thanks for the video and best wishes, Brian.

[@fionagray9319]

For me, my sketchbooks have always been more like the ones you see on sketchbook tour videos and less like working through ideas type books. For as long as i can remember, i have always thought more in 'finished ideas' so i just get it out on paper. I don't know why my brain works like that, but it always has. At art school i had to learn how to show "the development of an idea" which was unnatural to me and i tended to work backwards, kind of do the finished artwork, find the source material or whatever the brief mentioned and then fill in the gaps between the two. But i know that's not how other people's brain's work. Recently i had an idea for a piece that included a portrait of someone well known. I have attempted portraits in decades, so i did do 13 versions of the portrait in my sketchbook. So that's probably the closest i got. And if i could have gotten the likeness right the first time i wouldn't have bothered with the further 12, but even after 13 attempts, it still looked nothing like him! 😂😂

[@kimscooterjamieson]

Hi New subscriber here!!!! I am a mama of 4 and love art and being crafty. I’ve been looking for channels that I can relate with since I am a mama and older and love art. I watch many channels but they are a lot younger than I am with no kids. I’m excited to check out your channel and content. ❤

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Thank you so much for subbing! I really appreciate it! And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment! One of the reasons I didn't start my channel sooner was because I thought I was too old! It's good to know some people specifically want to watch me because I am older! :)

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Zebra and pilot pens are my favorites!

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Aren't they great! I like pentel a lot too!

[@ChantelleArts]

This is brilliant, watched till the end ☺☺☺

[@winterwoodsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed it! :) Thanks for watching the whole thing!

[@madelynsmith8281]

I love to see the raw sketchbooks. My sketchbooks have some finished pieces and some I got bored with and moved on. Also, they have all kinds of mixed media in them. It really depends on the way I feel that day on what I might create. I love to watch you create. Very relaxing. ❤

[@winterwoodsstudio]

It seems so rare to see an actual raw sketchbook though! I wish more people showed them! Thank you for taking the time to watch again, and leave a comment, Madelyn! I appreciate it!

[@jennbutterfly4448]

I would also like to see a "day in the life" video of how you structure your day and get things accomplished. You mentioned in one video that you do a morning work-out, and you have to walk the dog, take lunch breaks... I get lost and distracted during my days, then end up accomplishing nothing. Even doing a load of laundry makes returning to work a struggle for me. You seem to have a good schedule and work ethic that I would live to learn from. Thanks for keeping things real, like sketchbooks are sometimes a hot mess!

[@winterwoodsstudio]

That's a good idea! I could do a video like that... I'm sure I'm not the most productive person but I've found a system that mostly works for me. Maybe it might helps someone else. Thanks for the idea!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

I just bought a set if clipclicks ballpoint pens from dollar tree! 10 pen’s rainbow+ colors! They are so pretty! Absolutely didn’t need them, but really wanted their beauty! Ballpoint pens are so much fun!

[@winterwoodsstudio]

That is awesome! I should check out the dollar store! That's a good idea!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

​@winterwoodsstudio They are actually pretty good pens. I really appreciate that they are click pens-so no irritating caps to lose!😂

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Amy, I have use sketchbooks more like you there are NO finished pieces and there are swatches and tests and layout problems etc. NOT Pretty! I have had books that were for a certain project and then nothing was ever put into that one book ever again! I watch a Lady Jess Karp and her sketchbooks are works of ART! Just so beautiful. Even her "working" pages are so stunning. I had a cyst removed form my wrist and I had to put projects down on paper and set up works for weeks before surgery. I used plywood and masonite panels to tape my watercolor papers down before surgery. Now I used a thing called Gatorboard, it is like foam-core but thick and water resistant. This board is very light weight and easy to move about in one hand. I have even seen it cut down for smaller pieces of paper. If you have the funds you might try it or just get your husband to cut some plywood up for drawing/painting surfaces, I found it got very heavy after I used it for watercolors! I wish you only good things going forward.

[@NessaWolfeMuller]

Aww cute, hi pups!

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Isn't she sweet? Thanks for watching!

[@jessbutterfly9801]

As someone who’s had shoulder surgery, you might want to think about not using your markers for the first couple of weeks, because you will need most likely both hands to remove the caps and put them back on, and if the caps are hard to remove, it could hurt your shoulderso practised one-handed first so that you don’t get caught. Wishing you all the best and sending you love and prayers from Australia.❤

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Yep. You are so right. I didn't really think about that and it hit me the other day... oh well. I will figure something out.

[@julianneaitch]

I couldn’t agree more about sketchbooks. Sketchbooks r meant to b to work out stuff. Plan. Design your finished piece which then goes on nice paper. I think the difference is the trained vs self taught. I could b wrong but u trained even tho u had to finish early u r still trained. The amount of times I’ve said to the screen that something doesn’t belong in a sketchbook is unreal lol. I think the social media finished piece in a sketchbook is for show and this is where the art process is being intrinsically changed creating 2 tiers of ppl. Cos ppl think that’s how to do it. It is also creating a fear of sketchbooks.

[@MarieWest-tbic]

I actually gave up on sketchbooks. All mine would end up a few pages, and some things I didn't like that were just steps to other projects. It's all about the paper for the project at hand. So now I just have what I call a revolving art journal. 3 ring binder mechs. I used totes that break over the years that I cut to shape and size to their covers. Plastic page covers, and I save all my work behind the finished project. Bigger things I made my own plastic sleevess with the bulk plastic table cloth from walmart. Or I've made my own books and mounted finished projects. The plastic sleeve flip through art journal took me years to figure out. Every time I moved, I would end up ripping out all the pages of work and tossed the book. Espically if the paper was just not good. I ended up with a tote of stuff that was all totally random.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I'm not a huge sketchbook person myself, but I figure it's probably the way to go for the next few weeks so I can still create art after my shoulder surgery! The three ring binder sounds like a great idea! I might have to try that! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment!

[@MarieWest-tbic]

@@winterwoodsstudio thank you for being you and sharing it with us! ❤️

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Since your hubby is very handy, you maybe could ask him to cut down a bunch of pieces of Masonite for you, in sizes that are really convenient for you. ?

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Great idea!!

[@MichelleCruz-qh2fl]

Love your videos and channel. Have to jump off of Patreon 😢, but will be back in the near future

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I understand. Times are tough. No worries! Hope to see you back someday!

[@MichelleCruz-qh2fl]

@@winterwoodsstudio I also want to wish you a healthy and speedy recovery!!! You are amazing and have such a kind spirit! You have so many people routing for you!

[@sandrarahimi5688]

The sketchbook tours of finished pieces are kind of why my expensive “nice” sketchbooks are an empty lol. I am a beginner so I know even if I work on something until I consider it finished, it will not look as polished as those in you tube. So my expensive sketchbook are waiting for me to get more experienced. Having said that I do prefer to work in a sketchbook rather than loose paper. So I compromise by doing most of my stuff in spiral bound, less expensive “sketchbooks” like the Canson XL mixed media or watercolor “sketchbooks” I have finally started playing in my Royal Talens sketchbooks because they are the least expensive of my bound sketchbooks. In that vein, have you used the Strathmore Visual Journal (spiral) sketchbooks with smooth bristol paper? It works really well as an alcohol marker “sketchbook”. I have the Ohuhu marker sketchbook but I don’t like it as well.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I have SO MANY Canson XL mixed media sketchbooks! But no one ever sees those! Those are my work horse sketchbooks! I totally forgot to mention them! They are GREAT! And I haven't tried the strathmore visual! I'll have to check it out! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@c.s.102]

?? Wondering if you varnish the small oilpaintings with the owl in Stillman&Burn book? If yes with spray or? I love the Big pens too to sketch. They are rich, fat-isch and last long! I wish you a smooth recovery after surgery❤

[@winterwoodsstudio]

I didn't, and I probably won't. I figure it's protected enough inside the sketchbook. I did let it dry for two weeks or so before I shut it the first time though!

[@MandyLovesBooks]

are you in Minnesota? Just wondering with the weather. I’m in SoDak and your weather sounds like ours was last week and you’ve got a bit of the fargo twang.

[@lindysmith13]

I prefer real sketch books like yours, it makes me feel less insecure about my own sketchbooks! I def don't have finished work in them.

[@Lilianperezart]

You should try lose watercolor art its easier on your hand. To might find a new style of art to like, it's super relaxing

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Great suggestion! I should watch a few videos on that before my surgery! Thanks!

[@franswey2]

Don’t cover up the first page or glue it to the second. You can add your contact information on it around or I’ve the drawing. It will become the background. I like to see work in progress to help me get from A to Z with all the steps in between. I’ve learned that artwork in progress has it “ugly” phase or phases! That’s normal. Thank you Bob Ross! I used to think real artists did their work perfect without error or Oopsies , feeding my since of not having talent. So glad to know not true and I love sketchbook tours. Some of the artwork I love the most are in the sketchbooks. The artist is relaxed and not worried about making it perfect and then they do.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

Thanks for the tip! I think you're right! I'll figure it out! Thank you for watching!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

12” !?!😮😅

[@nancylemon4120]

Som

[@stroodledoodles]

I honestly feel that sketchbook tours have kinda ruined the purpose of a sketchbook nowadays, fun as they are to watch they've put this pressure on everyone to always have polished + 'pretty' pieces of work. When as you said the whole point of a sketchbook is to be messy and rough, it's to figure out ideas and test things out etc.

[@winterwoodsstudio]

That's how I feel too! I might make a sketchbook just with finished pieces just for a sketchbook tour but I won't like it :) ha ha. JK, but yeah, sketchbooks have always been a "work" place for me! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment!

[@Judi-Graff]

That’s cool your son likes houseplants. I just killed one of mine and something is eating on another. 🥹

[@winterwoodsstudio]

He want's to be a biologist when he grows up. It's good he's here and can keep mine alive! Thanks for watching!