The Illustrated Journal

[@artofjesskarp]

I love how you capture your moments! As a fellow artist and urban sketching lover, these are beautiful. Thank you for sharing

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you Jess!

[@amazingartist2801]

OMG!!!! Wow!! I love your art soo much!!!!

[@Squishy_Seal]

Hi Jess ! Cool tl see you here !

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you 😊

[@pauladeviveiros1448]

Wow,…my dream skill! Just starting out in a beginner’s watercolour class! How do you pick your colours? Do you care if you mis-match your brands? …as the same colour is a bit different from different brands? 🥰

[@TheRedverb]

As you flipped I was transported. Lovely-lovely-lovely.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you🥰

[@mindofwatercolor]

Super inspiring Brenda! Thanks for showing us. The freshness of the washes and incredible sense of design in every spread are just wonderful to look at.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the wonderful comment. ~Brenda

[@rubinaimran1486]

Thoroughly enjoyed your journal! Thanks 😊

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Rubina, thank you for the nice comment.

[@gabicreightonbooksetc.]

At 2:01 - I often imagine the incredible view those residents on mountainsides get. And I also think of the possible landslides or mudslides they could encounter when it rains heavily and nonstop. Thank you for beautifully capturing this beautiful scenery Brenda.🙏🏽🌸

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Gabi, Thank you.

[@francoisederocher]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Francoise, Thank you!

[@lefthandstory1280]

Beautiful great sharing❤️😃.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks!

[@frenchgrama]

I just adore seeing your sketchbooks, they really are an inspiration… thank you for sharing

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Glad you like them!

[@deboramissoorten6765]

These sketchbooks are filled with amazing artwork , I love the layout and the combi with text a lot , it was a pleasure to watch but it also give extra motivation too , thanks for sharing !

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Debra, Glad you enjoyed it!

[@OliveraK]

I love your sketchbooks! Love the style, composition, colors and drawings.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you !

[@OtoKano]

It’s such a pleasure to be able to see through your beautiful sketchbooks. Thank you so much for sharing them. I’m just getting into sketchbooking and yours are such an inspiration!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you!

[@tiamarie2538]

Wow! Those are absolutely stunning! Such a fabulous way to document special moments in life! ❤❤

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Tia, Thanks so much! 😊

[@kathyhaynes6818]

I've admired you as an artist for years and could spend hours looking through your sketchbooks.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you Kathy!

[@satpalkadole2374]

Wonderful illustrated journal! Thank you for sharing!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You are so welcome!

[@veronicahodges6610]

❤ Thank you and what beautiful paintings with explanations 😊

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Veronica, You are so welcome.

[@blonski]

The Most Beautiful Sketch Book I've ever seen!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Ah thanks!

[@paulinedavis3660]

What a beautiful idea, so creative 😍

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks!

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

This is what I call a true Art Journal

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Ann-Marie, Thanks!

[@prym1camo845]

Absolutely beautiful journals! love your technique.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you for the kind words. ~Brenda

[@kanamichelle7404]

Artistic genius! Just beautiful work!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You’re so kind!

[@ThePattiw]

Beautiful sketchbooks and very inspiring!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you so much! Brenda

[@dumitriudaniela]

magical art journal !

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you so much!

[@ingaharms7841]

Wow! I love everything about it!!!😍

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks!

[@tamzinlittle5295]

Wow this is brilliant! Thank you for sharing!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Tamzin, You are so welcome!

[@lorettakravig9052]

Those journals are true treasure!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you Loretta❣️

[@S88_03]

Omg !!!! This is the most beautiful journal I've ever seen ! So lovely so many colors and memories there ! I love each page of it

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Sirine, Awww thanks💗

[@strandedinseattle9931]

Your first book, I recognized all the places - that is my childhood/teen years of where I grew up. You've captured those locations with such timeless, lovely flair. Well done on your artistry, lovely mesh of colors and use of spaces. You inspire me. I'm still too shy to paint or draw in public, even though my partner insists I am talented. I get drawing-shy when people watch me, and that is when I tend to make most of my mistakes!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you for the kind words. It’s nice to know my sketches touched you. I admit plein air sketching can feel scary. I used to feel overwhelmed. Having a friend along took pressure off. Start simply sketching with pencil and paper in a coffee shop. More on to paint when ready.

[@sequinb7155]

Amazingly beautiful sketchbooks. Thanks for sharing.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

My pleasure 😊

[@contalestellesepuoi]

Meravigliosi !!! 😍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🇮🇹

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks!

[@bonniemccarty6713]

Beautiful art journals! So glad I came across your work. 🙂

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you so much!

[@veggiemom5]

Your sketchbooks are just beautiful ❤️ Thanks so much for sharing and the great tips on layouts!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you Heidi!

[@cynthialoza6295]

Your journals are awesome. Thank you for sharing them with us. There's much we can learn from your beautiful layouts.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Cynthia , Thank you so much!

[@kenrock2]

such a lovely sketch book... really love the painting very much... it feels alot like reading children's book with beautiful pictures in it...

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Illustrated journals have a feeling of story telling to them.

[@mocarver]

Please keep your videos coming. I’m just starting into sketching and watercolor. I’m 68 years old. Any beginner “how to” instruction would be greatly appreciated. Your work is so awesome.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Will do!

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

As an artist, creating daily in sketchbooks and journals is something that I have always wanted to do, but for some reason have always failed. Maybe I get a couple pages in, but then I get distracted by other things. I think my perfectionism has a lot to do with it, not wanting to make a page that isn't completely coherent and aesthetic. You have created something so beautiful and have inspired me to once again, give it a try. ❤️

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You’re not alone. Think of a sketchbook is a place to play not to perform or even share with others. When you do it for yourself the joy will return. Perfection has a way of crippling us and taking all the joy away. Remember why you do it and the joy welcome back.

[@loveandlife4222]

I love love how you paint! You have an amazing talent! Please continue to share your talents with us. I know you said you often just sketch the page without adding color. I want you to know that those pages are nice, but when you add color those pages are amazing!! The color brings the photo to life. 🥰

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks for the positive words.

[@gabicreightonbooksetc.]

I thoroughly enjoyed these flip throughs. I learned about new events. Thanks for sharing Brenda.🙏🏽 Many blessings!💕🌸

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You’re welcone👍

[@cristinasalesluis3075]

Your sketchbooks are fabulous , as well as your fantastic drawings and watercolors! Loved to see them, have subscribed and will follow your work ! thank you so much for sharing Brenda!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Cristina, Awww thanks!

[@gabicreightonbooksetc.]

At 3:44 - “Fire followers” is an interesting nickname for those beautiful poppies, but it stands to reason, considering they appear after disastrous wildfire destructions. And they grow up to 12 feet tall?! They are indeed tall!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

After devastating wildfires, they’re beautiful symbols, that something good can come to life again.

[@gabicreightonbooksetc.]

@@brendaswensonwatercolors My thoughts exactly. I’ve never heard about this type of poppies before, neither this fun fact. I’m quite fascinated over here.😆😆

[@morrisonwatercolors]

Fabulous sketchbooks! Very impressive! :)

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you!

[@rebeccawong1]

Very envious … of your talents and most of all, your mind set towards becoming who you are today ☺️

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Rebecca, ah thanks ❤️

[@kerrieb7473]

Soooooooop beautiful Brenda. There is so much patience & skill in your work and I love your sketchbooks very much.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

… Thank you!

[@pjlewisful]

there are a lot of sketchbook art journal KZbinrs out there but this one's the best I've found!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Awww thanks💕

[@christianejehanneravallec]

C’est magnifique !! Merci de ce partage 😀😊

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you!

[@joannecowles7496]

Love your style!!! Just returned from those same places in Italy with plans for recording my memories in my sketchbook … and I just found you!!! Perfect timing for me!!!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Joanne, Glad you enjoyed this video and find it helpful and planning your sketchbook. Brenda

[@CherylsCreativeWorld33]

Your pages are stunning! I learned a lot from this, thanks so much for sharing!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Cheryl, I'm so glad!

[@cactus000000]

I really enjoyed watching your paintings. They are so vibrant in colour but also preserve the subtleness of watercolour at the same time, especially in its shade ... Thank you for uploading this!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

What a insightful and kind comment. Thank you so much. Brenda

[@lilyotv9767]

Beautiful documents!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Glad you like them!

[@moonstone1159]

Beautifully done and inspiring! Thank you!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You are so welcome!

[@LarkOnWheels]

Wow. You are my inspiration. This is exactly what I want to do!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you😊

[@lous.6372]

Your penmanship and your painted pages remind me of the popular Edith Holden journals/diaries.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you for the nice compliment.

[@mikyroelands8468]

As a beginner, you are such an inspiration. The nice transparence but still bright of watercolor!!! Love it! The lay out the Ballance of text and drawing, Ballance of shapes... All wonderfull!!!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you😁

[@gabicreightonbooksetc.]

At 1:31, I stopped and gazed at this page for a while. ‘Twas all-consuming and I enjoyed every second of it. Thank you Brenda.🙏🏽 It’s a beautiful spread!💕🌸

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you😊

[@lulabelldesigns]

Thank you so much for the tips you are an excellent artist! I love your work! 🙏❤️😍

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you so much!

[@lcbodeman]

Wow!! This is amazing! I am still working on my watercolor practice, but definitely want to get into doing something like this. So beautiful! Thank you for sharing. 😊

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Go for it! Practice and time behind the brush is the key👍

[@hm-2463]

I really want to draw watercolor full drawings while I travel as well, but I find drawing on spot very diffucult as the weather is usually hot and sticky, and finding a calm spot to draw is pretty hard. So I wondered if you took pictures of some of the places and drew them later at your accomodation or finished them at the spot. Your journals really inspired me wonderful work! ❤

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Nothing wrong with using photos if you're uncomfortable outdoors.It's not a sin. I personally would rather paint outside than use a photo. I love being surrounded by the experience (smells, temperature, sounds...). Sketching with friends always makes the experience more fun and safer, too.

[@jfart1113]

Thank You for sharing! So cute and soulful ! Love your beautiful sketchbooks. ❤️ 👍

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you🥰

[@lizderby5433]

Love your work...thanks for sharing!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you Liz😊

[@andyh126]

Brenda, your journals are beyond magnificent! Your work and talents are so inspirational! New subscriber...

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you so much!

[@iHanna]

Wow, such beautiful sketchbooks! Thanks for sharing this! 💕

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

…Thank you!

[@takeitbreezie5434]

Love your work. This is a great motivator to paint.. thank you for sharing

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks!

[@AbiNomac]

Love it. Thank you

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you Abi!

[@Urukins]

This was lovely to watch, thank you for sharing! I love using my sketchbooks as journals as well, I can only hope to achieve the seamless look your have!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Uru, Thank you so much! Brenda

[@annbest7453]

I absolutely love your style,... I've tried copying your work for a few years now, but I just can't get the lightness of touch you have, I utterly adore the loose creative flare that you have,... you're amazing...

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Work on becoming you...that's what the world needs more of.

[@annbest7453]

@@brendaswensonwatercolors - Thank you so much for replying to my comment, I'll try my best, your work does inspires me to keep trying,... I love your line drawings and calligraphy, but your watercolours are soooo rich yet delicate and full of light,... I just totally love them,... it's just the way you lay the paint down in the paper, you are the best watercolour artist I've ever seen,... thanks for all your videos over the years, take care and stay safe, and all the best for now...

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

@@annbest7453 Thanks! 😊

[@cathyearn]

You're journals are amazing. I love it!!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you so much!

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

Your art is gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

… Thank you!

[@Meari.S]

I really enjoyed your sketchbook tour. I have family who are from Kenosha, WI so I was super happy to see you have some dedicated pages to it. I'm about to start a sketchbook exchange with a friend where each of us will alternate painting in our books. We're using the smaller S&B Beta ones.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Meari, Sounds like a fun exchange between friends🙂

[@mendyhand3895]

This is exactly what I’ve been wanting to do. Just subscribed. Thx for sharing! I just love your work. And I am getting old. I just want to keep my work. Lol! You’re awesome! Just WOW!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Mendy, thank you for the sweet comment. Sketches I do for me in my sketchbook. Paintings are intended to leave and fill someone else’s life. It helps me to remember to keep play in my work especially Sketchbooks❤️

[@debbierussell9162]

You are an incredible artist I must say.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You're kind

[@discoveryofartartist1298]

Very nice & beautiful art work 👌 👍 👏

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you🙂

[@TerriChannel]

Brenda - I Love your artwork!! I especially love the pages you did of Santa Barbara. I used to live there and your gorgeous pages brought back fond memories. I especially thought your painting of the Santa Barbara Mission with the roses from the rose garden there is absolutely stunning. Thank you 😊!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Terri, Thank you😊 Santa Barbara is a great place for sketching and painting!

[@kathylovesmk]

Your pages are just stunning!😍💖

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Kathy, Thank you so much!

[@judithwilliams3835]

What beautiful work. I love the layout, techniques and colour in your journals. They’re very inspiring.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Judith, Thanks you for the kind words.

[@peachaura]

So inspiring!! I love your style

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you so much!!

[@glorious5389]

This is another level of journaling. This is AMAZING. CONGRATULATIONS. You are a real ARTIST.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

You're very kind. Thank you!

[@saraalbirawi]

Beautiful 😻 love your art the way you choose colours 🤩 always inspiring

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Sara, Thank you so much!

[@mauriciolacruz]

😳 😱 I just *LOOOOOVE* it!!! ❤

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thanks Mauricio!

[@WendiWells]

Thank you for being such an inspiration and sharing your beautiful art and knowledge! 💛🤗

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you …🖋 Brenda

[@fi8292]

LOVE your drawings so much! And the way you put them in the collages. Makes me wanna sketch more from the daily life as well!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mikyroelands8468]

Your drawing and painting is amazing. What a steady hand! I'm from Belgium ,living in Greece and the atmosphere of your sketching is so right and give me a feeling of nostalgia to my home country.

[@mikyroelands8468]

Message ment to be at Belgium sketchbook,!!😂❤

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Miky, Thank you very much! That is quite a compliment.

[@softword2458]

Oh I really love how you sketch AND design both pages as a beautiful book . Thanks for sharing! Flor

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you!

[@vwood2]

Brenda, thank you! I discovered your book in 2005, and have loved your work ever since. It always feels like a treasure, and little gift from universe, whenever you post a video. Thank you for years of inspiration and joy.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Vicki, Wow, thank you!

[@vwood2]

@@brendaswensonwatercolors Thank YOU 😊

[@Jazzatic2011]

I love that you took the time just to even notice people. Especially the homeless. Try and get their stories when you can. Sadly Some people would be surprised to learn that not all individuals on the streets are abusing substances.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

..

[@xongkkerije]

So much inspiration and variation. I will need to watch this a few more times. I am taking a trip next month and I am looking forward to trying some of your ideas. Happy to subscribe.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

… Thank you! Have a great trip. Brenda

[@lesandjaninenimmo970]

Your sketchbooks are a marvel!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Ah thanks!

[@Marydecor8]

Thank-you Brenda for sharing your sketchbooks and the creative stories. So beautifully executed!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you Mary!

[@Jackjonesis]

Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing. I am just beginning my adventures and journals.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Enjoy the adventure1

[@lightlaughter4992]

STUN-NING! My heart leaps with joy as I look at all those beautiful images, the juicy colours, the creative line art, the balancing of drawings and words. It makes you want to dive in - and to do it yourself. However, how could I ever achieve such a page, never mind a whole sketch book or art journal full of them?! And that's when I sigh and think to myself, "Well, there are those who dare and those who don't. Just enjoy what you see and acknowledge that you are looking at a true artist's work." Therefore: Thanks so very much for sharing this with us, your work is uplifting, Brenda!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

It all starts with the first sketch and second and third... Before you know it you've filled a sketchbook. It contains memories, recipes, coffee with friends... YOUR HOOK! And you start all over again.

[@ziziscorsese9475]

What an artist !!!! Amazing!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Zizi, You're very kind. Thank you!

[@aoutsky]

Thank you for sharing your art! ❤️

[@martha_makes_art]

Such gorgeous work and style!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you😁

[@TerriKash-NEO]

Beautiful work! I so enjoyed seeing your journals. ❤

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you Terri!

[@curiositydrawsme9180]

Ohhhh… this is my first time finding you. I’m a delighted new subscriber. What gorgeous illustrated journals! I tend to do most of my drawing at home, but you’re reminding me of when I used to take a sketchbook with me and draw everywhere I went. I’m inspired to do more of that again. Thank you!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@helenaostojic9237]

This is so inspiring! I'm going to give it a try for sure. Great work!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Wonderful.

[@sunnycharacter]

Your work is AMAZING! Very inspiring. I need to up my sketchbook game for sure.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you😊

[@sunnycharacter]

@@brendaswensonwatercolors Very welcome!

[@markbaxter8868]

You are so inspiring!!! I love all of your work and I love listening to you share your journey!! Thank you! Christine

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you Christine!

[@dawnmolyneux5840]

Wow you so very talented❤thanks for sharing.xx

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Dawn, You are so welcome!

[@stacyegan5719]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share a peek inside your beautiful sketchbooks and share tips for balancing elements on a page!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Stacy, You’re welcome 😁

[@carolhedberg2341]

I'm delighted to hear your explanation of your sketchbooks. lovely choices, great explanations, really inspiring!

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Thank you Carol❣️

[@janetmiles797]

Hi Brenda! Just recently I found you on KZbin and I am blown away by your artwork. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find a lot videos and I am hoping that since this video was done only a week ago, that you might start posting more frequently. Being a newbie to Watercolor I am always looking for someone's style that I love. My aspiration would be to one day sit in a class of yours, first I need to practice a lot. Thank you for sharing such beauty.

[@brendaswensonwatercolors]

Janet, Thanks for the positive feedback. I only have 22 videos on my KZbin channel. I have 3 full length instructional videos. Find out more on my website: www.swensonsart.net