This Sketchbook Makes Learning Art Enjoyable (I Promise)

[@butterpoweredbike6135]

Don't you think that so much of the pressure to fill a sketchbook with finished paintings comes from social media? It's like we've forgotten that they're called "sketch" books, meaning that they're rough and unfinished, and as you said, playful! I finally got comfortable with (and started really using) my sketchbooks when I started inviting my teenage nieces to draw in them with me when we take trips together. It helped me to break up with the idea that what goes on in my sketchbooks needs to be polished or worthy of an Instagram post.

[@Wonderkell74]

Totally! It’s so hard to take the pressure off. I recently did a challenge called Messy May & it really reignited my sketchbook practice & letting go of the pages I hate.

[@danielbeccaria]

I agree. I sketch because I enjoy it. Its therapeutic and allows me to not fear getting something wrong. I leave the excersizes that failed along with the stuff I would keep in it to remind me that this is just a journey of learning and improving.

[@antoniocabrero]

I couldn’t agree more! I like the idea of inviting/letting other people play in the same sketchbook! That’s a great suggestion!

[@antoniocabrero]

Glad to hear!

[@antoniocabrero]

That’s great Daniel!

[@deelitebaby]

Yes! Thank you for this!! The “sketchbook tour” and “how to fill your sketchbook” videos all miss the point of a sketchbook and frighten the people watching them away from practicing and learning. Perfect, final “products” are what we are being shown. What happened to sketchbooks being a place to practice techniques, different sketches (hello) of the same thing from a few different angles or using different pens and pencils, or just doodles, mistakes, false starts? My sketchbook pages are mostly terrible looking - not KZbin tour worthy. Sketchbooks have turned into finished painting books and no one’s technique improves, they just make “perfect” little paintings over and over and over again and nothing changes because it’s for KZbin or Instagram and not for honest self expression and art.

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad you found this useful. No one wants to show their imperfections on social media because well people are insecure. I didn’t before but I realized that it doesn’t matter. I am not perfect. I haven’t arrived “there” yet (and probably won’t) so why not just share and enjoy the process?

[@meherenow]

When I sketch, paint and write I call it my workbook because I am documenting my practice 😊

[@antoniocabrero]

That’s awesome! 👏 sounds like something you could pass down for generations 😅

[@danielangelomaniego4994]

Cool thing!

[@Cathy7816-u4v]

I decided to do all of my art in sketchbooks as a way to let go of trying to produce a finished article. It’s full of drawings, pen doodles, paint, collage. However, I still put pressure on myself to make something I was happy with so I kept walking away disappointed for long periods. This is a reminder for me to go back and just enjoy the process and remember what I set out to do. Thank you for sharing this, it is very helpful and inspiring.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks 😊 I also need the constant reminder 😅

[@torakfett3351]

I even take notes in mine. Perspective is hard for me so I take notes from lessons and videos as I work through them.

[@chrislora8895]

Thank you for sharing your new approach to keeping a sketchbook. I’ve been painting/drawing for only 4 years ((I’m 74), and I have a stack of sketchbooks filled with color swatching and blending, sketches, small paintings, etc., and occasionally review them and think about what I could have done different or better. Your more in-depth evaluation of your work, and the focus on how to change, improve a scene, will be very helpful to me and I will start doing that. Slowing down, understanding what works, what doesn’t, and trying other choices may sound exhausting but in the end you truly produce YOUR work of art. That’s every artist’s goal. Great advice!

[@antoniocabrero]

Great to hear Chris! Thank you for watching and writing:) let me know how it goes

[@cathyrae8323]

I gave up the idea of “doing” art until I retired. I really want and need to do a sketch book. I just can’t get myself to do it. I love the idea of it, just can’t get there. I’m 71 and don’t understand MY issue with this. Any ideas? It feels like it should be such a simple thing.

[@flutterbuyz]

@@cathyrae8323 I hear you, Cathy, I am 76 and 'used to paint in acrylics' and we're meeting on this page because I, too, have decided to start a sketchbook. I was watching a video about this and she suggested to choose a time each day, when you're not doing much, and just sit down, open up your book and just put the pencil on the paper and make marks, or doodles, or grab your favourite coffee cup and sketch it, or sketch an apple before you eat it, lol. You can allocate a certain amount of time, e.g. 5 or 10 minutes to start with, then stop, close book, walk away. Repeat daily, same time, same place, and before you know it you have CREATED A HABIT, and are then more likely to continue it. May I also suggest 'Adult colouring books' (I bought a Mandala colouring book on Amazon during Covid here in Melbourne, Australia) and Faber Castell coloured pencils ( there are sets of Black Widow coloured pencils on Amazon for only $27 which are good quality too, you need to get good quality because the cheap ones will only frustrate you as they dont glide nicely on the paper or blend well, but you blame yourself not the pencil. There are heaps of Videos about Adult Coloring and reviews of pencils and papers etc.) It's a nice easy way to begin "doing art" .

[@bobbuethe1477]

​@@cathyrae8323 I have plenty of sketchbooks that I've filled over the years. (I'm 65.) The hardest part is to get that first mark down on the blank page. There's an anxiety about doing something wrong and ruining the book. The way I get past that fear is to just grab a pen or pencil and make random scribbles. Once there's a mark on the page, the pressure is gone. Then I look at the scribbles, and think about what it looks like and what kind of a picture I can turn it into.

[@ClulssCrs3310]

If I could see what people call "doodles" in their sketchbook, I would feel more comfortable with my sketches. But I keep forgetting, I shouldn't compare myself with others. It is me, and what I experience.

[@antoniocabrero]

What one considers doodle is definitely up to their level of experience. Just like in the gym. When we start working out 10kg may seem like a lot but then after a year that might just be your warm up weight :) so yeah try to just compare to your self :)

[@sherribrown294]

Exactly!!!! That’s why art is amazing for your soul.. it’s your perception, interpretation of what you see in your life 🥰.

[@lindaraereneau484]

Main thing: enjoy doing it.

[@antoniocabrero]

You said it 🤩

[@arcuda2001]

hi again, antonio ( nora kag, here).. i'd like to share this with you .. as someone who had been an artist most of my adult life .. i stopped completely for about 20 years, gave away all my art supplies , and just was dealing with some life crises through those years.. I restarted my art journey about 7 years ago , and when I saw Danny Gregory's' video about his morning sketchbook practice , I proceeded to start a sketchbook and sketch my breakfast ( mostly my coffee cup or coffee filter) daily.. It's about 7 years later, now, and I've filled up at least 50 sketchbooks with morning sketches, afternoon urban sketching, or some practice or finished pieces .. even sold a few pages along the way .. I'm not saying all this to brag, or give any number or obligation to fill up a book.. I'm saying that each page was an exercise for me, a way to practice observation, or try new color combinations, or value studies , or paint swatches or..... I keep a small one in my handbag and sketch wherever the urge hits me .. I share some , many of those pages on social media , and then there are plenty of sketches I don't share .. The lesson for me is that it's become a habit for me , a joy , a few moments from a day to learn or to relax or to just be in that moment ... Here is the link to Danny's video.. ( by the way, he used sketchbooking as a way to cope with grief.. his story is amazing )...was the best thing I'd seen and opened my world up big time!!! so happy to see you here ..Norakag kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYG8nol4idejgZIsi=GNG_zzvIanQazYmc

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks for Sharing Norakag :) I’ll be sure to take a look at the video! Congrats on creating this wonderful habit!

[@nadeacheung1715]

Nora, when I was watching this video, I was thinking of you and was going to share it with you, and here you are in the comment section! I need to rethink my sketchbooks.

[@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies]

I believe that sketchbooks are supposed to be a place To learn and to have fun and to experiment . Not everything that we do needs to be a finished painting or drawing if we did that then we burn out so quickly. I'm so glad that you have discovered a new way to use your sketchbooks in order to have fun and challenge yourself

[@antoniocabrero]

I agree, thank you so much 😊

[@Divinegrace327]

I appreciate you sharing your thought process of using your art journals. I found your insights valuable

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks, I am glad you found it useful!

[@Cederlof_Ink]

My sketchbooks are chaos, doodles, scribbles, finished drawings, unfinished, doesn't matter i just fill em with whatever. Zero stress about end results. My method is simply "i draw for myself" like a journal but with drawings, lol

[@antoniocabrero]

That’s great! Sounds awesome!

[@iraville]

​@@antoniocabrero Same here! ❤

[@chapter1o1]

Unfinished paintings drawings sketches that's me. Stated three years ago during the COVID thing, My first drawings were crap, after three years are beginning to take form. Glad to know is not just me.

[@torakfett3351]

BINGO!!!!

[@christineykim]

Thank you for this video! I have never kept a sketchbook, and have tried a page here and there, but never continued because it was less commitment to practice on loose paper I could throw away. Sketchbooks felt like I had to keep them forever and show final work only. Thank you for sharing this new way of using sketchbooks. I think you freed me from sketchbook anxiety.

[@antoniocabrero]

Im glad to hear that! :) Enjoy your new found love for sketchbooks :)

[@laura59design]

Thank you Antonio for sharing this sketchbook process. Your generosity is appreciated!😊

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks Laura 😊I appreciate your words

[@chaconne0488]

Antonio, if you like to experiment, try sketching with a quill pen, a stick, a fountain pen and ink. The sketches come out very loose and light. You will be delighted, because it's great fun :))

[@antoniocabrero]

I have considered that. Thanks for sharing :)

[@lindalysdal2745]

So wonderful when we find what works for us

[@antoniocabrero]

Truly :)

[@marit4660]

Good to see you a little bit back! Thank you for sharing about the evolution of your sketchbooks. I love the approach of isolating certain elements and practicing those parts, taking notes, and trying different ideas. I'm going to try that, too! (Life got a little in the way plus low energy levels sometimes, so I haven't yet started with Draw a Box. But I think I'm going to try "scheduling" it so that I can manage my free time after work better.)

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks! Don’t forage yourself to do it :) just follow your curiosity and that will be enough. I’m glad you found it useful

[@Clive-MBfan]

You have so much wisdom and insight for a young one, at my more advanced years I’m finally accepting that the pleasure is in the journey, not the destination. Thank you.

[@antoniocabrero]

thanks Clive! I’m glad we are in the same page now

[@markdonovan1540]

Good to see you back after a short hiatus. Sketchbooks are a strange thing, my approach is get into them early with a few swatches to test out palette combos and also paint quick 30 to 40 minutes sketch paintings while having a coffee in my local coffee bar. I also use them to experiment with mixes, practise perspective pencil sketches and test out new brushes and drawing pens. I can see the value of documenting ideas and samples of how to paint certain subjects, making notes to remind me etc. At the moment, I have all these things in various sketchbooks, about 6 so far, and on bits of paper etc. I guess it would make sense to pull it together at some point - one of my many "projects" on my "probably never-to-be-done list"...😂 Hey, talking of plein air, I'll be in the UK for a weekend plein air painting workshop with Tim Wilmot on the weekend 29th/30th June. I'm hoping it will give my plein air approach a bit of a boost, plus it will be fun to meet up with several other artists from the group. He's very good at simplifying complex scenes, which is one of the things that many of us find challenging. I also did an online course a few months ago with Spanish artist Fernando Moya, and he really emphasises keeping the design very simple. I've been learning lots from these two, but it takes time and practice to break old habits and develop a better process for tackling watercolour. However, I now feel that I'm making better progress, albeit slowly, but I'm in no rush anyway 😊

[@antoniocabrero]

That’s Great to hear Mark sounds like you are on the right track :) (where you are just enjoying the process). That sounds so cool to do a workshop and connecting with other artists. That’s the main reason I’m on KZbin because I don’t have anyone locally to geek out about painting 😅 Let me know how it goes!

[@marit4660]

And I also loved seeing your final painting come to life thru your exercises. I love the composition and how you simplified things, the colors, the light and airy feel. It evokes a sense of calm and restoration.

[@antoniocabrero]

Wow I didn’t think it evoked so much! Thanks 😊

[@lunePT]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I skipped drawing for quite a long time because I always wanted to do a whole painting, but now I'll just pick my pencil and sketchbook and start drawing whatever I see

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad to hear that! That’s the intention of my video :)

[@pesto12601]

your play and sketches look better than my ardent attempts to fill a sketchbook! Lol... it's always amazing how folks undervalue their own abilities... which I guess I'm doing as well?

[@antoniocabrero]

You probably are :) we are our own worst critics

[@SantieAmery]

Now that is the way a sketchbook is supposed to use for! To study and enjoy. A safe place to experiment...

[@antoniocabrero]

yes!

[@johnfoster5489]

I use sketchbooks for inspirational ideas. I use to think that a bonded cover was for showcase drawings and it prevented me from just drawing garbage and it was intimidating to draw for fear of making a mistake. But if you use a sketchbook for just trying new things and exploring your tools it replaces the pressure with enjoyment. You can glue pages in it for texture changes. It becomes a training tool. You’ll discover the art inside you thru playful exercises of exploring

[@antoniocabrero]

Absolutely! Amen !

[@redliv]

This is wonderful, I love your graphite sketches. It’s soft and pleasing to look at

[@antoniocabrero]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@PrisQuammie-sm8xh]

Thank you for your honesty. I have also experienced brain fatigue but ride it out until the need to create returns. There's nothing wrong with that. Love your progress with sketch books... just began using them too two years ago and found much improvements in m speed, accuracy, and fluidity when working on my canvas paintings. Best of luck / God bless!!!!!! 😊❤

[@antoniocabrero]

Thank you! Let’s take better care of ourselves to be able to keep making art no matter what:) let that be our healing ☺️

[@carriechelle]

I love this! It is about curiosity, exploration, learning, growing, practicing and observing (both your environment and your interpretations). When I nature journal, I add notes about observations, and it helps me shift my mindset from making "precious" art, to documenting learnings. This is the same concept, only the "nature" you are observing is that of your own mind! I'm going to give this a try, thanks for the inspiration!

[@antoniocabrero]

I hope its as helpful for you as it was for me! :)

[@ChristieP-hb6hd]

Hey Antonio - thank you for posting this - really enjoyed hearing about your art journey, observations, revelations, and joy. Hearing about your process and seeing your sketchbooks is inspiring. Take care and be well!

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks Christie! I’m glad you found that useful:)

[@deannam7551]

I've recently discovered the same thing!! Thanks for the video and sharing your journey!

[@antoniocabrero]

No problem :) Thanks for watching!

[@JackieWolven]

I love your new approach. As an artist and creative my sketchbook is just a place where I like to play, study, and work out whatever I want. Social Media has made them seem like they are supposed to be perfect - that is NOT the intention of a sketchbook at all. Work it, make it yours, enjoy it.

[@antoniocabrero]

Agreed :)

[@holliexenahitchcock]

I can’t even express my appreciation and love enough for this video! So well presented: play, conceptualizing, controlled experimentation and all with just a pencil and book! No tablet! No computer! I’m not against that. It’s just not the tool I enjoy using to learn and you reminded me it’s possible to achieve this with the simple tools I love to use!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@antoniocabrero]

Thank you so much! :) I’m glad this helped you in some way :)

[@revelation7262]

New subscriber! 😎 Your other video a month ago about taking a break was great. I had to do something similar a couple of years ago. I work in health care, and the stress from Covid, always being short-staffed in the hospital, then getting a work related injury, and the physical/mental stress was causing suicidal ideation. Burn out is real, it’s great you recognized it and acted accordingly by taking a break. Start back slowly on your channel, as you feel like it. Your mental health takes precedence. This video was very helpful too! Here’s a quote you might like: “Your sketchbook is part journal, part best friend. You can see it as a testing ground for new ideas and as a place for documenting different experiences. Above all, though, your sketchbook is a place where you can recapture the excitement you felt for drawing when you were young and didn’t care if anyone was watching you.” [Drawing for Dummies by Jamie Combs and Brenda Hoddinott] Peace be with you ☮️

[@antoniocabrero]

Thank you so much for your words! I really appreciate it! I am learning to take better care of myself and I am finding a way to enjoy myself more with my art and yt :) Glad to have you in our community 😊

[@owlet_dev]

It's so hard to recover from burnout. I think this is a great journey you're on. Thank you for sharing how you're using your sketchbook! 😊

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it :)

[@Queenread82]

This is really inspirational. Thank you. I've been trying to get out of my head and use a sketchbook without trying to make everything perfect - even using the "ugly art" practice. It is helping and your video helped too.

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad it helped! Go out there and enjoy some art making ☺️

[@Julie-vy3oz]

This is excellent-thank you. I’m not a “working artist” so don’t feel a pressure to sell. When I take my sketchbook out plein aire I often am playing, experimenting with style or mediums. People will want to see what I’m doing and I rarely share. They’re not going to see a great piece of art, or even a good one and it puts an aspect of performance on what I’m doing that I don’t want. Your evolution of the use of your sketchbook is inspiring.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks Julie. I get it, when I am out and about I’ll probably won’t like it if someone stands and watch because of the things you described 😂

[@MW-vb8rm]

Your work on the techniques is great. When I was in art school we did that work everyday, I had no idea how much that would benefit me down the road!

[@antoniocabrero]

I have to say that I am not that diligent to do it every day but I try my best to always do some of those drills. Thanks for sharing!

[@NickiBattaglia]

Amazing!! Great thoughts and advice!! So inspiring!! Its not always about a finished piece, as is the process!!! And how the process makes you feel!!!

[@antoniocabrero]

You got it :) !

[@Hafsa_Siddiqui_789]

This is a great step in your art journey. You are definitely going ahead as an artist because of this new practice.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thank you so much 😀 I appreaciate that!

[@miriamgillham6701]

Hello Antonio. How are you again? Good to see you. Thank you for this insight that you have discovered. I needed this as I have been overwhelmed with getting my values right. Doing compositional studies and value studies in collage has helped me as has abstracting things right down to simple shapes while concentrating on the values, tones and composition is where I am right now. I have about half a dozen sketchbooks on the go and now I will incorporate this new way of using and seeing sketchbooks from you. I am grateful you have taken the time to share this.And yes it is useful!

[@antoniocabrero]

Hello Miriam, I am well and you? I am glad that you found it useful, let me know how it goes! :)

[@miriamgillham6701]

I’m well thank you Antonio. Look after you and have a blessed week there.

[@antoniocabrero]

You too!

[@emxeliz]

thank you for sharing! I needed the reminder that sketchbooks are supposed to be fun, not perfect and finished. love your style too! ☺️

[@antoniocabrero]

Glad it was helpful! and thank you very much!

[@samuelsarastyrodriguez]

I love the painting on the left side of the paper at 1:08

[@antoniocabrero]

Thank Samuel :)

[@nashd8005]

It is so wonderful to have a video from you - always a treat. I love that you share your journey of discovery with us, time and again. Your graphite pictures are incredible!

[@antoniocabrero]

Awe thank you so much Nash! I’m glad you enjoy the videos :) I hope I can keep sharing interesting and useful things 😊

[@alariaesculenta8177]

One thing I did in my more recent sketchbooks is forget about dating and naming everything, this was a big stress for me. Because everyone who looked at the drawings asked where is that, when did you do that, what is it, etc. I include writing of my favourite citations/quotes, go back and forth between the beginning and the end of the book, adding more drawings and writings, reflecting, copying an artist's advice, etc. It's no longer a linear process for me now. Then I have sketchbooks of landscapes alone, one of small portraits. For instance, I choose one model and paint her in 3 different poses, until the 4th one is completely out of memory and/or imagination, the pose, the values, the colours and all.

[@antoniocabrero]

Sounds like you are doing something that works for you :) whatever keeps you drawing more 😊

[@alicequayle4625]

Hi. I love seing people's swatches and thumbnails and tryouts. Lifting the hood / bonnet to see the process.

[@antoniocabrero]

Good to hear your liked that :)

[@bombayblue001]

Thank you - my blank sketch books are not so challenging now. 🖌️✏️

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad this helped 😊

[@laurahale5774]

Great video with a lot of valid points. Thank you for sharing.

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad you like it Laura :)

[@rebeccapage4411]

Thank you! I love hearing this put into words. I use the Kiliminjaro paint book for this reason. I really enjoy having the sketchbook paper interleaved with the watercolor paper.

[@antoniocabrero]

Im glad it struck a chord with you! I never tried the Kilimanjaro sketchbook

[@veralamarche2698]

Thank you for sharing this! It’s very helpful for someone like me who is just starting my artistic journey with drawing & watercolors in my late 50’s…

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad it was useful to you ☺️

[@susannee.colella6109]

Thank you for sharing. I like the way you wrote comments about your different experiments. Thanks also give Headspace a try. It helped me and still does. Take care🌸

[@antoniocabrero]

Im glad you found it useful!

[@RobertRemlinger-mq8iy]

Great reminder about practicing values and composition. It’s so true, there’s no substitute for thumbnail sketches. Thanks for a great video.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks! I am glad you liked it!

[@RobertRemlinger-mq8iy]

@@antoniocabrero You’re welcome. I often get impatient to start painting, but if I take the time to work out some value thumbnail sketches, the painting turns out so much better. And how quickly I forget this. Your sketchbooks are great, and so was that nice painting you did.

[@antoniocabrero]

@RobertRemlinger-mq8iy thanks Robert. Yes I know what you mean :)

[@Spedhomeschoolcoach]

your a very good artist...thank you for sharing

[@Replicanna-rl6zg]

Aaaaa! You visited my home town! I hope you enjoyed your stay! I do similar things on my sketchbook, with coloured pencils and just lead peancils, fineliners and such. Great video to remind us what a sketchbook is really for! Thanks!

[@antoniocabrero]

Oh really, you are from Alanya? I’m glad you found it useful:)

[@Replicanna-rl6zg]

@@antoniocabrero I am not from here, but I have lived here for 22 years. Yes, very useful, thank you again

[@antoniocabrero]

@Replicanna-rl6zg I see! Where are you from then? :)

[@Replicanna-rl6zg]

@@antoniocabrero Finland, going back there soon

[@antoniocabrero]

Oh nice! I have never been to Finland that’s a places I’ve always wanted to visit :)

[@gingerkoel5608]

Antonio, pretty nice journey if you ask me. Keep experimenting, art can be really healing and so enjoyable. You are putting in some quality time learning and sinking into the process. I like to look at it as something I can do all the rest of my days. Enjoy!

[@antoniocabrero]

Very well put! And yes I am finding my way back to where art is my safe and healing place! Thank you for reminding me!

[@sherricannon9407]

Thank you, Antonio-this video was freeing🙏

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad this was helpful Sherri! :)

[@tumblingrosesstudio]

I have been so intimidated by sketchbooks, thanks for sharing what you discovered this way!! I'm excited now!! 🎉❤

[@antoniocabrero]

Great to hear! Let me know how it goes!

[@mirtaxiomelyssandin2001]

Thank you for open my enes to this kind of approach. Very playful way to maje art. More interesting. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad this helped in some way ☺️

[@pamelagilmour8060]

Great video Very informative thank yoh for sharing your ideas and techniques . I’m 75 making and teaching art all my life. You gave me excitement to fill my dormant sketchbooks new life👍👍👍👍

[@antoniocabrero]

Wow what a great honour to have inspired a teacher! 🥹

[@briechilli4496]

Thank you Antonio, i am burned out too. I will take your suggestion and start drawing ❤

[@antoniocabrero]

I am sorry to hear that! get better soon! hope this helps!

[@fenzs6126]

Thank you for sharing your joy, it is very inspiring

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad you liked it :)

[@prayernotesbycynthia]

So inspirational! Thank you!

[@antoniocabrero]

Im glad it helped :)

[@carmenf.desousa-aritst3044]

Interesting video. I too have been feeling "stuck" or "artist block" and this video was very helpful. Your humble personality is very beautiful and your art work is amazing. God bless

[@antoniocabrero]

Thank you Carmen! I’m glad you found it useful 🤗

[@rascalz4539]

Just found your channel. Thank you for sharing your discovery! I love your 3rd use for a sketchbook for playfully iterating on a value study, or composition, or color palette, or medium, or just about anything you feel like exploring.

[@antoniocabrero]

Glad to have you here and that you found it useful 😊

[@Shrn57]

Thank you for your thoughts on your sketchbook practice. I have been afraid of using my sketchbook because, being a beginner, I felt I wanted my sketchbook filled with 'perfection' so to speak. And of course I'm learning more and more to be playful and less rigid so I can truly find my niche and style.

[@antoniocabrero]

Glad to hear it was helpful! Yea keep up the play and curiosity 😊

[@lorrie6736]

Thank you for your insight! I now have a better way to use my sketchbook! Brilliant!!

[@antoniocabrero]

Wonderful! I’m glad it helped ! :)

[@Amyerd-Addie]

The seriousness and sense of commitment in the first sketchbooks have just made you a hero in my book. God bless you. (Having finished the video) I agree with you, and thank you for this amazing moment of insight share. You somehow remind me of the first verses which Gabriel brought to the Prophet (peace be upon both of them) in the cave: "Read! And your Lord is Most Generous. Who taught by the pen, Taught humanity that which they never knew" (Al Alaq (the Clot) 3-5)

[@antoniocabrero]

I'm glad you found it useful! :)

[@LindySellsHomes]

My sketchbook was started as a way to pass something personal of me to my grand children, sort of like a diary or journal. So I always title the page and write a brief sentence or two as to WHY I choose to draw this, why it was important to me. This gives me a focus that energizes my daily sketches.

[@BrendaElliott-q6t]

Great job explaining what we all go through…..❤

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks Tim :) yeah this isn’t like completely new. But sometimes we need to hear it again from a different person so it sinks in :)

[@hfarms5779]

Exactly what a sketch pad should be for. Expression and feeling and possible future reference. I am starting my sketch journey.

[@antoniocabrero]

Great to hear! 😊

[@ollekoos2071]

Of course, that concept for keeping sketchbook like sort of a journal is not new, but it s nice to know that not only me( and some of my friends) look at sketchbook in this way. In fact, there are even more approaches, and i always think - should i keep so many sketchbooks ar once, each of them for a different one? Yes, i do, i think it is right, because it is an only way to see a progress and enjoy the results as well as the process of drawing/painting.. ...

[@antoniocabrero]

True! I don’t dare to have more than one at a time 😂 one is enough “pressure” but maybe it’s what I need. thanks for sharing!

[@PaulYuNow]

good to see you back Antonio :) and what a comeback!!!

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks Paul. You could say it was a lucky break haha

[@IykizDesign]

Your sketchbooks are lovely.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks 😊

[@creatievzyn]

Thank you for making this video!

[@antoniocabrero]

Im glad you liked it! :)

[@YHLI-xr8jh]

It really relieved my anxiety... Thank you for this video:)

[@antoniocabrero]

You are welcome I’m glad it helped :)

[@marimarcabrero488]

Emani que bueno verte de vuelta! Buenísima la idea del sketchbook, hace mucho más sentido! Qué bueno que la curiosidad llegó otra vez! Que sigas mejor y mejor y compartiendo tu arte 💜

[@antoniocabrero]

Gracias hermanita 🥰

[@lindaarthur9711]

I think of my sketchbook as a workbook. Your idea of using different media is also what I do, and this immediately makes my sketchbook less "precious". I have used pencil, ball point pen, colored pencils, waterbrushes, - whatever is close at hand. I'll sketch the dog sleeping next to me on the couch, or the way the light glows from the nightlight in the kitchen. I have an advantage because I have no intention of selling my art; therefore, I don't have to have completed paintings or even very good ones. Good luck to you on your journey, and take time off whenever you need to in order to maintain the feeling of joy and play in your art.

[@antoniocabrero]

That’s great Linda :) it’s best when you have no pressure 😇 thank you for the nice wishes 🤗

[@pjlewisful]

I love your sincerity and honestly trying to help others see what you discovered so they may be helped, too.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks PJ :)

[@huggyhuggsbears1265]

Hi Antonio, I really enjoyed your video, so helpful and you talk a lot of sense. I've tried many times to get into the habit of using sketchbooks but I've failed at every attempt and have ended up giving them away. I am so used to using loose sheets of paper to start my initial sketches with, using normal office copier paper and computer listing paper is also my favourite, it's smooth, so white and very inexpensive too. It is an old habit that I doubt I will ever break out of as drawing this way makes me happy as it's my "comfortable" routine, HOWEVER......the biggest downside to that way of working is the massive piles of papers of loose sketches that I end up with is just RIDICULOUS!! So much so that every couple of months I end up having a big sort through which gets very tiresome, but I really cannot see myself changing my way of sketching. I am really sorry that you have been suffering with bad health, I hope & pray that you are on the road to recovery and that we get to see more of you and your beautiful artwork. Wishing you Good Health with lots of Love my friend, hope to see you soon ❤ x

[@antoniocabrero]

We all have our way to get ourselves sketching more which is the MOST important thing. What I share isn’t supposed to be an end all be all. It’s just what I think might suit me. Glad to hear you have found your way :)

[@lapun47]

Gkad to see you're back. The sketchbook your finished painting is in looks a lot like one I like to work in.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks 😊 it’s a royal talents if you were curious 👀

[@lapun47]

@@antoniocabrero Thanks for the info. I haven't seen royal talents in the shops here. I enjoy working in a Canson Gradutae watercolour 21,6 x 14cm sketchbook. The paper is 250gm and has a slight texture so good for both pen and watercolour.

[@antoniocabrero]

Sounds great! Even better if it’s cheaper than royal talens :) but I don’t know that haha

[@jlm517rocks]

took notes, very helpful. Ty

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad you found it useful :)

[@paraskevikonteli6249]

I like the new way to use the sketchbook!!! I use it in a similar way and this way makes me feel more calming. 😁

[@antoniocabrero]

Great to hear I’m not alone :)

[@paraskevikonteli6249]

​@@antoniocabrero And your sketches and drawings in this video are beautiful

[@antoniocabrero]

Thank you I appreciate that 💕

[@wise_nut]

thanks for sharing! it’s very inspiring

[@antoniocabrero]

You are so welcome! Glad it was inspiring!

[@judihussey5889]

Excellent points!! Thank you!

[@antoniocabrero]

You’re welcome, I’m glad it helped :)

[@JanetHadson-po2zr]

Thank you 🙏 I have so much blank spaces in my sketch books as only drawing one thing on a page but now I see I can do thumbnails . Now I see that contrary to advice I can use different mediums in one book

[@antoniocabrero]

Yeah dont limit yourself 😁 I used to do that too

[@larysacherner312]

Thank you very much for sharing, it's very insightful

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad you found it useful:)

[@sophia_comicart]

It's the amateurs and life long seasoned pros who only do something once and for very different reasons. That is what makes art a craft of lifelong dedication. Professional artists do what you're doing now, they level up to workshopping and variations and experimentation for one final piece. The first draft of anything is literally never the best version of a work. Ignoring that dedication to craft robs you, your work and your audience of potentially future masterworks and work that can outlive us. Flipping something upside down and inside out is the closest thing to a fresh set of eyes we can get. Digital art is amazing but the loss of physical art for many reasons, including this one, different mediums is crucial not to lose. Most artists don't start with their final or most productive medium. That black and white, next to the colour version is wild. Such beautiful work man.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks Sophia :)

[@michaelsigler5820]

Yes learning from experimenting!

[@antoniocabrero]

Exactly :)

[@billbucktube]

Sketchbook for intentional learning practice. Like it!

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad you did :)

[@janten6554]

Thank you for this .. I do the same thing with my sketch books . I practice.. I play while painting .. ❤❤❤

[@antoniocabrero]

That’s great ! I’m glad you found it useful! ☺️

[@PattiOlander]

Thank you this is very helpful!

[@antoniocabrero]

I’m glad it helped :)

[@Kellycreator]

It’s all in the process!!

[@AlexAdelaida]

That's a very good idea!

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks Alex!

[@HiThereHeyThere]

I'm new to art and trying to figure out how to use sketchbook. ...it seems from what ive gleaned from others online is sketchbooks like how you are now using it is good. I would include the colors and colors mixed. I think also doing a small painting in the sketchbook (on single page w nothing on back page) in water color, acrylic, oil and gouche and probably charcol so you can see how it looks in diff mediums like you suggested. Keep going, but the refocus sounds great.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks 🙏 and welcome to the crazy and confusing world of art 😅

[@LeighCMiller]

Thank you! Take care if yourself first ❤

[@antoniocabrero]

Thank you, I will :)

[@RataDeAlcantarilla-]

I love the mcr reference in the title

[@antoniocabrero]

I don’t know what that is 😅

[@monika.71]

Oh this is actually brilliant!! I have seen sketchbooks from artists in art galleries and they do the same....they experiment, they play and they make notes. Lots of thumbnails and doing it with different mediums and compositions. THAT to me is what a sketchbook is all about. It helps you hone in on what you want in the finished piece; it helps the creative process and the creative practice and keeps it interesting. I am one that doesn't tend to experiment and play. I need to. I've never used my sketchbooks for that and then I end up not wanting to ruin the sketchbook. So so wrong!!! These sketchbooks are not for perfection. That isn't how you grow and evolve as an artist.

[@antoniocabrero]

Exactly Monika! :)

[@Ricmaster007]

I never understood how people do perfectly rendered paintings in their sketchbook.... Cause... it is a freakin' sketchbook... Don't get me wrong. Sometimes I also render drawings/paintings in my sketchbook.... but that does not happen that often. I usually experiment with the picture I have in my mind or singled out details I know I am going to have problems with and then apply It to my drawing/painting outside of my sketchbook. Just feels "right" to me using my sketchbook like this^^ I am glad that you have found a way for you to unwind with your art practice and be in a better place. For me drawing/sketching usually puts my mind at ease, makes my brain shut up - my thoughts are usually relatively verbal - and just focusing on cramping together or rearrange the picture in my head. Keep up the great work and don't get to hung up on the endproduct. The way towards the finished piece has always been more exciting to me and it's also what I recall looking at my pictures. The techniques, the surroundings where I was drawing it and also my mental state at the time... not the piece itself... but how the drawing/painting came together in the first place ;D

[@antoniocabrero]

YES! I am also finding the process of "building" the picture much more full filling than the end itself, Thanks for sharing and your words of encouragement!

[@brunomartins1902]

Keep strong, man.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thanks Bruno

[@aquaecoloratum]

Very very useful ! thank you🙂

[@antoniocabrero]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@jean.marion]

“Because it’s all a mistake” - I busted up laughing at that… - I feel the same way about my music.

[@antoniocabrero]

Haha I’m glad someone appreaciates my stupid jokes haha

[@antoniettaliscio-fidalgo3217]

You’re very talented.

[@antoniocabrero]

thanks, you are kind

[@sueb6099]

Love this! Thank you.🙃

[@antoniocabrero]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching:)

[@pamelagilmour8060]

If your stamina isn’t high-make short video filled with your wisdom knowledge and experience You have meaningful content to share. We will be waiting for you👏👏👏❤️ Please 🐝there for us.

[@antoniocabrero]

Thank you Pamela 🥰 I appreciate your concern!