It’s easy to become intimidated by all the choices at the art supply store when contemplating taking up a new hobby. It’s also easy to become intimidated by how to use all those fancy pens, pencils, paints and papers stocked there. I don’t want either of these dilemmas to become barriers to you, or an excuse not to sketch. What really matters is not the tool but the action of picking up a pencil and spending time observing your chosen subject, whether it’s an oak leaf or a desert panorama.
Mechanical Pencils Are Ideal
My suggestion is to use a simple pencil (I prefer mechanical ones that are always sharp) and either some paper on a clipboard or a blank journal (I prefer a spiral bound, hardcover one which is practical and sturdy for field sketching).
For this free challenge, I will primarily be sticking to these basic supplies, since I’d like to focus our attention on the process of observing while sketching, and not the product of some stuffy, stiff, overworked piece of ‘art.’
But let’s say, just for fun, that you’re curious about other materials and would be more inspired than intimidated by knowing those choices. In that case, I invite you to check out THIS PAGE on my website for a quick video and downloadable resource on the tools and techniques I use in my own work as an artist and illustrator.
Today’s challenge
- Gather your art materials and put them in a convenient place in your home. Extra credit if you put another set in your car or purse so you’ll never be without them when the urge strikes to sketch (a local park, while waiting for an appointment or while traveling).
- Get inspired about future tools and techniques you might like to use on THIS PAGE on the website.
- Post a description or photo of the sketching tools you’ll be using in our Facebook group.
Click here to return to Nature Sketching Challenge home page
Show Your Support
If you are finding value in the lessons from this Nature Sketching Challenge, I invite you to consider donating funds to support me in the creation and ongoing improvement of this program. Even the smallest donation helps me to know that I’m providing lessons that inspire, entertain and educate you about the natural world.
Click the Paypal ‘Donate’ button below to donate any amount you wish. You do not need to have a Paypal account to donate, you may choose to use a credit card if you wish. Thank you!