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Vacation Sketch Journaling
No one else experiences the sights and feeling of your vacation like you do. Your vacation sketches will be precious because they will be unique.
Sketching brings you fully into the moment with quite observation, allowing you to intimately experience the environment.
If crowds or long flights make you anxious, drawing can soothe your nerves and helps pass the time, too.
Being in new places or visiting friends and family is exciting, but I always need a little "alone" time each day to collect myself. Sketching give's me a reason to sit quietly for a while that everyone can understand. And, they might even get the sketch as a gift when I'm done. :)
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Keeping a Vacation Sketch Journal
One sketch is worth a thousand photos!
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| A sketch records much more than a camera does! Your emotional reaction to the day, the energy of the moment, even the temperature and smell of a new place influence each mark you make. When you look at your drawings, even very quick sketches, all those wonderful memories come flooding back. Here are some excellent sketch journals, and I've put together a list of supplies to complete your drawing kit. Have fun on your vacation! |
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Moleskines are some of the most well loved journals around. The paper has a smooth surface, suitable for both drawing and writing. They come in different sizes, different formats, and a few of them come with "art" paper.
I just received my first Moleskine, the "Plain Notebook", 5 x 8 1/4", with 240 pages, and now I know why this simple journal has so many devotees. The off white paper has a sensuous velvet-like feel to it that makes you want to sketch or write on it right away. You can create deep value on this paper with just an HB pencil, so grab your journal and a pencil and off you go.
Mine came with an attached ribbon to keep my spot, an accordion pouch in the back to hold extras, and an attached elastic band to hold the journal shut. The pages are sewn so the book opens flat, and I appreciate being able to scan my drawings without removing them from the book. Another nice touch is the area on the front page for my name and contact information. I always forget to put that info on my notebooks and I would be crushed if I lost one.
Find it here at Dick Blick.
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If you like to draw on colored paper, Fabriano makes journals with bold and neutral colors. They also make journals with cream and white pages.
The pages are made from Ingres drawing paper which is suitable for pastels, colored pencils, and graphite. It has a laid surface that's great for capturing scenes quickly. Find it here at Dick Blick.
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Holbein makes a line of spiral back journals in a range of sizes. They have thick cardboard covers with a ribbon tie that keeps them shut tight and secure.
Their heavily textured paper works well with thick graphite leads, conte crayons, charcoal, and pastels.
Find it here at Dick Blick.
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If you just want a good sketching paper to take along on your vacation, I recommend Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Paper in the medium surface or Canson Classic Recycled Drawing Paper in either cream or white. Of the two, Strathmore is a little rougher but they both are excellent for quick sketches and more detailed drawings, too.
The pads come in several sizes and have a good thick backing that makes them great for field sketching, or just drawing anywhere the mood strikes.
Strathmore Drawing Pad - find here at Dick Blick.
Canson Drawing Pad - find it here at Dick Blick.
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Three All in One Kits
- Drawing Set for Dummies - If you're a beginner, this kit comes with a tote, lots of supplies, and a 24 page "Dummies" book that shows you how to use everything.
- Faber-Castell Complete Drawing and Sketching Kit - Black portfolio bag with handles measures 13 x 12 inches and comes stocked with good quality supplies, including pencils, eraser and sharpener, charcoal, watercolor pencils, brushes, and paper.
- Compact & Portable Sketch Folio - Black zippered case comes with a 5x7 pad of paper and several drawing pencils. Perfect for tucking into a purse, pocket or suitcase.
Putting together your own vacation sketch journal kit the quick and easy way.
Start with a tote ...
... and add a sketching set that's quick to order and pack.
If you have more time to shop or want to put together a kit from your own supplies, here's how I stock my own vacation drawing kit.
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These images were provided by Dick Blick Art Materials
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