Ok, this post is not going to have a lot of commentary, mostly because I had to make notes in my sketchbooks, and they detail my learning more effectively than me regurgitating it. However, something big that I did learn: Making my own sketchbook!
The Sketchbook
The exercise tasked me to make a rudimentary sketchbook comprised of differing papers (i.e. use a bulldog clip). But I took this as a challenge and an opportunity to learn something I have always wanted to try: making my own book.
I purchased a great reference book, Making Handmade Books (Golden, 2011). I also picked up a small bookmaking kit off of Amazon which was great quality and good value for money, it will do me for quite a few books! The other thing I needed was paper.
To get a wide choice I went to the flagship store of Paperchase on Tottenham Court Road in London. They have an amazing selection. The Gallery above show the steps from big sheets of paper, to cutting and assembling signatures, to stitching them into the cover of the book. As well as the final result of course! I'm really please with my first effort, and it's something I will likely do again as it allows me much more control of the paper. I like to use watercolour in my sketchbook, so being able to use the right paper and not breaking the bank is amazing!
The sketches
I chose to use some cut plums to sketch, trying them again and again on different papers, combinations of medium as well as some experiments and happy accidents. Details are on the images below:
I took a long time on this exercise, but I am really pleased with the results and perseverance. It was good to challenge myself, and especially my preconceptions. I have left the remaining pages of the sketchbook, and will use them specifically for trying out new mediums and techniques. I think it will be very worthwhile to build myself a library for future reference.
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