daily sketchbook assignments

Creative Daily Practice: Sketchbook Ideas & Inspiration

A book with a pencil and a drawing of a labyrinth.

Hey there! Looking to kickstart your daily sketchbook practice? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, I’ll be sharing many sketchbook ideas that’ll ignite your creativity and keep you motivated on your artistic journey.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, these ideas will provide endless possibilities to explore and express your unique style. So, grab your sketchbook, and let’s dive into a daily sketching adventure that’ll bring joy and fulfillment to your creative practice.

Let’s get started!

A notebook with colored pencils next to it.

Easy Drawing Ideas

An illustration of a typewriter, books and flowers.

One easy drawing idea I suggest is to sketch an old pair of shoes. You can find a pair of worn-out shoes, maybe with some interesting textures and details, and use them as your subject.

Start by lightly sketching the basic shape of the shoes, focusing on the outline and proportions. Then, add details like the laces, stitching, and any unique patterns or textures. Don’t worry about making it perfect, enjoy the process of capturing the essence of the shoes.

You can use different shading techniques to give the drawing more depth and dimension. It’s a simple yet rewarding subject to draw, allowing you to practice observation skills and explore different textures in your artwork.

Drawing From Imagination

I love challenging myself by drawing scenes from history without any photo references. It allows me to tap into my imagination and bring these historical moments to life on paper.

When I draw from imagination, I can interpret the scene in my unique way, adding my artistic flair. It’s a thrilling experience to envision how people and places looked in the past, relying solely on my imagination and knowledge of history.

I enjoy researching the period and studying the clothing, architecture, and other details to ensure accuracy in my drawings. Drawing from imagination improves my artistic skills and deepens my understanding and appreciation of history.

Up for a Challenge

A notebook with watercolor paints and brushes on it.

Bring it on! I’m ready for a challenge in my sketchbook. As an artist, I thrive on pushing my skills to new heights, and what better way to do that than by taking on difficult subjects?

One of my favorite challenges is drawing a glass of water. Capturing its transparency and how light interacts with it requires precision and attention to detail.

Another challenging subject is a pile of unfolded laundry. The intricate folds and textures test my ability to depict realism.

And let’s not forget about using my non-dominant hand! It’s a humbling experience that forces me to slow down and focus on my technique.

These challenges may be tough, but they’re incredibly rewarding when I see my progress in my sketchbook.

Objects to Draw

An old fashioned telephone, glasses, book and cup of coffee.

When looking for inspiration in my sketchbook, I often gravitate toward objects with interesting textures and shapes that I can experiment with and explore. Drawing these objects allows me to challenge myself and improve my skills.

Here are five objects that I find particularly intriguing to draw:

Old camera : The intricate details and mechanical components provide a great opportunity to practice shading and capturing fine lines.
Pair of glasses : The lenses’ reflective surfaces and unique shapes offer a fun challenge in capturing light and perspective.
Bicycle : The complex structure and various angles of a bicycle make it an interesting subject to study and draw.
Metal objects : Objects like keys or utensils provide a chance to practice rendering different textures and exploring light and shadow.
Tree bark up close : The organic patterns and rough textures of tree bark offer a unique opportunity to experiment with different mark-making techniques.

Nature and Outdoor Themes

A watercolor painting of a field of flowers.

Often, I find myself drawn to sketching nature and outdoor themes as a way to connect with the beauty and tranquility of the world around me. There’s something incredibly calming about sitting outside and capturing the delicate details of a flower or the majestic movement of ocean waves.

Nature offers an endless array of subjects to explore, from the intricate patterns of tree bark up close to the vibrant colors of flowers in a vase. Sketching these scenes allows me to immerse myself in the natural world, to appreciate its wonders and to share my interpretation with others.

Whether I’m sketching a pile of rocks or the lush foliage of bushes and shrubbery, nature always inspires me to create and to appreciate the simple beauty that surrounds us.

Urban and Industrial Subjects

A black and white drawing of a city street.

I love exploring urban and industrial subjects in my sketchbook, as they offer a unique glimpse into the city’s vibrant energy and architectural marvels.

It’s fascinating to capture the intricate details of old cabins or factories that hold stories of the past.

Sailboats gracefully gliding on the water or the serene beauty of a creek in the woods provide a sense of tranquility.

And there’s nothing quite like capturing the view from a window, framing the bustling streets and towering buildings.

Sketching these subjects allows me to appreciate the beauty of urban landscapes and the impact of human activity on the environment.

It’s a way for me to document and celebrate the dynamic nature of the cityscape.

Everyday Objects

A black and white drawing of a book with a cup of coffee and glasses.

The cup of pencils is one of my favorite everyday objects to sketch in my sketchbook. I love the way the pencils are neatly arranged, their vibrant colors standing out against the white cup. Each pencil has its unique shape and texture, making it a fun challenge to capture their details on paper.

I enjoy experimenting with different shading techniques to bring depth and dimension to my sketches. Sometimes, I even incorporate the cup into the composition, using its curves and shadows to add interest to the drawing.

Sketching everyday objects like the cup of pencils not only helps me practice my drawing skills, but also allows me to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary things around me.

Animals and Creatures

One of my favorite ways to challenge myself in my daily sketchbook practice is by sketching animals and creatures, using my imagination to bring them to life on the page. It’s incredible how many different creatures I can create just by combining different features and characteristics.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Sketch your favorite sea creature : Whether it’s a majestic dolphin or a mystical mermaid, let your imagination run wild with the creatures of the ocean.
Draw your favorite insect : From fluttering butterflies to creepy-crawly spiders, insects offer various shapes and textures to explore.
Create an exotic fish : Dive into the depths of your imagination and design a unique and colorful fish that could only exist in your sketchbook.
Capture the delicate beauty of a feather : Feathers are a fascinating subject to study and sketch, with their intricate patterns and graceful curves.
Depict a bird in flight : Birds in motion can be a challenging yet rewarding subject to capture. Try to convey the sense of movement and freedom in your sketch.

Let your creativity soar as you bring these animals and creatures to life on the pages of your sketchbook.

Human Figures and Portraits

My favorite way to challenge myself in my daily sketchbook practice is by sketching human figures and portraits, capturing different individuals’ unique expressions and features.

There’s something so fascinating about trying to capture the essence of a person through lines and shading. I love the challenge of capturing the subtle nuances of facial expressions, how a person’s eyes light up, or the curve of their smile.

It’s a constant exercise in observation and interpretation. Each portrait is a new opportunity to explore different techniques and push myself to improve. Whether it’s a quick sketch or a more detailed rendering, capturing the human form on paper is a rewarding and fulfilling practice.

Textures and Patterns

A notebook with pencils and a drawing of a flower.

How can I incorporate different textures and patterns into my daily sketchbook practice?

Exploring and experimenting with various textures and patterns is important to add interest and depth to your artwork. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your sketchbook practice:

Create a close-up sketch of grass, capturing the intricate texture of each blade.
Sketch a patterned cloth on a table, focusing on the repetition and details of the design.
Study a close-up of jewelry, capturing the intricate patterns and textures of the metal and gemstones.
Explore the texture and movement of hair, whether it’s flowing or tightly curled.
Sketch the hung drapery, paying attention to the folds and creases that create interesting patterns.

Challenging Objects and Concepts

A black and white drawing of flowers and fruit on a book.

Trying to draw a detailed machine can be challenging, but it’s a great opportunity to improve my skills and push my artistic boundaries. Machines are complex objects with intricate parts and mechanisms which require careful observation and attention to detail.

By taking on the challenge of drawing a machine, I can enhance my understanding of form, perspective, and shading. It allows me to practice precision and accuracy in my drawings and develop my patience and perseverance.

Moreover, tackling challenging objects like machines helps me expand my artistic repertoire and explore new subjects I may not have considered before. It’s a rewarding experience to see myself grow as an artist by taking on difficult concepts and objects in my sketchbook practice.

Dynamic and Moving Subjects

A pencil drawing of a city with birds flying over it.

Water coming from the faucet is a captivating subject to sketch, as it captures movement’s dynamic and fluid nature. The way the water flows and splashes can create interesting shapes and patterns that challenge the artist’s ability to capture motion on paper.

Sketching dynamic and moving subjects like water can help improve observation skills and understanding of the human eye’s ability to perceive motion.

The swirling motion of water as it goes down the drain
The movement of water droplets as they fall from a faucet
The splashing and splattering of water when it hits a surface
The ripples and waves created when water is disturbed
The reflection of light on the surface of water

Scavenger Hunt Challenge

An open notebook with watercolor brushes and paints.

I absolutely loved taking on the Scavenger Hunt Challenge in my sketchbook! It was such a fun and creative way to push myself and explore different subjects.

I started by drawing all the suggested objects, like an old pair of shoes, a stack of books, and even a glass of water. It was challenging at first, but as I continued, I noticed my skills improving and my confidence growing.

It was fascinating to compare my first sketch to my last one and see the progress I made over time. The Scavenger Hunt Challenge really allowed me to experiment with different techniques and styles, and I can’t wait to continue exploring more drawing ideas in my sketchbook.

Finding More Drawing Ideas

A black and white drawing of vines on a wall.

One way to find more drawing ideas is by exploring other sources of inspiration. Here are some suggestions to help spark your creativity:

Visit art galleries or museums to see different styles and techniques.
Look at other artists’ work online or in books for inspiration.
Explore nature and capture the beauty of landscapes or interesting objects.
Draw from your own experiences and memories to create personal and meaningful artwork.
Experiment with different mediums and techniques to push your artistic boundaries.

Getting Inspired Outdoors

An open notebook with watercolors, pencils, and pens.

To get inspired outdoors, I can go for a walk and observe my surroundings. Nature is full of beauty and interesting objects that can spark my creativity. I can take the time to notice the way the light hits the leaves or the texture of tree bark up close.

I can also capture interesting scenes and objects by taking photographs for future reference. Sketching outdoor landscapes or buildings can help me appreciate the details and unique features of the environment. Being outside allows me to immerse myself in nature’s sights, sounds, and smells, which can all contribute to my artistic inspiration.

Benefits of a Daily Sketchbook Practice

An open book on a table next to a window.

But sketching every day can bring many benefits to my artistic practice.

Regular sketching helps me improve my drawing skills, experiment with different techniques, and explore new creative ideas.

My sketchbook becomes a place where I can freely explore and try out new concepts without judgment or pressure.

Sharing my sketches with others allows me to engage in conversations, receive feedback, and build a supportive community of fellow artists.

Daily sketching trains my eye to observe details, proportions, and textures, enhancing my ability to depict subjects accurately.

When I immerse myself in my sketchbook, I can momentarily escape from the busyness of life and find a calm and peaceful state of mind.

Getting Started With a Daily Sketchbook Practice

An open book with flowers and a cup of coffee on a window sill.

I’ll share five steps to help you begin your daily sketchbook practice.

First, set your parameters and guidelines for your practice. Decide how much time you want to dedicate to sketching each day and what subjects or themes you want to focus on.

Second, make art every day, even if it’s just a small sketch. Consistency is key in developing a daily sketchbook habit.

Third, set a time limit to stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. This will help you stay disciplined and maximize your practice sessions.

Fourth, choose a dedicated place to sketch where you feel comfortable and inspired. Having a designated space will make getting into the creative mindset easier.

Creating a Ritual for Your Daily Sketchbook Practice

How can I personalize my sketching experience with a ritual for my daily sketchbook practice?

Creating a ritual for my daily sketchbook practice can help me establish a routine and make my sketching experience more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to consider:

Find a comfortable and inspiring environment
Incorporate sensory elements like candles or music
Bring your sketching supplies with you wherever you go
Surround yourself with your favorite things while sketching
Set aside a specific time each day for sketching

Selecting a Sketchbook and Tools

I explore different sketchbook options, such as size and paper type, to find the perfect fit for my daily sketching practice.

The size of the sketchbook is important because it determines how much space I’ve to work with. I prefer a medium-sized sketchbook that isn’t too large or too small, allowing me to have enough room for my drawings without feeling overwhelmed.

As for the paper type, I like to experiment with different surfaces like watercolor or graph paper, depending on the type of sketch I want to create.

Starting with a few basic drawing tools and colors helps me get started, and over time, I allow my preferences to develop and embrace the process of trying new materials.

Choosing Colors for Your Sketchbook

Watercolor paints and brushes on a wooden table.

When choosing colors for my sketchbook, I prefer to consider my personal preferences and experiment with different color palettes to find what works best for my artwork. It’s important for me to have colors that inspire and motivate me during the creative process.

Here are some factors I consider when selecting colors:

The Awakening Set: A beginner-friendly option with good mixing choices.
The Ochre Set: Offers natural earth and ochre pigments.
Experimentation: Trying out different color combinations to see what resonates with my style.
Building a collection: Resisting the urge to buy too many supplies at once and enjoying the process of gradually expanding my color palette.
Flexibility: Choosing colors that can be easily mixed and blended to create new shades and tones.

Abstract Concepts and Emotions

A notebook with pencils and flowers next to it.

I enjoy exploring four abstract concepts and emotions in my sketchbook: love, fear, joy, and sadness. These powerful feelings evoke different images and shapes in my mind, and I find it fascinating to translate them onto paper.

When I sketch about love, I often depict flowing lines and intertwining shapes to represent the connection between two hearts.

On the other hand, fear inspires jagged lines and dark shadows, capturing the intensity and unease.

Joy is all about vibrant colors and energetic brushstrokes, while sadness is portrayed through soft, muted tones and delicate lines.

Still Life Arrangements

A black and white drawing of a vase with apples and flowers.

One of my favorite ways to practice drawing is sketching various still life arrangements. It lets me observe objects closely and capture their intricate details on paper. Not only does it improve my ability to depict shapes and textures, but it also enhances my understanding of light and shadow.

When creating still life arrangements, I often choose objects with personal significance or present a unique challenge. Here are some items I love to include in my compositions:

Antique teacup and saucer
Freshly picked flowers in a vase
Assorted fruits in a bowl
Vintage camera and film rolls
Classic books stacked on a wooden table

These objects provide a range of shapes, colors, and textures that make each sketching session a delightful exploration of form and composition.

Architecture and Buildings

For my next sketchbook idea, I love exploring the world of architecture and buildings, as it allows me to capture the unique shapes and structures that surround us daily.

From towering skyscrapers to quaint houses, there’s always something fascinating to sketch. I enjoy observing the intricate details of each building, the way sunlight casts shadows on their surfaces, and the way they interact with their surroundings.

Sketching architecture helps me appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating these structures. It also allows me to experiment with different perspectives and compositions. Whether I’m sketching a famous landmark or a hidden gem in my neighborhood, capturing the essence of a building in my sketchbook brings me a sense of joy and fulfillment.

Landscapes and Scenery

A person is painting a watercolor landscape with a pen.

I love exploring landscapes and scenery, as they offer a variety of natural elements and breathtaking views. When it comes to sketching these beautiful scenes, there are endless possibilities to capture.

Here are a few ideas to inspire your daily practice:

Majestic mountainscapes with towering peaks and rolling hills.
Serene lakes are surrounded by lush forests and vibrant wildlife.
Peaceful countryside dotted with charming farmhouses and fields of flowers.
Tranquil beaches with crashing waves, sandy shores, and seashells.
Enchanting sunsets cast a warm glow over the horizon.

Portraits and People

A group of colored pencils on a table next to a drawing of a woman.

But don’t forget, capturing people’s essence and unique features can also be a fascinating subject for your daily sketchbook practice.

Portraits allow you to delve into the intricacies of facial expressions, emotions, and individual characteristics. Whether you choose to sketch friends, family members, or even strangers, each face tells a story waiting to be brought to life on your sketchbook pages.

Focus on capturing the details that make each person unique, such as the curve of their smile or the twinkle in their eyes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles to truly capture your subjects’ essence.

With each portrait, you will improve your artistic skills and deepen your understanding of the human form and beauty within each individual.

Outmane is the founder of Proactive Creative. He is an artist/designer.

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THAT ART TEACHER

Art education simplified.

Step by Step Sketchbook Drawing Prompts

Practicing basic drawing techniques can help artists of all ages build confidence and sharpen their technical skills.

I love having my students keep a sketchbook. It’s a great opportunity for students to practice foundational skills, brainstorm artwork ideas, and write and reflect about their own artwork and the artwork of others.

It’s a great place to hit all of the standards of teaching that are NOT about producing finished artworks! I think creativity and self-expression are the pillars of a quality art education, but sometimes it’s time to focus on those drawing basics!

Here is a list of my go-to drawing sketchbook assignments. These are step by step video guided tutorials that are classroom ready or can be done at home! I love doing these in the classroom, but they are perfect for distance learning in our new reality of Covid-19.If you’re not an art teacher or in an art class, draw along with me in your sketchbook to grow your artistic skills.

How to Shade Water Droplets

Facial Proportions for Beginners

Two Point Perspective

One Point Perspective 3-D Letters

Value Scale Zentangle

Contour Drawing

How to Draw an Eye

Value Scale & Sphere Shading

Published by

Sierra machado.

HI! My name is Sierra Machado and I am an art educator in Oklahoma. This is a creative space dedicated to the craft of teaching and art making. My goal is to inspire young artists, encourage and support fellow art educators and to push myself to create more art. View all posts by Sierra Machado

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Sketchbook Ideas

Sketchbook assignment ideas.

Current HS Sketchbook Assignment Handout :

Sb assigns-adv hs art q3 2018-19, sb assigns-adv hs art q2 2018-19a.

SB ASSIGNS-ADV HS ART Q1 2018-19

Sketchbook Ideas to Boost your Creativity FREE PDF -Sign up for my Create Art with ME Newsletter!

NEEDED Sketchbook Supplies:

Great books on building creativity:

* Affiliate links-products that I love , use, and recommend

Requirements for my HS Art Sketchbook Assignments:

You must complete a minimum of 4- 5 assignments listed below in each 9-week period.

Drawings should fill the ENTIRE sketchbook page (points will be deducted for small drawings.)
Include DETAILS (include textures & value, unless otherwise specified.)
Spend a minimum of 45 minutes on each assignment.
Each sketchbook counts as a QUIZ grade!
Sketchbooks handed in late will be accepted but 30 points removed for lateness, 2 days late will receive a “0”.
DRAWINGS NEEDS TO BE FROM DIRECT OBSERVATION ie: you LOOKING at the objects ! That means NOT from memory, photos, or imagination. (except where otherwise noted). Pay close attention to proportions (size relationships)

YOU MUST LABEL EACH PICTURE at the top with the appropriate title (ex: SB #1: Black & White Design )

Size 0-5

Effort 0-10

Creativity 0-8

Title 0- 2

25 pts.

Sketchbook Assignments:

Below are just some of the sketchbook assignments we have done throughout the years. Not listed are the essential contour line & gesture drawings that are required throughout the year.

Non-Objective Shape Line Design Sketchbook

SB #2: Juxtaposition Drawing: Create a new object by combining 2 unrelated objects-one needs to be from nature, the other needs to be mechanical. Render with full shading. Medium: colored pencil

SB #3: Contour line: Look in your backpack or purse, pull out 5 things you use on a regular basis (phone can not be one!) arrange them in an interesting way, then draw a contour line drawing (outline only) of the composition. Medium: drawing pencils

SB #4: Scissor Metamorphosis : Use a pair of scissors as a beginning point, creatively transform the scissors into something else- a monster, a robot, a machine, a vehicle, an animal. Change its scale & it purpose. Render with full shading . Medium: colored pencils

SB #5: Student Choice: Choose your own subject and complete a drawing using skills & techniques learned in class. Medium: Your Choice

SB #6: Preposterous Cross-links: Choose any 2 words below to combine together in one image:

Turtle Octopus Snake Bird Bee Rat Fish Cat

Pencil Saw Hammer Pliers Scissors Tire Clock Drum

Medium: colored pencil

SB #7: Futuristic Mutation : Take an everyday object and use your imagination to redesign it with a futuristic look. Medium: colored pencils

SB #9: Shoe: Draw one of your shoes from your closet. Or a shoe that you think is very interesting (ballet, boot, etc.) ADD FULL SHADING Medium: colored pencil

SB #10: Wheels : Draw something with wheels (Real or imaginary). Medium: your choice

SB #11: 2D & 3D Arrows : Create a full page composition using a combination of 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional arrows. Use overlapping to break up the spaces into interesting positive and negative shapes. Medium: Outline with sharpie and fill the shapes with markers

SB #12: Non-objective: Create a non-objective drawing using lines, shapes (geometric) & color-use a color scheme ! Look at artwork by Wassily Kandinsky for inspiration. Medium: Markers or colored pencils

SB #13: Pet Portrait : Draw a picture of your pet or the pet you would LOVE to have. Medium: Colored Pencils

SB #15: Hand Value Study: Draw your hand in 2 different appropriate positions (both on the same page). Render with full shading. Medium: drawing pencils

SB #16: Eye Study: Find 4 different eyes in magazines. Cut them out & glue them to your sketchbook page. Draw the eyes underneath the picture & render with a FULL range of shading. Medium: pencils or colored pencils

SB #17: Color Scheme: Choose your own subject, create an obvious focal point and complete the drawing by coloring it in a color scheme of your choice. Label what color scheme you used next to the title. Medium: Colored Pencils, Paint, or Markers

SB #18: Realistic VS Abstract: Choose one object to draw (an interesting one! NOT simple!) Divide you sketchbook page in half with a pencil line. Label at the top of one side “Realistic” & on the other side label “Abstract.” Under the Realistic side, use a pencil to draw the object as realistically as you possibly can. On the Abstract side, distort your object so that it is still somewhat recognizable-use abstracted colors to color it. Medium: Colored Pencils

SB #19: Crushed Soda Can: Draw a crushed soda can, include details like the logo. Render with full shading. Medium: drawing pencils

SB #20: Worm’s Eye Point of View: Draw your choice of subject matter from a worm’s eye point of view. From below looking up at the subject. Add shading to indicate highlights & shadows. Medium: drawing pencil

Sketching Improves Your Skills

SB #21: Bird’s Eye Point of View: Draw your choice of subject matter from a bird’s eye point of view. From above looking down at the subject. Add shading to indicate highlights & shadows. Medium: drawing pencil

SB# 22: Paper Airplane: Fold a paper airplane, place it in front of you & draw from direct observation as accurately as you can. ADD FULL SHADING Medium: drawing pencil

SB #23 : Creative Hand Drawing: Trace you hand -yes I said Trace your hand on your page (tracing is usually forbidden). Use your imagination to turn you hand into something totally different. Add details-make it creative and interesting! Medium: colored pencil

SB #24 : Cloth Drawing : Draw the cloth that is hanging on the art room wall. ADD FULL SHADING Medium: Drawing pencil or Charcoal pencil (spray when finished)

SB #25: Interactive Drawing & Photo : Fine a photo either of yourself or someone else (can be from a magazine). Cut the person out & brainstorm how you can create a drawing that combines the two so that they interact with each other. ADD FULL SHADING Medium: drawing pencils

SB #26: Flat to 3D- Come Alive: Look at the two examples below of a flat drawing-mostly lines/no shading that slowly transforms to become 3D with full shading. See MC Escher’s Drawing Hands for an example. Design your own drawing that morphs from flat to 3D. Medium: drawing pencils

SB #27: Visual Puns : Illustrate 2 visual puns (a visual rendering of a two-word noun phrase that illustrates the combination of the nouns with their literal meaning). Look at artist Don Stewart’s artwork https://dsart.com/ Examples: hot dog, cat fish, hair brush, two face, fish face, bone head, Angel fish, Bat man, iron man, flower bed, Bed Bug, Boxing Match, Car pool, Card Shark, deviled Eggs, Fire Drill, Fish Tank, Football, Fruit Flies, Hammerhead, Handbag, Home Run, horse Fly, Jail Bird, Lightening Bug, Photo Bug, Strong Box, Submarine Sandwich, Swordfish, Watch Dog, Bird Brain, French Fries Medium: colored pencil

SB #28: Procreate Or Sketchbook App Drawing: Use your iPad to create an ORIGINAL drawing of subject matter of your choice. Medium: ipad

S B #29: Botanical Study: Find a flower or plant from nature. Study it carefully before drawing. Draw the whole plant on 2/3rds of the page. Select 3 areas to “magnify” & draw smaller, partial up-close drawings of those 3 areas including all the details. ADD FULL SHADING Medium: watercolor, watercolor pencil, or drawing pencils

SB #31: Mixed Media Experiments: Have fun experimenting with mixed media techniques. Do the experimenting on other paper, then cut out the different experiments & glue them in your sketchbook. Label each experiment with a brief description of how you created it. Try at least 6 of these different experiments. Use up a minimum of 2 pages in your sketchbook. Medium: various art supplies

SB #32: Collaged Music Sheet Drawing: Glue a music sheet onto a page in your sketchbook-Let it dry completely (do at least one day in advance). Choose an image or two to draw with India ink & draw it directly onto the music sheet. Add color with watercolors or colored pencils. Medium: collage, ink, watercolors or colored pencils

Sketching Challenges Your Design Concepts

SB# 34: Line Inventory: Draw two rows of four squares; one row of four vertical rectangles; and one row of four circles. When you have drawn your blank template, place four different kinds of lines in the first row of squares. Refer to the example below, but do not copy — come up with your own kinds of lines. Then, invent a series of variations on each line in the remaining columns. Medium: ink or sharpie

SB #35: Tool Metamorphosis: See Idea from Stan Winston School Choose a tool (hammer, ax, wrench, pliers, drill) as a beginning point, creatively transform the head of the tool into something else – a monster, a robot, a machine, a vehicle, and instruments, an animal, etc. Change its scale & it purpose. Render with full shading . Medium: colored pencils

SB #36 Balance Sketchbook Assignment: Draw 3 squares or circles. Use shape templates & rulers to create non-objective design examples of each type of balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical, & radial). See Types of Balance Lesson. Use Shape templates to create designs that illustrate each type of balance. Fit ALL designs on one page. Label & color them with colored pencils or markers. Medium: colored pencils or markers

SB #37 Adult Portrait: Find a frontal view of an adult male or female. Cut it out or print it out. Open your sketchbook so it is showing 2 pages (a spread), glue onto the left side your sketchbook. On the right side use what we learned about adult human facial proportions to draw the portrait from the picture. Use light shading to indicate major values (highlights & shadows) or to lightly shade the nose. Medium: drawing pencils

SB #38 Refraction Drawing: Refraction is the visual distortion that happens when an object is viewed through a glass container filled with water (or some liquid). Find an interesting glass container (drinking glass, vase, jar, etc) and place a spoon or fork inside. Fill the container only half-way with water and place it on a light colored surface. Carefully observe the distortion. Use observational drawing skills to draw the glass, spoon, water & any lights/ shadows you see on the table surface. Medium: drawing pencils

SB #39 Illuminated Letter : Choose a letter to draw. Go on a computer & play with the letter in different fonts- choose one & print it out. Look up examples of illuminated letters for inspiration. Draw the letter large in your sketchbook in pencil. Add decoration to the letter, possibly even a border Medium: colored pencils, sharpies & markers

Sketching is an integral part of the creative process

SB #40 Fantasy Landscape: Use your imagination to draw a fantasy landscape. It can be anytime period on earth, in space or some other world. What type of plants, flowers, and trees would you see? What does the typography look like? can you see other worlds from the planet you are on? Are there buildings? What is gravity like in the land you are drawing? Medium: colored pencils

Sign Language Hand Sketchbook Assignment Ideas

SB #42 Color Mood- Know about colors and their effect. Certain colors inspire certain emotions; learn to use them! Choose a color to explore, compose a realistic, abstract or non-objective drawing based on the emotion produced by a single color. Use the tints and shades of a color to add different values to the drawing. Medium: colored pencils, watercolor pencils, or markers

Black – authority, discipline, strength and promoting independence.
Blue – cool, calming, relaxing, and promotes feelings of tranquility and peace.
Green – balance, refreshing, normalizing, and promotes emotional growth.
Orange – cheerful, commanding, and stimulates goodwill, conversation and appetites.
Pink – calming, accepting, and encourages affection and socialization.
Purple – comforting, spiritual, and generates mystery and a good sense of intuition.
Red – empowerment, stimulation, drama, competition and passion.
White – purification, energy, unity, and gives vigor to other colors it is used in combination with.
Yellow – cheerful, expanding, and increases energy.

SB #43 Cast Shadows: Choose an object that has a lot of broken negative space (like a bike wheel). Using either natural light (Sun) or a lamp, position the light on the object so it creates a long and interesting cast shadow ( see bike example ). Compose a drawing that shows only a portion of the object & MOSTLY the cast shadow . Add value to the SHADOW, the rest can be contour line only. Medium: drawing pencils

How to Draw Steampunk Books:

SB #45 Broken Object Drawing : **ASK parents for an object that is not valuable. Break the object a little and then draw it showing all the broken fragments, tears, and loose debris. ***If you break something glass or metal, please wear protective gear (gloves and goggles) See Example by Armin Mersmann Medium: drawing pencils or colored pencils

SB #46 Travel Drawing : Draw a place you want to visit. Find a reference picture and create your drawing from that. Idea is from Art is Medicine Medium: colored pencils, drawing pencils, or watercolor pencils

SB #48 Merging Animals: Combine 2 real animals to become a fantasy creature. Use characteristics of both and colors of both in the new design Medium: colored pencils

SB #49 Animal Eyes: Choose an eye to draw from these 4 types of creatures: Animal (land or sea), Bird, Reptile, and Insect. Draw 2 per page so they take up approximately ½ the page. Render with full shading. Medium: colored pencils or Pen & Watercolor

Sketching brings new ideas & techniques to the surface

SB #50 Small to LARGE Enlargement Drawing : Choose 1-2 small objects to draw (less than 2”). Draw 3 preliminary sketches focusing on an interesting composition that enlarges the object (s) so much that it goes off the page on at least 3 sides of the paper. Medium: drawing pencils

SB #51 Magnification Drawing: Using a magnifying glass, look at an object or insect very closely. Draw the details of what you see. See The Helpful Art Teacher: Drawing Magnified Leaves Medium: colored pencils

SB #52 Sculpted Paper Strips Drawing : Credit- A Faithful Attempt-Curled Paper Drawings Give each student 2 strips of paper (½x11” & 1×11). Have students twist/bend/manipulate them into some type of curl or even add zig-zags. Tape them onto a sheet of paper so they are spread apart. Draw lightly with a HB pencil until they get the proportion just right. Use Drawing pencils 4B to add shading. Medium: Drawing Pencils

SB #55 New & Old: Find 2 objects to draw something new and something old or vintage. It would be most interesting to find an old and new example of one type of object (like phones, computers, mixers, anything that can show the progression of technology) Place them side by side or slightly overlapping each other and then draw them with full shading . Do research on the internet if needed Medium : drawing pencils

SB #56 Grid Journal: Read MilliAnde’s What is Grid Journaling article, watch her video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmlEY5TK1zo , and view her examples. Choose a piece of architecture to explore (best to be physically present, but if you cannot then find several reference pictures to work from). In NONE of the grids will you draw the whole structure, you will focus on smaller sections. Following her instructions draw your first box and one detail from the architecture. Next choose another detail to draw, make sure to draw the box to fit the detail. All the boxes should be different sizes. Continue to draw until you have between 7-10 boxes on one page. Medium : Pen & Ink

Melting Object Sketchbook Assignment Ideas

Sketching Develops Communication Skills

SB #58: Skeleton of Animal Study: Choose an animal (living or extinct) to draw its skeletal structure. First, draw a contour line -outline ONLY- of the animal (FULL body). Second, draw the skeletal structure inside the outline. Third, use a sharpie to fill in the negative space behind the skeleton. Medium: Drawing pencil & Sharpie

Skeleton Animal Study Sketchbook Assignment Ideas

SB #61: Realistic & Geometric: Choose an animal to draw a head portrait of. Draw a line down the center of the face vertically. On the left hand side draw the animal realistically with color and shading and go over major lines with sharpie. On the right hand side draw the animal as if it were make up of simple triangles, circles and squares (simple geometric shapes) that follow the major contours and textures of the animal. Go over major lines with sharpie and add shading. See examples here & here . Medium: Sharpies and Colored Pencils

SB #62 See a Need Fill a Need: Think of a common problem that humans or animals struggle with. Design a solution to fixing that problem. Write down what the problem is and write out your intentions to fix the problem. Draw the new solution with full coloring. Add descriptions of gadgets to help us understand your ideas. See Invention Idea List below to kick-start your thinking. Medium: Colored Pencils and Ultra-thin Sharpie

Invention Idea List

New utensil or tool
Help someone break a bad habit
A new way to prevent ___________
Something to help children who have a certain disability
Make something safer
Help find or keep track of _____________
A better way to ____________
Recycle ____________ to make or do ____________

SB #63: Texture Spheres: Draw 6 spheres (2-3″). Apply 6 different textures to the different spheres: fur, fish or dragon scales, craters, basket weaving, spikes, lumpy, bricks or stones . Make sure your textures follow the contour of the sphere! Watch Video: Pen & Ink Drawing Tutorials | How to create realistic textures (Part 3) Medium: P en and Ink or sharpies

SB #64: Unique Door Handles: Find a reference photo of a unique door handle. Draw the door handle large on your page including part of the door in pencil, then use watercolor pencils to paint it. Add DETAILS and shading! Medium: Watercolor Pencils

SB #65: Story Dice Cubes Drawing: Use Rory’s Story Cubes to roll 3-4 images. Develop a story or scene with these images and illustrate it in your sketchbook. Medium: Colored Pencils and Ultra-thin Sharpie

SB #69 Personification Drawing: According to Dictionary.com Personification is “the attribution of a human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.” Choose a man-made object to draw (stapler, hair dryer, etc) then draw the object, but personify it by giving it a face and other human characteristics. Medium: Sharpie and Colored Pencils

SB #70 Splatter Creature: Splatter some liquid watercolor on your page, blow it around with a straw. Let it dry. Now turn it into a creative creature (obviously fantasy). ADD LOTS OF DETAILS! Medium: Liquid Watercolors, Sharpie and markers

SB #71 Word Illustration: Choose a word (like Autumn, Flower, Candy, Science, etc) and create a FONT in which the letters are illustrations of the word you chose. See https://www.edinaschools.org/Page/4373 for examples of Mr.Henricksen’s 6th grade Word Art Project. EACH letter should be a different illustration of the word (ex: autumn: A-shape of candy corn, u-basket of apples, t-scarecrow, etc.) Medium: Sharpie and Colored Pencils

Sketching Builds Hand-eye Coordination and Develops Fine Motor Skills

SB #72 Ball Point Pen Drawing: Choose a subject to draw. Render it with shading using only a ballpoint pen. Medium: Black or blue ballpoint pen

SB #73 Board Game Observational Drawing: Set up a board game with some of the game pieces on it. Choose a small section of the board to draw from. Render with shading. See Full Project from Nicole Brisco https://www.incredibleart.org/files/Nicole.htm#Mixed Medium: Drawing Pencils

SB #74 Organic Design Building: Design a building derived from an organic form (form found in nature). Draw the basic organic form and alter it into a building. Add details to the building that are influenced by the shapes, colors and textures of the organic form. See Example at https://www.studentartguide.com/lessons/art-lessons-for-substitute-teachers Medium: Colored Pencils

SB #75 Board Game Observational Drawing: Set up a board game with some of the game pieces on it. Choose a small section of the board to compose your drawing. Render with shading. Medium: Drawing Pencils

SB #76 Design Your Dream Swimming Pool: Design your dream swimming pool. What kinds of special features will it have-slides, bridges, pirate ships, fountains, etc. You can either draw from a bird’s eye view (directly above) or from a frontal view. Medium: Colored Pencils

SB #77 Candy Drawing: Choose 3 different pieces of candy (lollipop, ring-pop, gummy bear, peppermint, tootsie roll, candy cane, etc.). Arrange them so the partially overlap each other in an interesting way. Keep the candy in its wrapper (except for lollipops & ring pops). Take a picture of your composition from the viewpoint where you will be drawing from (so you can finish it later if needed). Draw in pencil as accurately as you can while looking at the candy directly. ( Look twice, Draw once ). Once drawn, render with shading in colored pencils. Medium: Drawing & Colored Pencils

SB #78 Thankful : Think of something or someone you are thankful for. Draw it or them with SHADING! Medium: Drawing Pencils

SB #80 8 Ways of Seeing Part 1: (This assignment will be finished in 2 Parts) Website: https://medium.com/@katerutter/sketch-things-better-with-the-7-ways-of-seeing-6f9a24e5b9dd (my class’s assignment was slightly altered from the article)

Use a full spread (2 facing pages) & divide your sketchbook page into 8 sections- 4 on each page. Choose 1 object to draw & find a reference picture of it (Save to Photos). At the top of each section, write these titles: Symbolic, Gesture, Blind Contour, Simple Shapes, Contrast, Negative Space, Guided Contour, and Cartoon. Medium: 2B Pencil

1: Symbolic: Without looking at the object, draw a simple version of it. Sketch the “idea” of the object, not the specific thing. (think of logo symbols and how simple they are) 2: Gesture: Look at the object and make a very quick sketch of it, using only a few lines. Try to capture the “energy” and “rhythm” of the subject. Work super-fast! 3: Blind Contour: Without looking at your pen or your paper, use your eyes to “trace” the edges of the object, while, at the same time, using your pen to draw the outline in a steady, continuous line. Don’t look at your paper, and don’t pick up your pen! Go slow. 4: Simple Shapes: Stare at the object and break it down into basic shapes in your head. Aim for 3–4 shapes…no more than 6! Draw the shapes on your paper.

8 Ways of Seeing Part 2: Using the same object from SB#5, create these drawings: 5: Contrast: Stare at the object and identify the shadows and darkest parts. Draw ONLY the darkest parts. Don’t draw outlines or lines unless they are the darkest parts. 6: Negative Space: Draw the space AROUND the object. Try to get as much detail in the shape as possible. When you’re done, draw a box around the shape and quickly fill it in. 7: Guided Contour: Look intently at the object and use your eyes to “trace” the edges of the object, while simultaneously using your pen to draw the outlines and shapes. Glance back and forth between the object and your paper. Try to get as much accurate detail as possible while still working at a quick pace. 8: Cartoon: Turn the object into a cartoon. Use abstraction methods: simplify edges, twist, stretch, pull, distort color, resize, exaggerate.

SB #81 Anthropomorphic: Anthropomorphic , derived from the Greek word anthrōposi , which means “human being”. It means suggesting human characteristics for animals or inanimate things. Toys can move, think and can talk; candlesticks and teapots can sing and dance. Choose an object or animal to transform anthropomorphically. Medium: Colored Pencil

HOW to Draw Anthropomorphic Animals and Objects:

Make them bipedal (walking on two legs)
Give them clothing and human accessories (make-up, glasses, hats, etc)
Create animated facial expressions
Change their proportions to more human-like body proportions
Show them holding objects and otherwise change their physical abilities to include human abilities
Show them doing human tasks (painting, driving a car, etc)

This Website has good ideas of how to create anthropomorphic characters: https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/how-to-draw-furries-aka-anthropomorphic-characters–cms-30243

SB #82 Texture Rubbings: Explore physical texture through texture rubbings. Divide your sketchbook page into 10 boxes. Find 10 actual textures from your surroundings. Create rubbings from the textures in your sketchbook by placing the object under your page and rubbing a crayon (on its side) over the object. Label the box with the object. Medium: Crayons & Watercolors

SB #83 16 Circle Challenge: (Modified 30 Circle Challenge ) Use a circle template to draw 16 circles on your page in pencil. Turn each of the circles into unique recognizable objects. You can draw inside and outside the circles. Medium: Drawing Pencils

Additional Sketchbook Resource s:

Student Art Guide: Tips for Producing an Amazing GCSE or A Level Art Sketchbook

Deep Space Sparkle- The Sketchbook Project (k-5th grades)

Other HS Art Project Ideas

Beyond the Border Pen & Watercolor HS Project
Mixed Media Drawing Collage
Motorcycle Mixed-Media Art Lesson High School
Ceramics Roll-A-Beast Animal Sculptures

Have you done any unique sketchbook assignments with your students? If so, I would love to hear about them! //

PLEASE Share this Post:

Just found your blog while doing some research on sketchbook assignments. This is a life saver! I am going to assign 10 for now to see how it goes with my students. Thank you for sharing!

Great Cynthia! These are good assignments for developing creativity & imagination. I have used all of these in my classroom & seen success with them! Let me know if you have any suggestions. Michelle

This is amazing! I always struggle with inspiring myself on what to draw, and this is perfect! Something new for every day 🙂

Thank you for the ideas! I am just starting out and find these very helpful. Are these assignments done at home or in class? What type of sketch books do you require? Spiral, bound, hand made?

Hi! These assignments are homework-outside of class (unless they finish a project, then they can work on the sketchbook assignment). I require a 70+ page spiral bound sketchbook (I like the single loop & if it has a folder that’s awesome!). I also prefer a heavier weight (80-90#). I will add a link to the top of this page with what I prefer.

Blessings on your school year!!

These are some great ideas for use as home work, thank you!

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How to Start a Daily Sketchbook | 17 Top Tips to Get You Inspired

April 11, 2023 April 19, 2022 | Dee

daily sketchbook with hand drawing in pencil

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Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Dee

Do you often find yourself feeling creatively blocked? Maybe you feel like you’re not good enough to be an artist, or that your art isn’t good enough. STOP RIGHT THERE! You are an artist, and your art is good enough. The only way to get better is to keep practicing and pushing yourself. One great way to do this is to start a daily sketchbook.

In this blog post, I’ll give you 17 top tips to help get you started on your creative journey. So what are you waiting for? Get inspired and start sketching!

What is a daily sketchbook, start small, commit to it for just 30 days, work towards an end result, buy a good sketchbook, set a schedule for a specific time of day, start small and then build up, keep your sketchbook with you at all times, find a creative nook, avoid distractions (we all have them), draw every day – even if it’s just an outline or rough drawing., look at the world around you for inspiration., get inspired by looking through other artists’ work..

Experiment with different mediums and techniques.

Use some of your favorite colors to create moods or emotions.

Try drawing without lifting the pencil off the paper., draw with the non-dominant hand (if you can), use drawing prompts for inspiration..

Download my FREE 30 Days of Drawing A Day Prompt List!

Vanessa Leung

Cecilia pettersson, gayla irwin, nuno resende, renee walden, how do you keep a daily sketchbook, how do you get daily inspiration, why should you keep a daily sketchbook, here is a list of the readily available things you can use:, what should you keep in a daily sketchbook, how do i start sketching, a daily sketching routine to help with daily practice:, ideas for when you don’t know what to draw:, how long does it take for a person to get good at drawing, where can i find some sketchbook challenges or resources so i can stay motivated to fill my sketchbook, should i start a sketchbook in a lined journal.

A daily sketchbook habit is essentially a daily practice of sketching, similar to daily meditation.

The daily sketchbook has been known for centuries as an effective way to improve your drawing skills and achieve a sense of peace and alleviate anxiety.

This therapeutic activity is for anyone of any level. It’s an opportunity to draw daily and also brings more creative flow into your daily life.

For this article, we will be talking about a daily sketchbook as it relates to drawing. However, these tips can easily be applied to many other daily creative practices.

With that being said, let’s get into the daily sketchbook tips!

17 Top Tips for Your Daily Sketchbook

If you are wondering how to how to start a sketchbook for beginners follow these easy steps…

Don’t go out and buy a bunch of expensive drawing materials before you start your daily sketchbook practice. It’s better to just start small. Instead, just take a piece of paper and draw with what you have on hand.

The daily sketchbook practice should be more about the daily creative routine than the quality of your work.

This is likely my favorite daily sketchbook tip because so much of improving ourselves is about taking small daily steps forward until we achieve our ultimate goals.

Make a daily sketchbook commitment to yourself for just 30 days.

If you decide that daily sketching isn’t for you, you can always stop the daily practice after 30 days and move on with your life. But if it’s not too hard, the daily sketchbook practice might change your life a little bit.

[Related article: 59 Aesthetic Things to Draw ]

When sketching daily, it’s easy to get caught up in the process.

But don’t forget about the end result! Think carefully about your final goal and where you want to see yourself at the end of drawing for 30 days.

It’s a good idea to post your drawings to a social media account to keep a record of your drawing process and progress!

The daily sketchbook is really all about daily creative flow, and if you can keep that mentality, long-term daily drawing will become much easier for you.

The daily sketchbook is an opportunity to make a daily practice out of drawing, which will help improve your skills in the process. So don’t skimp on the sketchbook – even if its a your first beginner sketchbook!

You can buy cheap paper sketchbooks that might tear easily or aren’t suited to daily drawing.

Instead, invest in yourself and buy a high-quality sketchbook that you will find easy to work with daily.

To simplify your daily process, try setting a time for daily sketching each day. This can be as early as 5 am if that’s when you have extra free time or as late as 10 pm if you don’t go to bed until then.

You might wonder why daily sketching would be easier in the morning overnight.

The reason for this is because of our circadian rhythms, which are biological responses that help keep us regular daily sleep patterns.

Try it out and see what time of day works best for you!

[Related article: 27 Awesome Gifts for Artists who Draw ]

To really hone steady daily drawing, you’ll need to start small with daily practice and then build it up daily.

Let’s say your daily draw time is for 20 minutes. If this is the case, try starting with just five daily minutes and slowly working up from there until you get a daily drawing routine that works for you!

Keep your daily sketchbook with you at all times. This daily tip might seem like overkill, but it’s an essential practice because of the idea known as MSCS (Minimum Stimulus Control System).

Basically, our physical environment around us is likely to affect what we do daily without us even realizing it.

For example, if you go to a coffee shop early every morning before work, you can easily slip out your sketchbook and start a new daily sketchbook practice.

You might get really into it because of the environment around you.

So keep your daily sketchbook with you wherever you go so that you can continue your daily practice no matter where you are!

If you intend to draw at home, then it’s a good idea to find yourself a little nook that can become your creative space.

Before starting daily drawing, make sure that you have enough space for your daily practice.

Since daily drawing in itself can be an exercise in creativity and problem-solving, it will help if you have plenty of room to have inspirational objects and reference images lying close by!

Most people find distractions easy to come by daily in our modern world of smartphones and social media.

Turn off your phone and set your alarm to make sure you have some quiet time to focus on your drawing.

Daily sketching practice will help you gain confidence in your drawing skills.

It will also help you develop discipline, which is essential when it comes to developing your artistic skills.

[Related article: How to Trace on Procreate in 11 Easy Steps!]

From people to animals to plants, the world is your inspiration when it comes to daily sketching. There are so many sketchbook ideas for beginners and more advanced artists.

[Related Article: Looking for Autumn Inspiration? 191 Fall Things to Draw]

The daily sketchbook allows you to see everything around you with new eyes and draw them in daily practice.

Do some research online or in your local newspaper or library and discover artwork and artists that you like.

Find out what mediums they use, what stimulates their creativity, and how they go about creating their artwork.

Discovering other artists and exploring their art-making process can really help you develop your own art-making.

[Related article: How to Improve Your Digital Creations | 22 Digital Painting Tips ]

Experiment with different mediums and techniques.

Daily sketching allows you to experiment daily with a variety of mediums and drawing techniques.

For this daily tip, try different things like markers, pastels, pencils, gouache – anything that sparks your creativity!

Your daily drawing practice will help you develop your artistic sensibilities.

One great daily tip to follow is to use some of your favorite colors daily in your daily sketchbook, such as blue and green.

Using different colors daily can also help create moods or emotions. For example, yellow is optimistic, whereas blue is calming and soothing for daily practice.

When you’re starting a daily practice, it can help to improve your drawing skills if you focus on controlling the pencil more than anything else.

When I was first starting daily sketching and daily drawing, I found that this tip helped me develop my control over the pencil.

Nowadays, I still like using this daily drawing tip from time to time when I’m stuck!

This daily drawing tip requires some practice but can ultimately help develop your control over the pencil and improve your observational skills.

Using your daily sketchbook, try switching daily between left and right-handed daily practice.

Using a prompt list will help you to come up with daily drawing ideas.

A good tip is to keep a list of prompts that you can use in your sketchbook to help come up with ideas for daily drawings.

[Related article: The Right Digital Art Canvas Size]

Other Art Supplies for your Daily Sketchbook

Drawing lines with artistic style is an essential part of creating a beautiful piece of art.

The right art supplies can make all the difference when it comes to achieving the desired look and feel of your work.

One of the most important supplies for any artist is a good set of watercolor brushes.

These brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used to create a wide range of effects, from delicate washes to bold, expressive strokes. The bristles are soft and flexible, allowing for a smooth application of paint, while the handles are comfortable to grip.

You can also get a collection of pencils and pens to help you bring your artwork to life. From watercolor pencils to colored markers, these art supplies will help you to explore your creativity and create amazing works of art.

Download my FREE 30 Days of Drawing A Day Prompt List !

Some great daily sketchbooks to look at….

Find more of her work on www.vansketcher.com , or follow her on Instagram!

Find more of her work on ceciliapettersson.bigcartel.com , or follow her on Instagram!

Find more of her work on Instagram !

Follow Nuno Resende on Instagram!

Find more of her work on www.walden.co.nz , or follow her on Instagram!

What materials and supplies do you need to start a daily sketchbook?

You don’t need expensive materials to start a daily sketchbook.

1. Pencils (graphite and colored)

2. Colored markers or Colored pencils

3. Watercolor paint and brushes

4. Charcoal pencils or sticks

5. Erasers (kneadable erasers are the best to use)

6. Masking Tape (for masking out unwanted areas of your work)

7. Tracing Paper – Regular and Clear (for tracing over photos or layering drawings)

1. Your daily drawing or sketching.

2. References for drawings you’ve done and inspiration for future drawings

3. Research material – old magazines, torn-out pages from old books, your own photos, found photos, or artwork that has inspired you.

4. Any ephemera (materials usually of little value) that has caught your eye can be used as reference/inspiration.

5. Notes or thoughts, daily musings that you come up with, observations about daily life that spark ideas for drawings

6. Inspirational quotes

Sketching is an act of discovery. The process is more important than the shape or form.

The most important advice for a daily sketcher: just do it!

Remember, you don’t have to finish the daily sketch every single day – consistency and daily practice will make you better at drawing.

To help yourself along, make sure to have a sketchbook and a pencil ready, and set yourself a period of creative time every day where you can focus on drawing.

You can read my article on How to start drawing for more tips and guidelines.

How do you do a daily sketch?

Set yourself a daily period of time to sketch daily.

Clear space in front of you and just have your daily sketchbook and pencil ready.

Open your sketchbook to a new page or leave it open on an old page where you last stopped drawing on the previous day.

1. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and start sketching! Don’t get fixated on how perfect you want your drawing to be – just get started.

2. Look at your reference image at least every 30 seconds to ensure you aren’t missing out on essential details. (This is only if you aren’t working from your imagination).

2. After 5 minutes, stop, take two deep breaths and examine your progress so far. Stand back and squint your eyes to get an overall sense of what the drawing looks like.

3. After 10 minutes, stop and look at what you have drawn again. Ask yourself questions:

* What am I trying to draw or capture (the subject matter)?

* What are my shapes like? Are they too big or too small? Do they overlap? Are any missing?

4. If you are not happy with your daily sketch, don’t worry; just start the next day again.

5. If you are happy with your daily sketch, continue drawing for the next 15-20 minutes.

What to draw when you don’t know what to draw?

As an artist, I know all too well that feeling of now knowing what to draw!

Sometimes inspiration comes easily, and other times… not so easily!

1. Choose a single object and practice drawing it from different angles (front, side, top, etc.) or try various styles – sketch it as realistic as possible; then sketch it in a more impressionist style without any details, then try doing it in black and white, or add some watercolor.

2. Choose a word (or words) you find intriguing that day – like “mockumedia,” which I found on a chalkboard outside my favorite cafe – and do sketches of the term using different mediums.

3. Try daily abstract doodling to get your mind buzzing and ideas flowing – sketch interesting shapes, connections/disconnections, and patterns you find in the daily environment around you (like repeating graffiti on a wall).

4. Choose photo references like old family photos or photos of daily city life – try doing caricatures of the people in your life, or make self-portraits.

5. Make observations and do illustrations/drawings from them – like what you see on a train during your commute or an interesting pose you saw someone doing while you were walking down the street.

6. Make drawings based on your daily thoughts or daily musings.

7. Record your daily observations during a hike, bike ride, or walk and then do drawings based on this perspective.

8. Look for patterns and connections in life – like looking at how a passer-by runs to catch a train or at the daily activities of an outdoor cafe – and do drawings based on these objects/patterns.

9. Try figure drawing practice by sketching different poses of yourself (or others).

10. Draw still-life objects like daily mugs, daily cups, daily food, etc.

[W hat to Draw When You’re Bored! More tips and inspiration to get your creativity flowing!]

Drawing is just another skill we can master through practice. The more they practice, the better you get.

If you are dedicated to the process of drawing, practice sketching often, and are getting regular feedback on your work, you can expect your drawing to improve in a few months.

There are so many sketchbook challenges and art challenges that take place every year! It is a great idea to start a sketchbook challenge to improve your drawing skills and keep your motivation up!

[ Have a look at my post about starting an Art Challenge this year!]

NO! If you start a daily sketchbook in a lined journal, an art journal, or in a book that is meant to be solely for the written word, chances are you will feel confined and limited by the lines, and it will stay empty most of the time.

When you are just starting as an artist and daily sketcher, you want your daily sketchbook to take the form of an actual (or daily) art journal or artist’s sketchbook.

You don’t want it to be limiting in any way. The daily practice of daily sketching should be your primary focus.

The beauty and power of a sketchbook are that there are unlimited possibilities on a blank page.

The blank pages of a daily sketchbook will inspire you to draw or get creative and fill these empty pages with something beautiful.

If you’ve been considering starting your own daily sketchbook practice, this article should have given you a good idea of what to expect and how.

The 17 great tips on finding the time for it, making sure not to overthink things too much, and giving yourself permission to be imperfect are all included in this post so that you can start your own personal journey towards artful happiness!

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Education Resources
Art + Merch

Fun, Daily Sketchbook Prompts for 1 Year of Art

$ 22.50

Get a daily sketchbook prompt every day for an entire year of a middle school art class or high school art class. 180 sketchbook ideas in total.

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Sketchbooks are an important foundation for practice and free play for visual art students. This daily sketchbook prompt activity is perfect for middle and high school art classes. It includes everything you need to teach a daily prompt as a class warm-up or opener or as a bell ringer activity. All you need is 5 minutes.

This daily sketchbook pack includes 180 prompts explained on PowerPoint (or PDF) slides to display at the beginning or end of class. This is enough prompts to cover every single day in an 36-week course or a year-long class. These 180 sketchbook assignments are also perfect for a middle or high school art class as homework , emergency sub plans , or early finisher activities .

This activity pack includes:

Semester 1 Prompts:

Lesson plan
Teacher notes
Prompt presentation
Prompt checklist

Semester 2 Prompts:

Start healthy, regular sketchbook habits in your art class. The topics in this pack build on each other to help students build confidence in their drawing skills.

Check out my list of 92 prompts to create your own idea prompt jar here .

Check out my semester drawing curriculum here .
Want to put a fun spin on sketching? Check out my visual journal bundle here, with everything you need to get started with visual journals in your class.
Want more mixed media-focused prompts? Check out my visual journal prompt jar with 87 prompts that incorporate everything from drawing to painting to collage.

Check out my other products here.

All products are 100% made by me.

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Sketchbook Assignments

Submitted by: Amanda Linn, Harmony Grove High School ADVANCED PLACEMENT SKETCHBOOK IDEAS

[ Sketchbook ideas K- 8 | Sketchbook Advocacy | Sketchbook Labels ] Lesson Plans: Make a Sketchbook (6-12) | Sketch book Choices and Ideas | H.S. Sketchbook Ideas

From Amanda Linn: I thought these might be useful to others. I am sometimes stumped for meaningful sketchbook ideas. Many of these are ideas I have "sponged" and modified from other people. Others were designed to prepare my students for specific art experiences we will have in the future or to support themes and ideas we are exploring.

· Select an above or below point of view in a specific area (your room, kitchen, bathroom, outside, in a car, etc. Complete this drawing paying attention to details. You may complete the drawing in pencil, colored pencil, pen, etc.

· Choose a portion of a magazine or newspaper picture. Glue that picture on a page in your sketchbook. Create a drawing that incorporates that picture into a story. You may use more than one magazine or newspaper image BUT the artwork should be made mainly from your added drawings. This artwork should span 2 pages. You may use color or shading. OR you could use a color scheme (monochromatic, etc.)

· Choose an enclosed space- a kitchen cabinet, a television, an oven, a refrigerator, in a drawer or closet. What human qualities do the objects in the enclosed space assume when no one is watching? Do the mustard bottles dance? Do the socks play cards? This can be one page with details…be sure and show the interior of the space as well as the objects.

· Over 2 pages show the gradual transformation of a pair of scissors into another object- example: scissors into a shark- DON"T USE THIS EXAMPLE- it was my idea. Details are needed in the drawing- color is optional.

· If you got a holiday card from one of these artists what would it look like?

Pablo Picasso Berthe Morisot Salvador Dali Georgia O’Keefe Vincent Van Gogh Frida Kahlo

· Arrange three related objects (3 kitchen items, 3 shoes, sports equipment, etc.) into a composition. Draw on one page using a light source and shading

· Create an image using only found images (from magazines, newspapers, worksheets, etc.) The image should communicate a message or tell a story

· Practice drawing anything from observation- the most common things are good practice

· Look at yourself in a spoon- draw the distorted image

· What happens when a 6-foot tall squirrel shows up in your yard?

· Identify an object that relates to your identity. Create an artwork that uses the image of that object (or the actual object) as the SINGLE FOCUS of the artwork. Open media.

· Fill in the blank… "I am a _________ in this world." Use the text of the completed sentence to inform the artwork. Open Media. This should be a 2 page spread

· Answer these questions with an image:

At age six I was ________

At age twelve I was _______

Now I am ________

At age 25 I will be ______

At age 75 I will be ______

Arrange these images in a composition that communicates your identity. Open media. Should span at least 4 pages in some order that communicates the answers to the questions.

· Illustrate a dream you have had using only 5 symbols (single images that communicate ideas) This may take one or two pages. You may use color or black and white to complete the image. Consider what you know about composition, emphasis, etc. as you build the images.

· Make a detailed drawing of your hand holding something related to the fall season OR related to school. Make the drawing large enough that it touches all the edges of the page. You may add color or use shading

· Your choice- create a one or two page drawing that demonstrates several of your strongest art skills. This is your chance to create your own assignment as many of you have requested,

· What does the holiday season really mean to you? Your image can be abstract or realistic; you may choose the media. AVOID common images- meaning if you choose to show holiday gifts- SHOW THEM IN A CREATIVE WAY! I

· Create a design using elements from magazine or newspaper images. Cut and paste the images onto the page in your sketchbook to create the design.

· Practice observational drawing skills by drawing from the following list:

Shoes Corner of a room in your house Create an arrangement of objects, use a lamp or other light to make dramatic shadows, Your pet Creative views of your car, bicycle, skateboard, etc. Make the image reach all the way to the edges of the page. Demonstrate what you know about point of view, emphasis, composition, positive and negative space, etc.

· Practice drawing from your imagination by drawing from the following list:

What would you see if you grew wings and flew over our town? What if your big toe became its own person? What if you suddenly became very very small?

Advanced Placement Sketchbook Ideas

Submitted by Robert Teslow:

Appropriate an image from magazine/newspaper/web-image that illustrates/demonstrates an unusual point of view of common objects, space/place, architecture, or group of things/people, other.

Draw a same size line drawing from your image.

Draw an enlarged scale version based on your same size line drawing (don’t be concerned about some changes in image… current drawing compared to a previous one).

Use oil pastels to enhance enlarged line drawing. Select among the following color relationships to be a guide to using color for expression and emphasis.

Warm hues with cool accents Cool hues with warm accents Monochromatic Complimentary Analogous

Submitted by Heidi Praff:

Homework assignment: Shadows as Connectors

This assignment will also be done in your sketchbook.

You may draw from a HIGH CONTRAST photos, or from direct observation, harshly lit.

DO NOT use any magazine photos of models, which are meant mainly to showcase makeup.

Draw the face, at least twice, summarizing it into shapes of shadows and light.

Observe and record how the shadows connect features.

At least 2 faces. If it is your own, you can just change pose or lighting.

Date all entries.

Homework Assignment - #3 The Eye:

This assignment is to be done in your sketchbook.

It involves drawing your eye twice in two very different ways. Both are from direct observation, though.

TWO DRAWINGS, DIFFERENT APPROACHES, DIFFERENT PAGES

Please read the directions carefully. As always, date your entries.

Make a DETAILED drawing of your eye and the area around it. Include everything you see when observing closely in clear, even lighting. For the second drawing, make a drawing in HARSH lighting, showing the shapes of the shadows only. SUMMARIZE, don’t itemize. This drawing will not contain detail, but will accurately represent the shapes of light and shadow on and around your eye area.

Submitted by Ken Schwab:

Sketchbook for A.P. Art #1

You will be keeping a sketchbook for the entire year. This sketchbook will be a series of drawings and mixed media pieces that you will use for your portfolio. Each one should be considered a complete art piece. This means that composition and principles of good design can and should be utilized.

These are the sketchbook requirements for your first grading period. They can be in any media unless specifically designated. These 4 drawings will be due in 6 weeks and will be given 80 points, (20 for each one)

1. Draw a portrait using light and shadow. In order to achieve strong gradations and a sense of form, place a light from different angles than normal. These can be under the chin, behind the head or from the top. This can be in graphite pencil or colored pencil.

2. Study your feet and shoes. Create a strong thick and thin contour drawing of your shoes drawing from different angles. Include more than one drawing on the same page over lapping and filling the format. Pen or pencil

3. Draw a place around the outside of your home. This can be a plant, part of the building or objects on the porch. Use ink and watercolor to create a strong contrast between the color and the ink. Crosshatching as a style is suggested but not required.

4. Draw bottles and cans. Have them crunched up for details in the reflections and folds of the metal. Include lots of detail and only show a small area instead of the whole can or cans. If it is a bottle, find an area that shows off the reflections and surface quality of the bottle.

5. Create a series of positive and negative space designs. On your desk at home stack a few objects into a pile. With a light shinning from the back look at the space that is white (light) and draw the shapes as a contour line shape. Use black paint or ink to fill in the spaces as a flat shape. The silhouette of the object should still be seen but new shapes created.

6. Draw a piece of furniture in your house. This can be in color or black and white. Sit in an area and observe the lines and shapes of the piece. Create a format around your observed area and look for textures, gradations, wood grain or interesting shapes and make a detailed study.

Submitted by Ken Schwab

Sketchbook for A.P. Art #2

This is the second round of sketchbook assignments. Choose 4 of these to use and have them completed before the next grading period. Remember to use good drawing skills and composition.

2. Draw or design a vehicle. This can be a car, spaceship, airplane, boat, motorcycle, bicycle or anything you want. Include details and make it big! Any media

3. Draw yourself using a strong light source on one side of your face. Use a mirror and try to have some expression. Focus on the strong shadows created by the light. Use pastel for blocking in large areas with a lesser amount of detail.

4. Using color ( Cray-Pas ) create an Impressionist Landscape drawing. Use Van Gogh, Manet, Seurat, Pissaro, Sisley, or Cezanne as your guide. Use the internet and look up these artists to observe their work. Find a landscape on the net as well and draw it as a n Impressionist.

5. Draw a series of animals in motion. Such as a cheetah running, a rabbit hopping, a bird flying. This can be in any media and you can use just three views or images in a row.

6. Divide the page into three areas with a ruler. Create a very involved contour drawing with pen of a small object of your choice and put it in one of the areas going outside the shape. Next, in another area, draw the same object with pencil using good shading and proper proportion. For the last area, distort or abstract (like in cubism) the same object using three values or colors.

Submitted by Nicole Brisco

Ideas for the first day to engage creativity in any advanced class. I begin in Art 2.

2. Another good idea is to print out a variety of sketchbook assignments on address labels and give them to the students. I have printed 30 different assignments on one page of sticker labels and printed one (each student receives the same problems) for each student, there is some initial cost for the labels but you will not have to give out another assignment sheet for the rest of the year. I created open ideas that instill good observational, creative, and compositional skills. Give each student the same printed page and they can chose what problem to tackle for their sketchbook for the week and stick the one they selected to the back of the page, or you can have them stick them to the prepared pages and they would be forced to move through the sketchbook in an unordered way. This gives the student options and allows them ownership in what they draw each week depending on their mood... but also keeps them focused on the skills they need to work on during the year. I have them staple the label page to the back of their sketchbook so that they do not lose it. I saw this idea and loved it and decided to adapt it to my art 2 and 3 classes and what kid does not like stickers?....even high school kids have a fascination. See list of ideas.

Here is a sample label file created by Gloria Rabinowitz

Suggestions from Ruth Wilson • Draw a pile of shoes • looking from an interior space to an exterior space (IE: a doorway) • a figure drawn in an unusual perspective • still life objects • reflective objects • self portraits with expression or mood • pasting a piece of a magazine on paper and then drawing outward • morphs • painting or drawing in an artists style • distorted reflections • action • anatomy • shaded 3D forms showing strong contrast • architectural drawing • art history prints & Design elements • draw on Mylar over an art history print with graphite to show the shapes, then another sheet of Mylar the directional lines, then the 3-5 local colors, and shading values

Suggestions from Donna Rodeghiero

Draw: A grouping of seashells A single flower with all its leaves, etc. A cluttered place close-up A pile of dishes sitting on the sink Your favorite food with the wrapper included, and product showing A close up set of 3-5 pieces of popped popcorn A close up of the various pieces from a game, the board, box, etc. A set of keys and a couple other items from your pocket or purse Your shoes or sandals (off your feet) Your sunglasses and what they reflect Your digital camera with the last image showing Your computer from an angle you do not usually view it, cords and all A view out a window of your choice (with motion or still) showing inside and out A shiny Christmas ornament and the view it reflects A magnifying glass and what it is magnifying as well as the space around it that is unmagnified A grouping of photographs of you, your family or friends in collage form Your school books positioned in an interesting manner A single object of choice drawn from several views with significantly different light sources in each view Something you view from a prone position looking up at whatever it is Your pet or favorite object from 3 distinctly different views

Suggestions from Patty Knott

I like to give words or phrases for idea spawning. I don't grade sketchbooks. I believe they are personal places of exploration for not only practice but journaling and questioning and sometimes, even doodling, but especially creative thinking. I just always hope they will discover mixed meanings, irony, metaphor, and symbolism.... just how to get ideas. This summer I am going through 5 years worth of art , fine crafts and photo magazines that I subscribe to, and I am listing word, phrases, titles, media and techniques that catch my eye. I like to have the kids make arbitrary picks from the list ( pull from a hat, a spin wheel, etc.) and take a day a week that they do the sketchbook exploration without the pressure of projects and grades. Here are just a few of words and phrases I am currently compiling: (I always have them mind map and web all the possibilities for all the words) Conflict of interests More than meets the Eye (I) Me, myself, and I (eye) Warped Nightmares/Other worlds Habits Food .. You are what you eat (still, after 36 years, my most biggest art challenge was the RISD portfolio requirement - Draw your family at breakfast. ) Lonely -- L (one) ly inspired by the e.e.cummings poem "1(a" The seasons The End Pairs I get around Balance Home is where... All that glitters... Pretty -- as a picture Layer it on So transparent A touch of __________? Messing around Over the edge (this one led to a student doing his concentration on Robert DeNiro film roles) The senses Threads It's my nature Take cover It's not easy being green Color outside the lines Hot and cold Lemon Yellow Black and White & red all over (so glad a student made red - read) sunset Metallics Autumn Forest floor. A sketchbook should be a fun place, not a chore or another "have- to." If I judge and grade the sketchbook, then where do they go to make free ideas? If we all had i-pods and camera phones, I would include those too.

Suggestions from John Steiner

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Each slide in the Daily Art Sketchbook Prompts and Art Bell Ringer Activities has an ARTIST OF THE DAY, ARTWORK OF THE DAY, ART QUOTE OF THE DAY, and a DAILY SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENT.

Use these Daily Art Sketchbook Prompts and Art Bell Ringer Activities PowerPoints as morning bell work. Or, print them out and use them as an early finisher activity.

Each sketchbook assignment can be completed with a pencil.

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How to Make Sketchbooks a Vital Part of Your Classroom

Why do you use sketchbooks in your classroom? Because you feel like you should? Because you need bellringers or an activity for your early finishers? Because you hear other art teachers talk about how important they are? There is a myriad of reasons why teachers use sketchbooks. But even with the best intentions, we don’t always follow through with sketchbook goals. Too often, we fall short, and sketchbooks get left by the wayside.

But we can keep that from happening. We can get students working in their sketchbooks on a regular basis; they are a tool that can (and should) be a part of a consistent artmaking process.

Earlier this week, I talked to Andrea Slusarski on the Art Ed Radio podcast . The episode is all about her passion for sketchbooks, and how to best use them in your classroom. In the course of that discussion, we realized we have quite a bit of information about sketchbooks to share.

Below are some answers to common questions, resources you can use with your students, and ideas that will help make your sketchbooks a success.

How Do I Get Started with Sketchbooks?

Ideally, sketchbooks should be a part of your students’ artmaking process. Whether you have your kids taking notes, trying out new media, exploring techniques, or anything else–all of that can be done in their sketchbooks. You simply need to figure out exactly which of those ideas you want to incorporate.

“If you want sketchbooks to work in your classroom, you need to first come up with a system,” Slusarski said. “What’s the purpose of your sketchbook assignments? What should they look like? When will you grade them? Answering those questions can only help set you up for success.”

Another idea is to start small. Can you begin using sketchbooks with just one or two of your classes? Finding your way on a smaller scale can help you see what works for you and what doesn’t. It can also show you what you may need to do if you want to expand to even more classes.

What Should I Assign When It Comes to Sketchbooks?

A great place to start is by assigning prompts . They are simple drawing ideas that deal with technique or creativity, or they may just about having fun with drawing . If your kids are more advanced, they can work with themes. This approach gives students basic ideas to get started but also allows them to develop their creative take.

You can also let kids work on their own. Let them create, let them explore, and let them decide which direction to take. “I tell students to collage, draw, paint, write, and to keep their sketchbooks with them at all times. It’s really fun to see what they do on their own,” Slusarski said.

How Do I Grade Sketchbooks?

It doesn’t matter exactly how you grade your sketchbook–just that you have a simple system that allows you to follow through . You need to do what works for you. Some teachers grade on participation or completion, some grade on specific assignments.

Slusarski described her grading system like this: “I check their sketchbooks every Thursday in class for a simple, studio habits check grade. I don’t make assignments, but rather I just want to see they are engaging with their sketchbooks. They can fill it with class assignments like their research and thumbnails for projects. As long as they are consistently working, I am happy.”

Should I Also Be Working in My Sketchbook?

You don’t have to create personal sketchbook work for your kids to be successful. But it helps.

If you are looking for some creative ideas for inspiration to create work, see this article on making time and this article on journaling . Nic Hahn also has a few suggestions for you in this Art Ed PRO video.

If you are a PRO member, you can really dive deep to learn about sketchbooks in the Sketchbook Ideas that Really Work Learning Pack and in the Rethinking Your Drawing Curriculum Learning Pack.

Whether you are looking to get started with sketchbooks, or simply looking to get more consistent with how you use them, these ideas will be incredibly helpful. Start by deciding on your assignments, your goals, and your system for grading. Once you have a clear vision for what you want to do with sketchbooks in your classroom, all you have to do is follow through.

What advice can you share for someone just starting with sketchbooks?

What do you want to see from your students in their sketchbooks?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

Timothy Bogatz

Tim Bogatz is AOEU’s Content & PD Event Manager and a former AOEU Writer and high school art educator. He focuses on creativity development, problem-solving, and higher-order thinking skills in the art room.

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COMMENTS

365 Drawing Ideas For Your Sketchbook: A Year of Daily Drawing Prompts
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Always Drawing: How to Start and Keep a Daily Sketchbook
Always Drawing is a new series from NYTimes bestselling illustrator, Mike Lowery. Mike has kept a daily sketchbook for more than 20 years and wants to help you start a daily routine of keeping one, too. And "sketchbook basics" isn't basic at all! ... There are also two assignments that will help you get started with a sketchbook of your own ...
100 Sketchbook Prompts Your Students Will Love
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Creative Daily Practice: Sketchbook Ideas & Inspiration
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Sketchbook Ideas
Requirements for my HS Art Sketchbook Assignments: You must complete a minimum of 4-5 assignments listed below in each 9-week period. Drawings should fill the ENTIRE sketchbook page (points will be deducted for small drawings.) Include DETAILS (include textures & value, unless otherwise specified.) Spend a minimum of 45 minutes on each assignment.
Why You Should Keep a Daily Sketchbook—and How to Get Started
A sketchbook can be much more than just a notebook for drawing. "It can be thought of as a closet, an attic, a basement or a file folder, where unedited thoughts are stored in a jumble," explains Olivia Petrides, a professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. "A sketchbook is a way to process raw information.".
How to Start a Daily Sketchbook
The daily sketchbook is really all about daily creative flow, and if you can keep that mentality, long-term daily drawing will become much easier for you. Buy A Good Sketchbook The daily sketchbook is an opportunity to make a daily practice out of drawing, which will help improve your skills in the process.
50 SEL Sketchbook Prompts to Help Start Your Day
Design a few comic-style speech bubbles and write different ways of saying "no" inside of them for practice. You may write, "No, thanks!" "Nope," "That's not for me," or just "No." Try out a fun font using block or bubble letters to add power to your words. 5. Responsible Decision-Making.
Encouraging Daily Sketchbook
If you are using the daily sketchbook assignment as a class opener or bell ringer you need to keep the supplies simple. You don't want students to make a mess, you need them to be able to put away supplies on their way out the door or en route to collect materials for their project. Check out my go-tos for sketchbook activities: Pencils ...
How to Inspire Students to Use Their Sketchbooks in a New Way
Here are 3 ways to organize sketchbook ideas. 1. Build a new book. Students who are open to the idea of tearing pages out of their sketchbook should tear out marked pages. They might select to organize those pages in order of interest. As students build a new book, consider having them insert a blank page next to each old idea, giving them ...
Drawing Lessons
Sketchbook Assignment. Learn how to keep a daily visual diary in this easy sketchbook assignment! If you normally draw with pencil but you would like to start using other drawing media, expand your horizons by checking out these sections on colored pencil art and pen and ink drawings!
Always Drawing: How to Start and Keep a Daily Sketchbook
Always Drawing is a new series from NYTimes bestselling illustrator, Mike Lowery. Mike has kept a daily sketchbook for more than 20 years and wants to help you start a daily routine of keeping one, too. And "sketchbook basics" isn't basic at all! ... There are also two assignments that will help you get started with a sketchbook of your own ...
PDF Daily sketchbook ideas
Daily Sketchbook Assignments • You must purchase a new sketchbook for AP Art: minimum size 9" x 12". • You may use any media or mixture of media for your sketchbook. If you use pastel and charcoal in your sketchbook, tape a piece of tracing paper over them to protect them from smudging. Daily Sketchbook
Fun, Daily Sketchbook Prompts for 1 Year of Art
This daily sketchbook pack includes 180 prompts explained on PowerPoint (or PDF) slides to display at the beginning or end of class. This is enough prompts to cover every single day in an 36-week course or a year-long class. ... These 180 sketchbook assignments are also perfect for a middle or high school art class as homework, ...
Sketchbook Assignments for High School
Sketchbook for A.P. Art #2. This is the second round of sketchbook assignments. Choose 4 of these to use and have them completed before the next grading period. Remember to use good drawing skills and composition. 1. Pop some popcorn. Take a few kernels and look at the shapes and shades created.
AP Studio Art Sketchbook Assignments
ART with DESCH. Art Club. About. Each week you are required to choose one of the following prompts as inspiration for your weekly sketchbook work. I will check your sketchbooks every Friday. You are also required to turn 5 of the prompts into final works of art. The due dates for these final works will be announced throughout the year. Prompt 1.
Art Sketchbook Prompts and Bell Ringers BUNDLE for the ENTIRE YEAR!
Each slide in the Daily Art Sketchbook Prompts and Art Bell Ringer Activities has an ARTIST OF THE DAY, ARTWORK OF THE DAY, ART QUOTE OF THE DAY, and a DAILY SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENT. Use these Daily Art Sketchbook Prompts and Art Bell Ringer Activities PowerPoints as morning bell work. Or, print them out and use them as an early finisher activity.
SketchDaily Reference Site
Here are a few ways you can help: Submit images. See here for more details. Submit translation fixes (or more languages!) here. Submit bugs to [email protected] (or message /u/artomizer on Reddit) Make a small donation so I can buy a boat keep the site up and running. Fix bugs and add new features on github.
How to Make Sketchbooks a Vital Part of Your Classroom
Ideally, sketchbooks should be a part of your students' artmaking process. Whether you have your kids taking notes, trying out new media, exploring techniques, or anything else-all of that can be done in their sketchbooks. You simply need to figure out exactly which of those ideas you want to incorporate. "If you want sketchbooks to work ...
Daily Sketchbook Assignments
Daily Sketchbook Assignments. Be the first in line for the best available writer in your study field. Essay, Coursework, Discussion Board Post, Research paper, Questions-Answers, Term paper, Powerpoint Presentation, Research proposal, Case Study, Response paper, Book Review, Letter, Annotated Bibliography, Capstone Project, Rewriting, Article ...

Creative Daily Practice: Sketchbook Ideas & Inspiration

Easy Drawing Ideas

Drawing From Imagination

Up for a Challenge

Objects to Draw

Nature and Outdoor Themes

Urban and Industrial Subjects

Everyday Objects

Animals and Creatures

Human Figures and Portraits

Textures and Patterns

Challenging Objects and Concepts

Dynamic and Moving Subjects

Scavenger Hunt Challenge

Finding More Drawing Ideas

Getting Inspired Outdoors

Benefits of a Daily Sketchbook Practice

Getting Started With a Daily Sketchbook Practice

Creating a Ritual for Your Daily Sketchbook Practice

Selecting a Sketchbook and Tools

Choosing Colors for Your Sketchbook

Abstract Concepts and Emotions

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Sketchbook Ideas

Current HS Sketchbook Assignment Handout :

Sketchbook Ideas to Boost your Creativity FREE PDF -Sign up for my Create Art with ME Newsletter!

Requirements for my HS Art Sketchbook Assignments:

Sketchbook Assignments:

Sketching Improves Your Skills

Sketching Challenges Your Design Concepts

Sketching is an integral part of the creative process

Sketching brings new ideas & techniques to the surface

Sketching Develops Communication Skills

Invention Idea List

Sketching Builds Hand-eye Coordination and Develops Fine Motor Skills

Additional Sketchbook Resource s:

Other HS Art Project Ideas

Have you done any unique sketchbook assignments with your students? If so, I would love to hear about them! //

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How to Start a Daily Sketchbook | 17 Top Tips to Get You Inspired

Table of Contents

Use some of your favorite colors to create moods or emotions.

Vanessa Leung

17 Top Tips for Your Daily Sketchbook

Experiment with different mediums and techniques.

Other Art Supplies for your Daily Sketchbook

Download my FREE 30 Days of Drawing A Day Prompt List !

Other Frequently Asked Questions about Starting a Daily Sketchbook:

What materials and supplies do you need to start a daily sketchbook?

How do you do a daily sketch?

What to draw when you don’t know what to draw?

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Fun, Daily Sketchbook Prompts for 1 Year of Art

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