Create Your Own Artist's Journal

I turn to this book time and again for inspiration for my own watercolor journal and sketches when I'm in a journaling slump. This book is loaded with the sketches and illustrations of Erin O'Toole's own journals, and her great advice to start and continue with your own journal. The book is nicely divided into sections for sketching flowers, wildlife, neighborhoods, animals and people. She also gives advice on labeling your sketches and being creative with your writing style. All in all, this is a great book to have on hand.

In Create Your Own Artist's Journal, Erin O'Toole opens her hand-made journals and tells how you can create one too. This North Light art book is packed with large format color illustrations (she uses pencil, pen, colored pencil, watercolor and gouache) and tips for drawing and painting, page layout and even establishing a routine of sketching. Mrs. O'Toole includes ideas for materials and suggestions for the kit to carry with you when you sketch away from home. There are recommendations for color; tips for drawing specific subjects: houses, people, animals, etc. and sections on sharing your artwork in print or over the internet (she gives scanner settings). This book reminds me of Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady which Mrs. O'Toole recommends. She also suggests other favorite titles.