The scientific method of sketchbooking

How to approach drawing with an experimental mindset and enjoy the process

Do you ever say to yourself “everything in the art world has already been done! Why should I even bother?” Einstein believed everything interesting in physics had already been done; That was before he rocked the science world with his special theory of relativity.

A scientist is '“someone who systematically gathers and uses research and evidence, to make hypotheses and test them, to gain and share understanding and knowledge.¹”

Approaching your sketchbook like a scientist rewards you with information about how art supplies mix and react. These experiments also uncover awareness of the materials that make you feel most alive. You can't get that from a YouTube tutorial (not even one of mine, sorry).

The more you experiment, the less daunting the blank page becomes.

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. ― Marie Curie

A bunch of experiments.

If you've drawn in any of my sessions, you've witnessed my "failed experiments." I don’t share them on Instagram or put them in my portfolio, but they’re still important.

Every experiment gives you important data about your own artistic likes and dislikes. This is what propels you forward in your practice.

I really love experimenting

Approaching your creative practice like a scientist

• Don’t start with the first page. I start in the middle and bounce around to keep things a little chaotic.

• Plan to draw your subject three times, three different ways. I demonstrate different ways I approach that in this video for paid members.

• Set aside experimentation time instead of diving right in. It’s how we started this session for paid members and it was magnificent!

Here’s a timelapse video of the drawing up top. It’s 40 minutes squeezed into 1.5! My sweet spouse composed the tune I’m drawing to.

Paid members, I haven’t forgotten about Folktale Week! I just need to edit all the videos so you don’t hear my naughty dogs barking. Can’t wait!

Free members, I appreciate you giving me space in your inbox every week Thank you!

In the next installment of this series, we’re examining music and ways we can use it to explore our own creative practices. Before you hit unsubscribe — don’t worry, I’m not going to sing. But I am SO pumped about it!

Last week I wrote about what math and art have more in common. I made a formula for combining pictures and words and shared my process in a video for paid members.

Let’s talk to each other!

What have you been listening to lately (podcasts, music, books on tape)?

1. https://sciencecouncil.org/about-science/our-definition-of-a-scientist/#:~:text=A%20scientist%20is%20someone%20who,or%20data%20(data%20scientists).