Use a Sketch Book!

Drawing is one of those skills that can always be improved upon. And, for the beginner or young artist, practice (a lot of practice!) is important. One of the best ways to practice drawing is to keep a sketchbook, and draw in it often. Sketchbooks are an important tool for new and young artists for many reasons:

• As a sketchbook gets filled up the artist feels a sense of accomplishment
• A sketchbook will show a progression of improvement in drawing skills
• A sketchbook keeps all the artwork in one place
• Sketchbooks are easy to transport (especially ones that are spiral-bound or staple-bound so the pages don't fall out)
• Artists become personally attached to them, like a diary or journal
• Using a sketchbook helps establish a good habit of drawing often

The practice of drawing in a sketchbook sounds like a good idea, like writing in a journal, but it can be challenging to remember and to make it a daily activity. Like any routine, once you've got it established, it's not as difficult to remember. As a parent, you may be able to help your child turn drawing or sketching into a habit by incorporating it into your bedtime or morning routine.

For younger children, ask them to draw pictures about the books you read to them at night.

For older children, have them draw/sketch objects or toys in their room. They could draw the same doll with a different outfit on each day.

For teens, have them draw/sketch objects around the house or set up still lives for them. They also may enjoy drawing the clothing in their wardrobes and making sketches of new fashion ideas.

Sketch Book Activities  

Fall Trees Daily Sketches Draw the same trees everyday, every-other day, or once a week. Each drawing will change as the colors of the leaves change and fall off. Try to include the leaves that have fallen on the ground in your sketches. If you do this daily in a small sketch book, you can create a "Flip book" out of it.

Fruit Sketches Does your family keep a fruit bowl? You can use it as a still life or draw the pieces of fruit one at a time before you eat them! This is a great morning activity!

Just Plain Doodling! Keep your sketchbook by your phone and doodle while you talk! Doodle while you listen to music! Doodle while riding the bus!

Shared Family Sketch Books Your family members can use the same sketch book and doodle/draw on the same pages while adding to each others' drawings. You can leave messages for each other while making it fun and creative too!