An Artist’s guide to field sketching.

What to pack when going field sketching and how to take sensory notes of the experience.

In the midst of lockdowns, I tried so hard to draw out the beauty inside my own neighborhood and house, and there was success in my endeavors. I had a lot of fun diving into the details of sentimental objects, an unmade bed, and the shadows cast around the endless sea of houses.

Yes, there is beauty everywhere!

However, with warm weather blessing the days, and everything starting to green up, it’s difficult to resist heading out into uncharted territory and soaking up the ever-changing landscape. My goal always is to find the places and moments that seem to SPEAK directly to me!

Here is my process for exploring and taking notes in the landscape:

What to pack, how I like to take notes, and putting it all together.

1. What to pack:

This is highly dependent on what you hope to achieve, but as an artist who is attempting to translate an experience and stay dry and safe, these are my essentials:

A. Sketch box, sketchbook, paints, pencils

Inside, a few panels, palette, limited paints & brushes

wax paper or sheets from a disposable palette to keep paint in place.

B. A tripod to attach my paint box

C. A camera (or your smartphone)

D. Muck boots + extra shoes - if you are climbing into a creek bed, waterproof boots are a must - especially if it just rained!

E. A buddy, big stick or gun - Better safe than sorry! Let’s be real here -There are wild animals and humans everywhere!

2. Sensory Notes:

For a while, just be. Listen to the sounds, take in the smells, and pay attention to what you pay attention to! For some, it might be the color of the trees, or the movement the water is making, or the sound rhythms made by birds chirping.

Make a note of what makes this place special to YOU! Because no one has identical experiences and your twist on the moment, is worth noting.

I like to draw the directional lines of a place, make pattern thumbnails, mix and lay down just a few colors as I see them, and write about the other sensations happening.

Then I’ll snap a few images and videos to take back to the studio.

3. Put it all together.

Armed with sketches, color studies, writings, images, video, and a well of inspiration, then you can begin to create some real authentic magic in the studio (or corner of your living room, kitchen - wherever you create, no matter the place ;)

If you enjoyed this and are interested in more details, shoot me an email. I'd love to share!