Monday, January 23, 2012

Yay, It's Done!

Finally, I have finished the sketchbook for the sketchbook project!  I dedicated most of the day yesterday, all last evening, and most of today, ignoring all other responsibilities and spending a lot of time with my new best friend, the hair dryer.  I was able to get all the remaining sketches done, plus the front and back covers.

First, the sketches, then the commentary.

Front Cover


Back Cover
 Covers are mixed media using some collage papers, acrylic paint, acrylic ink, transparent stickers, a postage stamp, and stamps with stamp pad.

Cave Church, Cappadocia, Turkey
Memorial to the Victims of Communism, Vidin, Bulgaria

Caesar's Greek and Mexican Drive Thru, Albuquerque, New Mexico
May's Coffee Shop, Japan Center, San Francisco

Jardin de los Inocentes, El Mozote, El Salvador

McDonald's, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Occupy Santa Rosa, October 2011

So now the observations and commentary, mostly so I can remember next year what to do and not do....
  • First of all, taking out the paper from the sketchbook and putting watercolor paper in may have been a waste of time.  I didn't know how to do it correctly, the paper is fragile where it is folded, and it's not clear how well the sketchbook will stand up to handling.  I have the original pages still, so I can experiment with coating them with something that will help keep them from buckling OR I might try another attempt at binding following some of the excellent suggestions that some of my EDM friends have been posting.
  • I was pushing the deadline the last few days, one advantage of which is that I didn't have time to care too much about all the mistakes, and there was a limited amount of fixing that I could do.  On the other hand I was feeling pressured rather than centered. Maybe an earlier start next year?
  • I did try some new techniques and different ways of approaching both the initial drawing and the painting, and some days there was a really good flow.  Others didn't have that feeling, but you can't really plan that.
  • I might try a more open theme or take a more open, intuitive approach next time...these sketches are fairly literal interpretations, though not always exact.  I find it difficult to work on such a small page, and found myself not really letting the water and paint flow.  I'm ready to work on some BIG paper for awhile now!
  • All in all, I enjoyed myself and can see some growth.  It's been great getting community feedback from the folks at EDM and Creative Every Day, as I find comments and suggestions to be very helpful.
Next step, flatten it out under some heavy books overnight, then put it in the mail!  Letting it go now....

14 comments:

Rita said...

I haven't heard of the sketchbook challenge. And you mail it someplace? I love the covers and think you made a great travel journal with it. I don't know much about sketch journaling or art journaling, so I am fascinated by you talented folks who do these great drawings! Wonderful work! :)

Sue Brown said...

A lovely book Barbara, and congratulations on finishing the project! I agree with you, it will be nice to paint some big watercolour paper at the end of this :)
Sue

Stew Crowther said...

First of all, congratulations on finishing your Sketchbook Challenge. What a fantastic cover for the book Barbara. And inside it's amazing. I have seen a few of these sketchbooks now and I do not think there is one that I would have wanted to be parted from. Not too sure how it works but I guess you post it off to them - but do you get it back?

debra morris said...

Great work Barbara,will go back and see all your pages...Congratulations on finishing...and I want to go for drive through burritos!

meegan said...

it's a beautiful book. well done on crossing that finish line, it's a huge achievement.

Leah said...

what gorgeous pages you created! congrats on finishing the sketchbook!

alissaduke said...

Congratulaiotns for finishing. I will also have to go back and look through it all. It looks intriguing . There are so many entries (including me) .

Marcie said...

I am so impressed and inspired by those of you who are participating in this sketchbook project. Congratulations on its completion. Beautiful work!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations - what a achievement!

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara!
I'm just taking a lunch break from working on my sketchbook. Yours is wonderful--the covers are so interesting. I love collage. With 5 days to go, my book still has a few unfilled pages so I am doing nothing but this project. Everything is covered with paint, glue and bits of paper. Like you, I must begin the next one earlier!!
I'm glad I discovered your blog. All the best,
Lynne

Ann said...

I think your sketchbook looks amazing - filled with wonderful pages. And congratulations on completing the project! I don't know that I could send it away after so much effort went into it yet it sounds like you will be taking away as much as you put into it. Bravo!

Cathy Holtom said...

Well done! Love the cover and I agree about starting earlier and enjoying the process.

Alex said...

This is awesome! =) All the pages are beautiful and the front and back cover are creatively done. Love it!

Katie Jeanne Wood said...

Oh, the sketchbook project is pretty cool. I did it a couple years ago. Congrats of finishing it! :)