On Art As A Companion

“Painting is a companion with whom one may hope to walk a great part of life’s journey.” - Winston Churchhill

I started to write this blog thinking I would talk about lessons learned in painting plein air work. However, today’s quote lead me to consider painting as a companion and, in this light, how sketchbooks have fostered my growth as an artist.

I have kept sketchbooks since my architectural student days and through my career as an architect. About 1984, I started to be more diligent with my sketchbook habits, numbering books and using the same brand/size each time. I completed books front to back in sequence and worked on both sides of the pages. Pages are not torn out of the books. I carry them with me every day. They form my visual diary. (As you can see here, I am not much of a writer.) These basic protocols have not changed. I still have all of the sketchbooks, except one that was stolen. The early books have art and architectural work mixed together. This quickly transformed into just works of art, as an escape from the my creative collaborations as an architect. Within the pages I could independently express and realize my wide ranging artistic interests.

I have used a several different sizes and brands of sketchbooks over the years. Using each type for many years, before making a considered change to a new manufacturer and format. I started with Holbein Multi-Drawing Book, 3F size, portrait format, wire binding, hardboard cover. Decent paper and durable. Then I switched to Moleskine, Watercolor, 5”x 8.25” size, landscape format, sewn binding, hard cover. I wanted a smaller book, landscape format, sewn binding and dedicated watercolor paper. I liked the back pocket for the ephemera that I collect. Next was Pentalic, A4 size (almost), watercolor, landscape format, sewn binding, hard cover, back pocket. Decent paper, however I recall having problems with the binding on some of the books and i did not use them for very long. At that point I wanted to work larger and became wed to the A4 landscape format. Hahnemuhle, Watercolor, A4 size, watercolor, landscape format, sewn binding, hard cover, no back pocket was next. This is a fine sketchbook with decent 200gsm watercolor paper. I then switched to the Etchr, The Perfect Sketchbook, A4 size (almost), .watercolor, landscape format, sewn binding, hard cover, back pocket. While on the costly side, this is the best book I have used so far. It has 300gsm, 100% cotton rag, watercolor paper. It is my current sketchbook series. That being said, I have purchased a Luchetti, True Flat Sketchbook with 600gsm 100% cotton rag paper. However, It only comes in a square format and no back pocket. I will give it a try. Art is an exploration and it may lead to something unexpected, enlightening.

Of course painting as a companion goes beyond the materials used and the physical act. It is to look at the world through a different lens, to see colors and shapes both analyzed and felt with deep emotions. As a painter I search out the essence of the world and filter it through my imagination and skill. It is a comrade that continues to challenge me with questions that I have yet to answer. I seek the difficult, because these are the things worth doing. My sketchbooks are a physical manifestation of this journey.

While, I would like to say I work in the sketchbook book every day, this has never been the case. Some weeks every day and some weeks once or twice. More and more I am trying to work bigger and outside the sketchbook. Still my sketchbook goes with me each day with the potential for something wonderful, difficult and life affirming.