Keeping a Creative Sketchbook: Build Your Artistic Practice for a Joyfully Inspired Life

I have to say this book is delightful. I love Emma's work and have learned so much from her instruction. Keeping A Creative Sketchbook, expands on: where to look for inspiration, color exploration, use of materials, and sketching on location. To compliment these areas of study she brilliantly tucked into the end of each chapter Artist Interviews which I found of interest and inspirational. Emma states in her book, "Your sketchbook is just for you, and you should draw whatever you want." She gives you tools, ideas, inspiration, ways to stretch yourself as an artist and so much more. I've read cover to cover and the book resides right on the shelf by my art desk. I love having it handy to reference and know it will serve me well.

I love this book. I have Emma's watercolor and gouache books and love them and Emma's step by step projects. They have helped me to polish up my painting skills and I enjoy Emma's gentle and simple art. This book is different. It is designed to take the fear out of creating your own art and reminds us that sketchbooks can be a safe zone where we can find our inner artist. Emma gently nudges us forward and the exercises are fun and very creative. Emma is a master with color and the chapter on color is wonderful. Her personal anecdotes are lovely. You will love this book. Emma and her work are very special. Yours can be too. Take her hand and create your own very special art.

I own all of Emma's painting books and have loved every single one and the new one, Keeping A Creative Sketchbook, does not disappoint. I've always struggled with a sketchbook and her new book has helped unlock my ability to explore all the ways you can use a sketchbook in your practice. Not only are her personal examples helpful but I loved that she included other artists as additional perspectives. That shows her range as a teacher and an author.I also feel her exercises are spot on for what both a sketchbook artist needs but also any other type of artist when trying to keep a consistent practice. Emma's style and generosity as an artist truly comes through in her new book. I can't recommend it enough!

The book is so well made and the illustrations are so beautiful! I love the color palate. The book shows you some techniques but it is not like a workbook. I love that it has other artists perspectives and it just makes this book complete. Love it!

This book is a mix of pep talk, strategy, and profoundly useful information all rolled into an aesthetically pleasing package. I’m less than halfway through (intentionally going at a slow pace to prolong the joy of it) and already it has changed the way I see the world. Emma’s advice on how to develop a strong color palette for each project is invaluable. She makes color theory and selection feel organic and attainable. Highly recommend for beginners and pros alike.

I might be a little biased because I’ve loved Emma’s charming illustration style for awhile and have all her books.Instead of step-by-step tutorials, this book focuses on the practice of keeping a sketchbook - why it’s beneficial, exercises to help in your creative journey, exploring color and materials and even a few little interviews with different artists.If you thought a sketchbook wasn’t your thing, maybe her charming and informative book will change your mind.

This book read like a lovely afternoon conversation with Emma Block! She discussed so many topics about art, not necessarily solely related to having a sketchbook. I learned about colors and materials. I learned to let go and have fun in any setting. I think this was such an encouraging book and I would use her tips even in doing my digital sketches. Have fun!

Whether you’re a regular sketchbook user or have never given one a go, this book will fill you with creative ideas to find your own personal style. From warming up to finding a personal color palette to trying new materials, the book is full of helpful tips and practical advice. I love the artist interviews for even more perspectives. Emma comes across as warm, honest and encouraging. A book I’ll keep going back to!