Tag: art

A new sketchbook is a wondrous thing to behold. And slightly intimidating.

— me

Yesterday I picked up a new sketchbook, and decided to do a couple of things with it.

<li>First, I wanted to make it into a personal challenge sketchbook. So when its pages are filled, it will be a specific record of a time in my life.</li>

<li>Second, it needed to be self-contained so that I could pick it up and go without having to look for my pens and pencils.</li>

The first one was easy. I just had to set a few rules for myself. The second involved a bit of sewing to make a pen holster for the sketchbook cover.

Just a quick update: I’ve added an art supplies page listing the stuff I use and like. Check it out!

One thing that’s oddly caught my attention is watercolor painting. In the past I’ve dismissed it as childish.1 But as I’ve been rediscovering my artistic side, I’ve been captivated by the simplicity and beauty2 of watercolors.

The thing that really sold me on the idea of picking up a brush was the existence of small, portable watercolor kits. With just two items, the watercolors and a sketchbook, I can paint most anywhere. There’s no need for a large desk or studio space. They pack small enough for a large pocket.

Welp. It’s time to update this.

One of the reasons I haven’t been posting regularly is that I’ve been working on stuff that I can’t post here. If I were to publish a story on these fine digital pages, it would be considered “previously published” and only qualify for a reprint rate. That would bring the value down to 1-2¢ per word. Not that short fiction pays all that great to begin with.