Art Journalist- Artists and the Importance of Journaling

In the mind of an artist, an endless stream of ideas circulates—a library of colors, themes, and projects all calling for expression. Amidst this creative disorder, one invaluable tool emerges as the keystone of the artistic process—the pocket sketchbook or notebook. It serves as a diary for these developing concepts before taking form on canvas, sculpture, or any type of art project. This unassuming companion, often the only semblance of order in the tornado of ideas, is the lifeblood of artistic creation.

The sketchbook is more than just a repository of ideas; it is a living library, an inventory of inspiration, and a means to enhance the quality of painting and art. Kept within arm’s reach in the studio, by a nightstand, or carried always in a pocket, backpack, or purse, these notebooks span a multitude of subjects and purposes. Artists, journalists, musicians, police officers, philosophers, architects, businessmen, and professionals from many other fields understand the profound impact of a physical journal. It surpasses the sterile efficiency of digital notes from smartphones and the like, forging a connection between thought and creation. The organic flow of ideas, from hand to paper, etches a path that mere typing cannot replicate. Not to mention, digital lacks the tactile quality or physical beauty of a notebook. The importance cannot be fully explained; only by engaging in the process of physical note-taking, sketching, doodling, highlighting, and quick chicken scratches, both vertical and horizontal, can one understand the full impact and improvement that can be achieved from initial concepts to the finished piece.

For the artist on the move, a pocket art journal becomes a trusted companion—a compact leather-bound ledger to record observations, sketch local scenes, and document novel concepts inspired by the landscape and culture. Upon return to the studio, this visual chronicle serves as the bridge between memory and canvas, enabling a seamless translation of snapshot moments and contributing to the development of your visual style.

Consider the luminaries of art history; their notebooks overflowed with musings and sketches across an array of disciplines. Leonardo da Vinci’s pages were a testament to his insatiable curiosity, spanning philosophy, art, botany, geology, anatomy, military arts, and even the mysteries of flight and water. Picasso, in his quest to birth “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” meticulously crafted 809 preparatory sketches over half a year—a testament to the power of the pocket notebook in the creative process.

Art, life, and creation are intertwined, and the pocket sketchbook is just another approach where ideas spanning across weeks, months, or many years can empower expression. A few favored sketchbook brands stand out due to their quality and design. Moleskine (great for pencil sketches and notes) or Moleskine Art Plus, a heavier-duty version which offers 110lb acid-free paper for working with a variety of mediums. Leuchtturm1917 notebooks provide ink-proof pages, perfect for heavy inks or dry brush mini sketch paintings (also a favorite among fountain pen and inkwell users).

Consider trying out art journaling the next time you are looking for a creative way to pull together artful thoughts. There is no particular guide or rule to journaling, other than just starting. It’s not always about a particular end result, but rather an organization of self-expression.