I have been struggling a bit with stuckness, questioning what the heck I am doing, getting too serious and boxing myself up in expectation.

Writing helps and I have developed a strong writing habit which helps me think and find direction. So I was wondering how I could leverage my writing habit and apply what I have learned to mucking around in a sketchbook.

Working in a sketchbook has always been a challenge. I have tried over and over again—a sporadic and wistful journey of trying. Sketchbooks seem to be my permanent reminder of failure. At least loose sheets of paper can be tossed away. A sketchbook though, has a binding and if you tear out a page the absence is marked. If only I could play in a sketchbook the same way I do in my writing journal maybe I could crack the code.

Inspired by the beautiful, well organised sketchbooks by Grace Cross in which she documented her process, I have been thinking once again about ways I can make sketchbooks part of my practice.

Fortunately a few years ago I participated in the 30 Day Sketchbook Challenge Course created by Cheryl Taves. I have tried many challenges but I usually I end up baling before the first week is out. If you tell me it's a challenge, I'll likely find a way to avoid it. Cheryl’s course however is flexible enough to allow for some personalisation. While I completed the thirty days when I first bought the course, for some reason, sketch-booking remains a sporadic activity.

Now, here I am again giving it another go. This time, the plan is to mash it up with the help of some pithy words of wisdom by Austin Kleon who wrote Steal Like An Artist, Keep Going, and Show Your Work. I'm starting with the drawings by Australian artist, Elizabdth Newman. Sometimes it takes a combination of different influences and ideas that points the way forward. I’m feeling confident so far…mind you it’s only been two days. Best check in with me a year from now!