Sketchbook Explorations: For Mixed-Media and Textile Artists

by Shelley Rhodes

A practical and inspirational guide to help embroiderers and textile artists make the most of sketchbooks to inform their creative work.

The artist's sketchbook offers an exciting platform to explore a host of mixed media techniques. Using a combination of paper, textiles, found objects, pencil, ink and paint, Shelley Rhodes shows how a sketchbook can act as an illustrated diary, a visual catalogue of a journey or experience or as a starting point for more developed work. 

Whether out on location or in the studio, Rhodes explores every stage of the creative process, from initial inspiration to overcoming the fear of a blank page, manipulating paper and images and incorporating 'found' objects to build a sketchbook that is both beautiful and inspiring. Sketchbook Explorations is the ideal companion for everyone from the beginner to the more experienced artist looking for exciting techniques to expand their repertoire in mixed media.

The book explores:

• Why work in sketchbooks? The importance and joy of working in a sketchbook.
• Ways of recording and investigating ideas that inspire.
• Techniques in mixed media from found objects and layers to three-dimensional sketching.
• Creating on location.
• Using electronic devices to develop ideas.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Journaling, Crafts

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 6, 2018

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeds a hungry soul.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite art journal book so far. So many gorgeous photos, inspiring for sure!

[Deborah Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this interesting book today. I have been looking for something more up to date in the mixed media world. Something with a new sort of spin on it. This was definitely done with refinement. Shelley Rhodes adds lots of beautiful nature into her journaling whether it is in the additives or the painting and sketching. There was a very clearly laid out dialogue including relevant pieces from other artists. It has a good flow of theme and colour and the imagery is ordered and understandable. Beautiful book if you love the style. More descriptive than purely practical but if you are at a certain level with your art it is really lovely.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about sketchbooks, which is exciting if you're into keeping sketchbooks or want to get into it. The author and various artists she has included talk about how they use sketchbooks for various projects, idea development, collection of objects, when it's time to get a box and not just a sketchbook, some art zine ideas beyond the classic mini fold. I really enjoyed this, it's a fast read, and I had a bunch of ideas that I've started using.

[Jana M · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful with so many inspiring ideas. Lots of texture. If you love turquoise and rust, you will love this book.

[Sonali Patil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a guide for starting out with any type of art. Learning and unlearning at the same time

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book with tons of inspiring images.

[Jessica Maybury · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book! I come back to it again and again and again. Definitely one of my favourite books about textile art (and art in general).

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much inspiration, loved this and will continue to reference it in the future!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for inspiration, beautiful to flip through!