I started a new sketchbook using a Hand Book Artist Journal. The pages are thinner than the Moleskine Sketchbook, but a little toothier, so they are absorbing watercolor much easier. I’ve been using a little mint tin that I put half pans of watercolor into. The pages aren’t buckling too badly, but I painted really lightly and without a lot of water.

I’ve made a pact with myself to fill in one of those panels (about 1 x 3 inches) every day, no matter how crazy a day I’ve had. I’m still struggling with working consistently, so I’m hoping by setting a micro-goal that creating every day will feel manageable until it has become a daily habit. I like to work really small, so these tiny panels will let me work in itty bitty detail without taking days to complete.

Reading a Project Life post on Elise Blaha’s blog, I was reminded of this quote: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt. I have goals of selling my artwork someday, but I think it’s really important for me to remember to just be a student right now. I’m supposed to be learning, testing, trying, failing and learning some more right now. It is okay to be a beginner, because that is where I am right now.

I’m looking forward to seeing how well this journal will take ink, markers and acrylic paint. I’ll post new scans as I complete full pages.