It's the Small Things . . .

That make life interesting

I have decided that my YouTube Channel should be a place for fun and learning and would make an excellent space for some of my online classes to be offered free.

This is the first class I have uploaded. I group the video lessons for the class in a Playlist on my channel so you can watch the class in order if you wish. It will make more sense that way.

What’s this class about?

Everyone reading this newsletter is aware that I am passionate about sketchbooks that tell stories - illustrated stories, of course.

Pictures for your sketchbook stories do not have to be large, page-filling, or elaborate.

They can be little and cute. You can use many of them here and there on your page to illustrate your journaling. They are called “Spot Illustrations”.

And even little pictures can be worth a thousand words (give or take). Whether you draw them directly in your sketchbook, draw them separately and glue them into your sketchbook, or draw them in Procreate and put them in your digital sketchbook or print them out, little pictures of things pack a lot of story into a small space.

Especially, if the little pictures are iconic.

An icon originally referred to a religious symbol, but now it can refer to any image that symbolizes thoughts, feelings, experiences, or even other images..

Sit for a minute with the idea of a candle for example. Think of what you might associate with a candle - lit or unlit.

Here are just a few thoughts: a source of light in darkness, relaxation, devotion, meditation. Hope or home, comfort, or even birthdays.

When a little picture carries lots of symbolism, it makes a great illustration for your words in your sketchbook.

So, this free class is a great opportunity to learn how to draw and paint these simple, iconic images.

So, let’s make some spot illustrations! I’ll see you there.

Speaking of little pictures . . .

I have gone sticker crazy. It all started with the stickers I put on the front of all my sketchbooks, most created by my friend, Lori, at Little Truths Studio.

And then, when I was visiting Texas Art in Houston, I found that the renowned illustrator, Julia Rothman, has made sticker books. So I bought them.

And then, on Amazon, I found this one and loved the illustrations…

It is so fun to find just the right little picture for an empty space on your page.

Little pictures is a rabbit trail I am following, and it’s an exciting one.

Procreate Stamp Brushes

And speaking of illustrations, I am knee deep in creating a Procreate Brush Stamp “awakening” for all of us. Exciting!

A Big Part of Being Happy Is Being Excited!

This is a repost of a repost I got in my email this morning. I love the message.