peek into my sketchbooks

For years I was frightened and intimidated by sketchbooks. Even after art-making became a regular part of my life I did not work in them.

Eventually I overcame my hesitation and now sketchbooks are a big part of my creative life. Part of what helped me embrace sketchbooks was my collaboration with Dana Barbieri.

This is a selection of some of my favorite pages.

A sketchbook spread of color mixing and sketching black eyed susans in watercolor and pen. A study with pressed petals and a leaf.

A tan-toned sketchbook spread done in colored pencils features two pink-flowered plants: a clematis and some chives.

Monarch butterflies in my sketchbook done in pencil and paint and embellished with gold leaf.

Fanciful houses painted in watercolor in my sketchbook.

A page of playful sketchbook page of flowers and birds done in crayon in a fanciful color palette.

Birds in Marker in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

A sketchbook page of a dandelion done in gouache.

A sketchbook spread featuring birds in crayon and “open” my word of the year.

Watercolor Sweet Pea Sketches in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Gouache Roses in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Goldfish Block Prints in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Fiddle Leaf Figs in Anne Butera's Sketchbooks

Crocus Collage in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Tulips in Watercolor and Pen in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Roses in Gouache in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Prussian Blue Gouache Roses in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Watercolor Rainbows in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

A fun sketchbook page of eggs in crayon.

Gouache Pizza Sketches in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Peony Sketches in Black Micron Pen in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Patchwork Collage in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Garden Sketches in Micron Pen in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

A spread of painted botanical images done in blue to mimic cyanotypes.

Gouache Pea Sketches in Anne Butera's Sketchbook

Watercolor Tulips in Anne Butera's Sketchbooks

Cultivating a Sketchbook Practice: Tips, Suggestions and Inspiration to Guide You on Your Journey a Free Guide from Anne Butera

sketchbook inspiration

Because of my own struggle with sketchbooks (and the fact that I eventually learned that they're not so scary), I want to share my enthusiasm for the medium and encourage you to embark on your own creative adventures.

My Sketchbooks on YouTube:

Some blog posts about sketchbooks:

Featured

I'm Falling (Back) in Love with Sketchbooks and Teaching at Sketchbook Revival

I’m a bit fanatical about sketchbooks. I love creating in them and I love encouraging others to embrace the practice, too.

What I love most about sketchbooks is the freedom I find within their pages.

Savoring Summer and Embracing Creative Play

Hello my friend!

Summer has arrived in full force and my garden continues to enchant me every day.

Sharing Inspiration: Join Me for a Tour of Reader Sketchbooks

This week I’ve turned my blog over to my readers (again — this summer 12 of you shared your gardens here). Today, though, instead of gardens, I have 6 brave, creative women sharing glimpses into their sketchbooks.

Falling in Love with Sketchbooks Again and Again (and a New Class)

In the middle of winter when frost decorates the windows of my studio and I pull on another sweater, I’ll think back to summer days in my garden, cicadas singing, sketchbook on my lap.

Why I Love Sketchbooks and How I Use Them in My Art Practice

This week I finished filling up my 16th sketchbook.

How a Sunflower Painting Brought Back My Creative Joy: Behind the Scenes in the Studio

Right now zinnias, dahlias, cosmos and marigolds color my garden and feed the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Celebrate Summer Joys: Sketchbooks! Week 4 of a Month of Gratitude Practice

It’s hard to believe this is the last week of my month of gratitude. August has flown by.

I think back to childhood Augusts with school looming and days of freedom dwindling. Back-to-school was both exciting and welcome but also tinged with sadness for the ending of summer.