Sketchbook_Confidential

The benefits of sketching cannot be overstated. Picking up a pencil and trying to capture what is observed, translating it so that others can understand what we see, is an art form in itself. Sketching can be the beginning of that creative process. As I am sketching and considering the subject, my focus expands and I become more open to the possibilities of new subjects to study all around me. Creativity breeds more creativity.

Sketching is recording what you see visually on paper, and it is also communicating what you see to someone else.

Not only can sketching shape how we see the world, but the world can shape how we view sketching. It's all interactive. Sketching involves observation of a subject that can take us into a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. More than just a mechanical artist, I try to be conscious of the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental aspects of life and art.

Finished art is the culmination of ideas, an edited version of the sketches. Sketching is the development of ideas and also observational study. It keeps the mind open to creative problem-solving and new possibilities so that when you go to finished art, you will have confidence in the direction of your artwork.

It is good to develop the discipline of sketching what you observe so that you can refine your skills. Time and discipline are needed until sketching becomes so natural that it becomes a part of your everyday life.

More on the Artists

ROBERT T. BARRETT

897 Walnut Ave., Provo, UT 84604 www.roberttbarrett.com

Email: robert_barrett@byu.edu

Author of Life Drawing: How to Portray the Figure With Accuracy and Expression (North Light Books)

DAN BECK

www.danbeckart.com

Email: danbeckart@yahoo.com

Represented by Abend Gallery (Denver, CO; www.abendgallery.com), Concetta D. Gallery (Albuquerque, NM), Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art (San Antonio, TX; www.greenhousegallery.com), Sanders Galleries (Tucson, AZ; www.sandersgalleries.com), Waterhouse Gallery (Santa Barbara, CA; www.waterhousegallery.com), Watts Fine Art (Zionsville, IN; www.wattsfineart.com)

WILLIAM BERRA

Represented by Galleria Silecchia (Sarasota, FL; www.galleriasilecchia.com), Green-house Gallery of Fine Art (San Antonio, TX; www.greenhousegallery.com), Nedra Matteucci Fine Art and Nedra Matteucci Galleries (Santa Fe, NM; www.nedramatteuccifineart.com and www.matteucci.com), The Sylvan Gallery (Charleston, SC; www.thesylvangallery.com), Westbrook Galleries (Carmel, CA; www.westbrookgalleries.com)

ROBERTO (BOB) CARDINALE

23 Sabroso Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87508 http://churches.bobcardinale.com Email: bob@bobcardinale.com

Represented by Jane Sauer Gallery (Santa Fe, NM; www.jsauergallery.com), Duley-Jones Gallery (Scottsdale, AZ; www.duleyjones.com)

ERIN CURRIER

www.erincurrierfineart.com

www.blueraingallery.com

www.parksgallery.com