Ink and Watercolour Sketch Journal - Process
Brief details of the process I use to do my journal pages
Sketch Journal Process
I thought it might be of interest to know how I do my journal pages - they are a bit different. I made some notes to sum it up below - it makes sense to me but probably needs some explanation.
Stage One - Layout
This is quite a subjective one and is up to the individual. Itâs where you decide on the:
SUBJECT - the inspiration, what you are looking to create or express
STYLE - the type of sketch e.g. elevation, pattern based, one point perspective based
FRAMEWORK - I then do a basic sketch of the framework. At this stage the âfeelâ is far more important than the sketch details - the overall impact of the sketch.
The overall feel and impact is more important than the details
Stage Two - Sketch
RULE BORDERS - I tend to rule a border around the edge of the page to keep this as white
PENCIL SKETCH - Do a rough pencil sketch to check the framework looks OK. I use a mechanical pencil with a 2mm lead and hardly ever sharpen it. This produces a very soft line as a guide. And itâs easy to rub out when Iâve inked it.
BOLD INK OUTLINE - The main body of the sketch. I use a fountain pen with a broad nib.
BLACK BRUSH PEN INFILL - My sketches have black backgrounds to make the subject stand out. I use a refillable Pentel Bush Pen for this. This covers about 50% of the page.
INK DETAIL - Finer ink detail, shading, hatching etc. is then done in a medium fountain pen.
WATERCOLOUR - Finally I add the watercolour, aiming to leave approximately 20 - 25% white - this is a guide only but best to leave some white - it makes things stand out.
Stage Three - Text and Narrative
WRITING AREAS - Choose areas of the sketch to cover with writing areas. I have used ripped paper stuck on with pritt stick or self adhesive paper cut to size. Anything will do as long as it can be written on.
DECIDE ON NARRATIVE - Work out the narrative for the sketch based on the overarching narrative of the journal. The sketch and its integrity is what comes first! Base the narrative on how the sketch relates to you overall story.
ADD TITLE - The main title for the sketch - I use a broad nib fountain pen for the outline filled in with brush pen.
ADD NARRATIVE - Add the narrative for the page - I use a medium nib fountain pen for this.
The sketch and its integrity is what comes first!
And what inspires the look and feel? A combination of art nouveau, comic book, psychedelia and stone roses. Thatâs the sketching anyway - the narrative is another story to be told, and a more personal one.
Whatâs coming?
This Substack is intended to expand upon the ideas of the ink and watercolour sketch journal, to provide examples and inspiration.
Itâs all about getting your thoughts and feelings out onto paper without any rules to follow - this is sketching with narrative - not drawing.
Thanks for reading this and coming on the journey with me. Enjoy the journey and the destination can just look after itself.
All the best,
Peter
Really enjoyed reading about the way you build up the layers and the art supplies you like to use đ
A stunning post, Peter - thank you so much for sharing your process in such detail. One to save and read again and again! đ