A Field Guide for Life Drawing

Tips for developing an observational sketchbook practice

Drawing from life is a way to document the world around you. Whether you are an artist, a writer, or simply a curious observer, drawing can be a method of tuning into your perceptions and generating elements for future creative work.

Stories are waiting for you everywhere. Whether it’s in the park, at the laundromat, or on the kitchen counter, it’s often a matter of simply paying attention.

Grab some drawing materials, set out to an interesting place — or begin where you are — and follow these tips to see what you can find.

Tools of the Trade

Getting started can sometimes be as simple as deciding what types of materials you will draw with. Will you use ink, watercolor, gouache, pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, acrylic paint, cut paper?

Consider limiting your options and think about the speed at which you need materials to move on location. You can always go back into drawings to add color or details later if you so choose.