In this lesson, Catherine Bobkoski introduces foundational concepts for building a sketchbooking practice. You’ll begin with warm-up exercises focusing on CSI lines to develop clean linework. Catherine will then guide you through creating a value scale with watercolor pencils, followed by monochrome sketches of simple and complex objects to explore light and shadow on forms. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a solid understanding of linework, values, and the introductory properties of watercolor, laying the groundwork for more advanced sketches.

This lesson belongs to the course Sketchbooking From Life. In this 6-week course, artist Catherine Bobkoski guides you through the essential practice of sketchbooking from life, using watercolor, pencil, and pen. Each week, you’ll engage in practical sketching exercises and techniques, exploring line work, value scales, color mixing, and composition through still-lifes, flowers, landscapes, and portraits. Catherine’s lessons emphasize observation, experimentation, and simplification, helping you refine fundamental drawing and painting skills while confidently capturing the essence of your subject. The course also includes an archive of student assignment critiques, offering valuable insights into applied sketchbooking. By the end of the course, you’ll have the tools and confidence to transform your sketchbook into a space for artistic growth and personal expression.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.