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San Simeone Piccolo

Exploring One Reference Through Different Sketching Styles

Facing the Grand Canal in Venice, directly across from Santa Lucia Station, stands the majestic San Simeone Piccolo — a neoclassical church with a striking green dome that has become one of the first architectural icons visitors see upon arrival. I’ve sketched this view multiple times, each time using different materials and approaches. My goal was to explore how medium, technique, and palette influence the mood, texture, and expression of the same subject. Here are five distinct ways I captured San Simeone Piccolo — each sketch with its own personality and purpose. If you love to capture the beach, ocean

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Beach sketches

5 Beach Sketches from the California Coastline

Sketching at the beach is one of the most rewarding experiences I know—sunlight, crashing waves, and ever-changing light that pushes you to capture the moment fast. Each spot has its own mood, from iconic landmarks to peaceful coves. These five beach sketches were all done on-site around Laguna Beach, using just a small kit with my favorite tools: Neocolor II water-soluble pastels, Micron pens, and Pentel brush pens. Whether standing in the sand or perched on a rock, every sketch tells a story. Btw, I have a great location where you can do at least 5 different sketches. All about

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Rooftops

5 Quick Sketches Around Mission Viejo Lake

Sometimes, the best sketching adventures happen just a few steps from your front door. Sketching near home is a kind of travel too — a way to see the familiar with fresh eyes and appreciate the beauty hidden in everyday corners. I love grabbing my small sketchbook and heading out with just two Pental brush pens — brown and black — to explore and make quick sketches. Around Mission Viejo Lake in California, there are plenty of inspiring spots perfect for quick, rewarding sketch sessions. Btw, in my recent post I share 5 places you should sketch. You read it

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Tampa Art Museum

5 Places You Should Sketch in the USA

As an artist, I’ve always believed that the best way to truly see a place is to sketch it. Something magical happens when you sit down with a pencil and a blank page and start observing. I’ve discovered that some places practically beg to be drawn. The textures, shapes, and atmospheres they offer are more than just visual—they evoke a mood, a memory. Here are five spots across the U.S. that inspired me to stop, sit, and sketch, and each one left a unique imprint on both my page and my heart. Philadelphia – Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and

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handmade sketchbook

Pros and Cons of Handmade Sketchbook

Creating my own handmade sketchbook has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my creative journey. As someone who loves drawing and journaling, I found that making a sketchbook from scratch gave me a deeper connection to the work I put inside it. From choosing the paper to stitching the binding, every step felt personal and meaningful. Still, as much as I love the process, it hasn’t been without its challenges. How to create your own sketchbook I shared in my recent post. Pros I Get to Customize Everything One of the things I love most is how customizable

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handmade sketchbook

How to Make a Handmade Sketchbook in 5 Steps

There’s something special about working in a sketchbook you’ve made yourself. Not only does it reflect your personal style, but it’s also tailored to suit your creative needs. In this guide, I’ll show you how to craft your very own handmade sketchbook in five simple steps. Whether you’re new to bookbinding or just looking for a rewarding DIY project, this process is easier than you might think. Let’s get started! Btw, in my recent post I collected some beautiful hotel to sketch. You can read about them here. Gather Your Materials and Prepare the Paper Start by choosing paper. I

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