What if You Love Journals but Hate Journaling?

Many people have the problem of loving notebooks but not knowing how to fill them, as described in this article by Claire Swinarski: As a writer, I’m often gifted journals. I’m also a total sucker for beautiful notebooks and can spend way too long perusing the paper section at Target. That means I’m the owner … Continue reading What if You Love Journals but Hate Journaling?

Dasha Egudkina’s Sketchbooks

Isn’t this flower stunning? I love sketchbooks that surprise you with big spreads of saturated color! The painting is by artist Dasha Egudkina, who says: I carry about three sketchbooks with me at all times. For the rare occasion I am not, I have a pocket sized Moleskine. Besides a few exceptions, often made for … Continue reading Dasha Egudkina’s Sketchbooks

Delacroix’s Notebooks, Now in English

Some of my favorite images from artists’ sketchbooks are from Eugene Delacroix’s travel notebooks. A new book now translates his notes into English for the first time. In 1832 the 34-year-old Eugène Delacroix, already well known for his Orientalist works, accompanied a French diplomatic mission to Morocco and travelled through Algeria and Andalusia. His exposure … Continue reading Delacroix’s Notebooks, Now in English

Notebook in “Widows”

Another sighting of an interesting notebook, this time in the movie Widows. I won’t get into any plot details that might be spoilers, but here’s a couple screen shots of the notebook. It looks to be approximately 5 x 8″, a nicely broken-in leather cover containing a squared notebook. It seems quite thick, but there … Continue reading Notebook in “Widows”

Vacation Notebooks and Art Supplies

I’m enjoying a week at the beach, and thought I’d share what notebooks and pens and art supplies I brought with me. Since I traveled by car, I didn’t have to worry about packing light! First, here’s what is in my bag every day, which of course I didn’t change for my vacation: There is … Continue reading Vacation Notebooks and Art Supplies

Pietro Cataudella’s Sketchbooks

Fun with notebooks and Photoshop! Have you seen the leaning tower of Marge Simpson’s hair? Italian artist Pietro Cataudella takes his sketchbook everywhere he goes, but his drawings don’t just depict of the places he visits—they become part of the landscape. His ongoing project, titled CityLiveSketch, features architectural 3D drawings that seem to jump from the artist’s journals, depicting famous … Continue reading Pietro Cataudella’s Sketchbooks

Ian McTaggart Cowan’s Travel Journal

This lovely notebook belonged to Ian McTaggart Cowan, a Scottish-Canadian zoologist and conservationist. The image is from the archives of the University of Victoria, where you can flip through the rest of its pages. (The text is also transcribed next to the images, in case you can’t read the small handwriting!) The journal covers 1957-1958, … Continue reading Ian McTaggart Cowan’s Travel Journal

Giveaway! Arteza Pocket Sketchbooks

As a follow up to last week’s review of the Arteza Sketchbook and Watercolor Book, Arteza has kindly agreed to offer a giveaway! 2 lucky winners will be selected from all eligible entries: On Twitter, tweet something containing “Arteza Sketchbooks @NotebookStories @ArtezaOfficial”, and follow @NotebookStories and @artezaofficial On Facebook, “like”  the Notebook Stories page and the Arteza page, and post something … Continue reading Giveaway! Arteza Pocket Sketchbooks