Sketchbook Series: How It Began

My sketchbook set up on my bed when I watch my shows!

Welcome to My Sketchbook Series!

Welcome Back to A Time to Play, my new blog where I share what I am doing to make time for play as an artist, a fashion stylist, musician and creative! 

Today I am excited to share the beginnings of my Sketchbook Series!
But first, Let me tell you how it all began. 

Several years back, I decided that I wanted to get back to the Basics of my art practice by using supplies without color. Specifically I wanted to use pen and pencil, like things were when I was a young artist, only this time, I wanted to continue to hone my drawing skills but with a different approach.

Contour drawing is basically using line to create an image. Whereas using Shape and Shadow to create an image is a completely different approach. So I decided that I would get back to pen and pencil with the Shape and Shadow approach. I did several drawings this way and was very satisfied. 

This is one of my favorite sketches that I did during this early time of getting back to drawing with pen. Copyright 2025 Dawn Herring

Initially I did some sketching when out running errands with hubby, but since then, I didn't find a consistent time to invest in this approach. 

That changed about 5 months ago. 

Here is what happened. I was watching some shows in the afternoon with my iPad on my lapdesk for a time; then I decided to switch to watching my shows on a TV and I had space on my lap once again. 

I noticed I would get bored and annoyed during commercial breaks and decided I would use that time to create! Yes! So I set me up my lapdesk with a lamp for good lighting (I absolutely have to have good lighting for my creating space no matter where it is!) Plus my sketchbook and pencil bag of art supplies with include 6B and 8B pencil, sketching pencil for starting a new drawing, and pencil sharpener with pink erasers. 

It is very important to me to have my supplies ready at hand so I don't have to get up for anything!  

Furthermore, I decided, after being inspired by another artist who was doing drawings of old family photos, that I would pull out some of my own decades-old pictures of family and friends and put my hand to the shape and shadow approach to rendering with pencil. I was super excited to have a regular time to get back to the basics with my drawing skills. I've never lost my penchant for this activity! I always find it fascinating, challenging and rewarding to do. 

So every afternoon, when it's time for my shows (usually between 3 and 4 p.m.), I get out my supplies, set up my lamp and prepare to draw during commercials, while I sit comfy cozy on my bed! 

I have done quite a few drawings over the past few months and I plan to share some of them in future posts with my new Sketchbook Series. Yes! 

Thank you for reading my sketchbook story and for being a part of my Time to Play! 
What playful activity can you incorporate into your daily routine that would bring you excessive amounts of joy? You're welcome to leave a comment below and let me know so I can cheer you on in community! 

​Have yourself a delightful day and Let's remember to Play! 

Play Prompt: 
What would you like to engage in to add more play into your every day? Is there a specific thing you do in your day that could make space for something fun? 
Set a time that works for you that you can look forward to without stress or struggle. It's all about the joy of creating and doing something fun that is doable and repeatable! 

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Dawn Herring loves drawing in her sketchbook!

My sketchbook practice just works so well during commercials! Yes, that is Mr Rogers on my pencil case!