

A practical and inspirational guide to help embroiderers and textile artists make the most of sketchbooks to inform their creative work. The artist’s sketchbook offers an exciting platform to explore a host of mixed media techniques. Using a combination of paper, textiles, found objects, pencil, ink and paint, Shelley Rhodes shows how a sketchbook can act as an illustrated diary, a visual catalogue of a journey or experience or as a starting point for more developed work. Whether out on location or in the studio, Rhodes explores every stage of the creative process, from initial inspiration to overcoming the fear of a blank page, manipulating paper and images and incorporating ‘found’ objects to build a sketchbook that is both beautiful and inspiring. Sketchbook Explorations is the ideal companion for everyone from the beginner to the more experienced artist looking for exciting techniques to expand their repertoire in mixed media. The book explores: Why work in sketchbooks? The importance and joy of working in a sketchbook. Ways of recording and investigating ideas that inspire. Techniques in mixed media from found objects and layers to three-dimensional sketching. Creating on location. Using electronic devices to develop ideas.

























| Dimensions | 22.3 x 1.63 x 28.27 cm |
| Isbn 10 | 1849944806 |
| Isbn 13 | 978-1849944809 |
| Item Weight | 862 g |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 144 pages |
| Publication Date | 6 Sept. 2018 |
| Publisher | Batsford |
User
Excellent mixed media reference
The is an excellent book for any mixed media or textile artist - it delives into many different areas giving detailed instructions and also many, many photos which are invaluable. This is not a new book and I wished I have found it much earlier than a few weeks ago - it would have been wonderful to have this book at my side. Shelley is an excelelnt artist and before I knew she had written this book, followed her on Instagram - I am a real fan and delighted I have this book on my shelf.
User
A delightful, beautifully produced book
I am so glad I took the leap of faith in ordering this book unseen. It has more than lived up to my expectations. It is a brilliant and beautifully produced book full of ideas for both the beginner in the gentle art of sketchbooking and for those more experienced and wanting to consider things afresh.Just gazing at the illustrations is a pleasure and many of the examples shown throughout are little art works in their own right. Many have provoked new thoughts and ideas for my own work. The sections discussing the use of photographs and digital technology bring the sketch book up to date and were of particular interest to me as I use the techniques in my own work. The idea of including sketchbooks from other artists in the field gives insight into a wider range of approaches and gives further scope for inspiration.And then there is the thoughtful, helpful text to offer further explanation and to introduce new techniques. Although I'd come across some of the techniques before, it was interesting to see them in a new context. Shelley Rhodes has a clear informative writing style which brought them to life again and there was plenty that was new to inspire me.This is a book I will treasure and refer to time again. I'm just sorry I didn't buy it when it first came out!
User
Good detail on processes, less detail on dyeing
This took a while to come but it was worth it. it's a really interesting book & I'm really glad I ordered it, however I wish Shelly Rhodes gave more details over her dyeing processes.Fenella
User
Beautiful book
Shelley Rhodes work is beautiful and this book is a must have for any textile or mixed media artist. The images are inspirational and there are lots of them. The ideas are great for individual work but also good for teaching new techniques to students. The promotional images do not do this book justice. A definite recommend for the bookcase, I can't stop looking through it. I love the section on making your own mark making tools. I love this book and think you will too.
User
A breath of fresh air
This Is an excellent book ,informative and inspirational . I read it from cover to cover. Lots of photographs of the authors work and that of other artists. The title is 'sketchbook explorations ' which it certainly is , although , it is much more than that. Lots of practical ideas on how to get the most out of sketch book work, to progress to finished pieces, and to encourage experimentation. She uses mixed media ,paper , textiles ,paint etc seemlessly.
User
A beautiful revelation of the value of sketchbooks
So much inspiration here and encouragement to think outside the box. As a stitcher and lacemaker i wanted to move beyond using patterns to more self designed work. I certainly found fresh ideas in this book and although I found some of the techniques a little daunting as clearly the work of trained artists there are plenty of ideas I feel I can try. Even though most of the work illustrated is mixed media there is plenty of scope for stitches to develop creativity. The book itself is a work of art clearly set out and beautifully illustrated. A pleasure to read for it's own sake and the hard ack version is tactile too with its gorgeous cloth cover. Cant stop touching it and cant wait to start my own first sketchbook.
User
Inspiring approach to daily sketching and the development of ideas
I had borrowed this book from the library and realised at one I needed to have my own copy. Like other reviewers, I love this book and it is absolutely bang on when it comes to the development of my own work. I’m not a textile artist but for me, I can see how easy it would be to cross into the textile world. I love Rhodes’ suggestions for breaking boundaries when it comes to sketchbook format and practice. As an artist who had come to a screeching halt, this book is a very timely inspiration!! Many thanks.
User
An excellent book to get you started in keeping a sketchbook.
I have always wanted to keep a sketchbook but did not know where to start and this book gets you going! It has a huge amount of inspiring photos, information on different types of sketchbooks, different mediums to use and how to overcome that blank page. It really is an excellent resource that you can come back to time and time again. It is well laid out and makes it possible to start on your own creative journey.
User
So good that I bought a second copy
I never buy two copies of the same book, but Sketchbook Explorations is so inspiring and beautiful (soft fabric cover!) that I purchased for the bookshelf and one for my studio. Now I won't be hesitant anymore to pick it up with paint-stained fingers when I need a quick dose of inspiration for my mixed media art. Every time I flip through the pages, I notice something different, something inventful. It's one of those rare books that won't get boring.
User
This book is ART-working inspiration! A++
It's an AMAZING book filled with luscious photos and ideas on making Art.THIS is what I want in an Art book, and I rarely find.+ Perfect size, hardback, (with lovely texture binding).+ AMAZING inspiration photos. Also photos that correspondto the topics and processes that are discussed (practical applications).+ SO MUCH useful and amazing Content. (! !!!!)I'm a collage artist, I don't work with textiles, but the topicsthat are covered are universal for artists. I can easily apply this.Using sketchbooks to work through art series, art ideas,creating alternative media to use for mark-making, etc.This book is ART-working inspiration!
User
Superbe !
Magnifique livre, une belle couverture en tissu imprimé et du contenu très beau, très créatif et très inspirant
User
Lovely Book
Right from opening the package, this book excites. The cover is a soft luscious printed fabric and the book is full of inspiring images and prompts. It is now one of my prized bookshelf possessions and I will use it a lot.
User
Precioso e y inspirador
Contiene técnicas mix media y como llevar un sketchbook como parte del proceso creativo.
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