Creative Resources

Colour pencil work is small, calming, mindful mark making, and one of the friendliest ways to begin drawing. You only need a small set of good quality pencils, smooth paper and some patience. Here is what to use, three habits that make a difference, and a simple first exercise.

Line and wash is one of the most satisfying ways to sketch: you draw with a waterproof pen, then add loose watercolour on top. In this beginner's guide I explain what line and wash is, what you need to try it, and how to get started in your sketchbook.

Feeling overwhelmed in the art shop? A mixed media sketchbook is one of the most forgiving places to begin, because you can use pencil, pen, watercolour, colour pencils and even markers on the same page. Here is what is worth buying first, and what can wait on the shelf.

Sketchbooking for beginners in autumn starts with one simple decision: pick up whatever pencil or pen is closest to hand, open a blank page, and make a mark on it. You don't need a fancy sketchbook, a full set of materials, or any idea what you're going to draw. You just need to start. Autumn is honestly one of the best times of year to begin. The evenings draw in, routines settle back into place after summer, and there's something about that cosy, back-to-normal energy that