Hello Fabulous
Sometimes we want to get out there, to leave the house or office and be creative but don’t know what to do and don’t want to spend a fortune on it. Well here is a idea for you.
Sketching is a great activity that be done as a peaceful, individual, mindful exercise or a fun family activity. So many people think that art, especially alfresco art needs a lot of materials, visions of trolleys of easels, stools and paints come to mind. This is not the case. While you can take enough stuff with you that make it looks like you are moving home, it just isn’t necessary.
All you really need for your sketching adventure is pencil and paper. No need for anything pricey, you can even use computer printer paper. However if you are going to use loose leaves of paper I would use a clip board to rest on and hold the paper down. Any pencil will do but I like to use propelling pencils as they never need sharpening, they save on mess and effort. You can buy these from stationers, supermarkets and art shops. The price starts at a few pence each to pounds. I don’t tend to bother with a rubber as I like the sketched-over look but it is up to you. I also like to take a phone or camera with me to remind myself of colours or to document anything interesting.
If you want more variety you can take a small selection of colouring pencils (don’t forget a pencil sharpener and a little pot or bag to put the shavings in) or pens.
This is a great activity for the family too, even little ones. Pack paper, clip board (or stiff card and a bulldog clip) and crayons and you are ready.
So where to go and sketch? There are lots of places to go, if the weather is good there are parks, playgrounds and forests where you can sit and no one will bother you. Most parks have benches if you don’t want to sit on the ground. If using the ground you may want to take a blanket to sit on for your comfort. If you think the ground maybe damp take a bin bag to put underneath the blanket or to put on the bench. You may want to take drink with you to stay hydrated and that way you don’t have to buy it. A picnic is a nice way to make a day of it. A little tip, make sure you know where the toilets are, you don’t want to be caught sort.
If it is bad weather there are plenty of cafes that you can sit in as long as you buy something. What about a library and do some people sketching. If you feel like a bigger adventure, try a museum or gallery, most have free entry.
Don’t forget when the sun is out you must protect yourself and your family with hats, shade and sun block etc. I have found some simple advice on https://www.cancer.net/blog/2015-07/10-tips-protecting-your-skin-sun You can get advice from your Pharmacy too. There is also advice out there about not covering your babies pram with a blanket and use a shade instead.
Of course what you take is completely up to you. If you want to take paints, brushes (and water to clean them), pencils, easels, stools etc, you can, nothing is stopping you. There is no ‘right’ way. What I have done here is to give you simple sketching tips. Go with your inspiration.
