8 Things to Fill Your Sketchbook With

Are you wondering about things to fill your sketchbook with? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, finding fresh and exciting ways to fill those blank pages can keep your creativity alive. In this guide, I’ll share tips, techniques, and ideas to help you explore new mediums and approaches, so your sketchbook becomes a personal treasure trove of inspiration.

What Are Great Things to Fill Your Sketchbook With?

When deciding what to include in your sketchbook, the key is variety. Trying different materials and techniques helps you discover what resonates with you.

Here are some ideas:

Each of these mediums offers unique possibilities for creating art. Let’s break down how you can approach each one to get the most out of your sketchbook.

Things to Fill Your Sketchbook With

1. Fill Your Sketchbook With Pen and Ink Drawings

ink drawing of a macaw in my sketchbook
Ink drawing of a Macaw in my sketchbook.

Pen and ink drawings are perfect for experimenting with bold lines, intricate details, and contrast.

Start with simple tools like a ballpoint pen or fine liners, which are easy to control and allow for precise line work. Once you feel comfortable, explore waterproof inks or dip pens to add depth with ink washes.

Focus on exploring techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling to create texture and shading. These methods are great for sketching everything from architectural details to organic forms like leaves or animals. If you're looking to loosen up, try blind contour drawing with a pen—this forces you to focus on observing your subject rather than perfecting your lines.

For more ideas, you might find my ballpoint pen sketching guide helpful. It’s packed with tips for getting started with this simple but versatile medium.

2. Experiment With Colored Pencils

Colored pencil experiment in my sketchbook.

Colored pencils let you build layers of vibrant color and subtle shading, making them ideal for creating depth and dimension. If you’re just getting started, try practicing gradients to see how colors blend together. Layering light and dark shades of the same color can give your sketches a dynamic and lifelike quality.

Colored pencils are also fantastic for adding details to existing sketches. For instance, you could enhance a pen and ink drawing by layering soft colors over the top. To add variety, explore techniques like burnishing (pressing hard for smooth blends) or using complementary colors to create contrast.

If you're working with a darker sketchbook, try using metallic or white-colored pencils to create striking highlights.

My article on watercolor with pencil shows how combining mediums can bring even more depth to your work.

3. Dive Into Watercolors

watercolor hummingbird sketch

Watercolors are ideal for creating fluid, vibrant sketches. Start by practicing simple washes—flat washes for even color or gradient washes to blend tones. Experiment with wet-on-wet techniques for softer edges or wet-on-dry for crisp lines.

The type of brush you use will impact your results, so try a variety of brush shapes and sizes. Round brushes are great for general work, while flat brushes can help with clean edges and backgrounds. Test different levels of water on your brush to find the balance that works for you.

Using a dedicated watercolor sketchbook with thicker paper (140 lb or more) is important to prevent warping. If you’re new to painting outdoors, a portable watercolor set and water brushes are a great investment for creating studies on the go.

4. Try Gouache Paintings

Gouache offers the opacity of acrylics with the flexibility of watercolors, making it an incredibly versatile medium for sketchbooks. If you’ve never used it before, start by working in layers, beginning with light colors and building up darker tones.

One technique to try is dry brushing, which gives texture to areas like foliage or fabric. For smoother transitions, mix a small amount of water into your gouache to achieve a semi-transparent effect. You can also experiment with gouache for hand-lettering—its bold, matte finish is perfect for decorative titles or quotes in your sketchbook.

To avoid accidental smudges, let each layer dry fully before adding details. If you want to push your boundaries, experiment with mixing gouache with other mediums like ink or colored pencils.

For tips on starting with new techniques, see my sketchbook tips for beginners.

5. Play With Acrylics

Acrylic paints dry quickly, making them a great medium for sketchbook work if you’re short on time. Start with a limited palette of three to five colors to focus on creating harmonious compositions. You can layer acrylics for opaque coverage or water them down for lighter washes.

Test different application methods beyond brushes. For example, try palette knives for bold textures or sponges for creating patterns. You can also use masking tape to block areas and achieve clean edges.

When working with acrylics, be mindful of your paper. Heavyweight, smooth-surfaced sketchbooks work best to prevent the paint from soaking through.

If you’d like to pre-plan your compositions, my thumbnail sketch guide can help streamline the process.

6. Sketch With Charcoal

charcoal sketch of female
Chacoal pencils sketch of a female from life drawing session.

Charcoal is fantastic for dramatic shading and expressive marks. Start with soft vine charcoal for light sketches, then add depth with compressed charcoal sticks or pencils. For highlights, a kneaded eraser allows you to “draw” by lifting pigment off the page.

Explore techniques like blending with your fingers or a blending stump to create smooth gradients. For added interest, try working on toned paper and using white charcoal for highlights. Charcoal works particularly well for life drawing or quick gesture studies, where bold, loose strokes can capture movement.

Pairing charcoal with wildlife subjects is a natural fit. For subject ideas, browse my wildlife sketching guide.

7. Create Graphite Pencil Studies

graphite pencil sketch of my female friend
Graphite pencil sketch of a female friend in my sketchbook.

Graphite pencils are versatile and easy to use, making them a go-to medium for sketchbooks. Experiment with different pencil grades—from soft (B) to hard (H)—to see how they affect shading and line quality. Soft pencils create dark, rich tones, while harder ones are better for fine details.

Try techniques like layering light strokes for smooth shading or using cross-hatching for texture. Blending with a tissue or blending stump can add softness to your sketches. If you’re working on studies, focus on small areas like eyes or hands to hone your observation skills.

You might find my CalArts sketchbook tips useful if you’re looking to refine your approach to sketching fundamentals.

8. Explore Mixed-Media Art

mixed media macaw sketch
Mixed media Macaw sketch.

Mixed media is a playground for creativity. Begin by combining two mediums you’re comfortable with, like pen and watercolor. As you gain confidence, experiment with layering acrylics over ink or adding highlights with colored pencils.

For mixed-media sketching, start with a base layer—this could be a loose watercolor wash or a collage of torn paper. Add details with pen or pencil, then layer in textures with acrylics or gouache. This approach works well for abstract art, portraits, or even storytelling through a series of connected sketches.

For prompts and ideas to spark your creativity, check out my sketchbook challenge ideas.

What are the benefits of filling my sketchbook with different mediums?

There are several benefits to filling your sketchbook with different mediums. First, it allows you to experiment and find the medium that works best for you. Second, it helps you develop your skills as an artist. And third, it makes your sketchbook more interesting to look at!

What is the best way to fill my sketchbook?

There is no one “best” way to fill your sketchbook. It depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to achieve with your sketches. However, I recommend trying out a few different things until you find something that you love.

What if I run out of things to draw?

If you run out of things to draw, don’t worry. There are plenty of things you can do. You can try drawing from life, using reference photos, or even making up your own subjects. One of my favorite creative limitations to set on myself is to dedicate an entire sketchbook to any of these interesting sketchbook theme ideas. The important thing is to keep practicing and developing your skills.

Can I use any type of medium in my sketchbook?

Yes, you can use any type of medium in your sketchbook. However, I recommend using a variety of different mediums to make your sketches more interesting. Additionally, some mediums are better suited for certain types of drawings (e.g., watercolors for landscapes).

How often should I update my sketches in my sketchbook?

There is no set rule for how often you should update your sketches.However, I recommend adding new sketches regularly to keep your sketchbook fresh and interesting. You can also use it as a way to document your progress as an artist. You’ll be surprised at how much you improve over time.

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