“Sketchbook / Journaling” – Kathy (Kal) Elmore

Course Overview

A sketchbook is not just for quick drawings of various subjects. Sketchbooks can include photographs, keepsakes, mixed media drawings, and many other things. Some artists like to include text, either handwritten or collaged or stenciled or stamped. A look at artist’s sketchbooks reveals that sketchbooks have been used by artists to plan a composition, practice skills, record observations, experiment with ideas and materials, or illustrate one’s life.

In this class, participants will explore many ways to use a sketchbook to respond to a prompt. The prompt might be an idea, a quote, a poem, or a song. Participants will experiment with different processes and techniques, including stenciling, collaging, lettering, drawing with different materials, stamping, etc. depending on what you have available.

The course will be held at Kal’s home. Directions will be emailed to all registered participants. Participants should be able to climb one flight of stairs.

Logistics

• Instructor: Kathy (Kal) Elmore

• Location: In-Person – Bangor (Directions and location will be emailed to registered participants.)

• Dates: 4 sessions – March 24, 31, April 7, 14

• Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

• Maximum seats: 8 (Priority given to PVSC members.)

What to Expect: Participants should have the following materials:

• Sketchbook – Kal prefers  a 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 “, spiral bound sketchbook – It is important that the sketchbook is able to open easily and lay flat when open. It will also need to expand a bit as more things are added to the pages. Try to get a book with medium or heavy weight paper. Thin paper does not hold up well.

• “Exacto” knife, scissors, ruler, self-healing mat (12” x 18” is a good size)

• Some colorful patterned paper for collage (wrapping paper pieces, origami paper, etc.)

• A few magazines for collaging (magazines with good color and lots of pictures are best)

• Glue stick

• Pencil, pen, eraser

• Colored pencils – optional

• Oil pastels – optional

• Colored markers – optional

• Watercolors and brush, small cup for water – optional

 Possible projects:

• Intro to materials and intro to sketching/ journaling

• Use for note taking, observations, things to remember

• Line drawing with pencil, marker, pens – realistic or abstract

• Experiment with different materials

• Stencils, rubbings

• Adding watercolor

• Intro to collage – cut, tear, glue

• enhance with colored pencil, oil pastel, or marker

• Collage, color, manipulate a copy of a famous art work

• Image transfer, paper weaving

• Create a page or pages about someone who is important to you

About the Instructor: Kathy (Kal) Elmore

Kal taught art at Bangor High School for about 25 years but is now happily retired and enjoys teaching in other settings. She has always worked to encourage the best possible outcomes for all of her students and will continue to do so through workshops, classes, and private lessons. Kal has a great deal of experience in teaching many different media and helps her students to develop new skills and understandings. Her own work involves mostly printmaking and collage, but she also enjoys watercolor painting and book arts.