Sketchbook Project: The Cover

I signed up for the 2012 Sketchbook Project, and received my sketchbook in the mail.

The first thing I did was take it apart...

Cover, acrylic, watercolor & graphite on cardboard, 7 x 10", 2011.

I plan to rebind the book with heavier paper, so I can paint in it without the marks bleeding through to the other side of the page.  I figured it was easier to design the cover while the pages aren't inside.

When I signed up for the project there was a list of themes to choose from; all of them sounded fun, but I ended up choosing "Uncharted Waters".  I love drawing things that are ocean related.  I haven't put much thought into the inside yet, but I may do a lot of drawings related to ocean mythology.

I designed the cover with cut outs, so my drawings on the first and last page will show through.  I didn't have a real plan for the cover... i just started painting.  I didn't want it too feel like a portfolio piece; it's a sketchbook.  I also discovered that cardboard is not an ideal surface to paint!

If you want to sign up for the Sketchbook Project, they're accepting new sign-ups until the end of October.  All of the completed sketchbooks received by January 31st will go on a world tour, and then be cataloged in the Brooklyn Art Library.