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Sophie McPike is one of my favourite artists. It was due to finding her and her fun, playful approach that I’ve been able to fill two sketchbooks this year. She talks about starting a sketchbook, priming the page (so the blank page isn’t so scary) and generally how have to have fun and scribble! One of my absolute favourite things to do is swatch 😊

These are two videos I’ve picked out which I think others will enjoy too:

1) Why is it too scary? The first page of the sketchbook

https://youtu.be/BpaCd1x-4O4?si=UKIu9Tb06YucBxFa

2) Get ready for an artists retreat with me (Sophie)

https://youtu.be/kuVC3p14_Ss?si=DReDSWKK_a0l_U60

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Hi Louise! Thanks so much for sharing these links - ALWAYS good to see more inspiration for how other artists tackle sketchbook pages. I really enjoyed watching, and Sophie is new to me, so thank you!

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I’m here because of Emma Carpendale! I had to watch a few videos because I’m embarrassed to say - after 30 years as a professional artist and illustrator…. I never heard of this concept of colour swatching JUST FOR FUN! 🤩 🎨I love this. Hope to join the next one. Is there a way to set a reminder or get notified ? I may need to adjust my setting to receive invites or notifications? I don’t remember anything these day on my own. 🤣

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Hello Crystal! Oooh I’m excited that you’ve found us! Colour Swatching JUST FOR FUN - a totally radical idea, right?!? As adults we just don’t make the time for simple materials play, it’s something I was craving for myself, and honestly, these simple hour sessions with fellow materials geeks is TRANSFORMATIVE, especially if you keep it regular! I love it!

I will always update this post, but if you are subscribed to my publication (free) I will always send out the dates at the start of the month with the links. Also, if you have the app, I send reminders in the chat function too. You don’t need to adjust settings, but you may want to decide if you want to get the emails into your inbox to make sure you don’t miss anything? Alternatively you’ll get all my posts in app only, depending on what you select. Hopefully see you at the next one!

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This is great! Love your publication 💕 hope to join the next one.

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Thank you Crystal!

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A wonderful piece from Lena @poemsaboutyou on the joys and benefits of swatching https://poemsaboutyou.com/blogs/news?mc_cid=7a54bc33c5&mc_eid=2a9ba2e5c9

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THAT's a brilliant article!! Thank you so much for sharing!

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Looks great Raj! I’ll use this as an opportunity to take a break from writing substack and social posts and get my sketchbook out!

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Yeayyy! that’s just what it’s for - time to mentally switch off and just play 🎨

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Melissa Martin organising her swatches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceIjp45gRM8

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Parul Arora's swatching video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDiCKeezJcE

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Parul's approach to painting is both dreamy and down to earth. Her swatches in her notebook are works of art in and of themselves. I love her gentle approach to colour and painting.

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YES I am obsessed with her work! She's amazing

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