No. 1: Projects to Start the New Year
Based on recurring themes in my sketchbooks, and creative slumps.
Before I get started, I first have a tiny bit of housekeeping… Welcome to my new Substack newsletter! You are receiving this because you are already signed up to receive emails from me. Nothing has changed other than my emails will look a little different. This is a work in progress, but I am hoping to be more carefree (and a bit more vulnerable) with my writing and sharing. You will see some grammar and spelling errors along the way, but I would rather have more fun than care about the small errors. Everyone will receive the bulk of what I have to share, but if you are interested in supporting my work with a paid subscription, I promise to make it worthwhile.
I have been steady and devoted to keeping a sketchbook practice since 2014. When I flip through all of the pages I notice all the ways I have changed, from my interests, to what I notice, to what I choose to draw, but most of all my style and drawing confidence. I also notice that some things don’t change… I love drawing certain subjects, and they appear over and over again in my sketchbooks. One of these subjects is dogs. Dogs waiting specifically. Since we don’t have a pet of our own, and I am a huge animal lover, I stop for all of the dogs (and all of the cats in windows, but that doesn’t happen as often). They don’t always like it when I stop to say hello. Usually they give me three types of looks. One is the look of annoyance. These dogs are so used to being left outside while their human gets coffee, they know the drill, and they have no time for friendly strangers. The second is the look of anxious excitement - will I please let their human know that they do not want to be left outside? If only they could describe their human so that I can please go fetch them. And the third is the look of confidence and pride. These dogs know they are beautiful, and would love a pet and for me to take a photograph. The later is my favorite! I also find dogs waiting alongside their people. Sitting under tables, in line, or outside on the street while Mom or Dad talks to a friend. There are dogs waiting all over the place in my neighborhood!
It has been a strange time for me and my drawing practice. I have not been as inspired as usual. Might be my age my doctor says. A lot of women get a little down as they approach 50 (ugh, yes, I will be 50 in May, and I am not happy about it). Maybe a little to do with my older son leaving home. This has been rough for me. I am still not used to it, and he left for college in September! Or it also may be the fact that it is 2023… its been a pretty stressful few years in the world. We are all feeling it.
Since I am in this funk with my work, I have to follow my own advice and just draw. So I emptied a big wall in my studio that was filled with old sketchbook pages and have been determined to fill it up with new work. I went through my old sketchbooks and looked for these recurring themes. What brings me most joy? What do I WANT to draw? The “Dog’s Waiting” stood out. So that is where I have landed and I am excited to see where the series takes me. I will be sharing the journey here, with my Substack subscribers, as I look for new dog friends in NYC. Process videos, thoughts, feelings, and ideas about what comes next. Should I explore more themes in 2023? Is there a new book here?
A project for the new year is my next Skillshare class! I have the videographer lined up, and am writing the content now. I hope to launch the class in March! Stay tuned for updates. A working title at the moment is: “Drawing Everyday: Motivational Sketchbook Practices” It is going to be good! And what better timing for me to create a class like this - I will be motivating myself along the way. To see my existing Skillshare classes, click here.
My son came to my studio last week to take a few photos of me. We didn’t get to take portraits because the lighting was pretty terrible that day, but he did get some shots of me working. I threw some paper up on my new blank wall and just started playing around. These paintings will probably never leave my studio, but I may revisit them again soon.
The first three in the series, “Dogs Waiting” are also hanging on my studio wall.
I am planning on completing twelve of these, and then to write about each encounter.
The next one in the series is a sweet pitbull named Lola who stood patiently with her mom while I chatted with her for about twenty minutes on Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights. I will share some process on Instagram and here!
Paid portion of this email will come soon! I have a few things planned: A review of a new fountain pen that my friend Nishant shared with me when I met him in person earlier this month. It was so much fun and inspiring to draw with him, and the way his pen flowed... I knew I needed to have one! And a really fun giveaway for subscribers. This is still being organized but one of my handmade sketchbooks will be included!
All Canvas lights and accessories are 10% off with my discount code: SDB10
So many beautiful and heartwarming comments. I am so touched and happy that you are all greeting me here with open arms! It will make my Substack journey so much easier. More very soon! I have lots of ideas.
I also bought a dress today for a close friends 50th. I figure I need to embrace this milestone, as I have no choice! It's a fun dress, and that always helps.
xoxo, Sam
Guess I'm kind of lucky about turning 70 2 yrs ago. It's amazing to live this long and have history. I wish I knew about sketchbook journaling when I was younger. In meanwhile, there's the emotional stuff to deal with, but it only makes us stronger, right? Yes it is time to start a new journal for a new life. So glad I found your book "Draw Your Day" 5 yrs ago on vacation. Here's to an exciting new adventure for all.