Using my sketchbook

Many finished paintings start life as observational sketches in a sketch book. I use a black ball point pen to draw. (no room for error!). I enjoy the range of marks that can be achieved this way and the depth of tone I can get in the drawings. the sketch helps me compose ideas for the finished painting and in some way simplify the image. I note the key lines of vision and how they lead the eye around a picture. i identify the key areas of light and dark and the shapes I want to emphasize. Sometimes I am happy with the quality the drawing takes and often think it is a piece in its own way.