ways to fill white space

My sketchbook is all about getting ideas out of my head, it is a place to practice and a place to warm up my creative muscles. Because I spend a lot of time sketching and keeping a visual journal, a BIG part of my process is filling a page. Most of the time when I sit down to draw or doodle I try to fill all the white space on the page with something...anything! The daily practice of working from start to finish and filling white space has become a great lesson in learning (and embracing) the discipline it takes to complete a creative project. Today I wanted to share a few of my favorite simple ways to fill white space.

In my opinion color is one of the easiest ways to fill white space. If left white, the subject matter is is nice but if you choose to fill the space around that subject matter with color, things begin to POP and instantly become more dynamic.

Tip- Try adding more saturated color along the edges of your drawing this will get things to jump off the page even more.

Free writing, journaling and adding text to white space is a great way to not only fill the space but it is also a fun way to keep a journal. 

Depending on your subect matter you can add observations, inspiration, ideas, even recipes!

TIP- Try getting creative with the placement of your writing. Add text inside the borders, in between shapes and around your subject matter.

I love to doodle and I have discovered that simple shapes or pattern are a great way to fill up white space. Use all those nooks and crannies in between your subject matter and fill them with smaller doodles.

TIP- Keep it simple with dots and dashes or get more complex with intricate lines and pattern. 

Theres is no rule that says that white space needs to be filled with clean details! One of my favorite ways to fill space is with lots of messy swipes of color, drips, scribbles and expressive marks. 

TIP: Set out to "attack" your sketchbook page like you would a mixed media project. Begin with a colorful, messy and expressive background and then draw over the top.

As much as I love trying to fill all the white space on a page, there is something quite beautiful about holding onto some of that blank space!

TIP: Try drawing from the corner of the page or offsetting your drawings to one side this creates visual harmony between your drawing and the white space.

For more information about my sketching process and supplies visit HERE

sketching on the GO

If you frequent my blog, you will know that sketching is such a big part of my creative process. It is how I work through ideas, practice drawing and challenge myself to capture my experiences and inspiration on paper. The sketching process is also one of my favorite ways to explore the world around me.

In the live classes and retreats that I teach at my studio, we spend time outside sketching and I demonstrate simple sketching techniques, ways to keep a visual journal and how to use exploration and adventure in your sketching process. Inspired by my live classes, I thought it would be fun to share a handful of my favorite tips for SKETCHING ON THE GO here on the blog!

I have found that having simple supplies on hand (that can go anywhere with me) helps keep me inspired to sketch on the go.

1. A sketchbook- preferably one that is not too expensive- Lately I keep a number of the Strathmore sketchbooks on hand- my favorite size is 6.26 x 8.5 inches- it is big enough to have a nice page to work on and small enough that I can throw it in my purse.

2. I like to carry some kind of tape (washi tape is a favorite) so I can adhere things to the pages of my journal.

3. I always carry some kind of paper towel or rag.

4. A water brush- I almost always have a water brush with me because it cancels out the need to bring a water vessel. You simply put your water in the handle of the brush, squeeze the handle and water comes out of the brush.

5. I always carry a pencil and pen with me.

6. I prefer to add color to my pages with watercolors- they are easy to use and most important- very portable and easy to pull out when you are on the go. My favorite watercolors to use are Sakura Koi Watercolor Sketch Box

TIP: Keep your sketching supplies in your purse or in your car or by the door. If you end up somewhere inspiriting or even have time to kill (doctors apt, picking up kids from school, soccer games, etc) pull out that sketchbook and get creating! Use your surroundings (no matter what they are) as your inspiration.

There is something SO profound about sketching outside and on the go. In my experience it is much different than sketching at home or in the studio. There are all kinds of outside factors you have to deal with (weather, lighting, crowds, people wanting to watch you, comfy places to sit, etc). But taking your supplies on the go is a great way to push yourself outside the box. It is also a great way to document and explore the world around you.

I spend so much time in my studio and creating indoors that I tend to get a little stir crazy! I have found that going somewhere, even if it is somewhere simple (like my backyard, my local coffee shop or neighborhood park) I am inspired and revitalized!

TIP: Challenge yourself to go somewhere (anywhere!) for one hour and sketch in that location. Try completing 1-2 pages. Have fun finding a new location every couple of weeks.

There is nothing more inspiring than a little adventure to get your creativity flowing! Try finding a place that you would like to go for the day and incorporate that little trip into your sketching inspiration. Bring your camera and your supplies and incorporate a some time to documenting the experience in your sketchbook!

For some reason, sketching outside or on the go is more challenging for me. I still love it but I tend to be more concerned about perfection than when I am working in my studio. It probably has a lot to do with time constraints (I often feel rushed) and comfort (sitting on a large rock is not as comfortable as my couch). Over time I have learned that its ok to be challenged or a little uncomfortable and I use these moments to work on letting go of perfection in the sketching process.

Since sketching on the go can be challenging try to challenge yourself to "capture the essence" of your inspiration instead of feeling like you need to be perfect. Try to focus on the color, pattern, shapes and texture instead of perfectly replicating your subject matter.

Sometimes I don't have time to sit and sketch on the go but I still want to capture an idea or inspiration in my sketchbook for later. I like to take creative notes- I jot down a quick sketch, record the weather, the colors I see, shapes, pattern or texture. When I am back home with more time, I use my visual notes as reference for drawing and painting projects.

Don't be afraid to get messy! While I love sketching detailed illustrations and pattern, there are times when I also enjoy getting messy in my sketching process. I love slopping color all over the page, scribbling, filling a page with shapes or free writing. Some of these pages end up being my favorite because they perfectly capture the moment in a creative way.

I love to hunt for treasures when I am outside and often these treasures end up being the inspiration for my art. If you don't have lots of time to sketch or if you are just not "feeling it" (it happens to all of us) try using your time collecting objects and things that can be used as subject matter for your sketching. Bring your treasures home and use them for future sketching projects.

I always have a camera on me- sometimes its my fancy camera, sometimes its my iphone while other times its my Instax MINI. In addition to sketching, I am always snapping photos of my subject matter. This process enables me to not feel rushed while sketching on the go. Instead I am able to use my photos as reference and keep sketching once I get home. 

P.S. To read more about my sketching process you can visit:

SKETCHING 101

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS- MY SKETCHING PROCESS AND SUPPLIES

THE BEAUTY OF PEN AND WATER

DIGITAL DRAWING

P.P.S Looking for sketching prompts and inspiration? 

My latest online class  SUMMER SKETCH goes live on Friday!

Summer is my favorite time of year- it's when we play outside, stay up late, soak up the warmth and watch the sun set! It's also a perfect time to break out your sketchbook and utilize all those activities and inspiration. I've put together this fun class with the hope to keep you sketching all summer long. Summer Sketch is structured to fit into those busy summer days- join me for drawing and doodling prompts, ideas, techniques and ways to turn those warm sunny days into inspiration and subject matter for your sketchbooks and art journals. 

digital drawing

I have a confession to make...I've been very resistant to digital drawing, like down right stubborn! I love my good ol' fashion pen, paper and watercolors. But after watching my husband (an amazing artist) draw on his ipad for the last two years I finally gave in and decided to play around. 

Much to my surprise I liked it- in a strange, out of my comfort zone kind of way! I'm not gonna lie, I would rather be drawing on paper but the last few months my ipad has come in handy for those late nights when I can't get back to sleep. I pull it out and do a little drawing in the dark (something that isn't so easy to do with traditional supplies).

1. Paper 53 2. Sketchbook Pro 3. Noteshelf 4. Procreate

There are TONS of applications out there for drawing on an ipad or touch screen- the above are my favorites. They all have different tools and features but I like Paper 53 the best. Its simple and I prefer simple. I don't like lots of bells and whistles and Paper 53 has enough options for my sketching style.

While you could certainly use your fingers to draw on an ipad, using a stylus makes the process much easier. I use a Bamboo Stylus

The drawing applications all have their own version of pens, brushes, tools and color that you can use in all kinds of ways!

You can also keep your drawings saved and organized in sketchbooks or notebooks. 

I have been using this process in the same way that I use my sketchbook- a place to practice and document my ideas. 

I'm not gonna lie, digital drawing takes some getting used to. It kind of feels the opposite of drawing on paper and so far I have't been able to just relax and get comfortable with the process. But I have been embracing the challenge of trying something new!

How about you? Have you tried digital drawing? Do you have any favorite applications?

frequently asked questions- sketching supplies and process

I get all kinds of email and asked TONS of questions about all sorts of creative things and in the weeks and months ahead I will be answering many of the frequently asked questions here on my blog!

I can't tell you how many questions I get about the supplies and the process that I use in my sketchbook pages and while I teach them in many of my online classes I thought it would be helpful for my blog readers (and those of you who haven't taken my classes) to provide a simple overview of the most asked questions.

In my opinion you don't need much for the sketching process- a pencil or a pen and a sketchbook will be sufficient but there really are all kinds of fun supplies that will elevate your sketchbook pages. Many of the supplies that I use are simple and economic- I save splurging on expensive and higher quality supplies for art that I sell or show, art that gets published or art that will be hung on the wall. My sketchbook is a place to work through ideas, inspiration and a place to warm up my creativity so I am not too concerned about the latest and greatest tool or supply. In my opinion it is important to feel comfortable with your sketching tools and supplies- what works for me might not work for someone else. That is why it I always like to recommend taking a little time to figure out what you may want to use in your own sketching process.

When it comes to sketchbooks I will use just about anything! From drawing paper to watercolor tablets to tiny little pads of paper to index cards I always find a way to put a variety of paper to use. My favorite sketchbook to use is a an all purpose sketchbook (any brand- size 5.5 x 8.5 - typically 65lb sheets of paper). They are affordable and work great for me. While the paper is not made for lots of wet media (like watercolors or even acryclic paint) I still use it with anything and everything.

The answer is yes and to be honest I don't care too much! Once again, I am using my sketchbook to work through ideas, to practice and to "hone" my drawing and sketching skills so I am not that concerned about what my paper is doing. While I am painting I always use a rag to soak up excess water on my surface and when my page dries I end up smoothing out my paper by ironing the pages on a low setting.

If I know that I will be working with LOTS of layers of lots of wet media I will use watercolor paper. Watercolor paper is thicker paper made for watercolor painting and comes in a variety of different surfaces and weights-

Rough paper- has a textured surface

Hot pressed paper- smooth surface and paint dries quickly

Cold pressed paper- slightly textured surface

Honestly I am not too picky about which type of paper to use. I will use any of them- but the cold pressed paper seems to be my favorite option for a variety of projects. I know there are TONS of wonderful sketchbooks, moleskine journals and tablets out there and I think that it's best to select a sketchbook that YOU are interested in using but try not to don't get too hung up on name brands or something being perfect. Remember sketching is more about the process than it is about having the perfect tools and supplies.

You will probably be surprised to learn that I really could care less about the brand or even the quality of my pens and sketching supplies! Once again, I just want something simple and accessible to use when I sketch and work through ideas or practice techniques. Much of the time I find myself using a ball point pen but I do have a handful of favorite pens and supplies that I seem to use most often.

Water resistant pens are great to use if you are working with wet media- like watercolors- because they don't bleed when you paint over them.

1. micron pens 2. sharpie pens 3. ball point pens

1. water brush 2. pentel and pilot pens 3. ball point pens

Water based pens are great to use by themselves or with a little bit of water and a brush. Instantly you can transform a drawing into a watercolor by brushing water onto your pen sketches. You can take a look at how to use a water soluble pen in this post here

Never underestimate the power of lines in a sketch or a doodle! There are a numerous ways to use all those pens and drawing tools to draw lines that will change the look and feel of your sketching- they can be bold, fine, flowing, dotted, blended and the list goes on!

1. pencil 2. water added to pilot pen 3. pilot pen 4. water added to grey marker 5. micron pen 6. fine tip micron pen 7. sharpie

1. vary the width of lines 2.crosshatching 3.repeat lines 4. stippling 5. use a brush to create lines

a page start to finish from Alisa Burke on Vimeo.

My favorite supply to use when I am sketching is watercolors. There are a variety of different brands, they either come in pans or in tubes. I prefer the pans because I typically take my watercolors on the go with me and the pans (or the sets) are easier. If you haven't worked with watercolors I would recommend starting with a cheaper set- like a kids Crayola set just so you can get a feel for how they work and then move up to something higher quality.

1. I love my Koi Travel Set for on the go sketching. 2. I also enjoying using a Prang set 3. I have lots of Crayola sets all around the house and my studio- they are economic and great quality!

I almost always use a water brush when I am working in my sketchbook- a water brush has a brush tip that attaches to a handle and gets filled with water. This means that you don't have to worry about having a water vessel on hand, you simply fill the handle with water and squeeze to release water as you paint.

For me the next best thing to add color is anything water soluble- like watercolor pencils, crayons or even water based markers.

water from Alisa Burke on Vimeo.

I tend to work in a variety of different ways- Sometimes I start by drawing or doodling in pen. I then go back into my drawings and fill things in with color- kind of like a coloring book. This is where the magic happens! Color brings everything to life. In my opinion this process lends itself to doodles and drawing things that have more details.

Sometimes I like to start with a background of messy watercolor and then draw over the top in black pen. This process really lends itself to working more expressive. I work this way when I don't have lots of time but I want to complete a few fast sketchbook pages.

background from Alisa Burke on Vimeo.

And then many times I will start with a loose watercolor painting and then add the details with pen to the top. This is another process that I use when I am working more expressive.

details 1 from Alisa Burke on Vimeo.

I try to sketch everyday! In my opinion the only way you are going to get good at something or even make it a habit is by doing it consistently and this is the way that I treat my sketching process. While there was a time when it wasn't much fun and it felt like work- these days sketching is a JOY and it feels like a "creative workout" and a time for me to get warmed up and ready to dive into my creative projects.

With a baby and a business to run I am a little more challenged when it comes to time but I just try and set aside a little bit of time each day for sketching. Back when Lucy was little I would sketch while I was nursing or if she was napping in my arms. Now that she is on the go, I sketch while she is playing. Sometimes a page may take me 1 week of 10 minutes each day to complete, while other days I knock out 5 pages of sketches in an hour. And of course there are days when I am not able to fit sketching in but because I enjoy this process I find myself making time for it no matter what I have going on.

This should answer the basic sketchbook questions that I seem to receive over and over again! For more details and the complete run down of techniques- check out my online classes- Sketchbook Delight and Sketchbook Delight Part 2 and Watercolor Bliss they all cover most of the process and techniques that I use in my sketching.