Full Description
Observe your world through the pages of a sketchbook and find art in the everyday moments of ordinary life.
How would life change if, whenever you found a free moment, you reached for a sketchbook instead of your phone? Make (Sneaky) Art is not just a guide to drawing on location; it is a way to actively engage with our world and reclaim our attention spans.
After moving to the United States, author Nishant Jain began carrying a sketchbook to better understand his new world and learn to draw. Hesitant to do "this silly thing" in public, he developed a practice of sneaky art—making quick, secret sketches from observation inside a small sketchbook. Make (Sneaky) Art is the culmination of this journey of self-education—to become an artist and a more mindful observer of the world.
In this book, you will find:
Techniques to draw your environment: Learn to draw as a way to be present in your world, free from the distractions of devices and notifications.
Ideas to overcome your imposter syndrome: Let go of the baggage that prevents you from following your creative instincts.
Tips to sustain a lifelong sketchbook habit: Integrate sketching into your daily routine, wherever it takes you.
Today is the day to begin the visual journal of your life.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1
WHAT AND WHY: BEING SNEAKY IN THE PURSUIT OF ART
> We Live in a Beautiful World
> Why I Started Being Sneaky
> Good Reasons to Be Sneaky
> A Toolkit for Sneaky Art
> The Art Is Sneaky Too
CHAPTER 2
BEFORE THE BEGINNING: DEFEAT THE BLANK PAGE 25
> What Is a Blank Page to You?
> EXERCISE: Free Your Lines
> If You See Something, Draw Something
CHAPTER 3
FIRST STEPS: GET STARTED QUICKLY 33
> Keep It Simple
> Build a Curiosity Spiral
> Mapping and Using Anchors to Find Your Way
> Layers! Layers! Layers!
> Quick Drawing Challenges
CHAPTER 4
GOOD IDEAS: ON THE PATH TO STYLE
> How Do You Find Your Style?
> Trusting Your Instincts
> Accuracy vs. Precision
> Writing and Drawing Are the Same Thing
> EXERCISE: Learning to See
CHAPTER 5
SMALL IS BIG: DRAW TINY PEOPLE
> A Five-Step Guide to Drawing a Tiny Person
> Who Are Tiny People?
> How/Why I Started Drawing Tiny People
> EXERCISE: Drawing Tiny People at the Café
CHAPTER 6
THE FINISH LINE: HOW TO STOP
> The Other Big Obstacle
> Let Curiosity Guide the Way
> Understanding Your Circumstances
> Go Outside-In
> Three Levels of Details
> Why Three Levels?
> You Are the Filter
CHAPTER 7
THE GIFT OF ATTENTION: FINDING INSPIRATION IN YOUR WORLD
> Seeing Through a Sketchbook
> Tips for Drawing in Outdoor Spaces
> Tips for Drawing in Indoor Spaces
> Tips for Drawing While Traveling
CHAPTER 8
MORE GOOD IDEAS: REASONS TO KEEP A SKETCHBOOK
> What Is a Sketchbook For?
> What Is the Best Sketchbook?
> An Invitation to Spend Time
> The Gift of Attention
> Room for Magic
> A Chance to Discover Yourself
> A Record of a Changing World
> A Way to Remember Everything
CHAPTER 9
VISUAL DIARY: BUILD A SKETCHBOOK HABIT
> Find a Community: The #OneWeek100PeopleChallenge
> Make Time from Nothing: The Five-Minute Habit
> Keep It Fresh: Look for the New
> Keep It Challenging: Change Sketchbooks!
> Keep It Real: The Secret Sketchbook
CHAPTER 10
WHAT'S NEXT: CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
> Be the Curator of Your Own Gallery
> Give Art to Friends and Family
> Leave Art for Strangers to Find
> Join a Local Art Group
> Teach Others
> Be (Un)comfortable
> Be More Human Than Ever Before
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
INDEX
