Sketchbook Journaling Workshop

31st October 2026

£40 or £45 materials provided

PSW Art Stop, Studley, Warwickshire

Lots of people have shown an interest in my sketchbook journals and so I thought it would be a nice idea to run a workshop to demonstrate exactly how I do mine and, if you are interested, to give you a chance to have a go yourself.

In today’s world of ubiquitous smartphone use, taking photos is almost too simple but do we really stop and take in what we have snapped with the fleeting press of a finger? In contrast, there is no better way of recording your memories than in a sketchbook journal. It’s a lot easier than you might imagine, and taking the time to really slow down and look at your subject and absorb the world around you as you do so, really helps to cement the moment in your memory. Using a sketchbook journal regularly also has the added bonus that it will really develop and improve your own observation and drawing skills surprisingly quickly.

Using pen and wash I shall be demonstrating my approach and techniques to creating loose and spontaneous images. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to have a go yourself. You will learn the importance of careful observation; how to draw in a confident and effective style where mistakes are cherished as part of the creative process; how to mix and apply watercolour washes in a time effective manner and in a way that will bring your drawings to life.

I am delighted to be running the workshop hosted by the lovely people at the Studley Art Shop branch of PSW Paper and Print Ltd in Studley, Warwickshire.

The workshop will run from 10:00am to 2:00pm (with a short break if you want to bring a packed lunch).

The cost is either £40 if you bring your own materials or £45 if you would like to have materials provided for you (this includes a lovely hardback sketchbook of the sort I use myself).

If this sounds like something you would enjoy, please contact PSW directly by ringing 01527 853136 and selecting the Studley Shop option.

Materials list (if bringing your own):

  • Sketchbook (ideally containing 140gsm paper or heavier; 20cmx2cm approx)

  • Watercolour paint (student or artists quality, hue or pure colour, pan or small tube, these colours or equivalent):

    • Yellow ochre

    • Cadmium yellow

    • Cadmium Red

    • Alizarin Crimson

    • Ultramarine

    • Sap Green

    • Burnt Umber

    • Paynes Grey

  • Watercolour brush (size 6 or 8 round)

  • Waterproof sketching pen (e.g. Unipin or equivalent) - black 0.3mm