Capturing the World in a Sketch

An Introduction to Landscape Sketchbooks

By GJ Gillespie, artist and founder of Leda Art Supply

"I have nature and art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough?" - Vincent Van Gogh.

These profound words by one of the most influential painters in western art history encapsulate the essence of an artist's connection with nature. For centuries, artists have sought inspiration from the world around them, capturing its beauty, grandeur, and ever-changing moods. And one tool has remained a constant companion in this artistic journey - the landscape sketchbook.

Today, we delve into the world of landscape sketchbooks, exploring their history, benefits, and how they continue to inspire artists worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a budding creative, join us as we unfold the pages of the landscape sketchbook and discover why it's an essential part of every artist's toolkit.

Landscape sketchbooks have a rich history, tracing their roots back to the earliest days of art. The practice of sketching landscapes began as a way for artists to document the world around them, capturing scenes from nature and architectural structures in their environment.

The earliest sketchbooks were handmade and consisted of a few sheets of prepared boxwood, papyrus, vellum, or parchment. They were used by explorers, naturalists, and artists who needed a readily available supply of drawing paper in the convenient form of a book. Many of these sketches later served as studies for larger, more detailed works.

In America, sketchbooks played a significant role in documenting historical sites and landscapes. Artists would complete pencil drawings on location at various historic locations, capturing moments in time and preserving them in their sketchbooks.

The tradition of landscape sketchbooks continued into the 19th century with the rise of plein air painting, where artists would take their sketchbooks outside to capture the natural light and color of the landscape.

Today, landscape sketchbooks remain a popular tool for artists. They offer a way to practice skills, experiment with ideas, and capture the world around them. Whether used for quick sketches or more detailed studies, landscape sketchbooks continue to be a must-have in every artist's collection.

Check out our newly Introduced Phoebe Journal. 5.5 inches x 8.5 inches – folds out to 17 inches of surface. 

In the works: We are planning a larger sized Phoebe at 8.5 x 11.25 inches early 2024!



Order your Peobe Landscape Journal and try sketching in a journal designed for capturing wide vistas. 

You just might fall in love with Phoebe.