A [Sketchy] New Year
Welcome to my first sketchbook pages!
Hello! And happy 2026.
Sincere apologies for my recent absence… life got the better of me this past holiday season starting with Thanksgiving, then a bout of sickness that spread through the family, then snow, then Christmas, then New Years. I was feeling a little over-extended during all of that and didn’t have much energy to dedicate to art.
Not only did I find the holidays a bit overwhelming, but I also struggled with the transition from fall to winter. I was feeling cold, tired, and completely unmotivated.
But now…
I. Am. BACK!
I totally just jinxed it, didn’t I.
I enjoyed lots of time with friends and family toward the end of the year, but I’m also looking forward to a slightly quieter few months ahead.
This year I’m hoping to focus on two things:
Art - More consistency but smaller projects, experiment, branch out, play
House - Tidy, organize, purge
Part of my challenge getting into art as the days shortened and the temperature dropped was that my art setup in the basement was too cold and too dark for this season. In order to get me through the slump, I cleared up a spot in the kitchen and brought up a few essential art supplies. A simple setup for a small space. Limiting my supplies means I’ll probably be focused more on sketches than painting this winter, but I’m happy to be continuing an art practice in any capacity!
Mid last year I started my first ongoing sketchbook, thanks to a few sketch friends who recommended Danny Gregory’s online courses. I signed up for his “Start Your Sketchbook Journal”course1 and they were right - it was amazing. I’m so happy I did it. (I highly recommend any/all of his books and courses if you’re looking to change your life! 😉)
I’ve found that incorporating this sketchbook habit, as many days a week as I am able, has me feeling happier, less anxious, more relaxed, and just generally feeling like a better version of myself. I love sitting down to sketch. I love how it makes me feel in the moment and also after the fact when I can look back at all of the things I’ve stopped to observe and draw.
Below are a few sketches from my first sketchbook.
More to come.
Happy New Year, and I can’t wait to sketch/draw/paint/art with you soon!
Lana
P.S. As of January 1st, I’ve also joined DrawTogether with Wendy MacNaughton here on Substack. It’s been really fun to connect with others (the larger community and a smaller group chat I’m in) around art. The prompts are short, just 10 minutes a day, but I’m loving the new ideas and momentum I’m gaining from the practice. I will post some of the drawing challenge sketches next week!
I’m considering starting a small art community of my own here on Substack… do you have any thoughts around that? Please let me know! Would that be fun and inspiring for you! What kinds of posts and support would help bring more art and creative joy into your life?
I’ve also since done the How to Draw Without Talent course, and purchased The Creative License course which I’m really excited to start soon.