These pages are from a 2005 A3 sketchbook and involve diluted ink, gloss paint and collage. The shape in the top right of the above page resembles a fat spider.
The shadowy figures in the pages above were achieved by working over plastic toy soldiers.
detail:
John Macormac 
John, what is a mark maker? I don’t know the term.
Hi Dave, it’s literally a broad term for one who makes marks. I find the term is more appropriate for what I do than painter, as I use many other techniques and materials to stain the surfaces I use to create work.
I like the term. Thanks.
nice
Thanks!
These are wonderful — thank you for sharing them! Artists’ sketchbooks can sometimes be even more exciting than full-scale artworks. . . .
Thank you Evan, I agree!
Lovely stuff…..
why thankyou Anthea 🙂
Nice sketchbook!
Thanks for all your positivity Elena 🙂
Love this very much!
I can sit and watch for a long, long time
and see something new…
/Malin
Thank you very much for your appreciation Malin!
Wonderful work!
why thank you Lara!
Really lovely sketchbook work.
Thanks David, much appreciated!
Beautiful work – it very much draws me in.
Thanks very much Karen, I’m glad the work can have that effect.
I second the comment that an artist’s sketchbook can be exciting. It may be that it’s because the sketches are spur of the moment ideas with only a pen between the idea and the paper. They seem to me to be much more free and open than “finished” work. Which got me wondering what the sketchbooks of Kline, Pollack and the other abstract expressionist look like. Thank you for posting.
Yes I agree about the free and open nature of sketchbooks. I’d also love to see ones of the abstract expressionists you mention up close. I find knowing when a non sketchbook piece is ‘finished’ is very difficult, it’s finding that fine point between under and overworking.
Gorgeous work.
Think it’s time for me to start a sketch book too. It’s been so long and I’m struggling to find my own voice. Have to get less cerebral and worrisome about it and just let it happen I think.
How do you start? Do you begin with something in your head or do you just let the available materials bring you places?
Nasyitah
http://www.coloursofthedomesticgoddess.wordpress.com
Oooo, I really like your sketches. Am going to check out the rest of your blog. Thanks for visiting mine. Best, Ellen
Love your art. Thanks for visiting my blog.rlte
Thank you very much rlte, I’m loving your energetic experimental work.
fantastic!
Thanks!
Thank you for liking my post! Your work is fantastic!
You’re welcome Nell, thanks very much!
That’s a really interesting technique with the toy soldiers. You’ve inspired me! I love the way ink mixes and stains – I could watch its tiny explorations in paper all day. Thanks for sharing your sketchbooks!
I’m honoured to inspire you Rebecca, thank you very much! Yes diluted ink is a magical thing 🙂
very nice!
love your work!
Thank you so much!