Building a Nature Sketchbook

Are you a realist or an impressionist? The distinction is important when it comes to mixing watercolor pencils and pen & ink in a nature sketch. The realist uses pen & ink followed by watercolor, while the budding Monets reverse the order. I, of course, use neither, but then I have difficulty drawing a decent pair in seven card stud with deuces wild. Not so, Sandra Angelo: equally fluid with colored pencil, watercolor, and pen & ink, Angelo--a noted art instructor, columnist, and television personality--shows viewers how to create their own illustrated nature sketchbook. Pointing out the tools of the trade, Angelo shows viewers a system for organizing their "eleventy billion photos" (which provide reference for the drawings), shares a number of exquisite drawings from her own and student collections, and offers hands-on instruction in a wide range of mediums with subjects ranging from meerkats to water fountains. Filled with moneysaving ideas and practical tips, the "sketchbook" is a wonderful idea for artists, hobbyists, and those who are ready to finally take a little time to smell the roses. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)