Greetings from my bunker to yours! Let’s get together and draw a little. It’ll pass the time, break the isolation and make us feel calm and centered.
Here’s the deal: Every day at noon ET, I will go onto YouTube and Facebook and share a lesson from the vast SketchBook Skool archive of lessons. Then we’ll work on it together.
I did it for the first time today and 350+ people showed up — we had a lovely time. (Recording below)
(Astute readers will recognize that an earlier draft of it appeared right here in my blog. One more reason to subscribe and be the first to read cool stuff).
I am so relieved that my new book, How To Draw Without Talent, is finally printed. What a travail!
Just as we were finishing the book, as you may know, my original publisher filed for bankruptcy. The good news is they were later acquired by Penguin Random House and eventually the book got back on track. I received my first copies yesterday and you can get yours in just a few weeks (official pub date: Nov. 26th).
I am trying out micro-blogging on Instagram while I travel through Europe (Amsterdam, London, Paris, Bretagne) for a couple of months. I’m trying to draw and write something pithy every day on IG and replicating the post on Facebook.
If you are interested in what I’m up to, follow me there: @dannyobadiah.
I know some people will not like this change but it’s the most efficient way for me to record what I’m doing and thinking without being dissuaded by the obstacles inherent in writing long blog posts here.
I’ll probably switch back once I get home, but I didn’t want you to think I’ve succumbed on one of my usual periods of indolence.
Dear Abby. Jimmy Breslin. Dave Barry. And now me…. columnist!
My first piece appeared in the current issue of Artist Magazine. And I just got the galley of the next one. Next I can get a press card for my fedora and start drinking bourbon while pounding the keys.
I have spent the last two weeks doing everything but writing blog posts. Let me catch you up on what I’ve been up to, as I hope that you will be a beneficiary of my efforts.
Last fall, we presented SketchKon, the first Sketchbook Skool convention, and when it was over, we did a lot of stock taking. It had been a wonderful opportunity to meet many of the people who had taken kourses with us and who had formed our vibrant community. We learned so much in those few days and came away even more determined to give you exactly what you want and need to make art making a joyful part of your lives.
I am excited to be a part of Sketchbook Revival, a FREE online workshop series full of amazing presenters. I urge you to join me!
The workshop officially begins April 23rd and runs through May 4th. The artists leading the sessions will share their passions for creating in a sketchbook with everything from ink, to watercolor and mixed media, and also how sketchbooks can be tools for recording daily life, developing personal style, connecting with intuition, emotional well being, and so much more.
My cup runneth over these days. I want to update you on all of my doings and share some wonderful stuff made by others that are making me happy on this lovely spring day.
This book is apparently now in German (awaiting my copy but someone bought this in Berlin and sent me the picture):
This book is apparently now in Russian (awaiting my copy but saw this on Instagram. Also awaiting the Spanish and Turkish ones) :
This book is fantastic, the best primer on art appreciation ever: