Many high school Painting / Fine Art students worry that their sketchbooks must be wild, gestural explorations, with layers of media exploding from each page. This sketchbook is a reminder that this is not always the case. Here, a sketchbook layout has been approached with the sophisticated eye of a graphic designer; each page taking on the aesthetic of a contemporary magazine.
24 creative sketchbook examples to inspire Art students
At its essence, a sketchbook page should provide insight into a student’s ideas and intentions, as well as revealing the influence of other artists. This A Level Art sketchbook page is beautiful in its simplicity: devoid of all superfluous decoration, it shows a dedicated and committed student learning a technique from an artist and then carefully applying this to original artwork.
These sketchbook pages are an example of the artist analysis and experiment that Samantha completed as part of her GCSE exam project. The drawing and media trials demonstrate a level of technical skill and confidence that is well beyond her years.
Top in the World: Stunning Self-Portraits by an A Level Art Student
Some students begin a project with enthusiasm, but are unable to maintain this for the duration of their project. Abby’s A2 Coursework submission remains detailed and comprehensive throughout. Keeping to a consistent presentation style, Abby produces page after page of beautiful visual and written investigation.
These sketchbook pages are part of the research and planning in an A Level Photography project exploring the theme ‘Hidden Identity’. The inclusion of test strips is beneficial (even in digital photography these can be produced, testing different contrast, lighting and colour filters that have been applied to an image); images are neatly trimmed and positioned on the pages. Articulate, well-reasoned annotation adds to the sharp, clean presentation style.
The black paper and vibrant colours in this Photography sketchbook result in a dramatic, eye catching layout. The pages almost take on a magazine-like quality, with large and small images integrated carefully within text.
A Level Photography: The Growing Population and a Futuristic New World
Here Michael presents the initial photographs (landscapes, buildings, architectural and structural elements) taken for his Photography A Level exam. After shooting approximately 400 images, the best of these were evaluated and presented. In the lower part of the sheet, digital editing and corrections have begun to take place.
This accomplished A Level Photography sketchbook is a reminder that a simple presentation, with subtle variation, is often all that is needed. Thumbnail images (or darkroom negative proofs) are analysed, with compositions highlighted and scrawled over, allowing the quick communication of ideas. Even the selection of red and yellow pens is purposeful, linking seamlessly with the colours used throughout the portfolio. In these sketchbook pages, Ellie accompanies the photographs with thoughtful…