Expressive Sketchbooks: Developing Creative Skills, Courage, and Confidence

I was so hoping this book would be different from others I own. The author hasn’t come up with anything new or different. Pictures of pens and paints and sketchbooks and nine of herself which don’t add to anything useful!There are too many photographs with big empty spaces of page around them. I can’t add one to show you.But having been so critical, the photography is high quality, nice sharp colours and some good examples of her work.I shan’t return it, as it’s nice to flick through if not earth shattering in its information.It’s for beginners.

Those lucky enough to have received Helen Wells Expressive Sketchbooks will be bouncing around like Tigger, just as I am doing right now with the excitement.I’m a great collector of ideas but struggle with utilising them. Now with Helens prompts and practice ideas, I hope to unleash some creativity.This is a tonic for the soul.

I have started and discarded so many sketchbooks over the years because I didn't think my art was good enough. This book has inspired me and encouraged me to let go of my ideas of perfection and approach my sketchbook with playful curiosity. I have come to realise that when I have fun creating the end result isn't so important. I can be a lot more forgiving of my efforts because I am enjoying the process and learning as I go.I hope this book will give anyone who always wanted to make art the courage to begin!

I love Helen Well's work and this book is a work of art in itself. Its main point as far as I am concerned however, is that it gives advice to those like me that are stopped from putting pencil or brush to paper because they fear that it just won't be good enough. Helen tells you what you need to do to overcome these thoughts and suggests using a sketch book as a means of giving yourself permission to just 'have a doodle' and see what happens. (My words not hers). Also she suggests reviewing earlier work, even if you didn't like it, and thus see it in a new light and a potential source of further creativity. The production and layout of the book is excellent, colourful and I found it very inspiring.

Helen has created a truly beautiful book which inspires, educates and lifts the heart. As a teacher, I will use it to advance my practice, as a very amateur artist, I will use it to guide me, and as a person, I will use it to lift my mood. Concise and carefully crafted, Helen's advice springs from the page with positivity and heart. This is a book that brings joy from an artist who captures life in all its glory.