• • “Everything that is painted directly, and on the spot, has always a strength, a power, a vivacity of touch which one cannot recover in the studio… three strokes of a brush in front of nature are worth more than two days of work at the easel.” Eugene Boudin, notes

Last year the Art Guide travel crew celebrated several achievements during their journeys across Montana and Wyoming. They were inspired by the grand vistas of the American West, visiting art museums and galleries of cultural areas that were first colonized by Indian and Spanish settlers. Their social influence over the region encouraged years of unique American artwork that continue in the practices of local art communities. Encouraged by the experience, our staff considers a few summer art projects for 2026 that begin with the importance of sketchbook journaling as a regular routine.

• • There are moments in life that are like pivots around which your existence turns – small intuitive flashes, when you know you have done something correct for a change, when you think you are on the right track. I watched a pale dawn streak across cliffs with Day-glow color and realized it as was one of those pivots. A moment of pure, uncomplicated confidence – and lasted about 10 seconds.”  Robyn Davidson, ‘Tracks’

Sketchbook journaling is a casual commitment to draw, but with less intention than that of thumbnail sketches prepared for larger canvases. Journaling as a hobby can easily be done during a break in the day, brief stop by a cafe, waiting room, train ride or simply sitting in your backyard.  During those moments of undisturbed quietude, a quick sketch can later conjure special memories, made more personal with punctuated notes and humorous doodles. An interesting artistic exercise is to create visual dialogue by exaggerating specific sketch details, without the support of descriptive text.

If you’ve thought that journaling just isn’t right for your busy schedule, read on to learn about its ease and benefits, then decide if it’s worth a brief summer project. The materials are simple; a sketchbook with pencil/drawing tools or a mobile tablet with paint app and the below options:

• • First consider the sketch option that best fits your lifestyle, a portable small notebook or mobile tablet.
  • Experiment with the best times of the week to spend a few minutes alone to reflect and draw.
  • Start simply with a few drawn lines or possibly words on the paper, then stop and reflect without mental critique.
  • For continuity keep to a basic template showing headings, dates and general location.
  • Explore different styles of drawing and writing techniques.
  • Avoid erasing or any corrections – be imperfect.