365 Journal Entries

A Tale of Two Blogs

2011-11-07T19:06:00.003-05:00

Just thinking about the blog and all my readers here. As you can see I've merged the 365 Journal Entries with the Travel Blog for easy navigation between the two.

Some enjoy 365 Journal Entries. I've often included random (often crazy) stories from working in corporate America. Others enjoy traveling from their armchair and frequent the Travel Blog. The tabs at the top allow you to switch between the two. (Recently I added a third tab that shows only sketches from my Illustrated Journal, just for fun.)

The goal of all of this was to put all my readers on the "same page" . . . literally. Surprisingly this move not only made navigation between the blogs easier and smoother for me and the readers but it has actually increased readership across both blogs. Some that liked to read 365 didn't know about the Travel Blog and visa versa. Now they've been formally introduced to each other. My job is done here.

What is challenging for me is keeping both active. It seems that after my semi-retirement and move to China, I'm busier than ever. (Don't laugh, it could happen to you.) For example, just recently I posted a reply on a local web site about teaching photography. Some photography assignments came from that. I mean, that's a good thing right? Still, it's kept me really busy. Not to mention the daily three hours I spend at school learning Chinese and subsequent two hours of homework. (This language is killing me.)

So if you enjoy 365 but can't get enough sleeping pills click on over to the Travel Blog tab above for more insomnia curing solutions.

...dave
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space. - Anonymous

The Sketchbook Project 2011

2011-08-23T07:37:00.005-04:00

The Sketchbook Project 2011 was a fun experience.

It's simple really.

You give them $25 and they give you a sketchbook and a subject. You sketch in the sketchbook, mail it in, and they take it on the road.

The road trip travels around America to 11 major cities along with another 30,000 sketchbooks.

Finally, it is scanned and placed online for all to see. Or if they want to they can personally visit the Brooklyn Library in New York for a close-up-and-personal view.

I participated this year and you can see my 2011 Sketchbook in person. Just ask for call number 026.6-5 when you visit Brooklyn. Not going there anytime soon? Well, you can see it here on line.

It's not too late to signup for the 2012 Sketchbook Project. Get your sketch journals on the road!

...dave
I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train. -Oscar Wilde

365 gets a new face

2011-07-18T04:07:00.003-04:00

Finally! All the blogs are together in one uniform template.

If you've been visiting 365 for a while you've seen a few changes over the years. But now, the 365 blog, Travel blog, and the Illustrated Journaling blog are all under one "roof" you might say. Each tab will take you immediately to the other blog.

(What I noticed with Google's Blogger Tabs was that this was not possible. It was maddening to have to click on a tab, then click on a link to get to the other blog. How annoying. With my own blog template I can avoid all that silliness.)

This makes it very easy for readers to navigate between all the blogs, or just follow one.

(Eventually I'll get some journaling banners for the top of the page. Right now they share the Travel Banners from the travel blog.)

If you've subscribed to 365, no worries, it's still the same. The other sketch blogs that were on the right hand side of the page have all been moved to the "Resource" tab. Also, on the same tab, you'll find helpful books on sketching and illustrated journaling. It's all now so nice and clean. (Is this a OCD thing? I feel like Monk.)

When I started the blog in 2005 I never imagined that the readership would be what it is today. Nor did I imagine that the Travel Blog would grow so quickly in readership. What is also surprising is the loyalty of my readers. Wow, 40% are returning readers of the blog. Thanks to all of you who have commented, written emails, and contacted me through Flickr.com for your suggestions on subjects, approach, and improvement. Thanks so much.

So, sorry for some construction dust. It should all be settled now.

One format + single navigation = happy readers.

...dave
If winning isn’t everything why do they keep score? - Anon

It's all about the Journal

2011-07-10T06:18:00.006-04:00

It's all about the journal.

I've been looking at lots of journaling software, on and off the net. Some people like to journal offline on their personal computers. But others prefer to journal "online." Using a standard browser they key their daily thoughts into a website.

Which is better? Which is safer? Which do you prefer? Why?

If you've never thought about this or have vacillated which way to go, I've compiled a few things that you might consider. Whichever way you decide, don't procrastinate. Start journaling today. You'll be glad you did.

Here are some of the pros/cons of both:

Offline journaling:
Pros:

You can journal anytime, even when away from the Internet. In fact, this may be best. You'll never be distracted by email or Skype notifications of incoming calls or mail. Nor will you be distracted by other online sites. That is, provided you have disconnected from the Net.
You know your words are private. When you journal offline you know that your entries are for your eyes only. Most journaling software programs have password protection that discourage snoopers. The better journaling software packages include "encryption at rest" which means that even if someone steals your computer, they can't access the content of your journal. (MacJournal works this way.)
You'll have lots of choices of journaling software for both Windows machines and Macs. There are specialized programs for daily journaling, dream journaling, gratitude journaling, and more. Some journaling software programs also allow you to "tag" the type of journal entry. Then you can keep all types of journals in one spot.

Cons:

If your computer crashes (and it will someday) you'll lose everything. Some avoid this by emailing themselves the content of their daily journals. If you do that, you'll lose the encryption built into the software. And mailing yourself everyday is a maintenance headache. Where do you put it? Is it secure from curious people?

Online journaling:
Pros:

You'll never lose your entries. Large servers on reputable sites keep backups and redundancy. What that means for you is you can journal on any computer (including Internet cafes). Or if you lose your machine, you'll still have all your journal entries.
Beter sites have encryption. What this means is that your entries are always safe. Not even the people that work for the online journaling companies can access your private data. This is a good thing.

Cons:

More advanced features require yearly payment. Sometimes insignificant but in these economic times, annoying.
Your entries may not be safe from curious people. Some of the "free" online journaling sites don't offer complete encryption. They all have password protection but if someone finds your computer, they can simply hack your password, or worse, login without your password if you've clicked the button "keep me logged in."
Often need an Internet connection. Some sites allow you to recored your day's journal entry offline and the connect and upload later. But most only allow you to enter your entries while connected to the Internet. If you keep a travel journal, this may not always be possible. Often in remote parts of the country the Internet is not available. Often hotels charge for Internet access. Also, if you are not careful and use the WIFI in coffee shops or hotels, you could be opening your entries up to snoopers.

Personally I've been using MacJournal offline and Penzu online. Penzu's Pro account is only $20 a year and includes ultimate high-grade military encryption (no one can ever read your entries), cutomization, picture uploads, tagging, and more. They also have a mobile app for the iPhone that'll let you record your thoughts offline and upload them later when you have access to the Internet.

Penzu is very serious about your personal entries. If you go "Pro" you'll have the best of both online and offline journaling. You can record your thoughts offline if you don't have an Internet connection, then sync up when you do. They provide "encryption in transit" which simply means that no one can intercept your entries while you are using WIFI at a coffee shop. And they use "encryption at rest" which means that after your data is saved on their servers, no one can read it except you. If you forget your password, there is no going back. They will not be able to help you retrieve your data.

So get started. What are you waiting for? Get journaling. Record your memories and keep them forever.

...dave
When my journal appears, many statues must come down. - Arthur Wellesley

The Vest

2011-06-25T04:40:00.000-04:00

The Vest
Originally uploaded by daveterry

I've had this vest for over 20 years. I've used if for photo gear, travel trips, and now sketch outings.

It was an ugly military green color but I dyed it a chocolate brown.

Now I can carry all my sketch tools in it.

It's most handy and I don't have a sore back at the end of the day.

...dave
If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen. - my wife

my $732 sketch

2011-06-07T19:27:00.002-04:00

I sketched this while on the phone with AT&T . . . for an hour and a half!

I was cut off three times. Once by an operator who said their system was down and she couldn't access the records, then she hung up. The second time I called, someone put me on hold, then eventually the call was abandoned. When I called the third time a message said the phones were off-line and that I should call back tomorrow.

I called a forth time and got a very helpful account rep. He said that my account was suspended by my request, which I knew.

But I asked him: "If it has been suspended, why am I still being charged $122 a month?"

He left me on hold and returned in about 5 minutes. Said that that is what AT&T does with suspended accounts.

"Wait a minute" I said "you mean to tell me that I can't make calls while it's suspended but I still get the same charge a month. Why would I ask for the suspension?"

"That is the policy here at AT&T, Sir. This is what was done with your account."

"But then why would anyone "suspend" their account? It just doesn't make any sense."

I gave him the details and history of being away in China for months at a time, calling AT&T to ask what could they do for me while I was away. How they recommended that I "suspend'" the account. I told him I was told that I would not get charged. "I mean, why should I be charged?" I reasoned.

"Just a minute." and he was gone again.

After what was another 10 minutes he came back and told me that there were two kinds of suspensions. The kind I was on and a "Vacation Suspension." With the later type I only get charged $10 a month for the privilege of keeping the number while away. "Let me see if you qualify for this." And he was gone again for another 10 minutes. Long story short he put me on the "Vacation Suspension".

In the end, when I calculate it all up, I saved about 732 bucks over six months by persistently calling AT&T and asking cogent questions. Not bad for an hour an a half of my time.

And here's the best part, while on hold I got a sketch done in the new sketchbook. (Cool cover, no?)

...dave
Hallmark Card: “I’m so miserable without you, it’s almost like you’re still here.”

Moving to China

2011-03-21T23:47:00.001-04:00

Sort of busy packing up and moving to China. Details at travel.daveterry.net

Moleskine Pen Holder Hack

2011-02-18T12:22:00.000-05:00

Here's an easy and cheap Mole pen holder for your sketchbook. In fact I use this on all my journals and notebooks. Whenever I get a new book, I put this pen holder in it.

(Quite a few people have been interested in this hack so I thought I'd add a few more details that might be helpful.)

I always place the pen holder on the first page of the journal/sketchbook/notebook because this first page is always the strongest part of the book block. (It's called the "endsheet" in the publishing business.)

Another reason I use the first page is that, when the book is closed, the pen will hang over the pages of the book, sort of tucked away. The hard cover book edges usually extend past the pages a bit to protect them. This pen holder allows the pen to be wedged tightly between the hard cover edges. So the pen doesn't hang up on stuff as you pull it from your backpack or purse. It stays tucked out of the way when you are not using it. When you remove the pen to write, the clean plastic tape folds flat and stays out of the way.

In a nutshell

Here is the simple process:

Cut a strip of 10" packing tape.
Place the tape sticky side up.
Fold 3 inches of the tape over on itself
Wrap your pen inside about 2.5 inches of the folded over tape and place about a half an inch onto the sticky part (which is still facing up).
Cut the excess tail of the tape to the width of first page of your book.
Attach the sticky part to the "endsheet" of your Moleskine (or other hard cover book)

I use clear packing tape for the following reasons:

It's nearly invisible even with the pen in the holder.
It's cheap.
It's easy to find at almost any store.
It's strong and holds well.

You don't have to use clear tape of course. At Walmart I saw an entire rack of wide tape in a rainbow of colors. (It was in the paint section of the store.) So if you are looking for something that matches your sketchbook, look no further. Or if you want to add a little "funk" to your sketchbook, choose an accent color. Your choice.

The hardest part of this hack is dealing with the sticky side of the tape facing up while you fold over the tape on itself and wrap your pen inside.

Just follow the sequence and you'll be fine.

It's the best way to guarantee that the right pen will always be with your sketchbook!

…dave
I may not be totally perfect, but parts of me are excellent. - Ashleigh Brilliant

Journaling on the Cheap

2011-01-20T11:33:00.003-05:00

Just taking a side road to . . . journaling on the cheap.

I've been searching for a refillable journal for some time. Most are leather and are over one hundred bucks. The worst part is that you have to buy their custom inserts and they are not cheap either, sometimes costing $20 each. That's insanity. There must be a better way.

So I went to my local office supply store and found an interesting combo. As you know, comp books are ubiquitous. You'll remember them. They are the marbleized black and white notebooks / journals you used in school. The great thing about them is that they are stitched and so the pages don't tear out even when abused. But they are ugly and so . . . how shall we say . . . immature.

There are leather covers for them you can buy on eBay and Amazon but you'll drop fifty to a hundred frog skins on those things and they don't even come with a pen loop or bookmark.

Enter the Cambridge Limited Business Notebook.

This vinyl notebook holder comes with a double wire notebook inside, which isn't too bad in of itself. The pages can rip out though, so it's not my favorite type of notebook. Instead remove it entirely and slide a standard Composition Book inside. Pick your favorite comp book format: blank, wide/narrow lined, or graph paper.

Yeah, it's not leather, it doesn't smell like a western saddle, and it won't impress anyone but your wallet. But hey, you'll get a pen loop and satin ribbon bookmark plus a place to hold a few business cards. All for about twelve bucks. The other great thing about the vinyl is that you can bend the journal back on itself should you need to journal desk-less, that is, in your lap. It happens.

My local OfficeDepot had this CAMBRIDGE Business Notebook (9 1/2 x 6 5/8) for $12.49. The Composition Books happened to be on sale for a buck. Of course, you can get them for about the same price at any Walmart. But the great thing about OfficeDepot's comp books is that they carry not just the wide ruled but also the college ruled and graph books too. All for a buck each.

Buy one of these vinyl CAMBRIDGE notebooks and a stack of Composition Books and you'll be set to journal for the whole year. With a uni-ball Vision Micro (or any waterproof pen) in the loop you'll be ever-ready to journal anytime in your favorite bookstore, coffee shop, or restaurant.

Imagine, a cup of hot steaming black coffee, an endless supply of journals, and a jet black smooth writing pen . . . ah, life couldn't be better.

I'm outta here. See ya at the bookstore.

...dave
I just wish my mouth had a backspace key. - Author Unknown

(Note: I don't endorse products for personal gain. I just like to pass on what works for me. Your mileage may vary.)

Drawing with dots

2011-01-11T09:14:00.005-05:00

This sketch uses "dots" to sketch. The technique is called "stippling."

(I have used this picture in 365JE before to illustrate the need to buy waterproof archival pens in the blog post "I bought a pen today" but thought I'd use it here to show how easy this technique is for anyone to do.)

First, let me say that this is my first ever portrait and it was my first attempt at a stippled drawing. All of this says that you can do it too, even if you have never tried it. Believe me when I tell you that it is a very relaxing way to draw.

Next, let me tell you that I have had no formal art education. I didn't take drawing or portraiture in a college or a university, I did not attend art classes beyond high school. (Can't you tell?) All of what you see on the blog is self taught. (Maybe I have read a few art books, but then again, hasn't everyone?)

What all of this means is that you can do this too. I'll show you how simple it is.

Here's what you'll need:

1) a copy of a favorite photo (can be a person, a scene, an object, whatever)
2) a ruler
3) acid free drawing paper
4) pencil
5) felt-tipped, water-proof archival pen (Pitt or Micron work well)
6) kneaded eraser

Steps:

1) Using the copy of your photo (assuming it is a 4x6 photo) and a pencil, lightly draw a grid pattern of 1/2 inch squares over the entire photo.

2) Now draw a pencil grid LIGHTLY over your drawing paper. If your drawing paper is twice the size of the photo make the squares 1 inch or so. If you want to make a drawing of exactly the same size, use 1/2 inch squares.

3) Now simply "draw" using only dots (stippling) with the felt tipped pen.

4) Let the ink fully dry before lightly erasing the pencil lines. You should use an kneaded eraser so as to not disturb the inked dots.

Tips:

1) Focus and copy each square while ignoring the whole picture.

2) Follow the contour of the object your are stippling. For example, notice in my drawing of Eric's hair that I followed the contour of his head as I made my dots downward.

3) You can "block" the basic patterns of the object using pencil but it's not necessary. Some artists like to do a rough sketch over the squares but I think this defeats the purpose. You don't want to see the whole. In fact, cover the other squares with a paper and only focus on one square at a time.

4) The reason why you'll want to use a felt-tipped pen for this is because it is easier to make your marks. You can experiment with holding the pen longer in one spot to give bigger dots but there is a better way: Just add more dots for a deeper or darker area. The beauty of this technique is that you can go back and add more dots to areas that needs to be darker later. After you have done the entire drawing, look it over and note where you can add contour to the face or objects but adding dots.

5) Always pause and hold the drawing at arms length, or better yet, stand up and look at the sketch from afar. Cross your eyes and see only the shadows. Add more contour (dots) as needed.

6) Listen to some music while dotting your sketch. As the drawing comes together you'll lose track of time. This is the most relaxing period of your session.

7) Warning: You will become giddy with excitement as the sketch comes together but . . . take it slow.

When you are finished, add some words around your sketch to frame your drawing. Both words and sketches add depth to your journaling experience.

Happy sketching.

...dave
Drawing is taking a line for a walk. -Paul Klee

A Mobile View

2010-12-31T06:09:00.000-05:00

Good news, the blog now works on your mobile device.

So, now when you are bored waiting for someone you can read the blog on your phone.

That goes for all my blogs tied in here, 365, Quotes, and Dave's Travels.

What great fun.

...dave
I didn't know he was dead; I thought he was British. - Unknown

A journal from the past

2010-12-06T19:39:00.002-05:00

Albert Schanz filled his journal with details of teenage life. Maybe that's not too unusual. Many teens keep a journal. What is unusual is that this teenager lived in 1909 and his journal survived him.

You can read his observations about money and work. Same as any teenager today I'd guess. Except the cost of a show was not $8 but only fifteen cents. A newspaper was ten cents. Big money considering that he only made a dollar for ten hours of work at his father's grocery store.

Click on the image and read some of the content summarized at the forwarding site.

Speaking of journals. I've got a ton of journals I need to sell. And I have pens I need to sell or give away. I just need to unload my bookcases and drawers.

How about a contest?

The best quote wins this 4x6 Watson-Guptill Sketchbook journal. This journal is free. (But you have to pay shipping, about $3.) I'll include a free pen.

Here's the first challenge: Comment on this post with the best quote or saying you've heard or made up.

Remember, the best quotes are one sentence, humorous, and have a twist.

Here's an example and one of my favorites:

I want to die in my sleep like grandpa and not kicking and screaming like the people in his car.

I'll select the winner.

...dave
The keyboard is my journal. - Pharrell Williams

NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month

2010-11-30T12:00:00.006-05:00

This month I've been participating in NaNoWriMo. (Pronounced just as you see it.) It stands for National Novel Writing Month.

Every November NaNoWriMo.org challenges writers around the world to finish a 50,000 word novel in just 30 days. On average writing that many words requires 1,667 words a day. If you type 40 words a minute you can complete the words in about 40 minutes. The hard part of the challenge is to have a readable novel afterward. Most don't. I didn't.

But since I spent the first week of November in China (in vacation mode) I decided to see if I could complete the words. I actually completed my 50,000 words before the end of November.

You Won!

So I won! What? What did I win? What? Tell me.

Absolutely nothing.

Well, not absolutely nothing. I received this little banner you see off to the side here. Not everyone got one. I have tried this challenge twice before and didn't get past 10,000 words. I never got one of these then. So this is a small victory.

Truth be told, the stuff I wrote is basically a stream of conscientiousness. Mostly drivel.

I had a story idea when I started. But soon into the story I hit a ditch, couldn't steer the story back on track, wondered aimlessly, and finally tumbled down the hill of despair. By then I had written about 15,000 words. I didn't want to be a quitter. So I kept writing.

It soon became just a matter of making it to the daily word count: One thousand, one hundred, and sixty one words a day.

In retrospect

It's not hard really. Once I resolved not to care what words I was writing, I sort of relaxed and enjoyed wherever the words took me. All I had to do is keep my butt in the chair and press the computer keys, one stroke at a time. The letters eventually formed words that seemed to accumulate faster when I didn't bother to watch the status word count at the bottom of the screen.

Some days I even blew past the daily quota of 1,667 words. While "in the zone" one day I wrote 4,070 words. Four thousand and seventy words. Whoa.

Even if I couldn't think of anything to write, I'd write that I couldn't think of anything to write. I'd write: "I can't think of anything to write . . . except about the folks I met yesterday" and then I'd begin writing about the people and the events from the day before. Sometimes I wrote about the weather, or the plans for the day, or something I had read in a book. Often those writings became part of the blog at travel.daveterry.net. Sorry.

The point is, writing has a soothing effect. It relaxes. I could watch the sun come up and go down while writing and sipping coffee. Of course, once in a while I do need to get out and experience something so as to have an event to write about.

And I guess that's the real advantage to doing it daily. Writing, even if it's a few words a day, is therapeutic. It puts things in perspective.

...dave
Writing doesn't just communicate ideas; it generates them. - Paul Graham

Daily Illustrated Journaling

2010-11-19T15:45:00.012-05:00

I try to make it a point to journal everyday, if only for a few minutes. The main point is to remember the fun people, enjoyable food, and warm friendships made and enjoyed, especially while in China.

Journal about the simple things
Of course, you don't have to go to faraway places to record memories. For example, Ruth showed some how to make sushi, Hawaiian style (or at least as mom made it). We had wine and coke. We made barley tea, a very strong Japanese tea that requires boiling, as well as Chinese green tea. (That's the little green things in the upper right portions of the left page. Can't you tell?!) These are simple activities that are easy to record anywhere.

Of course, none of the daily sketches are anything fancy but they bring back tons of memories. I post these to help you see that your entries don't have to be fancy, they can take just minutes to do but years later you'll have a richness in your journal like no other.

A sketch is worth 10,000 words
If a photograph is worth 1,000 words, then your own sketch must speak 10,000. I've often looked at a photograph I took and couldn't remember the people or the event. That's never happened with any of my sketches.

We remember our sketches and the feelings they bring back much faster than written words. The words though, supply what the pictures cannot. The two combined make for a powerful record of a memory book. Lewis and Clark practiced this kind of journaling when they traveled. Their journals are some of the most incredible, especially when you consider the conditions under which they were written. No hanging out in an air conditioned RV overlooking the setting sun. No. More like tents and backpacks resting against rocks while they massaged sore feet from miles of walking. Still they found time to write and sketch. (Check out the Lewis and clark journals here.

Rather than paste stuff cut out of magazines into your journal, I'd encourage you to draw your own memories. Don't do anything real fancy. Keep it basic. Over time your sketches will improve, perhaps become framable art. But the point is to remember the times. A few lines in your journal will do that.

I notice that many that come to my blog are searching Google for "365 Journal Entries." My guess is that they want journal to record a year's worth of memories. My journals are usually at least about 400 pages. This enables me to carry a years worth around with me. Sometimes when I get stuck, I'll flip back and re-read or review other sketches. It's enough to boost me or jog my creative juices to create the next day's illustrated journal entry.

Later when the paints come out, color wash a few and enhance your images. You'll be surprised that a little color (or even a monochromatic hue) bring your quick sketches to a whole new level. Oh, and while you have color on your brush, go back and touch some more past sketches. You'll be glad you did.

Use the right tools
Craftsmen know that good tools make a difference. The only thing to keep in mind for illustrated journaling is to use a waterproof ink. I use uni-ball Vision Micro pens everyday. They are cheap, easy to purchase at any Walmart or art store, and provide a jet black line. I wish uni-ball made them in brown.

These sketches were done in Noodlers waterproof whaler's brown ink. (I mean, come on, you need waterproof ink on a whaling ship. Right? I know this isn't too politically correct but don't blame me, I didn't give the ink its name.) This ink was a special run and I picked it up from jetpens.com but you can get a similar Noodlers Standard Brown Fountain Pen Ink at Amazon.

But if you do go out to jetpens.com check out their cheap Preppy 05 fountain pen. I bought about four of them and filled them with my own ink. Just remove the cartridge and fill the body with the ink of choice. (Put a little Vaseline on the threads to prevent any possible leaks.) For three dollars you can't go wrong.

...dave
Every artist was first an amateur. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

illustrated journaling - China apartment

2010-11-07T18:50:00.009-05:00

Just a quick sketch from our China apartment. Trying to get a sketch-a-day out but not too successful.

Sometimes the journal becomes a list of TODOs.

The cabinet was found in a second hand store. There are so many solid wood items in second hand stores here that it makes me wonder why anyone would visit the Ikea-Look-Alike store here. Most of that stuff falls apart within weeks. It's only "pressboard" (sawdust mixed with glue) and looks so sterile. There is to character.

The owners of the apartment bought the entire living room furniture (couch, eight unmatching wood chairs, table, three cabinets) in a day and had it delivered for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere or if purchased at Ikea.

The sketch was done with a Preppy Fountain pen filled with brown Noodler's Bulletproof Whaler's ink. Then I added a quick watercolor wash.

(Still sketching in China but the days are numbered. Check out travel.daveterry.net for details.)

...dave
Failure is not an option. It is a privilege reserved only for those who try.

trash truck

2010-10-18T10:29:00.005-04:00

trash truck
Originally uploaded by daveterry

A quick sketch of a trash truck I panned while I'm here in China. More details at travel.daveterry.net

...dave
Drawing is just taking a line for a walk.

Yunnan shop owner

2010-09-26T22:42:00.001-04:00

Another quick sketch, this time done from a computer image. I shot this in China (Yunnan) from a local bus window while on the way to the grocery store. I'd rather sketch on location but this is the next best thing.

My goal is to fill up the Moleskine watercolor sketchbook I brought along on this trip. (A noble goal.) I'm also keeping a travel journal and a travel blog.

It's amazing that I get out at all!

...dave
Experience is what enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again. - Earl Wilson

a evening recorded with sketchnotes

2010-09-23T02:57:00.006-04:00

9.22.2010 Journal Entry
Originally uploaded by daveterry

As an experiment I decided to "sketchnote" an evening of activities.

Sketchnoting is big. A sketchnote is a combination of images and text. Some sketchnoters use fonts to highlight the important points of a presentation, others use more drawings, still others use a combination of both.

The point is, sketchnoting will help you remember the event (regardless of how good your drawings are) because you are employing three sensory inputs to your brain: hearing, feeling (drawing), and seeing. You'll retain 30% of the presentation as opposed to just 10% with only note taking.

The next time you listen to a lecture try a sketchnote. If you don't draw then just make the main points a larger font on your notepad. This simple act will make your notes more memorable. Even a simple picture will make them come to life and a joy to review.

...dave
I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific. - Lily Tomlin

Theoretically Related Posts

Dave's suggestions on sketchnoting featured on Sketchnote Army

Other featured sketchnoters (is that a word?).

Mike Rohde's complete sketchnotes (great stuff here).

bathroom break

2010-09-19T05:09:00.003-04:00

Originally uploaded by daveterry

As promised I'm blogging here whenever I have a sketch to share.

It seems that 365 Journal Entries has sort of focused on sketching. So even though some of these may be posted out on my travel blog, for those of you only interested in the sketching and NOT the travel, it is here for your browsing pleasure (or agony, which ever it is for you).

I don't consider this a successful sketch but it nonetheless captures the moment.

You can also follow the travel blog too.

...dave
Success is simply a matter of luck. Ask any failure. - Earl Wilson

gone to China

2010-09-17T11:53:00.001-04:00

We have decided to house sit in China for a couple of months.

I'll post any sketches I do while there right here so you wont have to go anywhere to see them.

But in the mean time you can visit travel.daveterry.net for each day's adventure. I can't guarantee it'll always be interesting but at least it'll cure your insomnia.

...dave
The alternative to a vacation is to stay home and tip every third person you see. - Author Unknown

Ruth's what-to-wear chart

2010-09-11T06:41:00.007-04:00

Ruth's what-to-wear chart
Originally uploaded by daveterry

In preparation for our two month trip to China, Ruth made her what-to-wear chart. She lists all the clothes she wants to bring and draws lines between what goes with what. Anything with only a couple of lines gets axed!

(She doesn't have a shoe chart as she will only bring two pair. The ones she wears on the plane and the sandals in the carry on bag.)

We're big on www.onebag.com. We've been traveling now this way and we'll never go back to check-on bags. On our last two month-long trips to China we only brought a carry-on bag. Once we tried this, we never went back to checking bags. No lost luggage, no wait on arrival, no back pain, just to name a few benefits. If you are interested in lightening your load, check out the Go-Light-Guru at www.onebag.com. Great advice.

So we are locked and loaded. We leave for our two month adventure in China on Monday.

Plans are:
1) Photograph: You'll be able to follow our adventure vicariously at: travel.daveterry.net. (Or just click on the Travels tab above.)

2) Sketch: I'm looking forward to more sketch time.

3) Stories: We'll keep you posted on what's happening. (Sorta like last time's China 2008 trip. (Reading this blog is a great insomnia cure!)

...dave
A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking. ~Earl Wilson

sketch ad

2010-09-04T21:33:00.003-04:00

sketch ad
Originally uploaded by daveterry

Way cool to see your stuff out on the big street, and folks stopping to look at it. Even if it's only make-believe. Some photofunia.com.

Check it out.

There must be over a hundred different things you can do with your own pictures or sketches.

Fun stuff.

...dave
You can pretend to be serious; but you can't pretend to be witty. - Sacha Guitry

watercolor setup

2010-08-19T10:49:00.024-04:00

watercolor setup
Originally uploaded by daveterry

Often I sketch on the go, standing or sitting on a small stool. One of the challenges of plein air sketching (sketching out in the open) is where to put/keep all your stuff during the journey or on location.

Some artists carry boxes and bins of stuff in their car. Others use travel easels with fold out bins and drawers of supplies. But that's far too encumbering for me. I like to take just these few items:

1) Waterproof fine black pen (Uni-Ball Vision Needle 0.5)
2) mechanical pencil (Pentel Sliding Sleeve Sharp Mechanical Pencil or the Pentel Sharp Kerry Automatic Pencil)
3) eraser (Design Kneaded Rubber 1225)
4) sketch journal (usually 6x10 inch Carnet de Voyage Travel Book)
5) travel watercolor kit (Cotman Pocket Travel Watercolor Paint Set)
6) Waterbrush (Niji Waterbrush Large round)
7) metal ruler (Walmart)
8) binder clips (Walmart - for securing the paper from the wind)

watercolor setup
Originally uploaded by daveterry

The metal ruler and binder clips work well together and enable me to place my small watercolor kit off to the side of my sketchbook. I wedge the ruler into the pages of the thick sketch journal, and binder clip it in place. I modified the bottom of the watercolor kit using stickable magnets from my local Walmart store. If I don't use the metal ruler, and set the kit on some table or other flat surface, the magnets don't get in the way, as they are flat and cover the entire bottom of the plastic kit.

This little combo fits in my back pocket (I place the sketch book tucked into my waste belt at the small of my back). Sometimes I put the kit into my pocket vest or Lands End Rigger Attaché case.

The lighter the better.

...dave
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. - Leonardo DaVinci

Brooklyn Chinatown

2010-08-16T19:25:00.003-04:00

Brooklyn Chinatown
Originally uploaded by daveterry

We enjoyed the trip to New York this past weekend.

After one of the all-day sessions I did a quick 10 minute sketch on one the corners while Ruth went shopping for some dinner.

Later that evening I added a watercolor wash back at the hotel. We sat on the front porch, drank a little wine and watched people walk by.

...dave
I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.

stairwell water main

2010-08-09T17:17:00.006-04:00

stairwell water main
Originally uploaded by daveterry

Got a quick chance to capture this on my journal. I've been meaning to do this. I just stood in the stairwell for a few minutes. I was on my way to the car in the company garage.

I was feeling a bit self-conscious. Not sure if someone would just barge into the stairwell and see me standing there staring at this mechanical device.

"What is WRONG with this guy?" They'd be thinking.

It was just a simple scribble and if they had looked over they shoulder on the way up the stairs they'd think: What a mess.

Actually I did it without looking at my paper. I just kept my eyes on the water main. Later when I got up to my car I broke out the travel watercolors and threw some pigment on it. In about 10 minutes I was done.

Then I went off to my next meeting. Rats, no real time to really get into it.

But even for a quick sketch, I'm happy to be able to capture something just "everyday" anyway.

...dave
You really never consume water. You just borrow it. - dave terry

365 Journal Entries

A Tale of Two Blogs

The Sketchbook Project 2011

365 gets a new face

It's all about the Journal

The Vest

my $732 sketch

Moving to China

Moleskine Pen Holder Hack

Journaling on the Cheap

Drawing with dots

A Mobile View

A journal from the past

NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month

You Won!

In retrospect

Daily Illustrated Journaling

illustrated journaling - China apartment

trash truck

Yunnan shop owner

a evening recorded with sketchnotes

Theoretically Related Posts Dave's suggestions on sketchnoting featured on Sketchnote Army Other featured sketchnoters (is that a word?). Mike Rohde's complete sketchnotes (great stuff here).

bathroom break

gone to China

Ruth's what-to-wear chart

sketch ad

watercolor setup

Brooklyn Chinatown

stairwell water main

Theoretically Related Posts

Dave's suggestions on sketchnoting featured on Sketchnote Army

Other featured sketchnoters (is that a word?).

Mike Rohde's complete sketchnotes (great stuff here).