Going in Circles: Exploring a Theme

This month I've been having a lot of fun exploring the theme of circles with the Sketchbook Challenge group. I've been doodling and using circles to create abstract compositions. In some, I've incorporated collage elements.

You can see more of my circle explorations here

"Take time to just sit within the circles of time, space and matter. I'm willing to bet you will be met with some expansive understanding in the process."

From Circle Symbol Meaning www.whats-your-sign.com/circle-symbol-meaning.html

Sketchbook Inspiration: Variations on a Vase

One of the habits I'm working on this year is to use my sketchbook more consistently. Often I'm so excited to be doing art, that I jump right in on a piece without doing much planning. That approach can actually work just fine, but it is also very useful to use a sketchbook as a place to try out ideas and find inspiration. This morning, I decided to draw one of my favorite vases. First, I did a quick sketch.

Then, I did another sketch, and started added some doodling, dividing it up into smaller areas that I thought were interesting.

I played around with each little area, adding doodles with no particular plan in mind, using the curvilinear shape of the vase to guide me. From there, I decided to get out my encaustics and make some little paintings.

If I hadn't decided to draw my vase in my sketchbook, I wouldn't have found this crazy bit of inspiration. How about you? Do you use a sketchbook?