Hey guys! Just thought it would be fun to share out my Japan travel sketchbook as if you could hold it in your own hands! In these COVID times, I’ve really missed seeing new places. But I’ve also gained a greater appreciation for home and how the little things in life make such a big difference with regards to happiness levels. That being said though, you can bet that as soon as it’s safe, I’ll be packing my bag and heading for the airport.
Most of these sketches were done en plein air in Japan, which was super awesome. I really look forward to returning because I miss it so much! This trip actually (shock horror) inspired me to start learning Japanese. I also really hope to continue once I have enough time to! Or maybe I’ll just start again now because let’s be honest, when will there really be “time” for anything :)
My absolute favourite part of Japan was riding a bicycle around Kyoto, and stopping at the many temples, bridges and other sights to paint and draw them. Having a partner who also loves sketching was also super lovely, because I never felt like I was holding anyone up! He’s also the feature image of this post <3 ^_^
For my trip, I mostly carried around an A5 moleskine cahier sketchbook, and would use a fountain pen to do my sketches. If you like, you can check out my other post for some insight into how I do my ink sketches.
Other times, I’d bring out a piece of watercolour paper and do a little painting. I found it really helpful to clip the paper to my sketchbook, to give myself a quick way to lean against something for a painting or drawing. If you’d like a tutorial on how I set up my watercolours for travelling, let me know!
Download my Japan Travel Sketchbook below:
I really hope you enjoy my Japan Travel Sketchbook! Feel free to leave a comment on where you’ve traveled and sketched at, or what your favourite sketch of mine is. I’d love to know.
I also might upload some of my sketches to my RedBubble, and then y’all can grab some prints or stickers if you feel like it. That would make me smile! I’m already smiling though… So I hope you enjoy either way :3
