I found this book very insightful for beginner artists like myself! My favorite section was about color theory and how the primary colors can be combined with others to achieve a desired color. I've always found difficulty in finding colors that complement each other. The many, many examples of using specific colors (such as primaries + white and black) to give a painting depth and dimension were very helpful in helping me figure out what I find aesthetically pleasing in an artwork. Overall, this book was a great insight into artwork in different medias, sketchbooks, color, and inspiration!

As someone who doesn't consider myself to be very artistic, this book felt so approachable. It touches on so many different aspects in a very beginner friendly way. I was inspired to pick up a sketchbook and try out the techniques myself.

The illustrations throughout the book are gorgeous. I especially liked the pages that had comparisons of different steps of the sketching process. It's helpful to see how a sketch can start and what it turns into.

I loved how many basic lessons and resources were given. I can't wait to apply everything I've learned.

I have wanted to start a sketch book but I've been to intimidated by the white page. This book had me jumping right in and took the pressure off. Whether an experienced artist or just dipping your toes in, this book will get your creativity flowing!

This book is so helpful and truly stunning. The author gives a lot of useful and short tips on using different mediums and also provides step by step activities as well as prompts and ideas to get your creativity flowing. I found her explanations of the different mediums really helpful and enjoyed the tips to learn some extra techniques. Her illustrations and sketches throughout are also stunning.

The download file appears to be corrupted. I will edit this review if the file is fixed and I can view the content. I will say that I love the concept of this book!

I love the gentle, cozy approach this book takes. I've been trying to lean into more artistic hobbies lately, but drawing (and all visual arts, really) has always seemed so intimidating. This book removes that intimidation, encouraging the reader to challenge the idea of perfectionism and find a way to use art as a source of comfort and joy, rather than to create the ideal outcome. I really appreciated the breakdown of different tools and mediums, as well as the ideas and prompts to get you started. I'll definitely turn back to this book when feeling stuck in this practice.

An absolutely lovely book. As a beginner watercolorist I was able to follow the author's prompts and start a sketchbook practice. The section about perfectionism really hit home. The hardest thing to do is put a mark on that blank piece of paper. The concept of painting everyday, even for a few minutes, really does help you get better and move past that fear.

The book has a clean, fresh layout that is visually appealing. A quick flip through the book will probably be enough to tell you if it is for you.
While probably a bit basic for an advanced watercolorist, as a beginner I appreciated the sections on tools, paints, and brushes. Prompts and examples of a travel journal, flower studies, cacti studies, fish studies and yes, chicken studies, can help you decide on what to paint today. The author includes step-outs so you can follow along and have a successful completed sketch.

Here's to painting a little bit every day. Thanks, Katie Moody!

This was a burst of colour and joy.
I'm definitely a novice when it comes to art of any kind but Kate's book gave me the courage to pick up a book and start my first sketchbook. This book was a great mix of advice, encouragement, projects and prompts. And filled with many, many gorgeous sketches. Definitely recommend!

Very informative and filled with beautiful art, just how I like my art books to be! I loved the activities and the prompts! And I can't wait to try out some of the ideas in my own sketchbook asap!

This book is perfect for beginners to learn about the possibilites of filling a sketchbook with differnt ideas and mediums.
I really apprechiated the way the book was set up.
First there are a general ideas about how to use the sketchbook, then the reader is introduced to different mediums and how to use them.
And last there are some step by step instructions for a few ideas.
Great for beginners or anyone who wants to learn more about new techniques.

Wow!!! This is the dreamiest, gentlest instruction book on how to make art that I’ve read to date. For years, I’ve wanted to start a drawing notebook to journal in but also have as a sort of visual diary. This book not inly encourages beginning artists, but walks through every kind of medium and consideration you’ll need to think through to get started. I loved all of the beautiful artwork and how approachable the writing is. What a gift!

This book really was a joy to read. It was super informative without being wordy or too much. The illustrations are BEAUTIFUL and worth the cost alone. I was so inspired to start crating myself I immediately grabbed my sketchbook and watercolors. There were some really creative techniques mentioned I had never thought of before. The supply list at the end was also really helpful. Thank you NetGalley for the review copy!

This book is great! Very helpful for both beginner and experienced artists. Sketchbook Joy offers a simplified but detailed guide for using a sketchbook. I feel like that even someone with little to no artistic experience could pick this up and have all the information they need to get going in a sketchbook. From supplies, and color theory, to tips for drawing on location and prompts for when you just aren’t quite sure what to draw. I have some sketchbook experience but mine has been sitting on my desk for sometime untouched and felt I inspired to pick it up and draw!

One of the best entry level art books I a have read! a true beginners guide and very inspiring, easily describes techniques with helpful diagrams along the way, beautifully made, and will be recommending this book.

"Sketchbook Joy" is a beautifully crafted book that aims to inspire artists to develop a consistent, daily sketchbook practice. From the moment you open it, the vibrant illustrations pull you in, setting a positive, creative tone. The book is as much about the joy of sketching as it is about the process, and this sense of playfulness is one of its standout features.

One of the highlights for me was the section on techniques. The author does a wonderful job breaking down different methods and approaches to sketching, making it easy for both beginners and intermediate artists to dive in. There are useful tips and tricks to encourage experimentation and find personal style, which I found both inspiring and approachable. It’s clear the author wants to create a sense of freedom around the sketching process, which I appreciated.

However, while the book is visually delightful and offers some solid advice, I found that much of the content felt familiar. A lot of the themes and techniques presented are very similar to what you’d find in other sketchbook or drawing books. For anyone already well-versed in the basics of sketching, there isn’t a lot that’s new here to push your practice to the next level. The advice and exercises, while useful, don't offer much fresh insight or groundbreaking ideas.

That said, Sketchbook Joy is a lovely book to flick through for motivation and inspiration. It’s a great choice for artists looking to build or maintain a consistent sketching habit, especially those new to keeping a sketchbook. If you’re hoping for something more advanced or groundbreaking, though, this might not provide much that you haven't already seen elsewhere.

Katie Moody’s Sketchbook Joy is an absolute gem for anyone looking to dive into the world of creativity or rekindle their artistic spirit. As a new mom with a goal to create more this year, I’ve been searching for a way to ease back into my artistic hobbies, and this book couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s a gorgeous guide, thoughtfully designed to inspire and encourage both new and experienced artists alike.

Moody does a fantastic job of breaking down various art media and tools, making it an excellent companion for anyone studying art or simply exploring creative expression. The explanations are clear and approachable, providing a solid foundation for beginners while still offering fresh insights for seasoned artists.

The projects included in the book are another standout feature. They serve as wonderful jumping-off points for those who might feel intimidated by the blank pages of a new sketchbook. Moody’s prompts are both inspiring and practical, offering a gentle push to overcome creative blocks without overwhelming the reader.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book. It’s a book I’ll be returning to often as I embrace my creative journey this year.

Sketchbook joy indeed! Katie’s book makes me want to grab my sketchbook and get drawing!
It is just the right combination of tips, instruction, inspiration and ideas. From deciding which materials to use to prompts and layout ideas, Sketchbook Joy will be a great addition to the bookshelf of aspiring and experienced artists alike!
The book is also full of lovely illustrations which makes it even more full of joy!

This is such a beautiful book to have as your tutor when you’re sketching. Whether you’re new to creating sketches, or an experienced artist, this how-to book would be equally invaluable. It has helpful hints and tips, covering everything from colour theory, to different types of brushes. It has a project section, which you can follow to the letter, or use as inspiration to do your own thing. The illustrations throughout are just stunning; they are an inspiration in themselves.
Would definitely recommend.

With thanks to Quarto Publishing Group –Leaping Hare, and to NetGalley for an e-ARC to read and review.

I love Katie Moody’s art and was really looking forward to reading her new book ‘Sketchbook Joy’. As the title suggests the book is joyous - informative and inspiring. With practical instruction, step by step guides and suggestions on how to develop your artwork ‘Sketchbook Joy’ is a positive addition to your art library and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Leaping Hare publishers for the opportunity to read and review Sketchbook Joy.

Sketchbook Joy is the perfect title for Katie Moody's book! I first became familiar with Katie's work (are we on a first name basis? I feel like we should be!) when she taught a virtual class on drawing a landscape with mixed media and I've followed her on social media since. Her online presence is reflected in this book where she is supportive and encouraging while teaching and providing tips about using different media, playing with color and trying techniques to create art. I appreciated the process pictures to see how the work would unfold and, of course, it's just a beautiful book to flip through for inspiration. While some of the projects seem advanced and daunting, she takes you through each step so it's less intimidating and much more approachable. Ultimately it's about making marks and creating art and, as she emphasizes in her book, it's definitely art!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for the opportunity to enjoy Katie's work in her e-arc.