I think of sketching as a way to ‘keep in shape’ artistically. After all, drawing is a skill like playing an instrument–the more you do it the better you will be at it. Sketching might be compared to improvisational jazz, whereas botanical art is akin to classical music. Although they both have a rich history they are very different styles, yet the two disciplines can inform and enrich one another. 
The great thing about sketching is that the pressure is off–you can just relax and have fun. If it doesn’t turn out well, it was just a sketch! It is not expected to be a polished or finished drawing, but rather more like an experiment. 
Speaking of experiments, I found sketching to be a great way to become more comfortable with watercolors. At first I just added a dab here and there and increased the amount of color as I gained confidence. My drawing supported the watercolor rather than having all depend on my water color skills.
These are some pen and ink drawings I did at the Japanese Garden a few years ago when I was just beginning to learn how to use water colors. The pen drawing provides the structure but the water color simply adds a bit of color. My pen drawing could have stood on its own, but at this point my water color skills could not have carried the day. Here are a couple of pen drawings I did, without adding water color, around the same time so you can see the structure of a drawing without the color.
I plan to do some posts specifically on the botanical sketchbook but I think keeping any kind of a sketchbook is worthwhile. At the very least it is encouraging to look back and see your progress over the years!
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
I like your analogies of sketching as improvisational jazz and botanical drawing as playing classical music. I often try to figure out the difference between these different kinds of “mark making” as the Brits would say. Sketching is definitely quick and loose, but what is gesture “drawing”? The latest, really loose sketching that I was exposed to in Barcelona is much like a gesture drawing and just a little more than a doodle. Maybe a ske-doodle? I think it might be the equivalent of whistling a tuneless melody when you’re in a really good mood.
Ha–a ske-doodle–perfect! I look forward to hearing more about the gesture drawing–sounds like a stretch for me though!
I keep looking at the plants flowering nearby, but it’s too hot to stand outside and sketch PLUS Degas wouldn’t stay still more than 2 seconds 🙁 I lok forward to more of your botanical sketches.
Maybe those gesture drawings are just what you need to do on those walks–two second sketches!
I love this little (personal) history story and find it very inspiring. For it is a conversation that I have about using watercolor. In Barcelona I was exposed to a pure watercolor approach and although I found it very challenging it has such appeal.
And I too agree that sketching is a way of keeping in shape.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Deb–I cam so impressed with your development as a sketcher. I think you are very inspiring! I’ve never tried sketching in pure watercolor but it could be a fun approach to try.