Sketchbook Ideas

About the Book

The purpose of this work is to encourage those who have sketched little in the past to take up the sketching habit. One of the rewards of sketching is to see the differences between the stiffness of a photograph and the spontaneous creativity of a quick sketch. The latter often effortlessly captures the essence of the scene while ignoring the nonessentials. Do develop the sketchbook habit. Practice with it will improve all your artwork and also provide a source of useful material for years to come. And a sketchbook is fun to look at later. It’s a reminder of where you were and evidence that you’re moving onward to more serious creativity.

About the Author

Joseph Nordmann is professor emeritus of chemistry. Born in Decatur, Illinois he grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio, graduating from Bowling Green State University as a chemistry major. He did his graduate work in organic chemistry and chemical engineering at the University of Southern California and Purdue University. During World War II he was employed in national defense-related science and taught V-12 program chemistry to future military officers. After the war he taught at Los Angeles Valley College where he published chemistry texts, co-owned and operated an environmental laboratory and won the national award for excellence in college chemistry teaching sponsored by the Manufacturing Chemists Association. Weekends he studied oil painting with artists Paul Conner and Nicolai Fechin. Summer vacations he worked as a coach’s assistant with the Los Angeles Rams and co-authored a nonfiction book on football. When he retired from teaching, he moved to California’s Monterey Peninsula. There he is a writer and professional artist-member of the Carmel Art Association.