The Joy of Sketch: A beginner’s guide to sketching the everyday

This book looks beautiful. I thought, with all of the glowing reviews, it would be exactly what I was needing to learn how to sketch. I was super excited when I got home from work and found it had been delivered. Unfortunately, this book should be titled “I Already Know How to Sketch and Here are My Pictures.” The author fills the pages with her lovely drawings but offers very little in way of advice. Instead, she gives suggestions on what you should sketch, such as people, feathers, or trees. I don’t need suggestions; I purchased this book looking for steps on how to get started and develop a skill. I will be returning this.

This is a lovely book. But I was looking for a beginner's guide to learning to sketch/draw, and this isn't it - despite the book's title. It's more a showcase of the author's watercolour sketches, with little instruction. What instruction there is, is pretty much based around adding watercolour to pen sketches.I feel mean only giving it three stars because it's a lovely-looking thing. But it really doesn't do what it says on the tin so is of very little use to someone who thought that it would!

I really loved this book! I have bought several (OK, too many!) books about learning to sketch and watercolour but this is the first one to actually make me sit and sketch my favourite mug and a pot of orchids right away. I liked the author's encouragement to draw something simple and familiar each day and intend to try to keep up with this. Definitely a fun and inspiring book!

I don't normally leave reviews but felt compelled to when I read this book! I highly recommend the 'Joy of Sketch' to anyone who likes to dabble in a bit of art, wants to get back into it or has never tried it before. I found the book really accessible as it had the perfect amount of example drawings by Jen, writing and tip boxes. You'll find yourself turning down the pages to dip into again another time! I haven't stopped sketching since I read it and I'm the happier for it! Also, great as a gift for someone... I've bought one for my sister too!

This is a lovely book with great sketching photos. The author's style is unique and I think it's lovely.The reason I have given it 3 stars is because I cannot read it comfortably at all. I wish I had bought the kindle version.The print is greyish and quite small, against a coloured paper backdrop (bad idea!)It has very little contrast. I have a great eyesight by the way :) and I don't have problems with other books at all.Why not print a book with black print that is easy to read!Honestly I just looked at the photos, which are lovely. I have given up trying to pick up this book to read as I really find it straining.In my opinion, for me, it was a shame and waste of money to buy the paper version.

This is such a beautiful book, written very simply to demystify “art” and inspire even a total novice, with lovely illustrations and tips galore. I immediately ordered some paints and pens to have a go myself, and the exercises are really helpful to get going and not feel daunted! As Jen says, the joy is in capturing a moment, not the perfect image. A lovely reminder to enjoy the simple pleasures of just having a go and seeing what happens. Such an encouraging book.