Sketching is the foundation of all visual artistic pursuits. Learn the art of effective sketching with tips, techniques and advice from the professionals in this handbook. "Collins Artist's Sketchbook" demonstrates a wide variety of sketching methods and techniques to guide and encourage your creativity through sketching. The aspiring artist is encouraged to "think visually" so that observing and sketching become a natural part of life as an artist. The book encourages the reader to sharpen their powers of observation and analysis and learn different sketching techniques in a range of media from watercolours and inks, to pencils, charcoal and coloured pencils. It explains methods for: capturing the tiny details that breathe life into a sketch; creating a rich, visual dictionary by observing and recording the world around you; using your sketch as the basis for a finished work; and designing powerful compositions. Over 200 illustrations from a variety of artists showcase a range of different styles for sketching landscapes, flowers, animals and figures.