A sweetly painted book. Honestly very beginner primer of how to get started but not much beyond.
Great for a newbie!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a great little book for people wanting to start using a sketchbook or up their games. The first half is detailed information about materials, color theory and the philosophy of using a sketchbook. The second half is projects and prompts. Quite a bit of the first half is reassurance and musings, with quite a lot about mediums as well. The projects show the steps she uses to make a little colorful fish with watercolor and colored pencils, for example.

One issue I had with the book is that the first very long half really seems to be designed for the absolute beginner. She explains the different types of paintbrushes, for example (fan, mop, etc.) and types of paints. But the second half with her example projects are not necessarily beginner projects and new artists may feel overwhelmed by them. I was also hoping for more inspiration rather than just some copy-me kind of projects.

All that said, it’s a lovely little inspirational book that’s brimming with Moody’s own sketches and paintings, and it’s filled with encouragement and ideas.

I read a temporary digital loan of this book for review.

This book is a gorgeous guide to enjoying a mixed media sketchbook.

Moody makes it all seems approachable and achievable. Her writing is down to earth and explanatory. The illustration and layout of the book is stunning. Artists and journalers alike will benefit from this gem of a book.

The book covers techniques, tools, and includes projects to inspire the reader to test out the aforementioned techniques and tools.

I have spent years battling with the ideal that I'm "not good enough" as an artist. I haven't used a sketchbook for ideas and swatching and ~playing~ with my art; rather I meticulously plan in my head before daring to commit that to paper.

Katie Moody's book "Sketchbook Joy" is designed to turn that thinking around, giving permission to play while creating a daily art practice, whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours to draw. This book is full of inspiration and encouragement.

There is a lot of information in here about the different media to use when sketching - from paints to inks to pencils to pastels to markers to collages and much much more, and some out of the box techniques to get the most out of each. Whatever mediums call to you - use it!

The second half of the book is all about projects. Not how-to guides, but gentle suggestions to frame your work so as to create a book that brings you joy, whether it be a travel sketchbook, a visual journal, swatch collections, still life or botanical studies, urban scenes, landscapes, or even images from Google Maps!

There are prompts and inspirations, to help you through artists block, let go of perfectionism, and make a sketchbook that is uniquely ~you~.

~ Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

Sketchbook Joy is a really accurate name for this book. It just feels so inherently positive and conversational, like I just learned to paint from a friend. This book contains so much great information about making art, from using color and selecting tools, to techniques for specific media and step-by-step tutorials. And it's all explained in a way that feels really encouraging and low pressure. Casually creating art is one of my favorite hobbies, but like many people, I often find myself intimidated, staring at a blank sketchbook page with no idea what to do with it. This book has so many fun ideas to get past that block and the best part is that every page is full of the author's own beautiful artwork. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a little sketchbook inspiration!

Loved it! 😊 I have followed Katie on social media for a while now and really admire her sketchbooks, so to see behind the scenes a bit is perfect! Fab help with sketchbook beginners :)

Remember being a kid and having such fun and joy drawing and painting? Sketchbook Joy will bring back that feeling of being free do draw, paint, and doodle. Katie Moody shows that even just five minutes a day, without putting pressure on yourself, can bring back the joy of creativity with hints, tips and techniques to get you restarted (or started) on "embracing your creativity."

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with an e-arc copy of Sketchbook Joy! I loved following along with the prompts of this book, I found the tips to be very helpful when incorporating them into my own art and it’s also helped me to enjoy creating a bit more instead of stressing over little details! I recommend this to people who are looking for some advice or tips with their artworks!

"Sketchbook Joy" lives up to its name as an absolute delight for anyone looking to embrace sketching. The book's non-judgmental and soothing tone makes it perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Its emphasis on letting go of perfectionism and valuing the act of creation over the outcome is both liberating and inspiring. Beyond sketching, the book offers valuable lessons on self-care, along with creative ideas and exercises to spark your imagination. A fantastic read that encourages joy and creativity in every stroke! The physical book has been added to my wishlist!

Sketchbook joy by Katie moody certainly will bring joy into your sketchbook! From references, to Pepe talks, prompts, and tutorials, this colorful how to explores art and drawing at its least serious, allowing people to simply have fun with their art and connect with themselves through it.

It's 2025 and I plan to embrace my creative side this year. So picking this up on Netgalley was a no-brainier and I'm so happy I did!

I love the simplicity of the illustrations, the gentle reminders not to seek perfection in your creativity.
This was such a positive book and made me want to search for all my hidden paints and pencils right away.

I definitely recommend this book for anyone about to start a creative journey, anyone whose creativity has stalled, anyone curious about different art mediums.

Such a great book and it'll make a wonderful gift.

I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy if possible!

Many thanks to Netgalley an Author for the chance to read this lovely book!

I follow Katie on You Tube and social media and enjoy watching her videos and processes for creating art. I was excited to have the opportunity to look through the ARC of Sketchbook Joy. First off the artwork in this book is spectacular! Beautiful illustrations and examples of pieces to create.

I like that about half the book is dedicated to materials, colour theory and techniques as I enjoy having this resource material. The rest of the book is dedicated to projects and sketch book prompts. I was expecting a little more instruction but the projects are rather a high level guide on how to approach the subjects and not a true step-by-step.

I feel this book is best suited to people who already have an art practice and basic art (drawing/painting) skills to use as a guidebook and for inspiration. I think that for beginners there is not quite enough step by step instruction on how to create the projects, however, the first half of the book would be excellent for beginners to learn about supplies and techniques. As a slightly experienced artist/crafter, I will definitely be buying a copy of this book when it's released to have on my art book shelf as a reference and inspiration book! I give this one a 4/5.

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group –Leaping Hare | Leaping Hare Press and Net Galley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Read an arc through NetGalley. Completely my opinion in this review.

I so loved this sketch art book. I am more of a colorer, but I definitely am going to try out some sketching too. I liked the authors idea to use nature and traveling as sketch ideas, along with a ton of other cool prompts. I really recommend this book for artistic folk.

Beautiful art throughout the book too. Thanks for the ideas.

This is a fantastic beginner's guide to sketching and doodling. There are lots of tips and prompts to help you grow as an artist.

I love the simplicity of the steps, the ease in which to grow as an artist. The artwork that is provided if very pretty, almost has an elegant aspect.

#NetGalley #SketchbookJoy

This is a beautiful entry level book for the aspiring artist. There is enough information to be helpful without being overwhelming. The art is inspirational and the color palette given for each piece keys the user into thinking about their own palettes.

Unleash your creativity and find joy in *Sketchbook Joy*, an inspiring guide by artist and tutor Katie Moody. Perfect for beginners and seasoned sketchbook enthusiasts alike, this book highlights the positive, mindful, and memory-boosting benefits of art. Katie’s approachable style and encouraging prompts will help you unlock your artistic potential and create a sketchbook you’ll cherish.

The book introduces essential sketchbook supplies and walks you through the basics of painting, drawing, and color theory. You’ll explore accessible techniques like painting with gouache and experimenting with mixed media using pastels and pencils. Katie’s stunning illustrations and unique project ideas will inspire you to sketch botanicals, birds, urban scenes, rural landscapes, and even views from your window or phone.

*Sketchbook Joy* also offers practical tips for building a consistent and rewarding creative routine, making time for art, and reconnecting with your creative self. Whether you’re new to art or looking to reignite your passion, this guide will remind you that creativity is for everyone—and it’s never been more fun or fulfilling!