Sketchbooks come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with
varied covers, and differing numbers of pages. Sketchbooks began as a way to
provide a readily available supply of drawing paper in the convenient form of a
book. Finish of the work found in the sketchbook varies widely from artist to
artist, with some having very simple drawings and lots of notes, and some
having highly worked images. Over time, it might allow others to see the
artist's progress, as his/her style and skills develop. Many artists
personalize their sketchbook by decorating the covers. Sketches are sometimes
removed from sketchbooks at a later date.
Sketchbooks made out of high quality paper, differentiated by
weight and tooth, allow for a wide variety of techniques to be used, ranging
from pencil drawings, to watercolor, to colored pencil, to pen and ink, and so
on. Certain paper characteristics might be more desirable for use with certain
mediums. Sketchbook paper comes in a variety of tones, ranging from pure white,
to cream, and includes less common varieties, such as gray. In displays of
contemporary art, as well as historical retrospectives, intimate and ephemeral
records are increasingly valued, resulting in the exhibition of sketchbooks
alongside "finished" artworks. Computer technology has allowed for
the development of digital sketchbooks.
