The Evolution of Kevin Scully's Sketchbook Practice: From Commercial Work to Personal Reflection
Kevin Scully, an accomplished artist with a diverse career spanning both the commercial and fine art realms, has had an intriguing journey when it comes to his relationship with sketchbooks. As a highly skilled illustrator, sketchbooks were not always a necessary tool for his creative process. In the early stages of his career, Scully was immersed in the fast-paced world of commercial art, working under tight deadlines where his focus was on creating visuals such as concept boards, storyboards, and presentation materials for TV commercials. These tasks demanded swift execution, accuracy, and a strong ability to recall and draw from memory and imagination, long before the convenience of the internet provided instant reference material. In these high-pressure environments, a sketchbook was not central to Scully’s workflow.
However, it was the foundation laid during his years in art schoolwhere life drawing and detailed sketches were integral to his trainingthat equipped Scully with the skills necessary for his commercial endeavors. Drawing from life became an essential part of his skill set, and it supported his ability to create the accurate and detailed visuals required in the world of advertising and media. Yet, even with these skills, sketchbooks did not emerge as a tool of necessity during this period. The rapid pace of commercial work left little time for leisurely sketching or personal exploration, and the pressure of deadlines meant that Scully’s creative practice was often focused on the end product rather than the process.
Rediscovery of the Sketchbook: A Personal Shift in Creative Practice
The turning point in Kevin Scully’s relationship with sketchbooks came when he transitioned away from the intense demands of commercial work. With the pace of deadlines no longer dictating his artistic routine, Scully found the opportunity to return to his sketchbook practice. This shift allowed him to embrace a more relaxed and personal approach to creativity. The habits he had cultivated during his time in art schoolwhere sketchbooks were essential tools for capturing ideas, experimenting, and reflectinggradually resurfaced. This time, however, the practice was no longer tied to commercial pressures; it became a space for thoughtful reflection, artistic growth, and genuine personal enjoyment.
As Scully navigated this transition from commercial work to more personal artistic endeavors, his sketchbooks evolved. They were no longer just placeholders for fleeting ideas or rushed drafts, but rather became intricate documents that chronicled his thoughts, observations, and creative journey. These sketchbooks became a place for deeper exploration, where Scully could experiment with different styles and techniques, all while reflecting on his personal artistic growth. It was in these pages that Scully rediscovered the joys of spontaneous creation, of experimenting with color, form, and abstraction, without the looming pressure of deadlines or client expectations.
Scully’s evolving sketchbook practice also reflected his expanding role as an educator. As he began teaching art courses and leading painting workshops both at home and abroad, his sketchbooks became a valuable teaching tool, a way to share his experiences and processes with students. Whether it was capturing plein-air scenes during his travels or sketching personal subjects that piqued his interest, the sketchbook became an integral part of his teaching philosophy. The ability to present his creative explorations in a tangible, visual format allowed Scully to guide students through the artistic process, inspiring them to slow down, observe the world around them, and embrace their creative instincts.
The Sketchbook as a Reflection of Artistic Growth and Personal Expression
Today, Scully’s sketchbook practice has become a deeply personal and integral aspect of his artistic journey. As both a painter and an educator, he uses the sketchbook as a means of reflection and a record of his observations, allowing him to distill his experiences into visual form. The sketches he creates are often not intended to evolve into finished pieces but serve as a means to document moments of inspiration and creative insight. Some of these initial sketches, however, may evolve into larger, more refined works in his studio, as Scully continues to explore the relationship between representation and abstraction.
The shift from producing purely representational works to exploring abstraction and alternative color schemes has been a key development in Scully’s sketchbook practice. While his earlier commercial work often focused on accuracy and clarity, his current practice embraces a more experimental and intuitive approach. Scully now uses his sketchbooks as a space for freely exploring color, form, and texture, unencumbered by the need to create realistic depictions. This process allows him to break free from the constraints of realism and engage in a more personal and expressive form of art-making.
Interestingly, one of the main distinctions in Scully’s current approach to sketchbooks is his intentional avoidance of experimentation. In the past, sketchbooks served as a space for trial and error, where he would explore new techniques and ideas. However, as Scully’s artistic practice has matured, he now enters his studio with a clearer vision of what he wants to achieve. The pressure to experiment has lessened, and his sketchbooks now serve as a visual diary rather than a testing ground. They have become a way for him to capture the essence of what he sees and experiences in the world, without the need for constant innovation or risk-taking.
Through his sketchbook practice, Scully has created a space where he can slow down and engage in the simple act of observing. Whether it’s capturing a fleeting moment of light on a landscape, reflecting on a journey abroad, or simply enjoying the meditative process of sketching, his sketchbooks offer a quiet space for personal expression. They are a means of connecting with the world around him, translating those observations into visual form, and reflecting on his artistic evolution. The result is a body of work that transcends the limitations of his earlier commercial art, offering a more intimate, personal perspective on his creative journey.
As Scully continues to evolve as both an artist and educator, his relationship with his sketchbooks remains a vital part of his creative process. The shift from commercial illustration to personal expression and the transition from experimentation to reflection has allowed him to cultivate a deeper connection with his work. In the next installment of this series, we will dive further into Scully’s approach to the materials and tools that he uses in his sketchbook practice, providing insight into the pens, pencils, and paints that help bring his artistic visions to life.
Through these ongoing explorations, Kevin Scully’s sketchbooks continue to serve as a reminder of the power of slowing down and embracing the creative journey. Whether as an educator, a painter, or simply as an artist who delights in the act of creation, his sketchbook practice remains a cornerstone of his artistic expression.
The Artistry Behind Kevin Scully’s Materials and Tools
Kevin Scully’s artistic journey is marked not only by his technical skill but also by the deep, intimate relationship he has cultivated with the materials and tools he uses. For Scully, art is more than just a medium of self-expression; it is a dialogue between the artist and his tools. This ongoing conversation allows his work to transcend the traditional boundaries of artistic technique, creating pieces that are as much about the process as the outcome. The way he engages with his materials reveals a profound respect for their inherent qualities, which he leverages to create works that resonate with meaning and intention.
Scully’s choice of materials goes beyond mere preference; it reflects a philosophy that art is a journey of discovery. He does not select materials based on trends or superficial aesthetics but instead considers how each one will respond to his manipulation, the way it interacts with his hand, and the marks it will leave behind. For example, he has a distinct relationship with paper and canvas, both of which serve as his primary surfaces. Each sheet of paper is treated not just as a flat medium but as a potential partner in the creation of a dynamic piece. The texture, weight, and absorbency of the paper affect the flow of his sketches, while the canvas becomes a space where paint behaves in unpredictable yet exciting ways. Through trial, error, and time, Scully has come to understand the particularities of each material, allowing him to push the boundaries of what can be done with these traditional mediums.
The tools he uses also play a crucial role in his artistic practice. Scully’s selection of brushes, pens, and pencils is far from arbitrary. Each tool has its own voice, and Scully listens to it intently. He uses brushes of varying sizes and shapes, each chosen based on the specific texture or mark he wants to create. Whether it is the fine tip of a pencil that allows for delicate, intricate lines or the broad bristles of a paintbrush that help him lay down sweeping strokes of color, Scully’s tools are not just instruments they are extensions of his creative expression. This careful selection is not just a matter of function but also of fostering a symbiotic relationship between the artist and the tools, which allows for a deeper exploration of his creative vision.
Another significant aspect of Scully’s approach to art is the role of his sketchbooks. These books are not mere repositories of ideas or rough drafts but are integral to his entire process. His sketchbooks become an intimate space for experimentation, where he can explore new ideas, test materials, and make connections between disparate thoughts. The act of sketching in these books is as much about exploration as it is about preparation. It allows Scully to engage with his materials in a free-flowing manner, unencumbered by the constraints of a formal canvas or finished piece. In this way, his sketchbooks serve as both a laboratory and a journal, capturing the evolution of his ideas and acting as a map for future works. It is through these sketches that Scully discovers his visual language, drawing connections between lines, shapes, and forms that will later emerge in his finished works.
Beyond the materials themselves, Scully’s philosophy is embedded in his process of creating. Each piece of art becomes an exploration of his relationship with the tools at his disposal, and his interaction with the materials is one of constant adaptation. Scully is not one to adhere strictly to established techniques; instead, he lets his tools and materials guide him, sometimes leading him down unexpected paths. This approach is both liberating and deeply personal, as it allows Scully to express emotions, thoughts, and experiences that are deeply connected to his own sense of self.
Furthermore, his reverence for his materials and tools reflects a deeper understanding of the importance of patience and precision. In today’s fast-paced world, where instant gratification is often expected, Scully’s art stands as a testament to the value of slow, deliberate work. He recognizes that every stroke, every mark, and every choice of material contributes to the final piece, and each of these decisions is made with careful thought. This philosophy of art as a process, not just an end result, is evident in the finished works that reflect not only his skill but also his deep engagement with the materials he works with.
Scully’s use of materials and tools underscores the idea that art is not just about what is created, but how it is created. His relationship with his tools is one of respect and mutual understanding, where the act of creation becomes a shared experience between the artist and the materials. His work is not simply an expression of technique but an exploration of the possibilities inherent in the materials themselves. Through this relationship, Scully has developed a body of work that is rich in texture, depth, and meaning, inviting viewers to appreciate not only the final outcome but the intricate and thoughtful process that led to its creation.
A Diverse and Thoughtful Selection of Sketchbooks
For Kevin Scully, the sketchbook is more than just a vessel for drawing is a crucial element of his artistic practice, one that deeply influences his creative process. Scully is a collector of sketchbooks, each serving a specific purpose depending on the nature of the project at hand. The sturdy hardback sketchbooks from Daler Rowney are his go-to choice for his everyday sketches. These A3 and A4-sized books provide ample space for Scully’s detailed pencil, pen, and colored pencil drawings. The durability and high-quality paper of these sketchbooks provide a solid foundation that supports his intricate artwork, making them reliable companions for his creative output.
Scully’s love for sketchbooks goes beyond mere utility; it reflects his passion for the art-making process itself. His fascination with sketchbooks has led him to acquire a variety of rare and unique editions over the years. For instance, Scully has a collection of handmade sketchbooks from Zimbabwe, each crafted by an artisan whose name is engraved on the cover. These handmade books, often rustic and imperfect, hold sentimental value for Scully and symbolize a connection to the tradition of handcrafted artistry. The act of filling these books is a deeply personal ritual for him, one that demands patience and reverence, especially when it comes to marking the pristine, blank pages. These rare editions allow Scully to explore a different texture and feel, adding an extra layer of meaning to his work.
His deep appreciation for the sketchbook as both a tool and a canvas emphasizes the importance of materials in the creative process. Scully’s enthusiasm for collecting and using various sketchbooks is a testament to how the tools an artist chooses can profoundly shape their journey and art. For Scully, every sketchbook is a new opportunity to engage with his medium in a different way, fueling his creative spirit and inspiring his next work of art.
Mastering the Materials: Tools for Precision and Expression
Beyond sketchbooks, Kevin Scully’s artistic journey is shaped by the tools he uses to create his artwork. His meticulous approach to selecting materials reflects his deep understanding of the artistic process and his commitment to precision and quality. When it comes to pencils, Scully exclusively uses an HB pencil for his sketches. He finds that softer pencils tend to smudge and leave unwanted graphite marks on the opposite pages, which detracts from the clarity of his work. The HB pencil, with its balanced hardness, allows Scully to achieve fine details while maintaining clean, precise lines. This choice of pencil has become a cornerstone of his technique, offering consistency and control.
For ink work, Scully relies on a combination of Staedtler Triplus Fineliners and Pentel Sign Pens. Both of these tools are known for their ability to produce sharp, crisp lines that are essential to Scully’s highly detailed sketches. The fine tip of the Staedtler pens enables him to render intricate linework with great precision, while the Pentel pens provide the fluidity and freedom necessary to capture movement and essence in his drawings. These pens have become indispensable tools in Scully’s kit, helping him create the delicate balance between detail and expression that defines his style.
Scully’s watercolor practice also showcases his deep appreciation for quality materials. For his watercolor sketches, he chooses 300 gsm Saunders Waterford paper, a heavyweight, textured paper that offers the right absorbency to handle watercolor paints without buckling. This type of paper is essential for achieving the soft, atmospheric washes that characterize many of Scully’s landscapes and natural scenes. Although Scully has expressed a minor quibble with the shape of the Saunders Waterford sketchbook, finding it neither square, portrait, nor landscape, he appreciates the paper’s versatility and its ability to support his watercolor work.
In terms of brushes, Scully prefers the precision and quality offered by synthetic brushes such as those made by Escoda Ultimo and other fine brands. These brushes help him create a range of textures, from fine, detailed lines to soft, sweeping washes. This versatility is particularly important when working with watercolor, as it allows Scully to achieve the balance between precision and fluidity that he values in his artwork.
When working on location or while traveling, Scully opts for a lightweight Holbein paintbox, which holds 26 colors and is easy to carry for on-the-go work. The portability of this aluminum paintbox allows Scully to capture the vibrant hues of the landscapes he encounters, adding a dynamic quality to his travel sketches. For larger studio projects, Scully prefers an older, more substantial Holbein 500 paintbox made of steel, which offers a different tactile experience and is better suited for more expansive watercolor work.
Color and Experimentation: The Role of Mixed Media in Scully’s Sketchbooks
Scully’s use of color in his sketches further emphasizes his dedication to experimentation and exploration in his creative process. While watercolor remains his primary medium for color application, Scully also integrates other tools to achieve different textures and effects. For instance, he occasionally uses Winsor & Newton Watercolor Markers, which allow him to add bold, vivid strokes of color to his sketches without compromising the underlying pencil or ink work. These markers offer a layer of vibrancy and intensity that complements his detailed linework, enhancing the overall impact of the piece.
In addition to watercolor markers, Scully sometimes incorporates Caran D’Ache Neocolor II Water-Soluble Wax Crayons into his sketches. These crayons have a unique texture that allows for layering and blending, giving Scully more flexibility in his color application. The use of wax crayons in combination with watercolor gives his sketches a layered, multidimensional quality, enabling him to explore depth, color richness, and contrast in new ways. This combination of traditional and contemporary tools helps Scully add new dimensions to his work, experimenting with different textures and techniques while staying true to his artistic vision.
For Scully, the tools and materials he uses are more than just instrumentsthey are essential components of his artistic practice, each contributing to the creation of artwork that is rich in both detail and emotion. Through his deep engagement with these materials, Scully continues to push the boundaries of his practice, constantly evolving and refining his approach to capturing the world around him. His sketchbooks, pens, brushes, and paints are not merely functional tools, but vital elements that fuel his creativity and allow his ideas to take form on the page.
Sketchbooks as a Travelogue: Immersing in the World's Diversity
Scully’s travels have taken him to some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse locations. From the busy, bustling streets of Marrakech to the ancient ruins of Athens, his sketchbooks preserve the essence of these places in ways that transcend the traditional photograph. While photographs are often static, his watercolors and drawings breathe life into the landscapes, capturing not only the visual details but also the atmosphere, light, and emotional tone of a place. Scully doesn’t just replicate a scene; he conveys how it feels to be there, immersing the viewer in the experience of traveling through unfamiliar environments. The colors and brushstrokes are expressive, and the sketches capture fleeting moments, whether it’s the early morning light illuminating a distant mountain or the rush of people through a crowded market square.
His travel sketches are filled with more than just images. They include small mementos of the journey, like bus tickets, train stubs, and receipts, which are carefully added to the pages alongside the sketches. These seemingly mundane objects, often overlooked in the rush of travel, are integral to Scully’s creative process. They serve as a physical reminder of the experience, allowing him to preserve and reflect on the details that might otherwise fade from memory. The mementos provide a tactile connection to the trip, grounding the sketches in reality and adding layers of meaning that transcend the visual representation.
This approach to travel sketching is one of immersion rather than detachment. Scully’s work is not about creating polished, finished pieces but about capturing the raw energy of a moment. Whether he is sketching a bustling market or a quiet village street, his drawings reflect the spontaneity of his observations. The rush of energy in a vibrant city or the peaceful solitude of a rural village is distilled into his sketches, allowing the viewer to experience the emotional and atmospheric essence of these locations. Through this, Scully invites others into his travels, offering a sense of being there, in the moment, sharing the experience with him.
The Intimate Connection Between Artist and Place
For Kevin Scully, travel sketching is a deeply personal process. It is not just about documenting the world, but about forming an intimate connection with the places he visits. His sketchbooks are not just a way to record the external world but to connect with it on a much deeper level. Scully engages with each location on an emotional and sensory level, observing how the environment affects him and how he responds to it. Through his drawings, he captures these feelings and impressions, creating a visual record that is both personal and evocative.
This emotional engagement is at the heart of his approach to art. As he travels, Scully doesn’t just take note of what he seeshe notes how it makes him feel. Each sketch is infused with the artist's perspective, whether it’s the feeling of awe at a majestic vista or the quiet contemplation of a deserted alleyway. These emotional layers add depth to his sketches, turning them into more than just depictions of landscapesthey become visual reflections of his personal experiences and the emotions evoked by each place.
Travel sketching for Scully is a form of dialogue between the artist and the environment. His sketches act as a response to the world around him, a conversation where he captures the fleeting moments and sensations that are often overlooked. The act of drawing becomes an immersive experience, where the artist is fully engaged in the process of creation, rather than standing apart from it. By allowing himself to be present and open to his surroundings, Scully's sketches become an authentic and spontaneous expression of his emotional connection to the places he visits.
The inclusion of ephemera, notes, and other souvenirs further deepens this connection. These items are more than just mementos; they are the physical traces of a journey that help to ground the emotional experiences captured in the drawings. They serve as a reminder of the connections he made with each place, as well as the personal growth and reflection that come with travel. By integrating these objects into his sketchbooks, Scully is able to preserve not just the visual aspect of his travels but also the emotional and personal significance of each experience.
Sketchbooks as a Source of Reflection and Creative Inspiration
Beyond serving as a travelogue or journal, Kevin Scully’s sketchbooks also play a crucial role in his creative process. They are a source of inspiration, offering him ideas and insights that fuel his studio work. The spontaneous sketches created on the road, with their raw energy and immediacy, provide a wellspring of creativity that Scully draws on when working in his studio. The emotions, colors, and moods captured in his travel sketches often resurface in his later, more refined works, creating a sense of continuity and evolution in his artistic journey.
Scully’s approach to sketching is less about creating finished artworks and more about documenting the creative process itself. His sketchbooks are an open-ended exploration, where each page offers a glimpse into his ongoing engagement with the world. The act of sketching in real time, in response to the world around him, allows him to stay connected to the raw, unfiltered nature of his initial impressions. This directness and immediacy are qualities that are often lost in more polished, finished pieces, which is why his sketchbooks hold such a significant place in his overall artistic practice.
The fluidity of Scully’s sketching process allows him to experiment with different techniques and styles, freely responding to the environment around him without the constraints of creating a final piece. This openness to exploration means that his sketchbooks serve not only as a record of his travels but also as a repository of ideas and concepts that influence his future work. By looking back at these pages, Scully is able to revisit past experiences and insights, drawing fresh inspiration from the raw sketches that capture the essence of each place.
In this sense, Scully’s sketchbooks are not just an archive of memories; they are a dynamic tool for creative evolution. They provide him with the space to reflect, explore, and grow, offering a visual record of how his travel experiences have shaped and continue to influence his artistic practice. Through his sketches, Scully is able to keep the spirit of his travels alive, continually drawing inspiration from the moments he’s captured in the world’s farthest corners.
Kevin Scully’s Sketchbooks: A Gateway to Inspiration and Creativity
Kevin Scully’s sketchbooks offer more than just a space for capturing fleeting thoughts or recording everyday scenes; they represent a vital extension of his creative practice, acting as both a canvas for exploration and a reservoir of inspiration. These intimate books are not merely collections of drawings but are where Scully nurtures his most daring ideas, laying the foundation for the vibrant works that later fill his studio. As an artist whose creative process thrives on spontaneity, Scully’s sketchbooks serve as a crucible where raw, unfinished concepts simmer before evolving into fully realized masterpieces. It is within these pages that the seeds of his paintings are first sown, and from these sketches, his larger works begin to take shape.
The beauty of Scully’s approach lies in his refusal to view the sketchbook as a place for finished products. Rather, it is a space for unrefined exploration, where each line, shape, and color is tentative and fluid. For Scully, the focus is not on creating polished pieces but on embracing the freedom that comes with sketching, experimenting with ideas, and allowing his creativity to flow without boundaries. While many of the drawings in his sketchbooks remain unfinished or take on an abstract form, these rough sketches often provide a roadmap for the artist to follow when translating his ideas into final paintings. The unfinished nature of the work in the sketchbook becomes a source of discovery, encouraging Scully to take risks and explore possibilities he might not consider within the confines of a more structured, finished piece.
From Sketch to Canvas: The Evolution of Ideas
What sets Kevin Scully apart as an artist is his ability to use the raw materials found within his sketchbooks to fuel and enhance his more polished works. As his studio paintings take shape, Scully frequently returns to these initial sketches, drawing inspiration from them in new and unexpected ways. The creative dialogue between sketchbook and canvas is an ongoing process, one that allows him to inject the spontaneity of the sketchbook into the carefully considered composition of his larger works. This ongoing relationship between his sketches and studio pieces creates a seamless flow of ideas, where the boundary between the informal sketch and the formal painting is fluid and ever-evolving.
The sketchbook becomes a valuable tool for Scully’s artistic growth, allowing him to refine his ideas over time. As he reflects on the sketches, he begins to recognize recurring themes, colors, and compositions that may have initially seemed like passing thoughts but now resonate as the foundation for his upcoming projects. Sometimes, these sketches are revisited months or even years later, when Scully has gained new insights or developed new techniques that allow him to approach these earlier ideas from a fresh perspective. In this way, the sketchbook is not only a record of past ideas but also a living document that continues to influence his artistic journey.
Scully's process of reflection within the sketchbook is key to his artistic evolution. It allows him to trace the development of his work, revisiting moments of discovery and realizing how far he has come. It also gives him the opportunity to break free from creative ruts, reminding him that the act of creation is an ongoing process, not a destination. By engaging with his earlier sketches, Scully is able to push his practice in new directions, embracing fresh techniques, colors, and compositions that may have never been considered in the early stages of his artistic development.
The Power of Reflection: A Continuous Creative Journey
Kevin Scully’s sketchbooks are not simply tools for making art; they are portals to reflection and self-discovery. These books contain more than sketchesthey hold the essence of his creative journey, offering a glimpse into his inner world and artistic growth. Through the act of revisiting his sketchbooks, Scully is able to maintain a connection to his past work while also charting new creative paths. For Scully, the process of reflection is just as important as the act of creation itself, allowing him to understand how his ideas have evolved and, more importantly, how he can continue to push the boundaries of his practice.
The sketchbooks also play an essential role in Scully’s search for innovation. The act of revisiting older works provides the artist with opportunities to examine his past decisions and identify new directions to explore. Rather than viewing the sketchbook as a static document of past creations, Scully sees it as an active tool for constant improvement. Each reflection on his previous sketches is an opportunity to deepen his understanding of his creative process and uncover new approaches that will keep his work fresh and relevant.
Furthermore, the sketchbook allows Scully to experiment with freedom and abandon, unburdened by the pressures of creating for a gallery or audience. In this sense, the sketchbook serves as a space for the artist to reconnect with the joy of making art purely for its own sake. It is in these unguarded moments that Scully finds his most unexpected breakthroughs, unshackled by the expectations that might govern more formal artistic endeavors. By letting go of perfection and focusing on the process, Scully reaffirms his commitment to creativity as a journey, not a final product.
Through these reflections, Scully’s sketchbooks reveal his continual growth as an artist. They serve as both a mirror to his past work and a beacon guiding his future creations. As he reflects on the sketches and the ideas they represent, Scully’s practice continues to evolve, with each new project informed by the lessons of the past and the excitement of the unknown. It is this dynamic relationship between reflection and creation that drives Scully’s work forward, ensuring that his artistic journey remains alive with possibility and innovation.
In the end, Kevin Scully’s sketchbooks are much more than a place for rough sketches or idle thoughts. They are vital to his creative process, providing him with the space to explore, reflect, and push the boundaries of his practice. Through these intimate books, Scully is able to chart his artistic evolution, reconnect with his creative impulses, and continuously find new ways to express his vision. Whether filled with unfinished lines or fragments of ideas, these sketchbooks are a testament to the importance of exploration and reflection in the life of an artist. They are not just the building blocks of his finished paintingsthey are a critical part of the ongoing, ever-changing journey of creativity.
