Hello, from the Sketchy Traveler newsletter. A mostly twice monthly newsletter on drawing and life design. Excited to have you join us! If you are enjoying this newsletter consider becoming a patron to help keep this newsletter financially sustainable.

As we head towards the end of summer it is a natural time to reflect on the last three months and where we want to head in the fall. So, it seemed like a natural time to share some creative experiments to consider trying out as we are in this moment of transition. Now is the perfect time to try out something new or launch that drawing practice you always swore you would start soon. As we head into fall, try out some of these ideas, see which ones resonate with you and where you find it natural to stay with one of these routines.

Make It Easy

My suggestion for a starter sketchbook is a snapshot sketchbook with a maximum size of 4.25” x 5.5” (A6 in metric😉). A big reason for the small size of this sketchbook is to make it easy to carry around. Especially if you get a sketchbook smaller than the maximum it is easy to carry a snapshot sketchbook and a pen in a pants pocket. This keeps the sketchbook at hand and encourages spontaneous drawing when a site or inspiration strikes. It can also serve as a nice substitute for a smart phone if you are looking for a way to reduce your screen time.

Have a Progression Plan

A progression plan is a series of small tasks that get progressively harder to build comfort and ability. This idea comes from weightlifting and fitness where it is important to start from the lowest intensity motion you can complete safely and then build towards more intensive motion once you are comfortable with this lowest intensity. While you do not have to worry about dropping a weight on your foot in drawing, we can use a similar idea to grow our drawing skills.

A low-intensity drawing activity to start with is a short, timed drawing. Start out by doing 1-minute timed drawings and see where you get to. With only 1-minute to draw, you will usually get to the general outline or shapes in the scene. Just starting out this might be plenty. As you become more comfortable with drawing in these short time frames you can start to extend the time you have to draw. Some natural next steps are 3-minutes, 5-minutes and 10-minutes.

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Commit to a Cadence

In a moment of transition committing to a cadence with a creative project can really help to keep you focused on the new practice you want to establish. Consider signing up for a class, drawing group or meeting a friend for coffee or other meeting time. Having a regular time to meet people can provide accountability and support. These kinds of meeting times can also be a great way to set aside time for drawing in a busy schedule. Blocking time on your calendar or having a regular reminder can also work great too if you are comfortable with self-accountability.

On-site Drawing Workshop

I am offering an on-site drawing workshop through October every other week if you are in the Corvallis area and looking for a group to provide some accountability around drawing regularly. Some of the upcoming drawing workshops are:

• September 12, 4pm-5pm

• September 26, 4pm-5pm

Interest in life design?

I’m working on launching a newsletter on life design. This newsletter will focus on using the design thinking skills from Sketchy Traveler to build a life whether that is growing a hobby, relationship, career, business or leadership style.

Logan’s Happenings

Corvallis Art Walk (CAW)

September 17, 2026, 4pm-8pm

Corvallis Foundry (257 SW Madison Ave, Suite 210, Corvallis)

I am currently showing my work at the Corvallis Foundry Gallery in September. If you are in the area would be great to see you at the art walk. CAW also features a wide range of arts and crafts spaces spread throughout the downtown Corvallis area.

Paintings at Plant Posse

Plant Posse (133 NW 2nd St, Corvallis)

Another stop on CAW that is featuring my work is Plant Posse. Now through October 18^th two of my paintings of Ladd’s addition are on display at Plant Posse in Corvallis. They are part of the “How Does Your Garden Grow” show in the space celebrating plants and the gardens we grow with them. If you are in the area, swing by to see my work and art by several other amazing artists.

Cards at The Art Center Store

Excited to have my work featured as cards at The Art Center store here in Corvallis. A percentage of all sales goes back to support The Art Center and the local arts community with the rest of the sale coming back to me. If you are looking for a fun trip and a low-cost way to support my work this is a great way to contribute.

The End is Only the Beginning

Wow, you read all the way to the end of the newsletter. This is the end of the newsletter, but only the beginning of your journey. Here are some potential next steps:

• Become a newsletter patron and help keep this newsletter financially sustainable
• Register for a 1:1 coaching session
• Purchase a print or commission me to do a drawing for you