Artist Correspondent Skectch Pad

[nastt]

Hello All,
I'm looking for photos or 1860s reference of what a civilan artist would have used for a sketch or drawing pad or journal. I have made up my own but, would like to step up my impression with the correct gear.

nastt
Michael Farnsley
aka Thomas Nast
www.bohemianbrigade.com

[Doc Arroyo]

I think that you m ight like this museum site.

http://www.pem.org/roux/#

It is an online exhibit of the sketchbooks of Antoine Roux. You can zoom in and get a great idea of the construction techniques. The sketches are pretty nice too.

[Jeff Prechtel]

Nastt-

I made a copy of Seth Eastman's field sketchbook,
that the Twin Cities PBS site had posted. Fairly simple
design, and works nicely for field work.

Just water color paper bound together with several hole punches
in the spine, and then was bound with some 3/16 to 1/4" ribbon.
Off the top of my head, I think the dimensions were close to
5.5" X 11", or close to that. You could really make them any size
you like....something that would fit in your field kit or satchel.

Try these links, there's some interesting sketch pads and work on this French link...

http://www.frenchdrawings.org/sketchbooks.php

Here's the seth Eastman link... (click on the "Go to sketches" link at bottom)

http://www.mpls.lib.mn.us/eastman/eastman_intro.asp

Good Luck.
-Jeff Prechtel

[Dignann]

Michael,

On the Bohemian Brigade website, which you have a link to in your signature line, there is a photo of A.R. Waud in the field, using a sketchbook. Also, the website contains a modern photo of what they claim is Waud's sketchbook. If it is indeed Waud's sketchbook, there you have a couple examples to answer your question.

Eric

[Jeff Prechtel]

If you go into the "essence of Line" link I provided, they offer several artists
sketchbooks to look thru, as well as offering the measurements of both
the sketchbook and the drawings themselves, the type of paper, and I
believe the binding as well as paper weight.

They also show what types of mediums are used in each book.

The sketchbooks cover the early 1800's through 1890's

[Arthur Stone]

Michael,
If you look at the image of Mr. Waud at G-Burg, it appears that he has a 18" by 18" in. leather bound case that holds his paper and a drawing board. Most of the drawings that I've seen of Alf's work seem to be of good size. The bigger the paper, the more detail. I've been looking for the perfect leather bound case for my impresssion also. To fit in my saddle bags. Good luck with your hunt. Also Jeff put up a very helpful link.

Alf Waud :D

[nastt]

Thanks Jeff, Art and Eric for the good reference and plan on trying making a sketchpad with all your help.



nastt
Michael Farnsley
aka Thomas Nast
www.bohemianbrigade.com

[Jeff Prechtel]

Nastt-

Did you ever get your sketchbook going?

Oh and by the way, if you haven't yet, check out
the link Mark Royer posted for us. The absolutely beautiful
work of Antoine Roux, excellent sketches and lush water color paintings
in the sketchbook! Excellent historical refference for those interested in
early 19th century maritime stuff.