I took a small sketchbook and some pens with me to Italy. I had the opportunity to draw a bit while on planes and in hotel rooms.

Working on a small page in a sketchbook created some limitations. There were some times when I wanted to make a drawing more complex, but there really wasn’t space enough to do it - at least not with the limited time and tools that I was using.

In some ways drawing in such limited spaces was helpful. I compelled me to think about some basic principles or rules I follow in my approach to artwork. It made me realize and appreciate more the significant role that a specific space or medium plays in determining the artistic outcome.

Also, it led me to contemplate that sometimes simplicity is acceptable - or even a desirable quality.

I now have a small sketchbook and pen set that fits into an even smaller plastic pouch - very handy for carrying around and drawing up ‘ideas’ in spare moments.

I liked the red and yellow dynamic and I was deliberately leaving alternating areas completely white. I’m a little bit tempted to color in the white areas on the interior of the design (not the background) but so far I’m resisting the urge.

I also was wondering if the image would scan well from inside the sketchbook or if I’d have to tear the page out. As you can see, leaving the drawing in the sketchbook does not seem to present a problem.

These kind of drawings are very simple to do and I could probably whip out a number of them pretty easily. I like doing things more complex than this but sometimes simple and quick is good too.

I drew and colored this on a subway train. Art on an index card. What more could anyone ask for … but I’d much rather draw than fill in a crossword or solve a sudoku puzzle.

This is colored with pencil. I don’t normally use colored pencil much … I find that colored marker creates a more even and precise layer of color. Still, it’s important to experiment with different mediums and discover what they can do for you and it’s just as much fun to work with pencil as with pen. And let’s be honest here … I have mainly worked with pen and ink because that is what has been most conveniently available.

As is often the case, I like the negative of the image better than the original.

I’m a little less than half through coloring this latest piece:

To see this picture alongside previous versions of the same drawing, go here.