The sketchbook is vital. We buy a new one as soon as every single page is drawn on. Our rules are simple: Never tear out a page, and never cross out a drawing. Note: Small kids scribble all over, so we ignore the second rule for them.

Sometimes we are asked to draw along, and so our pages can look like this:

We also have a couple paint sketchbooks. I hand bound the book below, but there are paint ready sketchbooks out there too. We put wax paper in between the pages since Lou doesn’t want to wait for it to dry.

My favorite sketchbook is the Canson Field Sketchbook size 9″x12″ for everyday and the Holbein Multimedia Books for painting.