This is Jane.

Jane never knew I was sketching her as I waited to be called for my appointment.

Why? Well, this sketchbook is small, only six inches square and I had it tucked behind my bag on my lap. I also used one of my clutch pencils with a soft and silent lead. No scratching sound to alert her.

A few days later I took the same set up to a basketball game and among other figures, sketched a fellow sitting diagonally ahead of me.

He never suspected.

I even played a bit with a child’s multicolor pencil but gave up on it almost immediately. I wanted that smooth buttery feel of soft graphite sliding across the paper.

I think this set up will be my daily carry as I leave my large A4 journal in my studio. I’m looking forward to traveling lightly for a while.

Strathmore 400 Drawing Paper 300 gsm / 80 lb.