Power in Naivety

2013 Sketchbook Tour

I pulled this old sketchbook off the shelf today and I was struck by how intriguing many of my drawings were - despite their lack of technical prowess. In 2013 I was 19/20 years old and full of inspiration from my overseas travels the previous year. I was in my first year of University (studying Visual Communications) and relishing every chance I could to experiment in the world of art. This was such an exciting time in my life and I think this sketchbook captures that joy. Enjoy!

The first drawing in my sketchbook ‘A Lady and a Tardigrade’ - June 2013

My new boyfriend (Kyle) and I went on an amazing camping trip together on the York Peninsula. It was hot and we camped on the beach spending a whole day sheltering from the flies in our tent! When it was time to leave, we realised the car had broken down and had to walk a fair way in the hot sun to find help. I love the memories that drawings that evoke, in a way that photos can't. I even convinced Kyle to do some little collaboration drawings with me!

I really enjoyed experimenting with different materials, though you can see even then my classic pen/watercolour style shining through.

My mother, sister and I went on a lovely bonding trip to Bali in 2013. I’m really pleased with a couple of these sketches - especially the landscape ones.

I practised drawing fanatically that year, which is why I think I improved so quickly. The life drawing classes at Uni helped enormously too.

I really took my sketchbook everywhere back then. These drawings were done whilst housesitting in Unley. I love the little continuous line people!

Well that’s the little sneak peak! Paid subscribers can download the full sketchbook with annotations to read at their leisure below.

With love and a dose of whimsy,

Zinia King