The start of summer is when we invite TRAVELER’S notebook fans to enjoy TRAVEL & SKETCH, an opportunity to document your surroundings through doodles, watercolor, or a simple sketch in your notebook. Whether you have plans to visit a new destination this summer or just go on a short excursion in your neighborhood during the weekend, there is no lack of memorable moments for you to keep a record of. The TRC USA Limited TRAVEL & SKETCH SPIRAL RING NOTEBOOK is just the right blank canvas, with endless possibilities. Although some might find starting a sketchbook a little intimidating, we encourage you to start today, simply by capturing everyday moments around you.
In today’s TRC USA Staff’s Diaries, we share four easy prompts to help you break the paralysis of a blank notebook and enjoy creating art. From a walk in the park to a cozy cafe, let’s go on a short trip with our SPIRAL RING NOTEBOOK!
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4 ideas to enjoy TRAVEL & SKETCH with SPIRAL RING NOTEBOOK
Noticing and creating patterns from nature
An easy way to break into a brand-new sketchbook, or start a new page, is to create colorful patterns with your favorite drawing medium. Choose your favorite colors and start making lines across the page, doodle repetitive shapes, and make marks such as dots or dabs with your paintbrush.
In this example, TRC USA staff used watercolor via the TRC USA x Art Toolkit Pocket Palette to draw concentric ring patterns inspired by the circular shapes of tree rings he sees on his daily morning walk.
The drawing starts with a lighter color and slowly blends from yellow to blue. Not only is this page a meditative exercise, but it also includes the fun process of mixing watercolor. We recommend looking around you at nature, whether it is the pattern of a tree leaf or the shape of a cloud, these are all great inspirations to help you make fun patterns on your page.
Stopping to smell and draw the flowers
As spring advances into summer, we see all kinds of flowers and vegetation burst into bloom. Cheerful hydrangea, summer roses, and California wildflowers are blooming throughout June. Take a photo on your walk and or paint the flowers from memory in the comfort of a café or your home.
Try using a paintbrush to capture the silhouette of your favorite flowers this season. First, create a vibrant background through a bold wash of color. Don’t worry about drawing the shape of the flower accurately, nor capturing the depth and dimension to a tee. You have full permission to use large strokes and gestures to capture the lively angles of these beautiful plants.
Visit your favorite establishment in town
As we shared before, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy TRAVEL & SKETCH. A quick outing to your favorite place in your neighborhood is just as fun as an extended trip. Enjoy your favorite outdoor seat at a café, relax at a picnic table of a craft beer hall, or dine alfresco in the long summer days.

In this example, our staff visited Anna’s Joint, a neighborhood pub in Long Beach with a colorful green checkered interior to stimulate your senses. After enjoying a delicious pastrami sandwich with a side of Brussels sprouts, he quickly captured the hearty meal on his TRAVEL & SKETCH SPIRAL RING NOTEBOOK with watercolor.
When capturing such outings, you can start by drawing the food in front of you. Other fun elements you can document are interesting logos, and interior decoration, or simply write down your thoughts about the establishment next to your drawings.
Draw your café journaling adventures
Perhaps you are a coffee lover or enjoy café hopping in your city; why not use the SPIRAL RING NOTEBOOK as a creative archive of your favorite coffee shops? Don’t forget to save a business card or tear out the logo from the coffee sleeve. You can create small collages that capture the ambiance and characteristics of the café you visited.
Of course, don’t forget to add a small doodle of your drink of choice. Perhaps you can comment on the taste of the coffee roast or write down fun anecdotes you “overheard” from other café patrons.
Instead of using the same pen to write down your café journaling adventures, don’t be afraid to experiment and use paint brushes to make colorful headings and titles.
Capture everyday moments through TRAVEL & SKETCH
Just like that, capturing everyday moments through a SPIRAL RING NOTEBOOK or a TRAVELER’S notebook can be a fun and fulfilling experience. When you flip through your sketchbook or notebook in the future, you will surely reminisce on the fond memories of the moment. This summer, enjoy TRAVEL & SKETCH to the fullest!
Have a nice trip!