Online Anytime: Sketchbook Challenges
Fill your sketchbook with exciting ideas inspired by the ZMA permanent collection and with sketchbook prompts from local Zanesville artists.
New sketchbook challenges will be added each Friday.
Friday, April 2, 2021
Topic: Cliffs of Singing Pine Trees by Jianmin Dou
This beautiful landscape has a musical title. What do sounds “look” like? Try listening to your favorite song and sketch what you think that song would look like.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, March 26, 2021
Topic: Monkeys at Play by David Teniers the Younger
Artist David Teniers the Younger painted many singeries like this one where monkeys playfully symbolized the foolish aspect of human nature. What animal would best symbolize your personality? Sketch an animal that symbolizes you.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, March 19, 2021
Topic: Upland Meadow by Howard Chandler Christy
Is this meadow a special place to Muskingum county artist Howard Chandler Christy? Or did he just find it beautiful? Sketch a landscape that is meaningful to you.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, March 12, 2021
Topic: Rozane Royal (Light) Vase with an Owl Perched on a Limb
Impressive collections of American Art Pottery like that of Mark and Kim Moyer help preserve the pottery legacy of Ohio and are often passed down for generations. Sketch a family heirloom that is important to you.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, March 5, 2021
Topic: Seated Buddha on Lotus Thrown by Unknown Artist
A mudra is a ritual gesture or pose used in Hinduism and Buddhism. Generally hand poses, mudras represent a wide variety of spiritual states or events, for example this stunning sculpture shows Buddha presenting the Dhyana meditation mudra. Look up and sketch a mudra that is meaningful to you.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, February 24, 2021
Topic: George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham by Peter Paul Rubens
The historical figure pictured here is George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham. Although a real person, he makes an appearance in Alexander Dumas’ fictional work, The Three Musketeers. The Musketeers’ famous motto All for One and One for All celebrates loyalty through tough times. Sketch something that represents loyalty.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, February 19, 2020
Topic: Green Experimental Vase by the Roseville Pottery Company
This vase from Roseville’s Earlam line is an example of an experimental, or prototype for a new design. This lovely flower motif, applied by hand, never went into production, making this piece one-of-a-kind.
Try experimenting with different materials than you usually use in your sketchbook.
Need some ideas? Check out our Material Exploration videos!
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, February 12, 2021
Zulu Love Letter Necklaces
Historically Zulu love letters were used as a language communicating feelings, relationship status, or expectations. Each color of bead symbolized different meanings. What symbolizes love to you? A heart? Clasped hands? Sketch your own symbolic celebration of love.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, February 5, 2021
Dickensware II Vase with Tavern Scene, Weller Pottery Company
The Weller Pottery Dickensware lines were greatly influenced by the original illustrations in Charles Dickens Novels. Do you have a favorite book? Sketch your own cover design for your favorite book.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, January 29, 2021:
The Countess of Cork by John Hoppner
Mary Boyle, Countess of Cork, was an extremely influential and esteemed member of London society in the 18th century. A member of the bluestocking club, she was an intellectual woman whose gatherings were attended by some of the literary masters of the time like Lord Byron. Sketch an inspiring female role model in your life.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, January 22, 2021
Winter Landscape by Daniel Van Heil
How many different winter activities can you spot in this Flemish Baroque landscape? Sketch your favorite winter activity.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, January 15, 2021
‘What Matters’: Documenting the Fight for Racial Equality in Zanesville
This documentary by local filmmaker Doug Swift follows the Black Lives Matter movement in Zanesville, Ohio. Sketch “What Matters” to you.
Want to learn more? Join us and our partners at Reel Meal on Zoom Saturday, January 16, 2021 to view and discuss this powerful film. Register today.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, January 8, 2020
Utopian Pillow Vase with a Man Drinking by Owens Pottery
What do you think this man, beautifully hand-painted on this Owens Pottery vase, is drinking? Sketch your favorite drink.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, December 18, 2020:
An example from Roseville Pottery Company’s Crocus line, an early period line. The design is attributed to Frederick Hurten Rhead.
This unique piece of art was rediscovered while the ZMA staff was performing a site-wide inventory of the permanent collection. Try cleaning out a closet or drawer and sketch a rediscovered treasure.
Learn more about the ZMA’s site-wide inventory HERE.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, December 11, 2020
Woman in Antique Costume Holding Hawk by Alfred Francois Gues
This beautiful painting features a young woman holding a hawk. Hawking was a popular sport in Medieval times in which the bird of prey was used to hunt small game. Sketch yourself with your favorite animal.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, December 4, 2020
75th Ohio Annual Exhibition Best in Show Award Winner: Blast Over by Frank Oriti
Each year, this show celebrates the talents of Ohio artists. Sketch your favorite thing about Ohio.
View the virtual 75th Ohio Annual Exhibition
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, November 20, 2020
Greek Male Torso by Unknown Artist
Ancient Greek sculpture is renowned for skillful depictions of the human form. Try your hand at figure drawing in your sketchbook.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, November 13, 2020
Two Maids by John Opie
What do you think the relationship between these two girls are? Sisters? Best Friends? Whatever it is, they are close. Draw a sketch of yourself with someone important to you.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Friday, November 6, 2020
Madam Alexander First Lady Series I: Martha Washington
This beautiful doll is one of 36 of the First Lady Series that was part of Shirley Gorsuch’s collection of over 600 dolls, now a part of the ZMA’s permanent collection. Sketch your favorite doll or action figure.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
October 30, 2020
Buttoning Down for Winter by Paul Patton
Paul Patton immortalized his childhood memories of the harvest season in his hometown of Rix Mills in this colorful acrylic painting. Sketch your favorite autumn memories.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
October 23, 2020:
Dickensware I Vase with an Image of a Witch Riding Broom
This rare piece of Weller Pottery from the collection of Mark and Marie Latta features classic Halloween motifs. Sketch your own spooky creatures or favorite Halloween inspired imagery.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Would you like to know more about this work? See the Minute with a Masterpiece.
October 16, 2020
Sicardo Vase with In-Mold Flowers by Weller Pottery Company
This beautiful vase is part of the special ZMA exhibition Rare Finds | The Latta Collection. American Art Pottery enthusiasts Mark and Marie Latta have spent decades collecting rare and unique pieces for their collection. Sketch something rare or unique that is important to you.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
October 9, 2020
The Levée, A Rakes Progress, Plate 2 by William Hogarth
Hogarth told amazing stories of 18th-century London though his artwork. What story do you want to tell? Create a sketch that tells your story.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
Would you like to know more about this work? See the Minute with a Masterpiece.
October, 2, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge
The Heir, A Rake’s Progress by William Hogarth
Hogarth created depth in his intricate prints using crosshatching. Try sketching an object using crosshatching to create the illusion of shadows.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
September, 25, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge
Indian Encampment, Yosemite Valley by Thomas Hill
Hudson River School painters like Thomas Hill celebrated the awe of the natural landscape. Sketch an outdoor scene that you find breathtaking.
Would you like to learn more about this work? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
September 18, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge
Standard Glaze Tray decorated with Cat and Mouse, Rookwood Pottery Company, decorated by Harriet Wilcox
We all love our pets, whether they make themselves useful like the cat featured on this beautifully hand-painted tray, or just keep us company. Sketch your pet or favorite animal.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
September 11, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge
The Concert by Cornelis Troost
Musical instruments create beautiful sounds, but often are beautiful objects themselves. Try sketching your favorite musical instrument.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
September 4, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge with education coordinator Misty Johnson.
Meditation by Karl Kappes
This moody portrait by Zanesville native Karl Kappes was the very first piece of art in the ZMA’s collection. What do you collect? Sketch your favorite piece of your collection.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
August 28, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge with collection coordinator Kathryne Applegate.
Cobalt and Salt Glazed Stoneware Jug by E. Hall
The creator of this stoneware jug used a lot of different detailing including letter, numbers, shapes, and molded patterning around the top and base. Find and sketch an object with an exciting pattern or design!
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
August 21, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge with education coordinator Misty Johnson.
Battle of Mill Spring, KY., Jan 19th, 1862 by Currier and Ives
This lithograph print shows an important battle in the Civil War, and the artist has made use of contrast to emphasize the differences between the Union and Confederate soldiers on opposite sides of the battlefield. Contrast can be created by placing opposites side by side. Try finding two objects with opposite colors, textures, or other elements. Sketch them side by side to create contrast in your sketchbook. For example, sketch a rough pine cone next to a smooth stone.
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
August 14, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge with collection coordinator Kathryne Applegate.
Approaching Storm: Corn Shocks by Karl Kappes
This painting shows a storm rolling in over a harvested corn field. Many people enjoy the moment right before it rains. Sketch a scene showing your favorite (or least favorite) weather!
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
August 7, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge with education coordinator Misty Johnson.
This sketch uses complementary colors to create emphasis. Find two objects that are opposite colors on the color wheel and sketch them side by side with your favorite colorful drawing material.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
July 31, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge with collection coordinator Kathryne Applegate.
Winter in Central Park by George Luks
This painting shows a snow-covered fountain in Central Park, New York. Do you have a favorite park? Sketch your favorite park or outdoor space!
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
July 24, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge with local artist Linda Graham of The Art Loft:
Enjoy a fun sketchbook project using shapes.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
July 17, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge with collection coordinator Kathryne Applegate:
Landscape by Lucy S. Fauley.
This painting shows a forest using dreamy colors. What do you think is found in this forest? Sketch a picture of what you’d like to find walking through this forest!
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
July 10, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge with local artist Susan Nash of The Art Loft:
See how local artist Susan uses color to get started in her sketchbooks and journals and try it in yours!
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart
July 3, 2020: Sketchbook Challenge with collection coordinator Kathryne Applegate:
Men of Clay (Jacques Sicard and Henri Gellie) by Mary Anne Tipple
This quilt is a portrait of two artists who worked in the pottery industry here in Zanesville. Did you know that Zanesville was/is the pottery capital of the world? Sketch your own pottery creation!
Want to learn more? Enjoy the Minute with a Masterpiece on this work.
Share your sketches on social media #myZMAart