PHIL Hobbs says that a sketchbook could be considered one of the most important pieces of equipment in the artist’s toolbox. The method by which for centuries artists have collected and transported their observations and ideas.

A pocket sized sketchbook has been Phil's constant companion throughout a lifetime of sketching, painting and teaching, an aide memoire, so to speak, providing the basis for many of his studio paintings and in his words, "the nearest thing to time travel that I am ever likely to come."

Published by Sable Point Press, Phil's simply titled A Sketchbook contains 58 colour and black and white illustrations within its

104 pages, so you can more or less look over his shoulder, as he sets down his first thoughts on a variety of subject matter both in the UK and overseas, inviting the viewer to take a glimpse at the world through his eyes.

Apart from a short essay on sketching and watercolour there are no other words. The illustrations stand alone, just the ideas of a professional artist engaging with his subject.

Phil's bijou book illustrates the initial thoughts that have laid the foundations for his exquisite watercolour paintings on a myriad of subjects, in the UK, the Lake District and Italy.

It is also a nifty little teaching aid helping budding creators see right to the heart of each subject: "On many occasions when conducting watercolour workshops, I've found that students seem to enjoy leafing through the sketchbooks that I generally have with me and they seem to learn more of what they wish to learn, at whatever level, more perhaps than they do from being presented with exercises that may not always be relevant to their abilities. Publishing them should also prevent the original sketchbooks becoming too dog eared."

From an art collector’s point of view, having the sketches to view alongside original finished paintings will hopefully add another layer of appreciation for the work of the revered Troutbeck Bridge-based artist, a past president of the Lake Artists Society and Lakeland's own highly prized Canaletto, arguably best known for his vibrant vistas of Venice.

Phil - who has participated in scores of national exhibitions and held a number of solo shows in the UK, USA and Europe - hopes his tiny tome will be the first of several sketchbooks that offer a comprehensive overview of his preparatory work.

ISBN 978-1-9997000-1-0.