Drawing with Koosje Koene in Amsterdam

Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a drawing session and book signing event organized by Koosje Koene. Koosje is one of my favorite art instructors, whom I discovered through Sketchbook Skool. I brought her book, Life is Better When You Draw (It), all the way from the U.S., excited to have it signed.

We began with a drawing session held outside the American Book Center (which, by the way, is an amazing bookstore), located at Spui Square. As we sat there, we sketched whatever caught our eye, immersing ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the city. It was a brief escape from reality, allowing one to become lost in the act of drawing (and forget about the summer heat for a moment).

Following the drawing session, we had the chance to talk about our art for a bit. It never ceases to amaze me how different artists perceive the same scenery differently.

Afterwards, we returned to the bookstore and Koosje signed copies of her book. The gathering attracted just a handful of people, creating a relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to chat with Koosje and gain insights into each other’s creative processes. For those of you residing in Europe, I highly recommend seeking out Koosje's retreats. She is a truly inspiring and approachable artist, as well as an encouraging guide for those interested in exploring their creative side.

Credit: Koosje Koene Illustrations