The Great GeXchange is a unique art project where an artist is given an Artgecko Sketchbook to create a piece of artwork inside, responding to a set prompt. Once they have finished, they pass the book along to a fellow artist of their choice. The cycle then repeats until the book is full and is returned back to Artgecko HQ. Think chain mail but with a sketchbook!
About The Sketchbook
For this version of The Great GeXchange, our prompt was "Hobbies" and an A4 Shady Mixed Tones Sketchbook was the sketchbook of choice for this version of the project. The Shady Gecko Mixed Tones Sketchbook is a fantastic choice for artists of all levels, including beginners looking for their first quality sketchbook or even seasoned professionals who appreciate the versatility of mixed media.
The Shady Gecko Mixed Tones Sketchbook combines four different toned paper types into one book: Ash Grey, Desert Sand, Jet Black, and Storm Grey, with 10 pages of each shade. The papers are 200gsm and have a delightful soft medium surface that withstands many media types, from dry media like chalk and charcoal to wet media like ink and even light layers of paint. This makes it perfect for those who enjoy working with a variety of materials, including watercolor, markers, and even light acrylics.
This book comes as an A4 Portrait book which is spot on for general sketching but also fits nicely into a backpack for travel sketching purposes. Here are a few creative ways to use this sketchbook over the course of a year:
- Seasonal Sketching: Break up each section into the seasons and capture the world around you as the seasons change.
- Media Specific: Dedicate a specific media to each part of the book, for example, watercolours for the Ash Grey section and inks for the Desert Sand section.
If the four shades seem overwhelming, consider the Stocky Gecko Mixed Paper Sketchbook. This book includes 20 sheets of 150gsm premium white cartridge paper and 20 sheets of 200gsm jet black card, offering two paper types in one book. Ideal for those who enjoy sketching with markers or prefer working on a single paper type.
For those who prefer the Shady paper types but want a single colour, the Shady Gecko range offers individual sketchbooks in Ash Grey, Desert Sand, and Jet Black. These are perfect for artists who love to specialise their work.
Other excellent options include:
- A3 Sketchbooks: Ideal for larger works and expansive sketches.
- Watercolour Sketchbooks: Specifically designed to handle the wetness and layers of watercolor paint.
- Faux Leather Sketchbooks: Offering a luxurious feel and aesthetic, perfect for a personalized touch.
- Spiral Bound Sketchbooks: Allowing for easy page removal and a flat working surface.
- Travel Sketchbooks: Compact and lightweight, designed for artists on the go.
- Sketchbooks with Thick Paper: Ideal for heavy applications and mixed media.
- Sketchbooks for Markers: Featuring bleed-proof paper to handle ink saturation.
- Square Sketchbooks: Providing a unique format for creative compositions.
- Sketchbooks with Black Paper: Perfect for high-contrast artwork with metallic or white media.
- Hardcover Sketchbooks: Offering durability and protection for your artwork.
- Eco-friendly Sketchbooks: Made from recycled materials, for environmentally conscious artists.
- Pocket Sketchbooks: Perfect for quick sketches and ideas on the go.
The Journey Begins
Before we sent the book on its journey, we sent out an Instagram Story asking our followers to respond if they wanted to get involved. The first responder was Courtney Knowles, a Leeds-based tattoo artist and illustrator known as @deathandbloomuk. Courtney created her page and then sent the book onwards! The artists involved in this project are listed below in the order they received the book. Note that the beauty of the Shady Gecko Mixed Tones Sketchbook is that each artist could choose which colour of paper to sketch on, making the order of the artists in the book different from the order they received and created their work inside.
Have a look at the final map here!
Artists Involved -
Courtney Knowles, Maria Stepura, Emily Barker, Anna Michaelides, Paul M Wilson
Danielle Fraser, Amy May, Carmel Murphy, Mel Fallon, Helen Jones
Kat Lewis, Chris Lambert, Bal Camp, Nick Hewetson, Ella Eve
Pamela Goodchild, Danni Berry, Ally, Daniela Di-Benedetto, Matt P, Ruth Ormsby-Ashworth
Want to see their artworks in the book? Find the full video reveal right here!
We want to extend a special thank you to every artist that was involved in the creation of this book. You have not only contributed to an fantastic project but you have all created incredible and unique works of art. We love seeing how you have interpreted the brief. This project was created to encourage and inspire artists, bringing everyone together into a community and we believe that with your help, this has and continues to happen.
Did you know that we did this project, for the first time in 2022? You can find more information about it here!
Join us in celebrating the creativity and collaboration of The Great GeXchange, where each page tells a unique story, and every artist adds their personal touch to this traveling canvas.