I started Sketches by Steve as a quiet passion. Today, I get to share people’s stories through portraiture, pets, places, and memories.

It’s been a surprising and fulfilling journey, one I never imagined would grow into what it is today. What began with sketching in the corners of notebooks or on scraps of paper has gradually evolved into something meaningful — not just for me, but for those who connect with my work.

In the early days, my drawings were simple. Scribbles, really. Scenes from nature, a flower I saw on a walk, or the outline of a bird in flight. I wasn’t chasing perfection. I just loved the feeling of pencil meeting paper — the stillness it brought, the way it helped me see the world more closely.

As time passed, friends and family started asking me to sketch for them — a loved one’s portrait, a favourite pet, a place that meant something special. I was nervous at first. Drawing for myself was one thing, but capturing someone else’s memory? That felt big. But the joy and emotion people felt when they saw the finished pieces encouraged me to keep going.

One sketch became two, and soon I found myself taking on commissions. Each one brought a new challenge, a new story, and a new chance to honour someone’s connection to a person, animal, or place. Whether it’s a loyal dog, a grandparent’s cottage, or a quiet moment captured from a photo, it’s always an honour to bring that to life on paper.

Sketches by Steve is still a quiet passion — but it’s now also a space for shared stories, heartfelt requests, and little snapshots of life. I’m grateful for every person who has trusted me with their memories and let me turn them into something lasting.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to see where the pencil leads next.

Stephen Nakra

There’s something peaceful about sketching in the garden.

Maybe it’s the quiet rustle of the leaves, the stillness of early morning, or the way sunlight catches the edge of a petal. For me, flowers aren’t just beautiful, they’re full of personality, just waiting to be noticed.

Each bloom tells its own quiet story. The boldness of a sunflower stretching towards the sky. The soft elegance of a rose as it slowly unfurls. The wild, untamed charm of daisies dancing in the breeze. When I sketch them, I try to capture more than just their shape — I try to capture their spirit.

Some mornings, I’ll sit with a cup of tea and let my eyes wander across the garden, waiting for a flower to speak to me. I sketch quickly sometimes, just to catch the light before it shifts. Other times, I take my time — layering detail, watching how the petals fold and curve. There’s no rush in the garden. That’s the beauty of it.

Sketching flowers has taught me to slow down and really look. To appreciate how fleeting their beauty can be, and how important it is to pause and take it in. These moments, pencil in hand, surrounded by colour and life, are some of my favourites.

Through Sketches by Steve, I’ve been able to share these floral moments with others, whether it’s a print, a custom piece, or just a page from my sketchbook. I hope when you see them, you feel a little of the same peace and wonder I do when I’m out there, sketching in the sun.

Stephen Nakra

Starting out with sketching can feel overwhelming, but it’s all about enjoying the process, not perfection. Here are a few things I wish I knew when I picked up my first pencil.

1. Don’t Worry About Being “Good”

Every artist begins somewhere. Your early sketches might feel messy or awkward — that’s completely normal. What matters most is that you keep going. Each line you draw teaches you something, even if it doesn’t turn out the way you hoped.

2. Use What You Have

You don’t need fancy materials to start sketching. A basic pencil and some paper are enough. As you build confidence, you can explore different tools, but for now, focus on getting comfortable and having fun.

3. Sketch from Life

Nature, objects around your home, even your own hand — drawing from real life helps you train your eye and notice details you’d normally miss. It’s a great way to improve your observation skills and understand shapes, light, and texture.

4. Practice Light and Shadow

Learning to shade can make your sketches more lifelike. Start simple: notice where the light hits an object and where the shadows fall. You’ll be amazed how a bit of shading brings depth to your drawings.

5. Keep a Sketchbook

Think of it as your creative journal. Fill it with doodles, half-finished ideas, or full sketches — whatever inspires you. It’s not about perfection; it’s about documenting your progress and giving yourself space to grow.

6. Be Patient with Yourself

Like anything worth learning, sketching takes time. Some days will feel frustrating, and that’s okay. Keep showing up, keep drawing, and you’ll be surprised at how far you come.

7. Celebrate the Small Wins

Finished a sketch you like? Captured a flower just right? Managed to draw a straight line? Celebrate it! These moments build confidence and remind you why you started.

Sketching is a journey, not a race. Whether you’re drawing in the early morning light or squeezing in five minutes before bed, each sketch adds to your growth. Keep exploring, keep enjoying, and most of all, keep creating.

Stephen Nakra – Sketches by Steve

From trusted sketching pencils to the paper that never lets me down — these are the tools I reach for every time I draw.

Over time, every artist builds a toolkit that feels just right. It’s not always about the most expensive materials — sometimes it’s that one well-worn pencil or a certain texture of paper that makes all the difference. Here’s a look at the supplies I rely on most when I sit down to sketch.

1. My Go-To Sketching Pencils

I’ve tried a lot over the years, but I always come back to a few favourites. For soft shading and expressive lines, I use a 2B or 4B pencil. When I want precision and fine detail, a good HB or even a mechanical pencil does the trick. I keep them sharpened and ready — there's something satisfying about the sound of graphite on paper.

2. Paper That Holds Up

Not all sketchbooks are created equal. I like medium to heavy-weight paper with just a bit of texture (tooth) so it grabs the graphite. My favourites don’t smudge easily and can handle a bit of erasing without tearing. I always keep a pocket-sized sketchbook for quick ideas and a larger pad for more detailed pieces.

3. Erasers That Work With Me, Not Against Me

A kneaded eraser is one of my essentials — it’s soft, moldable, and great for gently lifting out highlights or softening lines. I also keep a classic white eraser nearby for more precise corrections.

4. Fine Liners and Inking Pens

Sometimes, I like to ink over a finished sketch to add contrast or polish. I use archival ink fine liners in different sizes for this — they give me clean lines and don’t bleed through the page.

5. A Good Sharpener

Simple but vital. I prefer a manual sharpener with a container, so I can sketch outdoors without making a mess. A sharp point can really elevate the detail in your drawing.

6. Optional: A Touch of Colour

Though I mostly work in black and white, I sometimes add a soft wash with watercolour pencils or a light tint from pastels. Just enough to highlight a feature — like the blush of a flower or the glow of a sunset.

These tools have become part of my rhythm, each one with a role to play. If you’re starting your own kit, I always suggest trying different materials until you find what feels right. Art is personal, and so are the tools we use to bring it to life.

Thanks for taking a peek inside my pencil case!

Stephen Nakra – Sketches by Steve