My Art Journey: Process, Techniques & Stories
Behind the canvas: A look at my creative process, the sketches that didn't go as planned, and the lessons I've picked up while traveling from Kerala to Bengaluru.
Stuck in an art block? I was too. This series shares how I overcame it by stopping forcing it, switching mediums, and allowing myself to rest. Creativity always returns.
The first step to overcoming art block for me was to stop forcing it. Art is supposed to feel good, not stressful. I let myself breathe, and the ideas started flowing again.
I used to stare at blank pages, but then I just let myself doodle with no expectations. Messy lines and random shapes were the key to getting my creative flow back.
Hot pressed vs. cold pressed paper, what's the difference? This graphic shares my experience with both. I use cold pressed for soft textures and hot pressed for sharp details and vibrant colors.
The truth about gouache painting. It's a medium that can be tricky for beginners. In this series, I share some common struggles and how to overcome them.
Reason number one why beginners struggle with gouache: it isn't watercolor. Gouache is opaque and matte, while watercolor is translucent. Treating them the same strips away gouache's unique character.
Diluting gouache like watercolor often doesn't work. This post explains why and how to find the right water-to-pigment balance for smooth, vibrant results.
Too much water leads to messy results with gouache. It can become streaky, uneven, and difficult to layer, which is frustrating when you expect smooth colors.
Layering gouache takes practice. Unlike watercolors, you need to let each layer dry completely before building on it to avoid a muddy mess.
Blending with gouache is tricky because the bottom layers can lift if you rework an area too much, causing muddy colors and rough textures. Patience is key.
About The Artist's Journey: Process, Tips & Travels
Ever wonder why your colors look muddy or your lines bleed? I learned the hard way that the secret isn't just in the paint—it's in the paper. I use cold-pressed paper for those soft, dreamy watercolor landscapes because it holds the water, while I save my hot-pressed sheets for sharp ink details and gouache work. Switching to the right paper for the job can honestly fix half your frustration overnight.
Finding Flow in the Quiet Chaos
When I first started, I thought I had to paint perfectly every time. I’d stare at blank pages for hours. My biggest breakthrough? I stopped forcing it. Whether it's a sketchbook in Cubbon Park or a travel journal from Tanur, I let myself doodle without expectations. If you are stuck in an art block, put the timer on for five minutes and just scribble. It’s not about the result; it’s about the process.
Gouache vs. Watercolor: The Truth
People often ask me why their gouache paintings look streaky. The answer is usually water. Gouache is a cousin to watercolor, but they are not twins. If you treat gouache like watercolor by diluting it too much, you lose that beautiful, opaque matte finish. I’ve found that patience is the real tool here—letting the bottom layer dry completely before building on it is the only way to avoid the dreaded 'muddy' look.
My Travel Setup
I don't believe in heavy gear that keeps you from being spontaneous. My 'plein air' (outdoor) painting setup is simple: a compact folding palette and a small sketchbook. You don't need an expensive studio to create art. Painting the beaches of Kozhikode or the streets of Bengaluru taught me that the best art comes from being present.
Art as Therapy
People often ask me who healed me, and my answer is always the same: Art. It is my way of processing the world. When things get loud, sketching is how I find my quiet. Whether you are a beginner picking up a brush for the first time or a fellow artist, remember that your imperfections are what make your work yours. Let’s keep sketching.
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