--- title: "My Art Journey: Process, Techniques & Sketches by Basit" description: "Explore my creative journey, from overcoming art blocks to watercolor and gouache techniques. Learn the process behind my live sketches and landscape art." canonical: https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/live-art-event-sketching/the-artist-s-journey-process-tips-travels last_updated: 2025-09-02 --- # My Art Journey: Process, Techniques & Stories Tribe Verified · Bengaluru artist, painting live across India. By [Basit](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in) · Available in Bengaluru and travels across India · ₹2,500 Per Hour (estimate) Part of [Live Art & Event Sketching](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/live-art-event-sketching). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/live-art-event-sketching/gallery) 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. ## Photos and videos - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a090985e-f9c4-4b8d-b4d1-0991ac83eda1) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b5d88533-638d-4dcc-8da7-8e064649130f) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/722d3a19-339e-4520-8c30-b1a5da23371e) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e1b9a56f-b467-42ce-b966-76c26624e799) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/31094d3f-c5b8-462c-9d06-2097a0bfbc60) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7c4eba5c-ee14-43c1-a18b-cd4f97b10788) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c85d4861-f266-4cec-9cc6-2cc6d8296d3c) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0ee96897-ced8-4ccd-a6f8-6b9169fdb6a4) - ![Layering gouache takes practice. Unlike watercolors, you need to let each layer dry completely before building on it to avoid a muddy mess.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7a2c1342-292c-4aaf-b612-b4a050e8df4b) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a792f9a2-987f-445c-a567-20ad909187e7) - [Video: This little folding palette has changed how I experience art in nature. This video shows me testing out my compact travel setup by a river in my hometown, making it easy to paint anywhere.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6b3e0f5f-57da-4a57-8f1d-b967035489f8) - [Video: Another look at my compact travel palette in action. It's so satisfying to have a full range of colors in such a small, portable kit, perfect for plein air sketching.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fbefd621-500f-4a47-ab34-7a511040d1de) - [Video: Look what I found. My childhood watercolor set from Camel. This was the OG set that fueled my artistic journey, and it's amazing that it's still kicking. So much nostalgia in this little blue box.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ed6bb77a-b295-4c08-9bab-fea69a2ff9aa) - [Video: I made a choice to stay busy with what I love, so there's no time for sadness. To me, painting and sketching is the best therapy, a way to heal and find peace in the creative process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9a0657de-770a-4161-844c-4b1577898342) - [Video: You seem happier lately, who healed you? Art. Art. Art. This video is a small tribute to how creativity has been my source of healing and happiness.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f4587ad8-5a1c-4c89-8fb5-979c676f2586) - [Video: What makes you happy? For me, the answer is simple: art. This video is a montage of moments that bring me joy, from painting in my studio to browsing art supplies.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/358c2850-a774-4773-aed0-b6572fd968ee) - [Video: As I step into 2025, I'm promising myself to be bolder and create from a place of courage. This video is a reflection on my journey and my excitement for the new chapter of creativity ahead.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f9e4387f-6567-436c-9810-60b0c49cd950) - [Video: POV: You're an artist. A glimpse into my world of colors, where I find inspiration in everything from sunflowers to my travels, and share it through my art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a0bb468e-d3b4-47d4-801e-c5f66f91f600) - [Video: He is offline, where is he? Meanwhile, I'm living my best life, traveling, painting, and sketching my way through the wait. Art is the best therapy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/46024a5f-6602-4e99-8cf2-72e04920f401) - [Video: What do you think about when you paint? Do you get lost in the colors or plan every stroke? This video poses a question to my fellow artists about their creative process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cf437fa1-6eb1-4dac-b010-e6dfb9b9aafc) - [Video: Come, let's paint. A peaceful day of painting outside at Cubbon Park, capturing multiple small scenes in my sketchbook.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a67e1912-25f0-44d9-8a23-03ee31911ea7) - [Video: A quick 10 minute sketch at Cubbon Park reminded me of the beauty of imperfection. Art is a journey, not a destination, and sometimes the flaws make it special.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/282c48c8-8cd7-42a3-8eed-9100718979ff) - [Video: Artists, describe your most recent artwork with 3 emojis. This video is a fun way to connect with the art community and share our latest creations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2d418d2c-d658-462b-985b-246b54512e76) - [Video: Let's give underrated artists some love. This video is a call to mention and appreciate talented artists who deserve more recognition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d3a31490-101c-49ac-a41b-8c557b8dc74e) - [Video: Ghibli Week. I had a blast creating this Ghibli-inspired landscape using gouache and acrylic markers, channeling the magical and whimsical essence of their films.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/525908f1-91a8-40ae-9c2f-d6865468995e) - [Video: Last night was unforgettable. I created this watercolor sunflower still life during a live session, sharing stories and tips with an amazing community of art lovers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8324f849-f09e-4aa0-99cf-5308972f452e) ## 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. ## About Basit I’m Basit, a self-taught artist who finds magic in the quiet chaos of sketching. I traded fancy art school for YouTube tutorials and real-world experience, capturing life as it happens—whether it's a sunset in Kerala or a busy cafe in Bengaluru. [See all of Basit's services](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in) ## More from Live Art & Event Sketching by Basit - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/live-art-event-sketching/featured) - [Live Portraits: Capturing Faces & Feelings](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/live-art-event-sketching/live-portraits-capturing-faces-feelings) - [On-Location Landscapes: Beaches, Parks & Nature](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/live-art-event-sketching/on-location-landscapes-beaches-parks-nature) - [Urban Sketching: The Soul of the City](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/live-art-event-sketching/urban-sketching-the-soul-of-the-city) - [Food & Cafe Stories](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/live-art-event-sketching/food-cafe-stories) - [Events & Community: Sketching Together](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/live-art-event-sketching/events-community-sketching-together) ## More services by Basit - [Watercolor Workshops](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/watercolor-workshops) - [Art Prints & Custom Commissions](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions) ## Similar work from other experts - [Behind the Brush: How My Paintings Come to Life](https://mytribe.in/megvinart/original-fine-art-paintings/behind-the-brush-my-creative-process) by Megha Vinod · Original Fine Art Paintings · Ships across India & Bengaluru - [The Artist's Journey: Behind My Watercolor Process](https://mytribe.in/artsymanifestor/custom-artwork-handmade-crafts/the-artist-s-journey) by Pavna · Custom Artwork & Handmade Crafts · Ships across India - [Behind the Brush: My Creative Art Journey](https://mytribe.in/artistic_galleria/art-classes/behind-the-brush-my-art-journey) by Prerna · Art Classes · Online classes and in-person workshops across NCR - [Art Tutorials and Beginner Painting Inspiration](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/painting-parties-workshops/from-my-sketchbook-tutorials-inspiration) by Rattan · Painting Parties & Workshops · Available online & in-person across Bengaluru, Mumbai, NCR & Chandigarh - [My Art Journey and Creative Inspiration](https://mytribe.in/artsy_pleasing/art-workshops/my-art-journey-inspiration) by Vaishnavi Patel · Art Workshops · Workshops available online and in-person in Bengaluru - [From Blank Page to Masterpiece: My Creative Process](https://mytribe.in/shnkyart/custom-artwork/from-blank-page-to-masterpiece) by Shashank Shukla · Custom Artwork · Ships across India ## Book To book Basit, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hey%20Basit%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20art%20journey%20page%20and%20really%20loved%20your%20work.%20I'd%20like%20to%20discuss%20a%20custom%20sketch%20or%20a%20booking%20for%20an%20upcoming%20event.)