My Artist's Journal: Sketches, Watercolors, and Creative Experiments
A look inside my sketchbook where I experiment, heal, and paint for the pure joy of it.
This acrylic landscape painting of a campsite took me 5 hours to complete. I procrastinated on it for months, but I trusted the process and couldn't be happier with how it turned out.
My first attempt at a watercolor cityscape. I was nervous to try such a complex subject, but I learned so much and felt more confident to approach it again in the future.
Painting my vacation memories is one of my favorite things to do. Here are a few ink and watercolor sketches from my trips to Mangalore and Goa.
Playing with colored lighting in this expressive portrait study. I love the vibrant pink and purple hues and the loose, free brushstrokes. This was a really fun one.
My first time painting a lavender field. I absolutely love how the purple and orange sunset sky turned out. Sometimes you just have to paint something that makes your heart dance.
Sometimes a big sheet of watercolor paper just screams "paint on me". I created this purple rose pattern just for fun, and it felt so healing and magical.
Looking at my old watercolor floral paintings feels like coming home. They remind me of a time when painting was a huge source of comfort for me.
Some loose floral goodness for you. I love the spontaneous and fresh feel of watercolor florals, especially the way the colors bleed into each other.
A full view of my watercolor floral painting. Using 100% cotton paper really helps with controlling the water and getting vibrant colors.
Another angle of these pretty florals. The little splatters add a bit of energy and playfulness to the piece.
About My Artist's Journal
These pages aren’t about finding a perfect finish. They are about the messy, honest process of painting for the pure joy of it. From urban sketches captured during my travels in Goa to watercolor florals that help me unwind after a long day, this is my creative therapy.
I started this journal as a way to battle my own imposter syndrome. It’s where I experiment with mediums, like that time I finally gathered the courage to paint a complex cityscape, or when I just let the watercolors bleed into each other for loose floral patterns. You will see pieces inspired by my love for Taylor Swift, my trips to Mangalore, and just random moments where the light hit the canvas right.
I treat this space like a personal sanctuary. When I am not teaching workshops or working on client commissions, I am usually here, playing with colored lighting in portraits or trying to capture the energy of a landscape. I don't believe in rigid structures or technical perfection. I believe in capturing a vibe, a memory, or a feeling on canvas. Whether it is an acrylic portrait or a quick ink sketch, I pour the same heart into my commissioned work as I do into these personal experiments. If you like this loose, expressive style, I bring that same authentic energy to every piece I create for my clients.
Rattan
I’m Rattan, a self-taught artist in Bangalore. I don't just paint for the sake of it, I paint to process the world around me. This journal is my heart on paper, and I would love to help you turn your own memories into something equally personal.
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