Art Tutorials and Beginner Painting Inspiration
Getting started is often the hardest part. I share my personal sketchbook practice, painting tutorials, and tips for working through creative blocks right here. Letās make art.
Why should you paint master copies? It's an incredible way to improve your observation and problem-solving skills. Here's my attempt at a Van Gogh landscape.
A quick mixed-media tutorial on how to paint sunflowers using watercolors and colored pencils. I break down the process step-by-step for you.
POV: Scrap inspires your creativity. I love using leftover paper and materials to create spontaneous collage art. It's the best way to get out of an art block.
A little reminder for you and for me: Just make things. Don't let anything stop you from creating. Keep the artist in you alive. š
I found these paint swatches in my scrap collection and instantly saw a landscape. This paper-cut collage was so fun and playful to create.
Another look at the abstract landscape collage. The torn edges of the handmade paper add such a beautiful texture.
The full set of my scrap paper collages. It's amazing what you can create from things others might consider waste.
A close-up of the details. I love how the different shades of red and orange paper create a sense of depth in the mountains.
About From My Sketchbook: Tutorials & Inspiration
I am a bit of a hoarder when it comes to scrap paper and random bits of cloth, but that is exactly where my best ideas come from. When you are stuck in a creative rut, you do not need expensive supplies to break through. You just need to look at the 'trash' on your desk differently. I use these bits to build layered landscapes or texture-heavy collages, and it is the quickest way to get over that 'what if I ruin it' anxiety.
Finding Your Flow
A lot of people ask me how I keep painting even when I am feeling burnt out. The truth is that I do not always feel like an artist. I have days where the imposter syndrome hits hard, and the last thing I want to do is pick up a brush. That is why I started keeping this digital sketchbook. It is not just about showing the pretty finished pieces. It is about sharing the messy, non-perfect process that gets us there.
Why I Love 'Master Copies'
One of the best ways I have found to learn is by doing master copies. It is not about mindlessly copying someone elseās style. It is about taking a Van Gogh landscape or a simple flower study, looking at it, and figuring out your own steps to replicate it. It forces your brain to solve problems. How do you mix that exact shade of green? How do you create depth in the mountains without muddying your colors? It is a total game-changer for your observation skills.
Turning Scrap Into Art
If you have seen my studio, or my overflowing cupboards, you know I have a problem with 'kabaad' (junk). Old paint swatches, leftover paper, even interesting textured clothādo not throw them away. I love using these as starting points for paper-cut collages. It removes the pressure of starting on a blank white canvas, which can be super intimidating for beginners.
Letās Get Started
Whether you are here to learn how to paint sunflowers with watercolors or just need a gentle nudge to stop overthinking and start creating, you are in the right place. Art is for everyone, not just the talented few. So grab your supplies, put on some music, and let us just make things.
Rattan
I am Rattan, a self-taught artist based in Bangalore, and I spend most of my time trying to convince people that they do not need to be perfect to create art. If you have ever felt that pit in your stomach before starting a painting, I get itāI am usually feeling it too. Letās make art that feels real, messy, and totally yours.
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