Acryla Gouache Stencils | Holistic Sketchbook Diary

OMG. Sometimes, things just don’t go to plan. But I truly believe there are no creative failures, only creative experiments.

My sketchbook entry this week felt like a disaster. It was messy and fiddly, and I got tangled up in materials and gadgets more times than was comfortable. But guess what? It was still valuable time because it made me feel something. Learn something.

I decided to try creating a sketchbook page just using stencils. I kept going with the acryla gouache, which I’ve been dabbling with for a few weeks now… it didn’t really go to plan. But I persisted and layered on stencil shapes, creating a page of flowers.

I found this rigid stencil restriction frustrating and got myself into a bit of a mess. It made me feel impatient. This process was just too slow for my creative energy... and that is ok.

But I can see how, for some people, this may take the pressure of drawing and making shapes. With a much more intentionally delicate way of applying paint or even using markers or pencils, you could create a really lovely artwork using this technique. Is it right for you? You will never know if you don’t give it a go!

So, what did I learn? Natural rhythm is important. The way you respond under certain circumstances can help you tap into your inner wisdom. Allowing you to make adjustments when these feelings come up again. Realising it is just your personal flow and not necessarily a problem.

There is power in self-awareness... It might help you to make different choices when you feel the same sensations in a different situation. It might help you cut yourself some slack.

I believe this is why we find favourite materials, ways of working and ways to set ourselves up for success in our creative practices.

This way, we are maximising our experience and achieving creative flow quicker. That said, we will never expand if we do not continue to play and explore in our creative endeavours… 

 Take Care, Sam

Paints: Matisse Flow Acrylics
Paper: 25cm Thick Edge Wooden Artist Panels

Sam Horton is a professional artist, passionate about the links between art, creativity and well-being.

Learn more about Holistic art practices for well-being

Sam's Art Studio and Studio Shop are based in Australia on the Sunshine Coast.

Receive weekly updates and insights, direct from Sam, on connecting the art and creativity in your life with a greater sense of well-being via her weekly email newsletter

#studiovlog #sketchbook #sketchbookpainting #holbein #acrylagouache #artjourneys #creativejourney #creativemindset #creativevibes #creativetime #creativemood #creativeprocesses #loveartist #loveartshare #loveartlovelife #loveartlife #creativityandwellbeing⁠ #creativitymatters #creativityforlife #cultivatecreativity #creativityunleashed #holisticwellbeing #wellbeingtips #wellbeingmatters #artistblog #artistblogger #permission #permissiontocreate #permissiontoplay #permissiongranted