Fast & Loose Acrylic Flowers | Sketchbook Diary

Don’t overthink it…

But what will I paint? What materials will I use? When will I make it? What if it's rubbish? What if I don’t like it? What if I’m wasting my time?

I can tell you you're not, it’ll be ok, don’t worry, just start.

This week, I turned up to my sketchbook, feeling a little off balance and worse for wear. My daughter, Miss 12, has been off school for a full week with a high temp and fever… very unusual and has no obvious reason. It’s like being on school holidays again, very disruptive to the daily/weekly routine, and of course, she requires attention and looking after..!!!!!

So, this week, I knew that showing up was the best thing that I could do. I looked around for what felt easy and available. I used some acrylics that were starting to dry up in my stay-wet palette (they’ve been in there for a couple of weeks) and just started.

First, I laid down an abstract background, I used some bubble wrap and paint splatters to liven things up, and then I used these marks on the page to create flowers. I worked fast and kept layering up the paint wet on wet. It felt like a chaotic, feverish exercise.

I kept adding layers until I felt satisfied. Once I’d finished, I realised that this little page created with raw energy, no planning or pre-mediation, had left me feeling pleased that I had shown up under imperfect circumstances and made something. I quite like these quirky, loose flowers, their imperfect centres like little eyes witnessing my creative commitment. I feel seen!

Take care, Sam x

Paints: Holbein Acryla Gouache
Paper: Moleskin Watercolour Sketchbook

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.

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