Freehand Acrylic Leftovers | Sketchbook Diary | Holistic Art Process

Using up paint in my palette this week in my sketchbook.

I wanted to create a quick wet-on-wet acrylic entry using leftover paint.

I decided to do something easy and chose a little bird sitting amongst some pink blossoms.

The process of working wet on wet has advantages and disadvantages. I love the freedom and sense of urgency that painting quickly offers. This is quite different to how I often approach larger pieces, often using a small paintbrush and working in many layers, allowing each to dry before attempting the next. Painting wet on wet offers less control and more merging of layers sometimes creating transparency as one layer removes the last.

I painted a blue background—the sky blue had kind of taken over my palette. First, I laid down some pink and white splodges to resemble blossoms and little green highlights to represent their leaves.

Then, I laid down the basic shape of a bluebird, working in layers of feathers and shading wet on wet until I was satisfied. I added pretty details and finishing touches, which brought this little bird to life.

Something beautiful was created quickly without over thinking, from the leftovers of another creative project.

What can you create this week from something you already have easily available ? Let me know. Send me a DM on Instagram @samhortonstudio or email me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you.

Take care,

Sam x

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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Paints: Matisse Flow Acrylics

Surface: Moleskin Watercolour Sketchbook

More original art & holistic art mentoring - https://www.samhortonstudio.com

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