Resources for artists

Have you ever wondered why I collect herbs from my garden, use rainwater, prepare cacao before painting, lay out oracle cards, or celebrate the full moon? 
What do these rituals have to do with being an artist?

For me, they are tools that help me ground, become more present, and even see more clearly what I want to express through my art.

Preparing cacao with cinnamon and rose petals for a ceremony.	Smudging my studio with palo santo, London 2018.

A little about me

I always dreamed of being an artist. But like many creatives, I was told to choose something more "practical" and keep art as a hobby. So I studied Information Design and later earned a Master’s in Book Publishing. I started working, moved from Mexico to Barcelona, and for years, I forgot about my art. Office life left me drained, physically and emotionally.

Eventually, I became so disconnected that I fell into a deep depression, which even showed up in my body. I knew something had to change. I began crocheting, and having danced ballet for 15 years as a child, I reconnected with my body through yoga. In 2011, I completed my Yoga Teacher Training and realized how much joy I found in moving my body and working with my hands.

A few years later, while living in London, I worked as a brand manager for a yoga center. It was there that I first encountered ceremonial cacao through a beautiful practitioner I still share cups of cacao with now and then.

Plant medicine and my Mexican roots

I was born and raised in Mexico until I was 24, and that heritage is still alive and vibrant within me. When art returned to my life, it came back fiercely, and with it, a deep pull toward the earth, to my roots, to Mother Earth.

I began reading, studying, and asking questions about the traditions I came from. I used to believe there were no artists in my family, but I know there are medicine women. I remember my great-aunt planting seeds and healing others with herbs and prayers. My grandmother, who is now 95 and full of life, is the strongest woman I’ve ever known. I wanted to learn more from that strength, from that earth.

Making smudge sticks with chamomile and lavender from my garden.	Smudging 'La Casita', my garden studio with copal.

Cacao and creativity

For most Mexicans, plants like chamomile, cinnamon, or corn are everyday medicine. And while hot chocolate is a beloved comfort shared with family, we also learn from a young age that cacao is sacred. Its name means "food of the gods." The Maya used it in rituals, as currency, and as medicine.

Ceremonial cacao circles may be a modern concept, but a beautiful one. Cacao contains theobromine, which gently stimulates the heart and increases blood flow by 30–40%. It can uplift your mood, ground your energy, and boost serotonin levels. Many people feel lighter, more inspired, and open after drinking it. For me, it’s a creative ally.

Creating my own magic

In my search for the medicine woman within me, I also discovered practices like shamanic drumming, but that’s a story for another time. (If you follow me on social media, you’ll often see my drum nearby.)

Cacao, though, became a core part of my creative process. Even before I ever picked up a paintbrush, I would begin with long meditations. Over time, those meditations evolved. Now, cacao, drumming, and quiet ritual are essential to how I create. They make me feel connected and joyful, and when that happens, the creative flow just... flows.

Creative Summer Circle, London 2024.	Ceremonial Cacao and rose petals.

An invitation

I hope this post inspires you to find your own magic, to reconnect with whatever brings you closer to yourself and your roots. And if you ever find yourself in London, I would love to welcome you to one of my cacao & creativity circles.

I host a Solstice Ceremony that includes cacao, drumming, intention-setting, and painting. I also hold smaller circles twice a month, around the new and full moon. These gatherings are more informal, spaces to share joy, gifts, and creativity in sisterhood, you can find more information and book HERE.

You're always welcome. 

Find my art workshops and cacao circle offerings here!

The Story Behind My Garden Studio

For years, my art studio was just a spare room in our tiny London flat. It worked well enough, I even taught my first watercolor workshops there. But when the pandemic hit and my husband and I were both working from home, I knew I needed more space. I also dreamed of a garden, a place where I could be surrounded by plants while painting.

Photo taken in 2017 by Etsy for the article 'A Day in the Life of CreativeIngrid'

When we found our current home in Kensal Rise, I immediately fell in love with the little wooden shed in the garden. It wasn’t much—no heating, no lights—but I saw its potential. We gave it some love, and I named her La Casita (Spanish for "small house"). It became my cozy, sunlit sanctuary for painting and teaching.

Fast forward three years, and I was ready for something more permanent. I had spent enough time in La Casita to know exactly what I needed: more space, warmth for year-round use, and plenty of natural light. Construction started in January 2024, and within a week, La Casita 2.0 was standing—still charming but now bigger, better, and fully insulated (hello, underfloor heating!).

La Casita, December 2020	La Casita, August 2023

The new space fits up to 8 students, has large windows, glass doors, and even a few skylights for that all-important natural light. The walls are crisp white, the floors light wood, and my worktable? A DIY creation using kitchen cabinets for storage and a custom board on top. Everything is on wheels, so I can rearrange the space as needed.

La Casita 2.0 - Ready for the first creative workshop!

By April 2024, I was welcoming students into my new studio, and it's been a joy to see my garden bloom while I work. La Casita has evolved, but its heart remains the same, a space for creativity, connection, and a little bit of magic.

Curious to see it in action? Join me for a workshop and experience the magic of painting in my garden studio!

Waiting for my students	Watercolor Sunflower Workshop
Loose Florals & Masking Fluid	Cacao Circle & Moon Painting

In a year when social media felt overwhelming and AI seemed to be encroaching on so many creative spaces, I made a conscious decision: to lean even deeper into my humanity.

The reason I became an artist has always been simple: I love to use my hands. There’s nothing like the feel of paint on brushes, the textures, the satisfying mess of a studio in full creative swing. When someone suggested I get an iPad to paint and design faster, I hesitated. Sure, it seemed practical, a smart business move. But for me, it felt like a shortcut to something soul-crushing.

So, in mid-2024, I took a break. A real break. No social media. No sharing or filming. Just me, a variety of mediums, and my creativity. I gave myself permission to play.

Needing a fresh challenge, I traded my paper for silk and my watercolors for dyes. It was a shift, a completely different way of working, yet still my own voice. A voice that’s always been about following intuition and diving headfirst into color.

Working on my first silk-on-wood pieces.	Signing and preparing the first collection.

As I painted, I wrestled with a question that’s always been on my mind as an artist: how do we create something meaningful in a world already overflowing with things? Years ago, I found an old, discarded frame in the garbage. After a little love and restoration, it became one of my favorite pieces of decor. That memory sparked an idea: what if I reused vintage and forgotten frames to showcase my silk paintings?

What followed was months of exploration. Trials, errors, frustrations, breakthrough, everything you’d expect from trying something entirely new. But eventually, I found it. A renewed voice.

And so, my first silk paintings were born, followed by silk-on-wood paintings later in the year.

I’m excited to share the first collection of these works in 2025. I’ll still paint with watercolors, of course, but this journey has reminded me of the importance of making space for creativity to evolve.

Here’s to following intuition, embracing messes, and finding beauty in the unexpected.

Adapted from my book DIY Watercolor Christmas, David & Charles, 2021

Whenever I wrap gifts or prepare deliveries for my customers, I love adding a little tag or thank you note. For years, I bought special tags for this purpose, but then I realized I had so many painted samples lying around my studio that I could easily repurpose. For this project, I filled two sheets with snowflakes while experimenting with watercolor inks. The colors turned out super vibrant because I used Dr. Ph. Martin’s watercolor inks, but you can get a similar effect with concentrated watercolor paints too! It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to reuse your art and add a personal touch to your gifts. Give it a try!

Supercool Snowflakes project	Ingrid Sanchez, author of DIY Watercolor Christmas

You will need:
Cartridge paper or watercolor paper (something thick, like 300gsm)
Watercolor paints
For extra vibrancy, try watercolor inks
Favorite brush, I used a size 6 and 0 from Winsor & Newton Cotman
Pencil and ruler
Hole punch
Cord or twine

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Palette
. Start by mixing a few shades of blue in your palette. You want the paint to have a watery, milk-like texture so that it flows easily. The more fluid the paint, the softer and more natural the snowflakes will look!

Step 2: Paint Your Snowflakes. 
Now, get creative! Start painting different snowflake shapes—feel free to get inspired by mine or create your own unique designs. There’s no wrong way to do it, so let your imagination guide you.

Step 3: Switch Up Your Brushes. 
For different line thicknesses, alternate between using a medium-sized brush and a thin one. This variation will give your snowflakes more interest and character.

Step 4: Add Some Vibrancy. 
To make your snowflakes pop, add a drop of watercolor ink or concentrated watercolor in certain areas. Let the pigment flow and blend naturally—this will create a burst of color that makes the snowflakes stand out.

Step 5: Play and Experiment. 
Enjoy the process and experiment with color intensity and different amounts of water. The more you experiment, the more dynamic and unique your snowflakes will look. You can also sprinkle some salt on the wet paint to add a starry effect!

Step 6: Fill the Whole Sheet. Continue painting until your entire sheet is filled with snowflakes. Once done, let the artwork dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Starry effect created by applying salt to wet or damp watercolor.	Kirigami Decorations: Another way I repurpose my watercolors.

Making the Tags:

Step 7: Choose Your Favorite Snowflakes
. Once your painting is dry, admire your work! Pick out your favorite snowflakes and use a pencil and ruler to lightly trace where you want to cut them out. If you want a more defined shape, you can also use a business card or any tag as a guide.

Step 8: Cut Out the Tags. 
Using a cutter and ruler or just scissors, carefully cut along your pencil lines to create the tags. Take your time, and soon you’ll have perfectly shaped tags ready to go.

Step 9: Punch Holes
. Use a hole punch to make holes at the top of each tag. I love using a star-shaped punch for a little extra festive touch, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand!

Step 10: Add the Finishing Touch
. Finally, thread a length of cord or twine through the hole and tie it to your gift. You can also hang the tags on your Christmas tree for a personal and creative touch.

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to unleash your creativity and add some festive cheer to your artwork! Since writing my book, DIY Watercolour Christmas, in 2020, I’ve been on a quest to discover different ways to infuse creativity into the Christmas season.

While you know I love working with masking fluid, today I want to share a fun and innovative technique that makes watercolor painting both easier and cleaner—using a piece of vinyl as a mask.

Deer Forest, Ingrid Sanchez | 2023 Watch a process video here!	DIY Watercolor Christmas Book. Buy here.

Traditionally, artists use masking fluid to reserve areas of white on their paper while painting. However, I’ve found that using a piece of vinyl cut into your desired shape can be a fantastic alternative. In this post, I’ll demonstrate how I used this technique to create a charming watercolor piece titled “Deer Forest.”

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Materials: Start by gathering your watercolor paper, vinyl (adhesive-backed is best), scissors, and your favorite watercolor paints.
2. Cut the Vinyl: Choose a shape that resonates with your theme—here, I opted for a deer. Use scissors to carefully cut the vinyl into your desired shape. The beauty of this technique is that you can create intricate designs without the mess!
3. Apply the Vinyl: Once your shape is cut, gently peel off the backing and apply it to your watercolor paper. Press it down firmly to ensure there are no gaps where paint can seep underneath.
4. Paint Over the Vinyl: Now comes the fun part! Using your watercolor paints, apply your desired colors over the entire paper, including the area covered by the vinyl. Since the vinyl acts like masking fluid, it will reserve the white of the paper where the deer is placed.
5. Allow to Dry: Let your painting dry completely. This is crucial, as it ensures that the vinyl doesn’t pull off any of the paper’s surface when removed.
6. Remove the Vinyl: Once dry, gently peel away the vinyl. You’ll see your lovely white deer shape preserved perfectly beneath the vibrant watercolors!
7. Add Final Details: With the deer now visible, feel free to paint additional details around it to enhance your composition. This could include snowy backgrounds, trees, or whatever inspires your creativity!

Why Choose Vinyl?

Using vinyl as a masking technique offers several benefits:

• Clean Application: Unlike masking fluid, which can be messy and difficult to work with, vinyl provides a clean edge that results in sharp, precise shapes.
• Reusability: You can use the same vinyl cut-out multiple times, making it a cost-effective option.
• Flexibility: Vinyl can easily be cut into any shape, allowing for endless creative possibilities.

This technique not only simplifies the painting process but also allows for greater artistic freedom. So, whether you're looking to create a whimsical winter scene or a festive holiday card, give this vinyl masking technique a try!

Happy painting, and don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see how you bring your ideas to life.

Have you noticed that many of my artworks feature the word "moon" in their titles? From Moon Orchid to Floral Moonrise, Day Blooming Moon, and Floral Moonlight, since 2016, I have painted over a hundred watercolors inspired by the moon.

The truth is, I have always been fascinated by the moon. Every month in my studio, I celebrate the full moon with cacao, shamanic drumming, painting, and, if the weather allows, a fire. I usually do this with friends, and occasionally, I offer these gatherings to students as well.

Blue Galaxy Moon, 2019.	Creative Gatherings | Workshop London

How Did It Start?

One of my favorite places to gather inspiration in London is Richmond. A close friend of mine used to live there, and we would go on long walks, often followed by tea or lunch at a beautiful spot called Petersham Nurseries. When you enter the nursery, they have these large bowls of water filled with leaves and seasonal flowers. On several occasions, we were lucky enough to watch the staff create these gorgeous arrangements.

The first time I saw one, I thought to myself, "It looks like a flower moon." That image stuck with me.

Flowers at Petersham Nurseries.	Flower Moon, Ingrid Sanchez, 2018.

Flower Moon and Moon Names

Later, I learned that many full moons have traditional names, which were historically used to mark the changing seasons. For instance, the Flower Moon refers to the full moon in May, when spring flowers bloom in abundance.

At the time, I was already painting with inspiration from the seasons, but learning about these moon names opened up a whole new world of creative ideas for me. Initially, I painted a piece each month, reflecting the moon of that season. Over time, however, I began creating my own "moons," inspired by the nature around me.

The Names of the Full Moons

• Wolf Moon: The first full moon of the year, named for the wolves thought to howl more during the winter.
• Snow Moon: The full moon in February, named after the snowiest month in North America.
• Worm Moon: The March full moon, marking the appearance of earthworms in warmer regions.
• Pink Moon: The April full moon, named for the pink blossoms that signal the arrival of spring.
• Flower Moon: The full moon in May, when spring flowers flourish.
• Strawberry Moon: June's full moon, named for the ripening of strawberries.
• Buck Moon: The July full moon, marking the time when buck deer grow new antlers.
• Sturgeon Moon: August's full moon, named for the abundance of sturgeon in this season.

Inspiration Comes From Everywhere

And there you have it—the story of how a simple bowl of water filled with petals, combined with my love for the moon, sparked the creation of a whole body of artwork. Here are a few of my favorite moon-inspired pieces.

Greenery, Ingrid Sanchez | 2018	Silver Moon, Ingrid Sanchez | 2018
Full Snow Moon, Ingrid Sanchez | 2022	Flower Moon Flourish, Ingrid Sanchez | 2019
Sunflowers, two bumble bees and the moon, Ingrid Sanchez | 2023	In Full Bloom, Ingrid Sanchez | 2023

EXPLORE ORIGINAL FULL MOON ART HERE!

Since becoming a full-time artist in 2015, I've noticed that whenever I share my art on social media, I get a lot of questions about the supplies I use. People often ask things like: “What kind of paper is that?” “What brush are you using?” or “What’s the best brush for masking fluid?”

First, I want to emphasize that the art supplies I use may not be the best choice for you. As disappointing as that might sound, every artist has a unique style and voice, and it’s essential that your supplies work for you—not the other way around.

The materials you choose also depend a lot on the specific project you’re working on. For example, when I’m creating art that will be digitized for a product or pattern, I often repurpose paper from old sketches (you can read more about that here). For these pieces, where the final original isn’t as important, I may even use cheaper paints because I know the artwork will be reworked on the computer later.

I like to keep all my brushes together, and for that I use a tool box I got in Ikea years ago.	This painting was meant to be texture to be added digitally to a design, so used cheap practice paper for it.

However, when I’m creating a piece to sell as an original, meant to be displayed on a wall, I use the highest quality supplies available. This helps ensure the artwork’s longevity and maintains its vibrancy over time.

If you’re looking for specific recommendations, all my online classes come with a list of supplies tailored for each project. These lists are FREE for everyone to access! For example:

• Masterclass No.1: Focuses on paper preparation and the different types of paper and their uses.
• Masterclass No.2: Covers brushes and how to choose the right one for your style.
• Masterclass No.3: Includes a comprehensive list of supplies, including inks and other mediums like masking fluid.

Feel free to explore my supply lists, and in the meantime, here is a mini-list of my favorite must-have supplies—I hope you find it helpful!

PAPER

When I paint large watercolours, I always use Arches Paper 185gsm, cold press.
If I am painting in a smaller format, then I like using Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Block - 12' x 16', Cold Press

BRUSHES

There are two brushes that I always use, these are Robert Simmons White Sable Brush - Oval Wash, Short Handle, 3/4’ or 1/2’ for large paintings, and Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Brush - Round, Short Handle, Size 12, Size 6 and Size 0.

For washes my absolute favourite is a Hake Brush large or small.

WATERCOLOR PAINT

When I started painting years ago, I got a set of Winsor & Newton half pans set, that until this date I use, and I truly recommend. If you prefer tubes, then it will be better to get a set of 20 tubes. And to bring crazy vibrancy or travel, my favourite are the Viviva Colorsheets.

MASKING FLUID

I always use Schmincke, but Pebeo is also a good option.

If you are interested in inks, acrylics, gold pigments and other tools, I recommend you to check my list of supplies available in my online school.

If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at not extra cost to you. Please note that I have not received free products or any exchange for mentioning them. I genuinely recommend these products and shop.

I read that in astrology, sunflowers are closely linked to the sun, which governs the month of August. This connection is deeply symbolic, as the sunflower’s vibrant, sun-like appearance mirrors the radiant energy of the sun during late summer. For those born in August (like me!), the sunflower represents more than just a seasonal bloom; it embodies qualities of warmth, vitality, and optimism associated with the sun’s powerful influence. This celestial connection makes the sunflower a fitting emblem for the month, symbolizing the peak of summer and the transition into the harvest season.

A fun personal anecdote is that even though I was born on August 31st at 11:50 PM, I still feel that August is my month, and the sunflower is my flower. My mother always jokes that I’m a September baby because, according to her, the first time I saw the sun was on September 1st. I only experienced a mere five minutes of August! This playful debate has led my family to celebrate both August 31st and September 1st, adding a unique twist to my birthday celebrations. I’m grateful that my father insisted on registering me on August 31st because I feel a deep connection with this month.

Painting Sunflowers in my garden. London, 2023.	First project from my online workshop. Painting Flowers No.2: Sunflowers

Sunflowers have always been more than just a flower to me. Each year, I plant them in my garden, eagerly watching them grow and bloom. Over the years, I’ve explored the theme of sunflowers in various artistic ways, from detailed studies to abstract interpretations. This year, my passion for sunflowers inspired me to share this love with others through my workshops.

For the first time in my seven years of teaching watercolor, I decided to open the studio to host a Watercolor Sunflower Workshop for beginners, and we had a blast! Despite the cold weather in London during the early part of the summer, which delayed my sunflowers from blooming, we still painted beautiful watercolor flowers using market-bought blooms.

Watercolor Sunflower Workshop in my studio | London, W10.	'La Casita', ready to welcome my students for a painting session with sunflowers.

For those who can’t make it to London, I’ve also created an online version of the class so anyone, anywhere, can join in on the fun. These workshops are a way for me to bring my love for sunflowers and watercolor painting into the lives of others, allowing participants to experience the joy and beauty of these magnificent blooms.

Through both the in-person and online classes, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own creative journeys, just as the sunflower has inspired mine. Thank you for joining me on this floral adventure!

Sunflower Paintings from my Collection 'Wings and Blooms' (2023).	Learn how to paint sunflowers in a loose, abstract style using mixed media (gouache + watercolor) in small and large formats.

Like the seasons, our lives are marked by periods of growth, rest, and transformation. As we approach August (2024), my birth month, I find myself in a time of transition, much like the shift from summer to autumn. As I was thinking about change, I realized that my most recent collection name is Transitions, and the previous, Reinvented. It's like I knew a change was coming; words are powerful!

Since I began my journey in 2016, I've painted nearly 200 large watercolors, including my beloved monthly moons. These pieces have been a significant part of my life and creative expression. However, recently, I’ve felt the pull to explore new artistic avenues and address some health challenges that have arisen.

With this in mind, I've decided to take a step back from creating my Autumn Collection this year. Instead, I'll be taking this time to rest, recharge, and delve into new mediums and projects. I'm already working on some exciting and different pieces, though I'm not quite ready to unveil them just yet. This period is a beautiful phase of learning and discovery, where it's just me and my art, evolving together.

Watercolors will always be my first love, and I’m not stopping painting them. However, the way I offer them will change, as I’m still figuring out how! This means that my Spring Collection 2024 might be the last one featuring large watercolors on paper for a while.

While my artistic offerings are evolving, I am not going away. I will continue to teach both online and in person, sharing my knowledge and passion for art with you all.

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as I embrace this new chapter. If you want to stay updated on my journey and be the first to know about my new work, I recommend subscribing to my newsletter.

If you've been considering collecting one of my paintings, now is the perfect time to do so. You can find all my available originals on paper HERE.

With gratitude and excitement for the future,

Ingrid.

A walk Down Memory Lane

Spring 2016 - Painting the Hana Collection The first one!	Spring 2017 - Chelsea Collection
2018, Floral Hug Collection: Awake	2019, Floral Spell Collection: Botanica
2020, Green Garden Collection: Meanwhile Gardens	2021, Sunrise Garden Collection: Gardens
2022, Giant Monstera Collection: Portraits of Leaves	2023, Whale Shark and the New Moon Collection: The lights
2024, Sunrise to Moonset Blooms Collection: Transitions	A glimpse into something new.

As a watercolor artist, my main source of inspiration is nature. One of my favorite places to immerse myself in natural beauty is Queen Mary's Rose Gardens in London. This garden starts blooming in May and continues to enchant visitors throughout the summer, evolving in beauty month by month.

In my latest YouTube video, I invite you to join me on a tour of this stunning garden. Watch as I share my passion for flowers and demonstrate how I capture their beauty in my watercolor paintings. I love taking long walks, soaking in the vibrant colors and delicate forms, and then returning to my studio to paint these memories.

Whether you're visiting London or seeking inspiration, Queen Mary's Rose Gardens is a must-see destination. The gardens boast a diverse array of roses that bloom throughout the summer, offering endless inspiration for artists and nature lovers alike.

Don't miss out! Watch the video until the end to witness how I translate the enchanting beauty of this garden into a beautiful watercolor piece.