Resources for artists

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.

A common question I often receive when someone buys one of my original watercolors is how to frame them. It’s important to consider that watercolor is a delicate medium that can fade when exposed to light. That's why I always spray my artworks with UV protection. However, there are additional steps you can take to further extend the life of your original pieces.

In my garden studio, filled with natural light, framing my artworks has been both inspiring and challenging. One of the key obstacles I’ve faced is minimizing reflections on my pieces while ensuring they’re protected from UV damage. In this blog post, I’ll share practical tips on how to achieve both goals effectively.

On the left, my watercolor 'Sunflowers, Two Bumble Bees, and the Moon' is framed with the standard acrylic that came with the frame. On the right, I purchased anti-glare acrylic in the size of my frame and swapped it out. Both photos were taken on the same wall in my garden studio. See what a difference it makes!

Understanding the Glare Issue:

Natural and artificial light can create reflections on glass, which can distract from your artwork’s beauty. It’s frustrating when you can’t see your art clearly due to glare bouncing off the frame. This can be especially problematic when exhibiting your art—potential collectors should be able to view your art with total clarity.

Tips to Minimize Glare:

Opt for Anti-Glare Glass: Using anti-reflective materials is a game-changer. They’re designed to cut down on glare, letting you enjoy your art without distractions. It’s like having a clear view into your creative world.

Strategic Placement Matters: Think about where you hang your art. Avoid spots where sunlight hits directly. Angling your frames away from light sources can make a big difference in reducing reflections.

Keep It Clean: Regularly cleaning your glass or acrylic keeps reflections at bay. A quick wipe with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner ensures your art shines through, not the glare.

Protecting Your Art from UV Rays: UV protection isn’t just for sunscreen—it keeps your art vibrant too. UV-resistant glass or acrylic shields your pieces from sunlight, preserving their color.

This wall in my studio posed the most challenge because it has two windows and a large door, allowing in a lot of light. The anti-glare acrylic with UV protection turned out to be the perfect solution.	Explore my collection of original art here!

Glass and Acrylic

When looking for UV glazing options, you will find two main choices:

Museum Glass: This offers professional-grade UV protection but can be quite expensive and fragile.

Acrylic: This is what I always use in my studio and for exhibitions. It is more affordable and safer than museum glass.

TIP: Something I often do is buy a frame I like that usually comes with standard acrylic, then I purchase anti-glare acrylic in the size of my frame and swap it out. I find this to be an affordable way to frame my art without breaking the bank.

Framing your art isn’t just about making it look good; it’s about ensuring you can enjoy it without distractions. By choosing the right materials and considering how light interacts with your space, you can showcase your art in the best possible light—literally.

Imagine this: you've spent weeks perfecting your home interior, arranging the furniture just right, picking out the perfect color schemes, and adding those cozy touches that make a house feel like home. But then, as you step back to admire your work, you notice an empty wall staring back at you. Something’s missing, and figuring out what it is can be a real challenge. Sometimes you might end up overdoing it and cluttering the space, or neglecting it altogether, leaving it feeling incomplete.

Art is the perfect solution! The right piece can transform a space, adding personality, warmth, and a touch of your unique style.

As a creative artist, I craft original pieces using mixed media (watercolor and acrylic) on 100% cotton watercolor paper and occasionally on wood panels. My artworks have found homes around the world, and they can be the perfect addition to your home too.

To help make the process easier and more enjoyable, here are some practical tips to help you choose the perfect art for your decor.

My kitchen wall is where I get the most playful. It evokes family and memories, so this is where I hang small art pieces I've bought during my trips, pieces from home in Mexico, and my own artworks. Small and large, it all goes together because it makes me happy. Don’t be afraid to break the rules too.

Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Art for Your Home

1. Understand Your Style


Before you start shopping for art, take a moment to understand your personal style. Do you prefer modern, abstract, traditional, contemporary, or eclectic pieces? Knowing your style will help you narrow down your choices and find art that truly resonates with you.

2. Consider the Room's Purpose


Think about the function of the room where you'll place the art. For example, moon-inspired artwork can be perfect for creating a serene atmosphere in a zen room or yoga studio, while vibrant abstract botanical art could energize a living room or powder room. Modern floral art works well for bedrooms, guest rooms, or nurseries, and lush green leaf artwork is ideal for a studio room. Match the mood of the art to the room's purpose for a cohesive feel.

3. Size Matters


The size of the artwork should be proportionate to the wall space. A large painting can make a bold statement in a spacious room, while smaller pieces work well in more intimate spaces. When in doubt, try laying out the dimensions on the floor or using painter’s tape to visualize the artwork's placement on the wall.

When customers get in touch asking for suggestions on what size to order, I always recommend buying the frame first. This way, you can make sure the size fits well on your wall. If you need a different size than what’s available, I am always happy to make adjustments. Don’t be afraid to ask!

4. Create a Color Palette


Choose art that complements the color scheme of your room. Look for pieces that include some of the same colors as your decor. This doesn't mean everything has to match perfectly, but a harmonious color palette can tie the room together beautifully.

5. Classic Themes


Consider some classic art themes that can easily fit into various decor styles:

• Floral: Timeless and versatile, floral art can add a touch of nature and elegance to any room. From bold, colorful blooms to delicate, monochromatic abstract floral art, it's a perennial favorite.
• Botanical: Similar to floral, botanical art focuses on plants, leaves, and trees. It's perfect for bringing a bit of the outdoors inside and can create a calming, natural vibe, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and nurseries.
• Moon Inspired: Art featuring the moon and celestial themes can add a touch of mystery and wonder to your space. These pieces often have a serene and dreamy quality, perfect for a zen room, yoga studio, bedroom or patio.

Explore my collection of art prints!	Discover my moon-inspired art.

6. Mix and Match


Don’t be afraid to mix different types of art. Combining paintings, photographs, and sculptures can create an interesting and dynamic display. Just make sure there’s some common element, like color or style, to keep the collection cohesive.

7. Think About Framing


The frame can enhance the artwork and tie it into your decor. Choose frames that match the style of the room. For a modern look, go with sleek, simple frames. For a more traditional or rustic room, wooden or ornate frames might be more appropriate.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use anti-glare glass when framing your artworks. This helps protect them from reflections of light and UV radiation. Check out this blog post to learn more about framing your art for optimal display.

8. Think About Placement


Where you place your art is just as important as the art itself. Hang pieces at eye level for the best viewing experience. In rooms where you sit down, like the dining room or living room, consider the seated eye level instead.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect art for your home is a journey to be savored—a personal and rewarding experience. Enjoy the process of discovering pieces that resonate with you and enhance your living space. Trust your instincts; if a piece makes you happy or evokes a strong emotion, it’s likely the right choice for your home.

By understanding your style, considering the room's purpose, and following these simple tips, you can create a space that is not only beautiful but also a true reflection of you.

As an artist, I've always been drawn to the idea of breathing new life into old things. This holds especially true for my art. How can we transform something old that didn't quite pan out as expected into something fresh and vibrant? This question has guided much of my creative journey, leading me to discover a unique method of repurposing my art. I've found a way to repurpose my practice papers—the ones I used for painting and brainstorming—and transform them into something beautiful and entirely new.

Here’s how I transform practice paper into new creative projects, giving each piece a fresh start and a new purpose.

How It All Began

It was 2016 in NYC when I decided to take the plunge and pursue art full-time. That year, I dedicated myself to painting, spending hours every day for a whole year. As a result, I ended up with stacks of practice paper. Despite having a part-time job, money was tight. So, I started painting on both sides of the paper and discovered that it was surprisingly satisfying—it had a different feel, but I liked it.

One day, when someone bought one of my paintings (which were smaller pieces back then), I used a practice paper as packaging. I posted it on social media, and to my surprise, people loved it. I even noticed some of my followers doing the same.

Since then, my approach to repurposing paper has evolved, and I thought it would be nice to share my process.

Two different paintings that I cut; once I turn them, they will serve as new canvases.	Here are the same sheets while I am painting something completely new. This eventually became a pattern that is now part of my art licensing portfolio.

Cutting and Flipping: A Fresh Start

The first step in my process is cutting the paper. I've grown to love working with square shapes because many of my repurposed pieces end up as patterns, and a square is just perfect for that. You can cut it into any shape you prefer, or leave it as is!

Once I have my squares, I flip the paper over. This gives me a clean, blank side to work on—almost like having a brand-new canvas. If I plan to use lots of water, sometimes I stretch the paper. It's nothing too complicated; using temporary adhesive spray or masking tape and a board is more than enough.

Starting Anew

With the blank side facing up, I begin painting once more. This step is all about exploration. The texture of the old paper feels familiar yet new in a way, aiding me in creating art with a fresh perspective.

Leaves Under the Dusk Moon,' 2024 - I created a completely new painting with layers of masking fluid and paint over a watercolor that didn't work out. You can see the full process on YouTube.	Once a painting has served its purpose as practice paper or for designing a pattern, I use it to write thank you notes or create beautiful packaging for my collectors. I show how I paint this artwork in my online workshop: Painting Flowers No.1: Loose and Abstract.

Creating New Artwork

Another method is to leave the paper unflipped and repurpose the old painting with a fresh layer of paint or masking fluid. I recently shared a video on YouTube where I transformed a painting that didn't turn out as expected into a completely new piece.

Embracing Imperfection: Art Beyond Perfection

Did the second round not work out as planned? I bet you have a beautiful piece of paper filled with color and energy. Don't let it go to waste! When I send artworks to my collectors, I always use practice paper or repurposed sheets in the packaging. And you know what? Some customers have sent me these sheets framed! What might not be enough for you could be a masterpiece for someone else.

I also enjoy making cards, notes, and decorative items. There's a whole section about this in my book 'DIY Watercolor Christmas.' And if you ever join one of my in-person workshops, you'll see that we use lots of repurposed paintings.

The Joy of Repurposing Art

Repurposing my art has taught me to see potential in everything. It's a wonderful way to minimize waste and make use of what I already have, aligning perfectly with sustainable art practices. Beyond that, it's an enjoyable and imaginative endeavor.

Transforming old sketches into new art encourages me to view things from a different perspective and discover beauty in unexpected places.

Embrace the Journey of Transformation

Through recycling my practice papers, I've come to realize that art isn't just about the final product; it's also about the journey. Each piece tells a story of transformation. I want to inspire other artists to give this a try too. Instead of seeing your practice sheets as mistakes, view them as opportunities. Cut them, flip them over, and start afresh. You might be surprised at what you'll create.

So, why wait? Gather your old papers, scissors, and colors, and begin transforming them into new artworks. Embrace the joy of crafting something new from old sketches. And don't forget to share your creations with me—I'd love to see them!