The Benefits of Planning Your Paintings in a Dedicated Sketchbook

Using a sketchbook as a planning tool for my watercolor pet portraits has been absolutely key in my watercolor journey! Here are some key benefits that I have found:

Exploration of Ideas

A sketchbook provides a space for me to freely explore and develop my ideas without the constraints or pressure of a final piece. I can experiment with color schemes, compositions, and techniques, allowing my creativity to flow. Literally NO PRESSURE!

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Choose Your Color Palette Ahead of the Final Painting

Choosing a color palette ahead of time leads to better temperature/color harmony, allowing me to create more cohesive and visually pleasing pets. By planning my colors in advance, I can experiment with different combinations and effects in my sketchbook, which serves as a safe space for trial and error without the pressure of a final painting. This little warm-up not only fires up my creative mojo but also gives my confidence a turbo boost when it’s time to sit down and address that final painting!

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Practicing fur/hair textures

Playing around with different fur/hair/feather/etc textures in my sketchbook has been incredibly beneficial for me as I work to achieve that loose and splashy, lost-and-found feeling that I crave! By dedicating time to experiment with different techniques and tools, I discover what works best for creating the soft, silky texture of a cat's fur or the coarse, wiry feel of a terrier's coat, without painting each and every hair. It's basically my own science lab!

Less stress!

I find I enjoy a smoother painting process! By planning and experimenting in my sketchbook, I eliminate much of the uncertainty that can come with starting a new piece. This preparation allows me to dive into my watercolor pet portraits with confidence, knowing I have already addressed potential challenges. This makes painting a joyride rather than a tightrope walk, letting me focus on the pure bliss of splashing life into my furry friends with swishy brushstrokes and eye-popping colors.

An invaluable reference for future paintings

I have found that my sketchbook becomes a treasure trove of ideas and techniques that I can revisit whenever I need inspiration or guidance. As I've built my collection, I have created a personal library of my watercolor journey, filled with experiments, successes, and even those valuable lessons learned from, yes, mistakes! This ongoing record not only serves as a source of motivation but also helps me track my growth as an artist over time. It's invaluable!

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Engaging with my sketchbook regularly and planning paintings in advance has encouraged a habit of reflection and learning that has deepened my understanding of my own artistic style and preferences. I have learned so much about myself through keeping this record!

Whether you're revisiting a color palette that captured a particular mood or refining a technique that made a pet portrait come alive, each page in your sketchbook is a stepping stone towards mastering your craft. So embrace the process, delight in the discoveries, and watch as your paintings evolve, each one informed and enriched by the thoughtful groundwork you've laid.

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Planning paintings in advance is a key concept I teach my students in my Watercolor Pets Mentoring Program! If you are interested in becoming my student, you can apply HERE.