I'm 63 and my advice to all young people is to do adulting as little as possible and only when necessary!

I’ve begun doing the permission to play in my sketchbooks. It’s amazing how it’s gotten me out of the perfectionism stigma that gripped me. I was about to give up painting because of it. Sometimes a piece turns out horribly, but I learn what I did wrong or didn’t do that I should have. Best of all, it’s freed me so that I started calling myself an artist.

Funny story (or not) I used to mask my work with blue masking tape. Then I realized it changed the way I looked at my work. It affected how I painted warm & cool colors. Now I use white washi tape. I love how you masked off the small pieces and painted outside them. Floki just wants you to paint him/her.

Personally I find the sketch books of artist more interesting alot of times than framed works. I like those too but there is alot of great things that are done in sketchbooks that go unseen. Much love ❤️ 🙏

Really enjoyed seeing you include the mixing palette in the shot to see the progression of colours. Lovely work.

What a wonderful video! As a fellow artist, this is honestly one of the things I struggle with the most. Just allowing myself to play, enjoy, experiment, and not let myself get too invested with everything being perfect all the time. Perfectionism is the killer of creativity and I've been working hard trying to kick it to the curb. On another note, I'm also looking forward to Autumn so much. I can't stand the heat and it only gets worse as I get older. Summer has never been a friend of mine. Give me cold, dark, rainy days every day and I'll be the happiest person. I love Autumn so much, I even changed my middle name to Autumn. 🤣🍁

Even when you're playing, you create little gems. Beautiful work!

Looking at sketchbooks of other artists is very much like looking into their eye’s mind. I love how you do this color block and go organic outside the lines ❤

Your first few comments hooked me because I too, struggle with trying to paint everything perfectly; right colors, layers, all of it. How to videos are fine and have their place. But you’re right, there’s hardly any that encourage having fun with the process. So, thank you for helping set me free!

That comparison mode is exactly where I am at the moment. It's a real struggle, feeling like I'll never measure up.

Oh my, this might be one of my favourite videos, for the casualness, and watching you work/ play, and listening to your chat. The trees are fantastic. I love the way they live outside the boundary of the background. Thank you. I must see if you've got more like this one.

Man I really needed to hear this. Its so hard to not get swept up in technique or constantly compare yourself to artists on social media. I miss when I used to draw for fun! I can't wait until my studio is up again so I can play too. Thank you! ❤

Gouache subscription! Yay!

I really resonate with what you said about art being even more important when life gets hard 🥺❤❤

This is such a cozy sketch play session! Feels like your livestreams for a bit. Really loving this phase of being in your sketchbook > gallery pieces for you. So glad you're able to paint what you love most!

For your previous Windsor in Newton travel box, you can put a phone ring on the back of your travel box. It will be secure and be just like brand new.

Your videos are so precious, Sarah! I have been following you for many years now. Watching you grow and evolve makes me a bit sentimental and proud🥲 I really appreciate you capturing and filming everything for us. You put so much work into your videos and I enjoy your chat videos so much. They help me when I'm not in a good mood, keep me company when I'm painting or are just wonderful to relax with. Thank you! 💚🐿🍁

100% agree, my main artworks, and videos I post are vastly different to my sketchbook, my artworks take sooo long, but my sketchbook is filled with plein air gouache sketches, probably 20/30mins each. And those are just for me, not youtube or socials (although occasionally I'll post a pic when I've been somewhere special) It's fun and my "me time"

Thank you for this video Sarah. Because of work and other stresses, I haven’t painted in a long time and now it’s becoming even harder to start again or pick up my sketchbook again. Your video has inspired me not to think too much and just pick up my sketchbook and play. I needed something like that so thank you once again. Also, good luck with your residency application. I am sure all will go well.

I love that you’ve been so real about your process. ✨ I’m really enjoying your videos at the moment, and the visuals - the textures are stunning. Go you!

Great tips, Sarah. I am always encouraging my students when working in class from reference photos, to let go of need to copy it exactly and experiment a bit. New techniques, trying different colour schemes, etc will all lead to learning and more a more creative result. Every painting doesn’t have to be ready to frame and hang on the wall.

It's so nice to have these chill sessions and listen to you chat!

Dragonflies always make me think of mini helicopters

We call knats No See Ams . Really have enjoyed your videos. Good info.

Thank you for sharing your process and talking through your art! Learnt so much!

What a treat!! ❤ I was deeply into a reading project for two months, and FINALLY two days ago went on an Art Date with my dear husband. After that long break, I had to deal with a big meanie inside my head. At one point, i had to actually say aloud, "Comparison is the thief of joy!" because even looking at his sketchbook as he's working from his head felt simultaneously inspiring and discouraging ... but HE has been drawing skillfully and consistently since childhood (he's 72), and I have only been at it a while. If I think back, three years ago I would have been thrilled to my toes to do what I'm doing now! I also went through "this is awful, this is stupid, I'M stupid, and why would anybody want to draw anyway" until I got out the other side. I did keep reminding myself that Keeping Going is the only way I've found to shut that voice off, so I kept going and sure enough -- with a day's distance, I really LIKE what's in my sketchbook! 😂 Also, I'm absolutely in the camp of those who prefer looking through sketchbooks over looking at finished pieces (although some finished pieces ARE things I want to see every day). Again, thank you for this. I'm grateful for you (AND for Floki and the fantastic cameo appearance! 😍), and I wish peace of mind and peace of heart as you wait through the beaurocracy process. ❤

These 2 sketches are amazing! Don’t undervalue your art. They are finished work and I would buy them frame them and put them up in - my studio I think- to inspire me… You have the touch- I def can feel the atmosphere of the forest. Your vids are amazing works of art and very inspirational & I thank you for giving of yourself so much. Believe me, I have the experience to know at 63 w a BFA long behind me. I can’t get outside to a forest like you do so I really appreciate your vids. I am catching up since I found u on the pod cast w Lindsay the Frugal Crafter. Be well and best wishes for your future life in Scotland!

The humidity in the UK does make the weather rather uncomfortable.

What a calming, inspiring video! Thank you! ❤

Sara I have your first set of brushes and LOVE them! Can’t wait to see the second set. Scotland is so beautiful! Love seeing it through your videos and sketches! Love that you are so honest about your struggles. Hope you permanent visa goes through. Prayers

warming up by going straight in with paint is so much fun !

I love what you say about playing. That's what helped me to find my own style. Every time I do it, I totally get lost in time and space.

Loved this Sarah, it makes me feel like someone is on my side cheering me on. Sketchbooks and nature, it’s just the best! Fall is also my favourite season and watching this with a spice coffee in my pj’s is such a cozy feeling

Am so grateful for your videos Sarah! I learned so much by watching you mix on that lovely wee palette!

Your sketch and just chat videos have become my favorite videos to watch! And I just love the Floki camera nose boop!❤

That beech trunk is probably my favourite sketch you’ve done. Really lovely details and colours and lines

Just SO fabulous. Love trees Love NATURE

Keep the wonderful videos coming. Love your perspective on the world around you.

This was marvelous, thank you.

Fantastic video . Love your sketches so much ❤️

Loved this vlog! Ty Sarah, you are always truly inspiring and wow just wow these Sketchbook gouache trees! ❤️ Love!

Really enjoy seeing your painting/sketching and the drone videos you make are spectacular.

What a great video. Thank you for sharing your beautiful art and thoughts with us.

Thank you and I live the gouache painting you made.

Looking forward to learning more about your sketch box!

I always look forward to your chat sessions and all of your videos! I really have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, taking it easy on yourself with judgemental thoughts...good stuff, Sarah!! Thank you!

I love playing in a sketchbook. Thanks for sharing ❤happy painting

I enjoyed your video. Thank you. Oh and love those brushes

I really enjoyed the chill vibe of this video. I agree, I love seeing other artists sketchbooks. At times I love my sketches more than a finished piece.

This was very validating and insightful. Thank you so much for making this video 💜🌈

I love this. it was so relaxing to listen to you and watch you paint this beautiful tree.

I love watching you paint. Thanks for all your encouragement. Playing in sketchbooks and not comparing yourself to others is key! Waiting to hear about your visa, like waiting for anything major like that, is so stressful… breathe! Sending good vibes your way…

Thanks for this video. Loved it, very inspirational.

I love you Sarah, your honesty, how generous you are with the knowledge you share, plus you are gorgeous and genuine. Always happy to see you have a new video posted 💖

🥰Still ♥ your work!!

I loved this video. I for sure need to play more with my art.

I have been working in just watercolor for a couple years on and off but I got a bit frustrated with the water part. After watching this, I believe gouache is the next step for me. Thank you!

This was such a relaxing video to watch and im very keen to hear more about your gouache subscription box 😊

Loved this video! I do not sketch nearly enough!! Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration! You’re the best!!

Bellissimo video molto rilassante. Adoro la tua pittura 😊

being an artist ALWAYS gives you freedom to play, with art or with just exploring the world, people don't think its odd when an adult artist plays around, they expect us to act a tad odd lol😛 so many trees to try to climb!! good luck with your application!! i debating on whether to apply, been here way long enough lol (17 years) i just cant think of 1 more person who could act as a referee

Your genuine love of nature and wanting to capture it in your paintings resonates with me❤️

I recommend using multiple refrence photos and instead of focusing on every detail just get a general sense of it. Keep an album of photos you've gathered and just flip through and combine a couple, it can be fun!

Love all the colors in your trees! Recently got your first Craftamo set of brushes, but haven't had the time to try them out yet. Excited to learn more about the next set and the Gouache subscription box.

a gouache subscription box! sounds like it's time for me to finally try painting with gouache 🤣 it is so cool to watch your sketchbook process, and how magically everything comes together

I’m loving these paintings. The composition is so exciting

The use of color in your paintings is impressive!

Thank you Sarah...now I am thinking of heading to Colorado to paint some Aspens soon!❤❤❤

You made some very good points in this, that could benefit any artist, and you made your points in an entertaining way, with a very engaging video. Thank you.

Enjoyed this video immensely, from the plein aire to back home, your kitty Floki, and the chat! Thank you for the experience . . . without the heat and no-see-ums. And yeah, I'm the same way, have to have solid color tape - preferably beige or white. Cheers.

love the potted plant sketch,🤩

My compliments to the videographer. I especially liked the aerial views in the forest. Very tricky to shoot, I’m sure.👍

Thanks so much for sharing your process for playing. My favorite part was the end with the tree trunks. I LOVE trees. I like the way you just framed out a small section and then painted outside the lines! 😮 I wish I would have played more with my art when I was younger but so glad I’ve picked it up again! I could never express myself because I didn’t want people to think I was weird lol but the older I get I have figured out everyone is “weird” and I love them all.

Thank you Sarah what a privilege to share your thoughts whilst you paint. Your comments about ‘editing’ the view in front if you, really resonated with me. I spent for too many years looking fir perfect views that other artists seemed to find. It’s only in the last couple of years that I’ve given myself permission to ‘edit’ what I see to make the painting be what I want it to be. Once again, thank you so much for sharing.

Once again, thanks so much for inspiring me. Your sketches are amazing. I loved the way you go outside the box. Thanks for sharing. ps. I can't wait to hear about your new paint brushes. I have your first set and LOVE them.

I love your art, your vidéo and calm voice. Many thanks🎉 happy festives seasons. Bofi

we always forget to just let go sometimes and not care about the outcome - great video as always

I so enjoy watching your videos. I like that you explain your process and your struggles. Many of us are wanna be artists and having you explain that we have our challenges. I like that you call it "play". Looking forward to seeing what you do next. Good luck with the Visa.

Good luck with the residency application, I hope it's much speedier than you fear.

Hello Sarah, I love autumn with the wonderful different colours too. I haven't been able to stand the heat for a few years now either. I love it when you share your sketches and your thoughts with all of us. At the moment I also prefer the sketchbook to my canvas on the easel:). It's so calming to play with the colours in it. And what could be better than being in the forest and by the sea and recharging my batteries. Thank you very much for sharing this video. Have a lovely week. Take care. Gabi

Beautiful

Love this concept of painting a geometrical shape with the centerpiece extending beyond the shape! Now I'm thinking triangles, hexagon, etc.

As a photographer of many years first, it has taken me 6 yrs of painting to stop trying to copy my photos . Thankyou for the inspiration talk.

💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 this is me doing my happy dance when I heard you are doing more brushes!! Your set is my go to for gouche but was wishing for a filbert the other day. Ha, my wish came true! Glad you talked about it because I was going to buy another brand but will gladly wait for yours. I love your brushes so much. I am not a subscription person but you got me intrigued. That little palette would be so handy when I paint outside.

Thank you.

The scenery in this video is so beautiful! I enjoyed the calm music and chatty paint with me session. This is the first video I’ve watched of yours and I am def going to subscribe! 💗

OMG new set of brushes????? im so in love wit the one you did 9M ago and sadly i've lost my rigger....I was so gutted !!! can t wait for your video that will explain everything!! and your trees on this page are a usual so beautiful!! kiss from France! ps Im a new patreon now! :D

Peaceful video. I traverse the forest on my land near the Chesapeake Bay in fall, winter, and spring when there are not ticks or chiggers.

I loveeeed this

thanks!

perfect timely imspo my friend, by.

Wow - painting without drawing first-- EEeeek...lol. When yous started to do that , I was like...feeling scared all over..lol..Isnt't that crazy? But it really is scary. I can't wait to try this tomorrow (it's after midnight here in Quebec City..lol.). I have never thought to DARE try that. Thank you for making me look at art from a different angle. It's true too - we have to draw and paint from what we are feeling you know..because that's what actually makes the whole process fun. Thank you so much Sarah - this is a wonderful video!!

I have a pocket notebook to! I use it for ideas, and to write some concepts I like to go more deep trough. I also have a "diary" which I use to focus on the present and set the situation. And a A4 notebook to develope some ideas that needs more attention to be undersand, written or something. I find this very important to me because it is liberating. I feel like I lose something when I write them down, but at the end my sensation is very healthy

Lovely work as ever Sarah! I've been a subscriber for a while now. You inspired me to start my own youtube channel in fact. I've been enjoying your recent videos about artist angst, insecurities etc as I'm totally self taught and no expert. My channel is to document my improvement as an artist over time and its making me create more art...another incentive to have a go when the day job tiredness would normally have put me off. I'm learning lots by watching myself back as I experiment with different subjects and different media. Thanks for inspiring me!

Enjoyed seeing your “play” session in your sketchbook. I love the idea of having a taped background and then painting something that goes past the borders… such a cool look!! I wonder if midges are what we call “no see ‘ums” here? They definitely sound similarly miserable 😂.

This video was so inspiring and relaxing to watch while I wait for my painting layers to dry!

I LOVE watching how you use the flat brush in all sorts of ways. Do you mostly paint with your flat brushes?

I have always loved your sketchbooks and these sketches were so fun to see! Oh my, I was excited to hear your sneak news! Dang, I pre-ordered for a year subscription box awhile back and am finally expecting the first one this month....I am really tempted to cancel because it is not about gouache. Thanks to severe arthritis in my neck, I can no longer bend my neck over for any length of time and have found working vertical to be the only way I can paint, and I didn't figure this until after I'd made the pre-order. I've been experimenting with vertical watercolor techniques and haven't found my stride with it. But then again, I've always really loved gouache.

I've been learning a lot about limited palettes recently and decided to create a couple of different mini palettes to try outdoors. I bought 2 Portable Painter Micros. One came with the expansion pack, just incase I want to try a different configuration later. Yesterday I spent a fun afternoon making Sarah's easy mixing charts for each color combination I have and then working from them I made up the two micro palettes. One is more earthy and aimed towards landscapes/seascapes with a lot of good natural green mixing colors since I'm in New Zealand and there's a lot of evergreens here. Tree ferns, Nikau palms, flax and that sort of thing. The other is for my urban sketching and sometimes flower painting so it has a few more brighter colors in it. I can't wait to get out and try them now Spring is starting.

Lovely paintings Sarah. Haha had to laugh at your chat about midges. I have been a victim of those! Went on a lovely walk through a gorge to a waterwall and was wondering why people had nets on their faces, now I know why! By the end of the walk I had about 30 bites just on my face! Now we travel to scotland in early October! 😅