keep it simple | tips for a stress free sketchbook practice

One thing I've noticed about my own sketching activities, but also in comments that you readers and viewers send in, is that whenever I make sketching too complicated, I'm less motivated to do it.
I think we are less likely to keep sketching when we start to see it as a kind of obligation, or a duty, thinking we need to draw something every single day without fail or were not doing it right.
Get the free PDF guide "How to draw anything" here: juliabausenhardt.com/how-to-d...
--
Support my work: juliabausenhardt.com/ways-to-...
Patreon: / naturesketchbook
Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/naturesketchbook
Follow my newsletter and receive thoughts, ideas & resources to support you in your creativity:
juliabausenhardt.com/newsletter/
Learn more about nature & field sketching in my courses (pay what you want): juliabausenhardt.com/courses/

[@wendychampness1901]

Every word you said is really meaningful to me this morning 😊

[@NatureSketchbook]

Thank you!!

[@barblallier9413]

Thanks so much. As a late bloomer, I had decided at age 68 to teach myself to draw, then watercolor became my passion but I swt it all aside after my only older sister died then during covid, it just wasnt in me to create! Now, I'm busting at seams to learn more, do more, express more,,,but I have busy life with hubby, pet and family. I'm making it work for 2 main reasons, my mind is turned off during art,,and I think continuing to learn, from beautiful souls like you, is really helping me stay healthy! My sketchbook has become my friend, I have one with me always, and its mostly for play and practice. Having great work ethic is good. But now im learning to use it for relaxing, thank you Julie,,your voice and art, are very encouraging to me. This is my only social media so I understand your decisions to keep it simple. ❤😊

[@NatureSketchbook]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us! It's amazing you can turn off your thoughts when making art, and how you incorporate your sketchbook practice into everyday life. Using sketching for relaxation is so underrated, I think it's an amazing skill to have!

[@vivdawson5953]

Brilliant…… great advice and lovely to watch ….. inspiring, thankyou.

[@ChantelleArts]

fantastic tips, i feel like my partner really needs to follow these ❤❤

[@sumanaspirit]

I resonate a lot with your whole philosophy. I used to be the art teacher's favourite in elementary school, who said I should become an artist, but then I went abroad and was focused on trying to fit into a new culture, and did more sports than art. Then I came back to sketching a couple of times later in life, but always broke off because of professional (I am a journalist) and personal (I had to raise twins) demands. But in my 50s, I was looking to restart, and I stumbled upon your channel and website. Thank you so much.

[@Bpl541]

Thankyou Julia. What you are sayng resonates so much with me. I am a perfectionist and rarely draw because of that. I adore watercolour and find it very difficult but want to try without putting pressure in myself.

[@NatureSketchbook]

You can always start with small things, like a color chart, or mixing experiments. Or just very loose studies. You make the rules. :)

[@mynaturediaries4402]

Beautiful painting and super helpful tips as always…thanks for the video 😊

[@NatureSketchbook]

Thank you!

[@wileycom]

Found you by chance but just the very words I desperately needed to hear this morning! This kind of thing is life changing for a beginner! With so much gratitude I thank you. I have subbed to your channel and will spread the word.

[@NatureSketchbook]

Thank you so much for saying that, I really appreciate it!n

[@anick6265]

Thank you very much…

[@girlfriday1299]

The flow of your painting looks so effortless! Nature journal watercolor is something I just love, and you have reminded me easy it is just to jump in. Your flowers are exquisite! Thank you so much! 💗💚

[@roksannastephens4375]

Hello Julia, what a great video. Thank you for sharing that pertinent info to keep us creating/working. I find myself feeling those insecuries that keep me from being inspired and productive. I loved your painting of the flowers as well.

[@NatureSketchbook]

Thank you! I face the same thoughts on some days, it's really ok to just do what you can in that moment.

[@rosemarypetersen143]

Thank you for your helpful words. I just got a small metal pallet if Rosa paints and plan to get out and paint any day now haha. Really I will Julia

[@NatureSketchbook]

Let us know how it went!

[@sararosa5436]

Lindo demais. Parabéns. Lindas flores👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@4651adri]

I'm commenting for the algorithm because I don't have much to add. Everything you said resonates so much and I love the calmness in your voice. Much love ❤