How to improve? My self-guided study strategies (a ramble I dare say)

[@ospreys_view4798]

I enjoyed this “ramble cast”. It’s like being part of a conversation about art technique and philosophy. As a teacher, I view learning as a cyclic process. You start out learning basic skills then have to circle back to build complexity into those skills. There is so much that goes into being an artist that it becomes a lifetime of learning and that’s what I love about it. And so many ways to approach learning.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yes, totally agree!

[@lindathaxton1994]

Love your work - love how you explain your process - it helps me in my journey! I’m old - 81 - & started sketching & painting almost 4 years ago - all that I have learned has been from u tube! I still have a passion for watercolor & that is a treasure! You are 1 of my favorite u tube teachers - thank you - I’m a Panther 🙏❤

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you, you are so kind!

[@dollygrice677]

I can see the growth as I have been following you for a long while. I would bet you have at some point been to the lodge at the edge of the Grand Canyon. There is a massive painting in oil depicting the beautiful scenery outside. I had my paint and about 80 pounds of art stuff, but felt dwarfed by the scenery and that incredible painting. I had a great "day job" so I gave up on the art. Thirty years later I am back to painting 😁

[@jessbutterfly1934]

I love hearing a chat and watch you work. If you’re still in the study phase, I’m gonna fall over myself with what you create next because I think the work you’re already doing is simply stunning. I would personally love to flip through a book that has pages and pages of photos from your sketchbook. I actually really enjoy sketchbooks as a form of art and presenting it. However, it’s also nice to hear your goals and what you want to achieve and how you working towards them.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you ☺️ I agree, I am so interested in sketches, probably more than “finished” works. It’s like having a conversation with the artist in a way. Or seeing a piece of how their mind works.

[@lindagerhard8381]

Hi, Sarah! I did enjoy the ramble cast. I've progressed? regressed? to a pantser. I started out being an extreme planner, 27 years ago, and worked large watercolor paintings. My work was very 'controlled' and I grew to resent that aspect about it. I now do a LOT of sketchbook work and am focusing on drawing from life, mostly floral subjects, but I've seen a lot of improvement so that goal was reached. The pantser in me though, has broken free of the resented detailed work and often I just let loose with the brush without much drawing or planning at all, much more spontaneous and it is liberating! So, another long-time goal achieved! Your grays and neutrals are fabulous, so good on you! The investment of time and study are paying off and cannot be undervalued.

[@nowotny1207]

I love seeing your sketchbooks - they are so beautiful and always inspire me. Just keep doing what you are doing as long as it makes you happy. In the studio, I am more of a plotter. I currently do a value drawing, followed by a color study. These help me to determine any problems before going bigger. There are some ideas that never get beyond the study stage because i can’t make it work. I am absolutely a pantser when I paint plein air - I dive straight in - results vary greatly but I always learn something. I completely understand about getting bored easily with only one subject. I, too, love light and color. I am all over the place - Landscape, animals, people, still life. I have friends who specialize in a single focus and their paintings are gorgeous but I can’t do that. I will get bored with painting and find myself doing other creative things - gardening, crafting, photography, etc. My husband teases me about being easily distracted by “shiny things”. As you said, we each need to follow our own path and do the things that fulfill our hearts and minds.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Well said!

[@marials9245]

I’m not a pantser and I’m not a plotter, I’m a procrastinator 100%, looking for the perfect reference picture and gathering art supplies, but never deciding to start something new just because I’m afraid of failure. Yes, that’s me!

[@vivianschilling4817]

I always thought I was the biggest procrastinator, so it’s nice to know, as an artist, that I am not the only one, but my problem is that I love starting new paintings, but finishing is somewhat of my issue. Just remember that it is only paper, starting is so much fun, hope this helps.

[@janelswatercolors]

Sarah, I understood fully what you meant when you said, “I feel like I’m spending more time trying to decide what to paint instead of painting.” I feel I’m at the same place! Your “chat” has given me many new thoughts and how I might get myself out of this place in time. I feel as though I need to refocus and go back to the basics.

[@Ivanhoe999]

Sarah, you are following a path that is typical of stepping through learning who you are in the talent God has given you. Expand your horizons...and being a cat lover helps that independent creative process. Blessings on the adventure.

[@MartinaHussmann]

I love your calm and relaxed way of explaining and also your honesty ❣️And this tutorial especially has sort of comforted me and inspired a lot. Thank you veeery much for sharing your beautiful art with us 🙏🏻💛✨

[@jam4441]

I dont comment very much on you tube but few a few artist's channels- those wonderful people who share their knowledge with such a generous heart....so thank you for your wonderful "ramble cast" . I think I am a pantser not a plotter. I recently went looking for value study inspiration and found Christoph Niemann's amazing paired down ink and watercolour work. His work not only made me smile (See "Sunday Sketches") but really highlighted that simplicity can be sublime ( any of his land/city scapes) Any way I thought he might inspire others here also...Happy Christmas.

[@LadyLaddy]

Super interesting topic. I love this kind of video format 😊. And yes I agree, your improved, not only in drawing, but also in explaining. Thanks to you, I was falling in love with Gouache during Corona and started painting again after a very long break. I also set down, learned some colour theory and understood why shadows aren’t black and how abstract colours can create wonderful landscapes. I would say it’s depending. When I wake up with the feeling I wanna draw I‘m not planning. But when I want to paint something I saw in Nature, I do some thumbnails and plan it out. Furthermore, I‘m talking notes, when I‘m watching tutorials video and create my small tipps/inspiration/exercises Guide book with some quick drawing examples. When I feel stuck or don’t know what to draw I just look through it. Wish you a wonderful holiday season and thank you for all the great years ❤.

[@larrymisiak915]

I’ve learned in my painting hiatus that good painters THINK about what they are paintings and do it carefully, step by step. They are careful painters and tend to paint in the same way all the time, their style. But there are some successful painters that adjust, shift, reconfigure what they do, making something completely different, but still them, their style, reimagined maybe.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Deedeedoodad]

I definitely jump around a lot but I’ve been trying to find more of a sense of direction lately. This video is very helpful!

[@artjojo52]

Just wanted to take a minute to thank you for your painting videos. Your narration along with your instructional content is really inspiring and appreciated. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas!!!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You are very welcome, merry Christmas !

[@dawn4224]

I have several passions artistically but now am more an explorer in watercolor and gouache who is learning about colors and values. I am not a professional but just want to improve.

[@Christinemarxart]

This really connected with me. Thank you! I do believe as artists, some scattered thinking and lack of focus are a hallmark of creativity. Trying to rein it in, for me, has been a 20 year battle as well. Love your channel and your content!

[@patricianadarajah6833]

Great video and gorgeous painting. I am definitely a pantser . I found this video thoughtful and relaxing . Would love a video on guiding words! Merry Christmas 🎄!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Merry Christmas!

[@LaurenKribell]

My goodness, your sketchbooks are absolutely beautiful!!

[@artbyramona]

And … yes, please on the annual guiding words…👍🏼🌷👍🏼

[@francinetoni268]

Definitely a “Pantser”! But since I began following you and being part of your Patreon and Craftamo communities, I have come to appreciate the benefits of concept sketches and color studies. Painting the gorgeous Colorado landscapes around me is my current joy. I am not a professional artist, but growing and improving are so important for the journey, otherwise boredom will for sure be the outcome! 😃. Thank you for this video, Sarah. Lots of great tips and suggestions for all of our journeys!!! Would love a video about your guiding words; been very helpful for me every year! ❤

[@mandohoney]

I would love your guiding words... Ramble cast on please!...take down a large picture off the wall, put up a gessoed mdf board cut to size and recreate BIG! favorite sketch painting!

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

What a fantastic painting, absolute a favourite of all Your fantastic paintings!

[@katies8080]

Lovely video. I'm at the stage where I have no time or space to paint, but would love to one day and love watching other artists here on youtube. Love how your painting turned out.

[@Mel_CP]

Just recently come across your channel. I’ve painted all my life but only in oils the last 3y and still feel I am very much in the learning / improving zone. I’m about to get some gouache to focus on more sketches in 2025. I found this very helpful and you’re very likeable, plus cats! 😊 Thank you!

[@pjlopiccolo8709]

You are such an inspiration to me Sarah. I love hearing your thoughts and how you continually strive to learn and enjoy painting at the same time. I painted two of your mini sketchbook paintings today. It took me forever to sit down and get started. Why is that? But then I begin and wild horses couldn’t drag me away. Christmas of 2023 my husband bought me a set of acrylic gouache and I’ve not even opened them but NOW YES! I love this painting you’ve done and cant wait to give it a try. Please keep doing what you’re doing and know this…. I hope that by being such an inspiration to so many around the world brings you joy and helps you realize your significance. You are a light that brightens so many lives. I always look forward to your videos no matter what you have to say.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You are so sweet!! 🥹 I hope you continue to love your gouache adventures. I’m hooked! 🙌

[@shirleynace1314]

Thanks for this insightful video. When I first started watching you about five or six years ago, I mostly watched to hear the calming sound of your voice and your thoughtful discussions of the painting process. Now I watch your videos for that and to actually look at your technique and results. So much progress in such a short time by actually doing the work. It is awesome to see. I swing back and forth from Pantsing to Plotting and when I feel myself being stuck on the Pantsing side of the pendulum, I try to take a workshop. I am fortunate to have an active Plein Air group which paints every week. This almost always gives me something to work on. I too have a tiny studio which consists of the space on top of a washer and dryer and the cabinet above. It’s perfect for small formats in gouache started in Plein Air and finished up in the studio. I am inspired by the miles you have put on your brushes over the years. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you for sticking with me 😄

[@wendychampness1901]

When I started, pantser, but now I study realistic birds and botanicals and your Gouache painting! And more rambles, 🙏

[@wumblebumblebee]

I've been following since the last year of Twitch and your growth is insane! You are very much .y main inspiration to grow! Thank you for everything you do here, on patreon and on your other channel

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you ☺️ I love hearing from people who watched on Twitch because I know I’ve changed so much, it feels like we’ve been on a long journey together!

[@wumblebumblebee]

@SarahBurnsStudio a long and BEAUTIFUL journey Sarah, and your patreon and YT videos have helped my art grow so much!!!

[@annesilver8387]

This year I am working on learning how to paint Plein air. I have also been asked to paint a beach landscape as a wedding gift, and my daughter asked me to paint a mountain scene for her birthday. I usually paint in a sketchbook, so I will be doing a lot of planning and plotting for those two paintings.

[@meganjohnson2246]

I've definitely been a "pantser" for the last decade. If it's a piece for a show, I'll plot. But usually it's just me goofing around in a sketchbook, or trying a new medium, and there's very little structure. As I went through art school in the 90s for my Illustration BFA, I became increasingly cranky about drawing the same (or similar) thing four or five times before getting to "the fun part." However, by the time I could actually paint the thing, I was burnt out already. Looming deadlines made the painting experience much less fun. These days, my full time job is running an art supply shop, so making art is more of a pleasurable side hobby. I often dive straight into color before developing a value map. I could definitely employ some the practices you mention in this video to have better outcomes!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I totally get the being “cranky” part. I still do that sometimes!! In those moments I let me inner child just play. That’s important too.

[@bethglaude8749]

Your idea of going back to basics is good. I think I'm going to do the same in the coming year. Thank you

[@margaretsmith51]

Great video Sarah loved your painting. I am a pantser definitely and I can relate to everything you spoke about.

[@juliegrossman3733]

Sarah, I am at the sporadic, random stage in my art journey, but slowly adding some structure...to the area, so that I can easily and regularly pick up the sketchbook with minimal choices to bog me down; I enjoy sketching so much, but don't do it enough, so working on that; and trying to teach myself watercolor through a sketchbook practice. As a retired teacher, I do find myself mentally making myself a 'unit plan' or 'lesson plan', but without knowing the goals I should have for myself! so that's a process. I appreciate your videos like this one, where you talk it through.

[@larrymisiak915]

How “random” that I saw this video. I’ve watched you a lot. I needed a jolt! Thanks.

[@jennetbowdridge]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey & process. Your paintings are beautiful & evoke feelings of calmness & serenity. This video gave me "chills"(in a good way)! I am on a very similar parallel path (no YT Channel yet😂). I was a pantser, but then about 3.5 years ago, I realized I didn't have a clue what I was doing : composition, value, drawing skills, technical skills (watercolour), etc. Since then I've become a pretty hardcore plotter, & have developed a similar process of studying through to "finished" painting. Dedicated, deliberate practise (with lots of tutorials (books.DVD/download, YT ) ) has definitely made a difference for me. I still can't paint what I "see" or feel in my mind /heart, but it is getting closer. Thank you again for sharing - it is wonderful to find folks on similar paths. 😊❤ Happy holidays & hope you & Wolfie enjoy a well deserved rest!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Sounds like you found a process that works for you. Thank you for sharing!

[@Eva-qh9zd]

I'm a panster, but am trying to do the concept and value sketching prior to painting. Both when painting inside and outside as it helps to have a plan. However, sometimes I feel like my head is going to explode with information overload trying to remember what makes good painting. It doesn't come naturally yet. So I'm starting with the basics and going back to improving my drawing skills and that will hopefully inform my painting. We love your ramblings and I love to watch how you mix colours and even how you make brush strokes. Happy Christmas and New year!

[@nicolawilkinson9079]

Good musings and I love seeing your sketchbooks :) I'm looking forward to some watercolour and gouache play and plein air sketching now all the Christmas commissions are completed - a very Merry Christmas to you, Wolfie, Floki and Akira x

[@mgh7625]

I’m all for ramblecasts and cat cameos.

[@leilaluginbill916]

A while back, I too, found that doing pre-sketches, for composition or value, have been very helpful. My work has really improved. I watercolor just for fun…spent a lifetime teaching science and now it’s time to use the other side of my brain! Nice video..I’ve have followed you for several years now…love rambling and painting.❤

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@perinilan4364]

Ramble on! I loved this video and just watching you paint is very relaxing. The colours (including the neutrals) are gorgeous in this little painting! It’s lovely. It’s also nice to hear another artist speak from the heart. I’m very much the same in that I get bored with one subject and one medium. But then I’ve been an art teacher for decades, so maybe that’s why. I want to be able to do them all and share what I know with others. Since COVID, I really got back into working in sketchbooks. I still paint larger works, but find its often easier just to grab the sketchbook, head to my studio or out to do plein air sketching and painting. The result is that my larger works have improved. It’s also inspiring just to look back through my sketchbooks, knowing that when I finish one, I get to start a new one!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you for sharing! I’ll always be a sketchbook artist at heart! It’s the most accessible way to sketch.

[@jeanbCA]

Loved your “ramble”! Sometimes a wide-ranging, train-of-thought-ish communication is really more connected - and connecting - than it sounds at the time. It connected with me, anyway 😊 I’ve learned so much about what drives my own exploration of art from following yours. Thank you, Sarah ❤

[@FaithAnnNB]

This was a relaxing break in the middle of a chaotic few days for me… so thank you 😊. I sketched buildings daily in October and since then have barely had time for art (either doing it, or keeping up with a few favourite artist’ channels). I am really hoping to have a few moments to myself over the next week and a half (but with several travel days in there, I’m not that optimistic it will happen 😢). A friend and I took a pottery wheel throwing course this fall and I took an additional hand-building ornament (ceramic/pottery) class, so I wasn’t totally art-free and it was a lot of fun to do something so different. Sometimes a break helps inspire me because I get that “I can’t wait to paint again” feeling. Now to get on with my day of baking (which I’m not feeling overly inspired to do at the moment 😅). Hope you are able to take an end-of-year break and enjoy some time with Wolfy.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Oh gosh I miss pottery SO MUCH!! Something I’m really looking forward to someday, maybe when we eventually move I can get a little pottery shed :)

[@zenlife1200]

Hope guys have a great Christmas and New Year ❤

[@lyndaguenther8897]

I'm going to watch this again. Doing so as I write cards. Like this style. Makes my mind 'zing'. Lots of good topics and thoughts. I like being with people to make me 'perform' on the spot, so a pantzer!

[@lyndaguenther8897]

Ramble on please!😊

[@ChantelleArts]

I'm loving this chatty face/art combo you're now doing 🥰

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Good to know! I was kind of wondering if you was worth it ☺️

[@barbaralibner176]

@@SarahBurnsStudioTotally worth it! Best of all worlds. Mini demo so we can see the decisions you make, and an encouraging podcast-like narration that helps me remember to ask myself why about my own choices. Thank you for being a virtual painting buddy.

[@Makbabe72]

Beautiful, art and Amazing video making and editing! Both have grown so much over the last several years. I have enjoyed your Books, your KZbin channel, and your Patreon, and also your gouache boxes.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@GalletaCreates]

I am watching this as I am practicing landscape painting because I usually paint animals and plants, but I want to get better with other things as landscapes ☺️ As an artist myself, this has been a year to open my eyes and I resonate with everything you say in this video! For 2025 I want to learn a lot more and get better with my art 🎨 I also want to try some of the things you mention in the video and in your channel to practice and do some studies 🤭

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

This was nice. I needed to hear about growth in art. For me it meanders. It is nice to look back over the year and see how far I have come. I enjoy watching you paint. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ! 🎊😊❤

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Merry Christmas!🎄

[@paulahaynes6131]

Ramble on Sarah. This has been very insightful and yes you have really grown in your art and I have enjoyed getting to watch it happen.

[@RafaelMatias1976]

Love all your work Sarah, every piece is part of your journey. Looking forward for the next video, and the next, and the next after that...! Happy holidays!

[@chrissyplanteater2892]

Definitely finding smaller is easier than larger x

[@glennakendall6155]

Whatever you are, your paintings and sketches are beautiful! ❤

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you so much 😀

[@lindathaxton1994]

Beautiful painting

[@elizabethjones5041]

Wow, i loved watching this....i am such a precise artist, i so want to be able to just do what you do. I would just keep straightening areas, adding more......your art is beautiful, so real. Thank you xx

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Honestly knowing when to stop is hard! I often overdo it and keep adding details. Then I miss the painterly freshness. So it’s a thing I actively practice.

[@angelabyker1587]

I am definitely a pantser but I have sketchbooks dedicated to different subjects. Does that make me an organized pantser? One sketchbook is basically a garden journal that I've been doing for several years now. Another is for texture studies, another one is for landscapes, last one is for random objects that I see in front of me.

[@haddock54]

Like how you mix the colours

[@rasstheatre]

I’m an art therapist, so I need to be adept at lots of different media in order to facilitate creative exploration with a wide range of clients. To help with this, I choose a theme-of-the-year subject and pair it with a media I want to gain more mastery in. Last year the theme was Fruit and the media was soft pastels. This year the theme is Fish and the media is watercolor. I try to fill a dedicated sketchbook with these parameters. I make a lot of other outside-the-theme artworks, but I always have the main theme to fall back on. I guess that makes me a plotter.

[@artbykcappadona5166]

I have the same problem you do with space. I really want to paint some giant oil paintings, but I have a closet filled with them. I literally have to get rid of them. And some of them are beautiful. But I just don’t know what to do with them all. So I have been painting, watercolor and wash for the last couple of years. It’s a whole different medium for me it’s difficult to learn. I enjoy tiny painting, even if I’m painting with oil. But I do still crave painting a very beautiful painting. I just have no space to do so. One thing I was doing was painting on free canvas. That way I could take my paintings when they dry and just stick them in a drawer. And if ever someone wanted to buy one, I could then mount it on a stretcher board. I hang them up with clothes pins until they dry and then I put them away in the drawer. But other than that, I can’t keep painting on canvas cause I just have no more room. I am not that great at watercolor in gouache, but I keep on working hard at it. I’m really an oil and acrylic painter. And sometimes I paint really tiny with oil or acrylic on watercolor paper. It works believe it or not. I even did my Christmas cards with acrylic this year.

[@didone93]

Thank you for this video. You address a topic that I think about often. I have been self-teaching for about 7 years now, and I also am always interested in trying different styles and media. I am always wondering whether to just go with what I’m taken with at the moment or whether I should stick to a more structured plan. The answer varies with the situation, and I try to balance the two. I guess would say I’m a ‘pantser’ who tries to incorporate a healthy amount of plotting. It is helpful to know that you think about some of the same questions.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you for sharing 🙌

[@artbykcappadona5166]

I am a person who just paints off the cuff. I often chastise myself to slow down and to plan better. But that sometimes makes a very tight painting for me. So I need to be somewhere in between where I do some planning, but then I allow myself the freedom to just create. I guess it’s a balancing act

[@lisabice7343]

Guiding words video- oh yes please!

[@claregraham4732]

I'd love to hear about the idea of guiding words. It sounds like a really useful concept! And that's kind of in line with the comment about "Planning" or "Pantsing." I write a lot, and I'd call myself a hybrid, both planner and pantser, but pantser first. I mean... I often just have a scene or a subject pop up in my mind and I go with it. Sometimes that's the end of it, but sometimes that "pants" piece evolves until I actually start planning something and then working one it in a more structured way. The same goes for the way I do art. I often just do "whatever", and then notice something along the lines of "You know, I didn't really capture those rays of light very well; that wasn't how it felt; I want to try this again..." and then I'll start looking up other artists or search on line for a "how to..." video, to delve deeper into it. I think this is in line with the nature of inspiration and personal growth and evolution. None of us know where we're going to end up, but we do know what we're attracted to and what is leading us at the moment. How do we become ourselves - our true selves - as people and as artists? What do we have as our guide for this? Really I think our guide is inside ourselves - things we aspire to, things that we have a yearning for or that cause us to spend hours in contemplation... this isn't perhaps the best expressed, but adequate to what I mean. I really enjoyed this video and the last one! I love to talk about process and people's "reason why." Thank you Sarah!

[@shawnajames5280]

Merry Christmas 🎄

[@vickiarn]

That's a gorgeous painting

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you

[@PB-vn8pu]

Love your videos!

[@maureencoles9914]

Fantastic ❤

[@susanweller2121]

Hi Sarah. I'm not sure if you've already done a video on this topic, but I would love a video with tips for painting from reference photos. I'm fairly new at watercolor and struggle with using my reference photos. Just a suggestion. Thank you. 🙂

[@simonnemason2162]

i have lately started to follow a more structured approach, thanks to your guidelines, and it really has started to make a difference. I have spoken to friends about this and have been systematically dismissed as wasting my time. However I have seen a difference in my work and for that I must thank you. My friends work has just stayed the same. Perhaps the is a lesson in that!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I’m glad you are sticking with what you know is working for you!

[@felicitycrowe6971]

Excellent video! I think my natural inclination for painting is towards being a plotter … maybe pantsing it occasionally would be helpful and fun?

[@lorryl8]

Thanks for a very enjoyable, interesting video. I think I'm a bit of a frustrated ‘pantster,’ but I'm also a bit of a perfectionist. I know I need to to be more organised in my strategy to see improvement and am looking at doing “Masters Studies” but don't really know where to start with this. I would love it if you would post a video running through step-by-step how you go about doing them. Thanks again. I've been watching you for a long time and see how much your approach has worked for you and the improvement in your paintings.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I think the best place to start would be to think of an artist whose work you love. If you can’t think of any, think about the STYLE of painting you love (Impressionism? Post-Impressionism? Realism? Pre-Raphaelite?) Look through some of the popular images to find an artist that stands out. All of this is easy to find in an online search. Choose 3 paintings you LOVE and simply try to copy them. I recommend trying with various primaries until you get a similar combination (unless you can research what they used).

[@terrilikens4975]

Good morning and happy holidays! I've been lucky to not struggle with subject matter inspiration, but seeing the good work of other artists helps me take it to the next level. I'm in between a pantser and a plotter.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Happy holidays to you too!

[@addasenta]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. As I paint out of interest and not professionally I’m very much a pantser I guess. I just do whatever I feel like and when my inspiration is gone I either change medium for a while(the main one is wc, love these!) or I look for a nice online course. But you make me think about my strategy. Anyway, happy holidays and thanks for another year of inspiration!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chrissyplanteater2892]

I’m weak getting colour in my landscape especially greens but I am trying to mix my own now and I see improvement in my work thanks for your help ❤

[@MarkVanVasey]

I love hearing why others paint and where their focus is. Thats a delightful painting you've made there, lovely colours. That is something I should probably give more focus in my work. Personally I do a lot of value studies, and try to think about composition, but my colours don't seem to have the harmony that others can achieve. Im coming from a back ground as a musician where I have ended up feeling quite trapped as an artist. I feel that painting is liberating me and I don't want to loose this feeling of peace and freedom I have with it, so I do try to stay loose and reflexive. That in it self is a huge learning curve that I can use in other areas of my life, but can lead to quite a random bunch of sketches and paintings :)

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you for sharing! It

[@endertheawkwardemoji280]

I am a pantser with a diaper lol, loved your ramble can totally relate.

[@shirley6968]

I'm definitely a pantster. Whether in writing, coloring (what I currently call my art journey), or even crocheting I start out with a feeling or idea. Then follow it

[@sephanisbetartist5213]

Good Wonderings! Thank you from a fellow Sketch Book Artist!

[@berolinastrassmann]

'Tis the season where we all assess ourselves and take stock. Its easy to be hard on ourselves. I ❤ this ramblecast. Its a window into your mind. I want to be a planner but I am "spontaneous" 😂😅

[@Cobaltblueprism]

Guiding words, yes. Until you said it, I didn't realize that this is what has suited me for the last handful of years. It feels more like a steering wheel than an anchor.

[@SylviaCostello-lu1bu]

Happy Christmas 🎉🎉🎉

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Hope you have a wonderful holiday 🎄

[@bettyd.1843]

I have seen your skills grow and flourish and so much of what you said resonated. On an earlier video you shared how you printed off photo references for future paintings. Many of mine are saved and stored in IG. How would I print those off, several to a page? The less I’m on a screen, the more I will create-I hope!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I use photoshop to compile all of mine. There is a free software called GIMP Art you could look into

[@bettyd.1843]

@@SarahBurnsStudio I am not too techy but I will look into it. I've been a long time follower, Sarah, and your videos are so encouraging and feel like a good visit!

[@DWrandom]

I recently was diagnosed with combined ADHD..... so.... I have periods of being an obsessive plotter then a switch is flicked and I shun the plotting and just go where inspiration strikes (ADHDers do a lot better on a routine yet my brain rebels against it). So I'm learning to adjust with what my brain wants to do at a time, which can be difficult. It's also why I love KZbin and artists like you who share their journeys and art tips because subscriptions are difficult to keep up with if I'm not hyper focused on it. :-)

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I can relate, I also just have times when I go with the flow because I feel I NEED that.

[@DonohueLabs]

Painter, Pantser, Plotter, Spy

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

🤓🧐🤩

[@diaryofcolours]

I definitely just go sketch and paint want I want to paint at that moment, but at the same time I am worrying about structure, colour theory, composition, you name it. But when I decide for myself to sit down and focus on studying, I get bored very quickly which makes me abandon that part of art making again. Which makes me sad and discouraged sometimes, because I know it will be beneficial for me.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I guess ultimately you will find a rhythm that works for you without guilt. Thanks for sharing!

[@judithutter1924]

Off topic but I’m wondering if you can recommend a product for sealing gouache on canvas that I can purchase online that ships to the US. I heard the wax is better than spraying is this correct ? Thank you. Your work is very beautiful !

[@ericpotts7417]

The only way to learn to paint large paintings is to paint large paintings. When do you think you will be able to change things around so that you have space? Could a storage unit be the answer? Thanks for all your brilliant videos, so helpful to me as a beginner and leisure painter whose ultimate goal is to paint large (full imperial) watercolours.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It won’t be until we move, at an unknown time. So until then, I’m thinking a lot about the concepts I want to improve on. Painting smaller also serves me for my plein air work. It’s all going to help when I eventually get more space.

[@JT8njr]

Nice fireside chat, doing some soul searching and web surfing myself.

[@tigathon]

I am a pantser at heart, no matter how much I wish I was a plotter sometimes. The freedom that “pantsing it” allows me can lead to some of my best work…. But it also means the quality of my work is inconsistent

[@stephaniekerfoot685]

You are looking for inspiration. Your advice helps. I was wondering with destinations closer at hand, did you ever want to go garden touring for photographs. I know that is a common hobby in England. If you get a chance there is a place called Mottisfont abbey, only during rose season. Just photographs help inspire when the season gets miserable !

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I do a lot of garden touring (didn’t know it was called anything) ☺️

[@BILAL-BABAR]

beautiful.....

[@maureencoles9914]

Awesome thank you😂

[@betzie_paintz2284]

Merry Christmas Sarah! I have a question, that are the colors you have on your palette??? I love your videos. Thank your wonderful content!!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Liquitex Acrylic Gouache - primary red, primary yellow, ultramarine (red shade), light blue permanent and white

[@betzie_paintz2284]

@ Thank you so much!!

[@LisaZoe86]

Hi Sarah, I am a plotter and a pantser both in writing and drawing/painting. I need the basics plotted out. I need to know the structure, and then I want to see what happens. :-) On another note: your drawings and paintings from 2019 look great. I see you used a lot of crosshatching. Would you mind talking about developing your drawing style from the very beginning up until that point or until today? Would love to hear you talk about that a bit more. Any books you used to learn the skill of drawing? Teachers? Okay, have a good day!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I think a drawing video is overdue. A good idea for January!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Recently , exactly im stuck ...in decision paralysis..unable to decide what to paint...i have 100s of photos....but nothing seems good suddenly 😮i never had this issue till now

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

My last video might give you some ideas :)

[@koriabdouch3589]

Enjoy your posts and videos. So relatable! Noticed you squeezing something out of little bottles in the beginning. Was that acrylic paint of some sort?

[@wanderingtrainvlogs]

Pantser here for sure

[@dawn4224]

Add on comment. I love my sketchbooks. Portable and they record my journey in a way my other works do not.

[@maureencoles9914]

Yes its all a journey and you need to do A and B to get to F. You learn so much as you go to evolve. Yeah thanks for voicing that.

[@tessarotmify]

I'm a "panter". 😊