Inside My Watercolor Sketchbook: Behind-the-Scenes of My Creative Process

Inside My Watercolor Sketchbook: Behind-the-Scenes of My Creative Process

There’s something special about a watercolor sketchbook—it’s a space for creativity, exploration, and play. While I love creating polished paintings for collections and prints, my sketchbook is where I get to explore and experiment with new ideas. I use capture moments of inspiration from quick color swatches to detailed ideas. Sometimes I just use it to get paint to paper and relax my brain.  Lately, I’ve been filling my pages with coastal landscapes, whimsical sea creatures, and dreamy floral studies. These small, personal works are a way for me to practice techniques, test color palettes, and explore new ideas without the pressure of perfection.

Watercolor sketchbook with coastal landscape

What’s in My Watercolor Journal Right Now?

Here’s a peek at some of the things I’ve been painting recently:

  • 🌊 Seaside Sketches: Soft pastel washes capturing Cape Cod’s hazy shorelines.

Watercolor painting of a beach scene

  • 🐚 Beachcomber Finds: Inspired by early mornings on the beach, finding driftwood along the shore.

Watercolor painting of seashells and ocean treasures

  • 🌸 Floral and Sea Studies: Dainty daisies, blooming hydrangeas, and wildflowers in soft washes. A mix of my two favorite subject matters.

Watercolor painting of colorful flowers along the sea shore with crashing waves

Watercolor painting of colorful hydrangeas along the harbor with a sail boat

Watercolor painting of a lush green mountain meadow

Watercolor painting of a peach colored icelandic poppy

  • 🦊 Whimsical Wildlife: Playful foxes, birds, and woodland creatures with a storytelling twist.

Watercolor sketch of a fox on the beach

Watercolor sketch of a fox on the beach

Why I Love Watercolor Journaling

Keeping a watercolor journal allows me to stay connected to my art daily. It’s a low-pressure, creative practice that helps me refine my style and gather ideas for future paintings and prints. Plus, I love looking back through old sketchbooks to see how my work has evolved over time!

Open watercolor sketchbook with lilac paintings

Want to See More?

I’ll be sharing more of my sketchbook pages and behind-the-scenes process over on Instagram and TikTok—come follow along!

Watercolor workspace with sketchbook and paints

And if you love the look of these sketches, keep an eye out… some of them might just make their way into future prints.

    Work in progress watercolor painting

    Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite thing to sketch or paint just for fun?

    Cozy painting setup with a cup of tea and sketchbook

    Watercolor art supplies and journal


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