Between work, study, family, and life’s never-ending to-do list, it can feel impossible to make time for art. Oftentimes, practicing art consistently can feel impossible. Many artists struggle with finding a balance between responsibilities and creative passion, and it’s easy to feel guilty when art takes a backseat. But here’s the truth: you don’t need unlimited free time to grow as an artist—you just need the right approach. In this post, I’ll share realistic strategies for fitting daily art practice into a packed schedule, how to stay consistent without burnout, and why small, intentional effort beats waiting for big chunks of free time. If you love creating but struggle to find the time, this one’s for you!
Is artistic skill something you’re just born with, or can anyone become a great artist with enough practice? The idea that some people are simply naturally gifted at art while others are not is a common belief—but it’s also a myth. In this post, we’ll break down the science of skill-building, how deliberate practice shapes mastery, and why hard work always wins over raw talent in the long run. Plus, I’ll share real-life stories of artists who started late and still became masters—proof that it’s never too late to improve!
Building an art collection is an exciting journey, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out. But owning art isn’t just about acquiring beautiful pieces—it’s about preserving them so they stay in pristine condition for generations to come. In this guide, I’ll share best practices to preserve your art collection, from framing and cleaning to protecting against environmental damage. Whether you collect original paintings, prints, or mixed-media pieces, these tips will help you keep your collection looking as stunning as the day you acquired it.
Meet Litoria chloris—also known as the Red-Eyed Tree Frog, and the star of one of my newest paintings! I’ve always been drawn to painting frogs (no surprise there!), and Litoria chloris was an absolute joy to work on. With its vibrant green body, fiery red-orange eyes, and deep purple thighs, this little amphibian is a walking color palette dream. As both an artist and a veterinarian, I love blending science with creativity, and this piece was the perfect mix of both. In this post, I’ll take you through the process of painting Litoria chloris, some fun frog facts, and a few veterinary insights that might just make you love frogs as much as I do!
We’ve all heard the phrase “practice makes perfect,” but not all practice is created equal. The difference between casual repetition and real skill improvement comes down to deliberate practice—a structured, goal-driven approach for developing true mastery. Whether you’re an artist, musician, or athlete, understanding how consistency, focus, and feedback shape skill development can transform the way you practice. In this blog, we’ll dive into the psychology of deliberate practice, how it rewires the brain for growth and expertise, and why daily, intentional effort matters more than raw talent. If you’re serious about improving your artistic skills (or any skill, really), this one’s for you!
Meet Litoria infrafrenata—the White-Lipped Tree Frog, and the star of one of my latest paintings! I’ve always loved frogs, and this big, charismatic species was such a fun challenge to paint. As a veterinarian and artist, I love bringing together my science brain and creative brain, and painting this little guy was the perfect mix of both. In this post, I’ll take you through the process of painting Litoria infrafrenata, some wild facts about the species, and a few veterinary tidbits that make frogs even more fascinating. If you love frogs, watercolor, or random animal facts, stick around!
In a world where AI-generated art and mass-produced prints are more accessible than ever, the value of handmade original art, is clear. While technology has transformed how we create and consume art, nothing replaces the authenticity, craftsmanship, and emotional depth of a piece made by human hands. This blog explores how AI art and mass-produced prints compare to handmade paintings, why original artwork remains irreplaceable, and why collecting unique, artist-made pieces is more important than ever.
A sketchbook is more than just a collection of doodles—it's a powerful tool for artistic growth, self-expression, and creative exploration. Many of history’s greatest artists, from Leonardo da Vinci to Vincent van Gogh, kept extensive sketchbooks to refine their ideas and improve their skills. But why is it so beneficial to keep a sketchbook, and how can it help you become a better artist? In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of sketchbooks, how they boost creativity, and the psychology behind why sketching improves artistic ability.
Have you ever lost track of time while painting or drawing, completely immersed in the process? That feeling of effortless creativity is known as a flow state—a psychological phenomenon where time fades, distractions disappear, and your focus is effortlessly sharp. But what actually happens in the brain during flow? How does it boost creativity, and how can you achieve it more often? In this article, we’ll explore the science of artistic flow, the neurology behind creativity, and practical tips to help you tap into flow more easily.
Every artist, whether a beginner or seasoned professional, goes through the journey of discovering their own artistic style. But what exactly makes an artist’s work recognizable? How do you develop a style that feels truly your own? In this post, I’ll explore the steps to finding your artistic voice, discuss the influence of art history and personal inspiration, and share practical exercises to help you refine your style over time. Whether you're feeling lost in the sea of different techniques or just looking to evolve, this guide will help you embrace your individuality in art.
If you’ve ever struggled with drawing faces and maintaining correct proportions, the loomis method is an essential technique to learn. Developed by Andrew Loomis, this method breaks the human head into simple, easy-to-follow geometric shapes, making it ideal for beginners and experienced artists alike. In this post, I’ll explore the art history behind the method, break down the step-by-step process, and explain why it remains one of the most effective ways to master portrait drawing. Whether you're just starting or refining your portrait skills, this guide will help you gain confidence in drawing faces with proper structure and balance.
Tracing can be a helpful tool for beginners learning proportions, but at some point, moving toward free-hand drawing is essential for artistic growth. In this post, I’ll share my own experience transitioning from tracing to free-hand drawing, offer practical exercises to build confidence, and explain why this shift leads to stronger artistic skills. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your technique, this guide will help you make the leap from relying on outlines to drawing with confidence and accuracy.
Curious about how to create depth and vibrancy in your watercolor paintings? In this post, I’ll share my self-taught journey with watercolor layering techniques, explaining how building up thin washes of color can bring your artwork to life. I’ll also dive into the history of watercolor layering, featuring artists like Albrecht Dürer and J.M.W. Turner, and discuss how I used this technique in a deeply personal painting of my Grandad, who was also a watercolor artist. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced painter, this article is packed with tips, personal insights, and artsy facts!
Do you paint with watercolours & want to put together a little travel kit for on-the-go painting sessions? Do you love taking your creativity out to your favourite cafe? park? beach? This article will talk all about everything you need to paint on the go, & lists all the essentials you need for an artist travel set and to get plein air painting today!
Although the basics of colour theory are relatively simple, mastering colour harmony in artistic work is quite the skill. Colour is one of the most powerful tools in an artist's arsenal. Whether you're painting, designing, or illustrating, understanding colour theory can help you create harmonious, striking compositions. But how do different colour interact? What emotions do they evoke? And how have artists throughout history used colour to enhance their work? In this blog, we’ll explore the fundamentals of colour theory, the psychology behind colour, different colour relationships, and how you can use them to make your artwork more compelling.
If you’ve ever struggled with drawing faces, you’re not alone! As a self-taught artist, I’ve learned everything on my own through trial, error, and lots of practice. That’s why I love discovering books that break down complex techniques in an easy-to-follow way. In this post, I’m reviewing Morpho Anatomy for Artists – Drawing the Human Head by Michel Lauricella. I’ll share what I’ve learned, how it has improved my portrait work, and how it compares to historical approaches to facial anatomy. If you’re looking to refine your skills in drawing faces with accuracy and expression, this book might be for you!
Ever wondered what goes into a calm, creative home studio? In this post, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at my own little space—how I set up my art studio, what tools and supplies I use, and how I keep it feeling peaceful and organised. From my handmade watercolour brushes to my favourite affordable finds (and of course, Alys curled up nearby), this is where all the painting happens. Whether you're an art lover, fellow watercolour artist, or just a little bit nosy—I hope you enjoy the tour!

a space for artists & art collectors ♡

hi, i’m sarah, an australian artist head-over-heels for watercolour & creative practice- it truely is good for your soul. 

& this ↑,  is my girl alys.

i am completely self-taught in all the mediums i use & i am here to share everything i know with you!

i write about all things creativity, watercolour, gouache, hand-made ceramics, collecting art, & my own artistic process. I have degrees in human psychology & veterinary medicine- so you might find some sporadic related facts in my writing. 

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