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Painting in a Sketchbook: How to deal with Imperfections | Sunflower Art

Have you ever looked at your artwork and felt that something was missing? Or you did too much? That's exactly how I felt with my recent sunflower painting. I couldn't shake the feeling that I shouldn't have done the foliage around the sunflower, but then I realized that sometimes, the beauty lies in imperfections.


The idea of painting sunflowers had been lingering in my mind for days, and finally, I decided to take the plunge.


The sunflower, with vibrant colours and symbolism of happiness, felt like the perfect subject to begin my painting.

white blank sketchbook page

Sunflowers have long been admired for their symbolic meanings. They represent positivity, loyalty, and adoration. By painting sunflowers, I feel like I can connect with these powerful symbols, infusing my artwork with a deeper meaning.

ombre dark brow to light brown background colour

Painting in a sketchbook brought a sense of peacefulness and soul searching. It became my safe space to express emotions and thoughts. Whether I was feeling happy or sad, the sketchbook provided a sanctuary for my mind.

outline of the sunflower

As we strive for perfection, we often forget that art thrives in imperfection. The strokes that didn't go as planned, the colours that bled unexpectedly, all added character to the artwork.

sunflower petals painted in dark brown/yellow colour

When painting sunflowers, I wanted the colours to pop, reflecting the cheerful and uplifting essence of the flower.


I am using acrylic paint because, they are known for their versatility and vibrant hues. They allowed me to achieve precisely that. Their quick-drying nature also meant I could layer colours and work faster, adding depth and dimension to the painting.

yellow colour added to the petals of the sunflower

Creating this sunflower painting felt like a dance with colours. Each hue had its own rhythm, and blending them harmoniously was like choreographing a symphony of emotions. It was a meditative experience, where I lost track of time, completely immersed in the world of colours.

yellow sunflower painted on a ombre brown background

As the painting progressed, doubts crept in. I found myself contemplating whether I should stop adding more details. Would a few leaves be enough? But then, I realized that this was my creative journey, and I could keep exploring until I felt satisfied. Art is about following our intuition, not conforming to predefined rules.

dark green leaves added to the sunflower

The imperfections were not failures but rather stepping stones in my artistic exploration.

dark green foliage added around the sunflower

I'm not 100% happy with this painting but, this painting taught me valuable lessons about embracing imperfection and letting go of self-doubt.

yellow sunflower painted with dark foliage, green leaves, white daisies

Art is not just a destination but a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. With each stroke, we evolve as artists and as individuals.


This sketchbook is becoming a treasured memory journal. Each painting captured a moment in time, preserving memories and emotions that might have faded otherwise. Flipping through its pages felt like revisiting fragments of my past.


So, what did I learn?

I learned that imperfections add character to art, and each stroke contributes to the storytelling. Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, don't be afraid to explore new mediums and embrace the unknown. Let your creativity flow, and your sketchbook will become a cherished companion on your artistic voyage.


Happy painting! 🌻




🎨*Product used:

Sketchbook (UK) (US)

Brushes (UK) (US)

Paint Colours:

- Daler Rowney

Titanium White (UK) (US)

Cadmium Yellow Hue (UK)

Cadmium Red Hue (UK)

Sap Green (UK)

Black (UK)

Paint set 8 colours (UK) (US)


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