I noticed in my last sketchbook painting session that I was getting a bit of a drag on the paper, like it was soaking up a lot of the water and drying things out. I remembered seeing Dina Brodsky using acrylic ink as an underpainting, so I thought I’d try it out and see how it went.

I used a very thin layer of Light Rose, Amsterdam Acrylic Ink, and then used M. Graham gouache paints on top. It definitely affected the flow of my paint. Generally I ended up with either too much water (paint pooling) or not enough (paint clumping). You can see in the final pictures, as I start to rough in a background, I often use a thin wash in the back and build it up until I’m happy, a carryover from my watercolor practice. The wash was breaking up over the top of the acrylic ink, and I’m not super patient in my sketchbook so I just slapped some more in there to block the color in, lol.

Knowing it feels a bit different though, I am intrigued. I think it may still give a little more control over flow if I practice a little. My next step will be a series of swatches, testing paint consistencies and layering over just paper, and paper with acrylic ink over it.

With this gouache sketch I noticed that the paper was absorbing quite a lot of water and affecting my paint flow. As I was struggling I remembered Dina Brodsky mentioning that she uses acrylic ink as a first layer in her sketchbook and that it seals the paper. I decided to pick up some inks to experiment with to see if it helps paint flow better on the page.

Organic, hand-painted houndstooth in rich burgundy and mauve, set against an off white background. The textured, hand painted watercolor shapes create a modern, artisanal twist on a classic check, with autumn-inspired tones and a rustic feel. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor. This pattern is part of a small collection of magical moody patterns in burgundy, mauve, green, and pink. Click here to view the whole mystical collection.

Scattered yellow gold four-pointed stars with white highlights glow across a deep burgundy night sky. The stars vary in spacing and sizes giving them a feeling of depth and a bit of twinkle. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor. This pattern is part of a small collection of magical moody patterns in burgundy, lilac and cream. Click here to view the whimsical collection.

Boho block printed geometric motifs of concentric squares in cherry red and sepia brown. The distressed, grainy texture gives it a rustic, hand-printed look with warm, earthy tones and a vintage textile feel. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor. Click here to check out more red patterns.

Interlocking burgundy and cream diamonds feature pink crescent moons and four-pointed stars for a magical celestial look. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor. Click here to check out all the available colors of these vintage inspired celestial diamonds.

I’ve been using my sketchbook to try to figure out my ideal gouache painting process. I quite like outlining my main shapes in a color that contrasts the main focal points. In this quick sketch I’ve used a cerulean blue opposite gamboge and hansa yellow blend (all M. Graham gouache). The outlines give me a map to follow. I find when it’s just a pencil sketch it doesn’t take me long to lose track of the lines, and then I get lost. I also like to leave a bit of the outlines showing to bring a little energy and contrast into the piece.

With this gouache sketch I noticed that the paper was absorbing quite a lot of water and affecting my paint flow. As I was struggling I remembered Dina Brodsky mentioning that she uses acrylic ink as a first layer in her sketchbook and that it seals the paper. I decided to pick up some inks to experiment with to see if it helps paint flow better on the page.

A moody super skinny alternating black and dark cherry red stripes pattern. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor. Click here to check out more red patterns.

Super skinny diagonal stripe. Diagonal cherry red and pink stripes. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor. Click here to check out more red patterns.

Large terracotta and coral poppies with dark centers and stylized leaves on an olive brown base. The dense, layered foliage and earthy palette are inspired by Arts and Crafts patterns, and midcentury botanical art. Organic flow and painted textures create a classic, vintage look. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor. Click here to check out more red patterns.

I worked my way through the Repertoire program over the last few months. There is so much content and so many new things to try. I have been focused on developing my flowers. I also took Lettering Bootcamp from MATS and I have been having fun trying out different lettering styles and ornamental shapes. I’ve also been working to make progress on my first hand drawn half-repeat continuous allover pattern, a bamboo forest to accompany my clouded leopards collection.

Cream floral branches curve diagonally across a warm cherry reddish brown, accented by coral four-petal shapes. Dark brown stems and off white blossoms create a rustic, vintage, and cottagecore feel. The hand drawn style adds organic charm and elegance. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor. Click here to check out more red patterns.

A playful pattern of octopus and squid dancing with curling tentacles on an off white textured background. This pattern would look great in a bathroom with an underwater vibe. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor. Check out the whole collection of coordinating underwater patterns here.

Abstract marbled pattern in moody dark sea blue. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor. Check out my whole collection of abstract marbled patterns.

Happy coastal blue with organic horizontal stripes. This ocean-inspired stripes pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor.

Coastal blue and gray textured botanical seaweed pattern giving undersea vibes, with a soft sway. This ocean-inspired botanical pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor.

A roundup of a few of my sea inspired wallpapers in shades of green and teal.

Above is a botanical seaweed pattern, in a sunny shade of green.

Below is my dark sea green herons wallpaper, and deep sea fish wallpaper in a little bit lighter shade of sea green below.

Click any image to shop the design on Spoonflower.

Peaceful green textured botanical seaweed pattern giving undersea vibes, with a soft sway. This turquoise seaweed botanical pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor.

A dark and moody sea green pattern of fish swimming along through the deep sea with a deep-sea diver swimming by. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor.

A moody dark teal green pattern of flying herons, inspired by the Pacific coast. This pattern is available in a variety fabrics, wallpapers and home decor.

A roundup of a few of my sea inspired wallpapers in teal and turquoise.

Above is my pattern of deep sea fish and a whimsical diver swimming under the sea, in shades of turquoise.

Below is my ocean waves pattern in teal blue, and abstract ocean barnacles wallpaper in a light turquoise.

Click any image to shop the design on Spoonflower.