I started watching this class at the beginning of this month, at a point when I was going through a period of general discontent with every artwork I was producing, the feeling of not being good at what I do, worrying about whether it was a wise decision to go full-time with my art career and immense depression, anxiety, and burnout.

I started a new sketchbook just for this class and used stickers from my own shop to decorate the cover (I think the stickers reflect my state of mind at the time).

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 1 - student project

Demo 1:

I've always hated swatching my colours. I own many, and I've always lied to myself about how useless and time-wasting the process is. Well, you proved me wrong, Dylan. I forced myself to sit through and swatch some cheap acrylic markers I had lying around, and guess what! I found a mini sketchbook to dedicate solely to swatching. I find it meditative, low-pressure and satisfying. Very good for my mental health. Recommend

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 2 - student project

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 3 - student project

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 4 - student project

Demo 2:

My markers didn't do the magic yours did. I have a very limited selection of Tombows and they're mostly greys and peaches. I was a bit lazy to rework this demo. I am planning to use thinned down gouache for this, so I'll update this demo with an image soon.

Demo 3:

I decided to make my quilt pattern with a new set of alcohol markers that I got for my birthday this month. I am fairly happy with it, but I've been watching some Sophie McPike videos and I'm inspired to try making a quilt pattern with some gouache or acrylics.

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 5 - student project

Demo 4:

I was excited for this. I absolutely love drawing flowers and I was looking forward to this spread. However, bummer, I am not used to water-based markers and my Polychromos failed to layer on top of the colours.

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 6 - student project

I wasn't ready to give up easily, so I attempted another similar piece for this demo. The flowers were rendered better this time around, but I was still not quite satisfied with the similar shades of green that I chose. I also used oil pastels instead of colour pencils. I did like the composition and turned it into a portfolio piece that I submitted to my agent.

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 7 - student project

The portfolio piece:

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 8 - student project

Demo 5:

I was inspired by a brief from your inspiration binder. So, I took visual notes for some wildflowers that caught my eye. I was a bit tired, and I ended up getting bored of observing the shapes of tea tins.

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 9 - student project

The next morning, with a fresh mind, I sat down with my gouache paint tubes that I'd got over four years ago. This was my first time ever using gouache. I watched your Know Your Paint class while painting this spread. This turned out to be my most favourite of all the demos. I realised that I love gouache. I also love that my Polychromos finally have a medium they layer well on. I am yet to learn colour mixing and finding a palette I enjoy, but I think I've successfully completed the first step.

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 10 - student project

Demo 6:

I wanted a no-brush day the following day (I hate cleaning brushes and palettes). I used brush pens for this piece. This made me happy. I would have loved to incorporate more of the yellow, but overall it's a cute spread.

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 11 - student project

Demo 7:

I wasn't sure how this would turn out. I don't particularly have a favourite corner. My art studio is a messy table, and with 6 dogs, keeping my house clean is a pain. However, I combined things on my table that I like and things that used to be here when I first moved into this house. This spot was a reading nook with a really cozy armchair and a library full of books...that is, until Mascara chewed up my books and my chair.

Golem is a German Shepherd (my sketch makes him look like a wolf-fox mix) and he is indicative of the pile of 6 large and small pups that lie at my feet every single minute of my day.

Please Review: The SFC Project (Long Read) - image 12 - student project

Verdict: I love love love this spread and I can't wait to take your Illustrated Journaling Classes!

Thanks, Dylan, if you took the time out to read my ramblings on every single demo. If you didn't, that's fine too. It's a good record to have for myself :)

Priyadarshini Das Sharma

Artist

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