Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to paint next as the year begins? Instead of forcing big goals or rigid plans, this class invites you to start gently, by using your sketchbook as a playful, powerful tool to find creative direction and rebuild momentum. 
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In this class, you’ll learn how to use simple sketchbook exercises to generate ideas and overcome creative blocks. Rather than chasing perfection or productivity, we’ll focus on curiosity, experimentation, and small wins that make it easier to keep creating.
This approach helps you step back, see your ideas more clearly, and discover new directions you might not have considered before. All without pressure or overwhelm.
Using easy-to-follow prompts and accessible materials, you’ll explore color, themes, and visual ideas in a way that reconnects you with the joy of painting and helps you move forward with intention. 
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In this class, you’ll learn how to:
<ul>
<li>Set up a sketchbook that feels safe and inviting to work in</li>
<li>Create an inspiration map based on what you love to paint</li>
<li>Come up with a color palette to spark new ideas</li>
<li>Generate concepts through playful brainstorming and sketching</li>
<li>Paint small idea studies that remove the fear of the blank page</li>
<li>Reflect on your work to identify patterns, preferences, and creative direction</li>
</ul>
By the end of the class, you’ll have a collection of sketchbook pages you can return to throughout the year, a clearer sense of what you want to paint or create next, and the confidence to keep showing up to your art practice.
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This class is for:
Beginners, hobbyists, and experienced artists who want to start the year inspired, reconnect with their creativity, and find a clear (but gentle) sense of direction.
You don’t need special materials or advanced skills. Just a sketchbook, some painting supplies and a willingness to begin.
Join me, Policorne, fine artist and illustrator, as I share the same sketchbook process I use to gather scattered ideas, find focus, and start each creative year with clarity and excitement. If you liked this class, you might also enjoy my other Skillshare classes:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/4phbFt2" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Paint Expressive Flowers in Gouache: A 7-Day Dry Brush Challenge</a> <a href="https://skl.sh/4eUSLV3" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a></li>
<li><a href="https://skl.sh/4eUSLV3" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Let’s Find Your Art Style (with Gouache): A Clear Step-by-Step Guide</a></li>
</ul>

Introduction

Your Class Project

Materials & Supplies

Let's Create Your Inspiration Map

Setting Up Your Sketchbook: Making Color Swatches 

Designing the Layout

Mixing Your Color Palette

Filling In the Shapes with Base Colors

How to Generate New Ideas

Sketching New Ideas (with No pressure!)

Painting Your Little Idea Squares

Identifying What to Learn Next

Where to Look When You Feel Stuck (my favorite resources) 

Thank You! Let’s Keep Creating Together

Full sketchbook spread with 18 sketches

Sketchbook Adventures: Simple Exercises to Spark New Ideas

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Sketchbook Adventures: Simple Exercises to Spark New Ideas

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