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What I Learned From a Sketchbook (Better Than Art School)

The Unexpected Gypsy

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I finally filled this entire watercolour sketchbook… and it taught me so much more than I expected.
In this video I’m sharing the lessons I learned along the way; the small things, the mistakes, and the quiet realisations that changed how I approach painting.
This isn’t about perfect pages.
It’s about what actually helps you grow and in my opinion, far more valuable than any art school!
If you’re learning watercolour (at any level), I hope this gives you a few things to take into your own sketchbook.

🎨 Material mentions;
Arches Watercolour Paper
Strathmore Mixed-media Paper
Fox & Willow A4 Coldpress Sketchbook
Hahnemhüle A5 Coldpress Sketchbook, Rounds & Postcard tins
Silver Black Velvet Brushes
Rosemary & Co Eradicator Brushes
Jacksons Art square brushes
QOR watercolours
Schminke masking fluid
Daniel Smilth Watercolours
Daniel Smith Watercolour Ground
Schminke Watercolour

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Thank you for being here 💛

✨Feel free to tag me on Instagram with your latest creations & let's chat in the comments too! Thank you so much for watching & keeping me company in this little corner of YouTube. Biggest Loves, Wendy. Xxs

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✨Disclaimer & Copyright ~
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Copyright © 2026 The Unexpected Gypsy
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#watercolorpainting
#sketchbook
#sketchbooktour

20 Comments

@theunexpectedgypsy Creator 6 months ago Pinned

I nearly didn’t make this video this week… but I’m really glad I did.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like your work isn’t “good enough” — you’re not alone in that.
Which of these lessons resonated with you most? 💛

@lisaA0123 6 months ago

I love “sketchbook school”. What a perfect way to think about a sketchbook. I will be rethinking my sketchbook paintings now. Thank you Wendy. Very helpful.

@monikaazariah9237 6 months ago (edited)

I love how you approach art and just life in general ...you are one of my favourite artists on YouTube...value your introspective mindset and how your art is deeper than just what you put on paper ❤ thanks for this video..it really spoke to me

@anniegabriel5892 6 months ago (edited)

Here are some ways I disguise my writing - do big, loopy letters, and overlap each line so that each line of letters is partly obscured by the next. Or, lay down some thick gesso/paint, and write into it while still wet, with the end of a stylus, then continue with paint or collage as needed. Or, do alternating sentences, one vertical, the next one horizontal, weaving each sentence down and across the page as you go. Or, write properly, bur glue down a sheet of patterned tissue paper over the top. Or, partially cover a page or block of writing with torn pieces of whatever paper you want. Just a few tried and true methods of disguising what you write, but blending it into the whole layout as you go. And if the emotion I was feeling at the time was truly heartfelt, you will remember what was written there, but no one else can decider it.

@ArtfullyBecoming 6 months ago

Is had to pause to tell you, before I forget… this video really made me deep think what you are saying.
1. Inspiration finds you when you are working
2. Draw what you see and not what you think.
3. When a Fairy looses her wings, why would she lose them? I thought, but wait, it’s not for real, but it made me think like I did as a child. Thinking of ways she could have lost her wings. I love that you brought that thought process out, in a 62 year old woman. This is content with value. Many do not give this type of thought provoking content

@DorEtgar-i7i 5 months ago

A true craft-master. Thank you for sharing.

@dlapsyc 5 months ago

Thank you so much for the Picasso quote. I needed to hear it as I have let the state of the world keep me from my brushes. It's time to get busy!
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."

@elf8083 6 months ago

Thank you for these lessons! By the way, the ribbon at 4.00 minutes goes so perfect with the flowers!

@the.aura.of.femininity 6 months ago

Your art is beautiful and it reflects your light☺️ I liked your comment at the end of the video, “Perfection stops you” ❤

@aib_ 6 months ago

in a nutshell, I really appreciate your words of encouragment.

@sagepremoe1565 6 months ago (edited)

Drawing what you see IS good advice. However sometimes I can't actually SEE when it comes to drawing perspective.
I did enjoy listening to your art processes. Thank you.

@Decopainterandtea 6 months ago

Lovely! Yes please, a tour of the penciled sketchbook!😊

@daniartist81 6 months ago

Dear Wendy, your work with watercolor is absolutely gorgeous and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your lessons! 🙏🏻🙌🏻

@lisajones1739 6 months ago

I’d love to see more sketch book flip thrus with chatty talk
Love you ❤

@lisaA0123 5 months ago

I just checked if you had posted a new video. Your videos calm me so much in this anxious time. It felt like I hadn’t seen you post in a month. Boy that was a long 11 days. So I will watch this again. Hope you are well, and look forward to your next video.

@RedLentilYellowLentil-g8y 6 months ago

These lessons apply to many creative processes. I loved this.

@sheilastyrebriere 6 months ago

Beautiful lessons, each and every one! What resonates most for me is using the page as light or white, depending on your subject matter, as well as drawing what you see, not what you think✨😊✨
The evolution of your artistry has been a beautiful journey to behold, love you, James, and Jeffy and so grateful for all that you share with us!
Much love to you all from Canada❤️🤗

@LisaIsabelle 6 months ago

Another videos where we are blessed with your knowledge! What a gift it is for us, Wendy. Please please I would love a tour of your other sketchbook. ALL of the sketchbooks really! I can never get enough! 😁

@mgeiser6951 6 months ago

Dear Wendy thank you for another lovely video, full of gentle inspiration and and lots encouragement and the message that a sketchbook is not about perfection! This is something I’ve battled with since art school over 50 years ago and it’s an ongoing struggle not to let a page that’s not turned out how I wanted it to be make me abandon the sketchbook - ridiculous I know! I need to follow your example to trust in the process, and learn from the struggles and embrace happy accidents, and practice practice practice without fear 😊 happy painting x