OpenTube

Finding My Way Back To Joyful Art (Watercolor and Mixed Media)

Winter Woods Studio

5,315 views

Watercolor, mixed media, sketchbooks, and a week of thunderstorms all come together in today's studio vlog. Join me for an honest week in the studio as I work through a creative slump, share watercolor and mixed media sketching, talk about living with Crohn's disease and a recent prediabetes diagnosis, and try to reconnect with the joy of making art. Along the way I'll share a few beautiful watercolor books, take you on a quick tour of my gardens, and show the small creative moments that helped me find my spark again.

✨ Get my FREE 15-page guide to my favorite art supplies + creative prompts here: https://www.winterwoodsstudio.com/sub...

✨ Join The Wild Brush Circle on Patreon: Patreon: winterwoodsstudio

Whether you're feeling creatively stuck yourself or simply enjoy spending time in the studio, I hope this video encourages you to slow down, stay curious, and remember that creativity often returns in quiet and unexpected ways.

🎨 ART SUPPLIES USED TODAY
Daniel Smith Watercolors: https://tidd.ly/4p76YSH
Faber-Castell Sketching Pencil Set: https://tidd.ly/4ogoGmd
Feela Sketchbooks: https://amzn.to/41ixM8F
ZMYBC Sketchbooks: https://amzn.to/4smN3Bb
Labkiss 24 Pack Sketchbooks: https://amzn.to/3PlAdol
Landscape Conte Crayon Set: https://tidd.ly/4e8W24p
Caran d'Ache Gouache Pan Set: https://tidd.ly/3RADQbb
Blick Studio Canvas Panels: https://tidd.ly/3LIwbV9
Golden Open Acrylic Paints: https://tidd.ly/4wfv4iA
Royal Talens Art Creations Sketchbook: https://tidd.ly/3JZyhPL
Stillman & Birn Zeta Sketchbook: https://tidd.ly/4se3JLs
Caran d'Ache Luminance Colored Pencils: https://tidd.ly/3JVtb7i
Caran d'Ache Pablo Colored Pencils: https://tidd.ly/4uXZPrN
Blackwing Pencils: https://tidd.ly/3WXEXBg
Caran d'Ache Supracolor Watercolor Pencils: https://tidd.ly/4nn4tL6

📚 BOOKS SHOWN TODAY
Down by the Sea by Claudia Nice: https://amzn.to/445oTRj
Creating Textured Landscapes with Pen, Ink, and Watercolor by Claudia Nice: https://amzn.to/4v9Ifkn
Watercolor Landscapes Step by Step: https://amzn.to/49VR9cu
Painting in Watercolor: An Indispensable Guide: https://amzn.to/3QbdOLj

🌲 STAY CONNECTED WITH ME
Instagram:
Instagram: winterwoodsstudio
Shop & Website:
https://www.winterwoodsstudio.com
Join The Wild Brush Circle on Patreon:
Patreon: winterwoodsstudio
Free Art Supply Guide & Newsletter:
https://www.winterwoodsstudio.com/sub...
Buy Me a Coffee:
https://buymeacoffee.com/winterwoods

🎵 MUSIC
Music in this video is from Epidemic Sound:
https://www.epidemicsound.com

Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links above may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Winter Woods Studio and helping me continue creating free content for artists.

20 Comments

@JoyfulArtist21 3 months ago

Amy, you never have to apologize for talking about you and your family's health issues. It's one of the reasons I and many others love your channel. It's relatable, and it also helps us understand where you're coming from better. How you use art to bring some joy to your life even though you're dealing with so much. And to anyone who doesn't like hearing you talk about it? No one is forcing them to watch.

I myself don't have chronic health issues, but my whole immediate family does. So I have a lot of empathy for people who have to go through that. It sucks. But you always keep such a bright, uplifting spirit throughout. I hope you continue to find things that can help you manage your health issues.

@stroodledoodles 3 months ago (edited)

The sheer audacity of that person telling you what you can/can't share on YOUR channel, some folks really should learn to mind their business.

Wishing you some peaceful days going forward <3 Loving the mixed media!

@SusanWilliams-g7r 3 months ago

I’m so sorry you are going through all the health stuff. I wish you well. Your paintings are amazing.❤❤❤❤❤

@kitschymagpie 3 months ago

I actually love that you’re so open about chronic illness. I’m currently in my own RA flare up and this was exactly the video I needed to see right now. Also, I gave up on finding a good watercolor sketchbook and bought a cinch machine to make my own with the Baohong Academy paper.

@wendibrandner7583 3 months ago

❤thinking of you and sending good healing vibes.

@juliawhite7938 3 months ago

Chronic pain wears at a person. I am awed by anyone who finds ways to be so giving while suffering daily. Sometimes the days get hard and yet you and others find a way through it. Thank you for sharing your experience with us it helps .

@TheMagickDolls 3 months ago

When you acknowledge your health issues it helps so many of us to not feel so alone!
Pfft to the know it alls , and hugs to the many supporters. Knowing people 'get you' is healing in itself.
Carry on!

@jenniferjackson6152 3 months ago

As someone who also carries the weight of invisible, chronic illnesses, I appreciate your authenticity in sharing the reality of living with chronic illness. Your videos provide me an escape from my own challenges, are helping me be authentic with my own challenges, and are providing me an avenue of healing. Thank you with all of my heart.

@chrissyplanteater2892 3 months ago

Ohhh bless you ❤ chronic pain is endless and hard work for your body and hopefully you will get there soon . It’s a hard time and appreciate you talking about it. Love your honesty and that’s what we are here for . 🥰 I struggle with watercolour and always reach for the gouache . I sometimes go to books or Pinterest . I have the green landscape book that you recommended last time it’s really good .

@jomccracken4800 3 months ago

You're so right that people carry around diseases and pain that other people can't see. Hugs to a fellow autoimmune suffer!

@AnitaWaclawik 3 months ago

I enjoyed your garden views at the start of the video. I appreciate your honesty about your health. When I am feeling blah I look through art books from the library. I usually borrow recent art technique & art reference books from my library before buying.

@sfspz 3 months ago

Bravo for sharing your experience with Crohn’s. It’s important to other sufferers to know they are not alone, as well as educating others about the struggles of dealing with Crohn’s and other autoimmune disorders.

@keeping_you_company_tv 3 months ago

I took shots of prednisone for a year for a torn rotator cuff right shoulder. The effect it had on my health was insane. My hair fell out, my LDL cholesterol spiked, I started gaining weight after being lean all my life. I don't think a lot of people realise how dangerous it can be. Sending a hug and good health your way. Love your channel so much.

@Excruciota 3 months ago

Oh my.
So sorry that you've gotten more problems.
Chronic health problems are so frustrating.
It helps other people when we open up and show our vulnerability.
For me, it's mental problems like depression, anxiety .
We let people know that they are not alone.
So I appreciate your sharing.
Be kind to yourself!!

@BluehillUrbanBackyardGarden 3 months ago

Thank you for sharing your life with us. Keep on fighting and using art to heal. I enjoy all that you do.😊

@djscribe54 3 months ago

As someone who deals with chronic pain I think its amazing that you can make videos and art. You are so strong! I often wimp out and don't paint. I see you as a good role model, as someone who powers through and finds joy in art making. Thank you.😊

@sherrimclain1561 3 months ago

Thank you for sharing part of your life with us. You are under no obligation to share as much or as little. Thank you for sharing your art. It's beautiful. I love your channel. Here's to hoping next week will be relaxing and a great week for you. Hugs.

@cherylrogalsky1711 3 months ago

Amy
I keep you in my heart. From reading the comments for a long time, I think there are many of us in your community who are living with autoimmune conditions and or other chronic illnesses that bring so many challenges. Spending time with you is a safe place for me. I "get" you and I know you'd "get" me if we were thrown together in person. Sharing your health issues with your art helps all of us. You amaze me that you can continue to create as you struggle ... your coping strategies for the inevitable tough days have been so helpful to me. I'm very grateful that you're here ... doing this. Please, never be hesitant to tell us when days and weeks are hard! 💝

@jackwerner6990 3 months ago

Amy, just keep putting "putting one foot in front of the other" don't let this all get you down, everyday is another day of memories with your art and your family. My prayers are with you. You have such a sweet spirit and excitement about life, I pray you don't loose that.
Best regards
Jody❤

@paintpaper9 3 months ago

Thank you for your honesty and speaking of your real experience with chronic illness. Thanks for sharing your your books and inspirations, your artwork and a peek into your life as an artist and person. Much respect and love.