For the Mindfultober 2024 “Plan” prompt I decided to lean right into one of the elements that can make watercolours seem off-putting but conversely also offers the most opportunity to be mindful – the need to plan things out. We’re going to gently ‘illuminate’ a letter – I do the letters ‘P’ and ‘L’ – the first two in the word ‘Plan’. The planning involves using an underlying sketch – the letters, using masking fluid, and working in layers to create a glowing, lush, leafy environment for our treasured letter(s).

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Begin by gathering the following materials:

• Good quality watercolour paper: Use good quality watercolour paper to get the best results. I’m using a miniature sketchbook I made myself, but you can use anything you like.
• Pencil and Eraser: For sketching the letter(s) you’re going to gentle ‘illuminate’
• Masking Fluid and Applicator: To protect the letter while painting the background. You can apply the masking fluid with a colour shaper like me, a silicone brush, a toothpick, a dip pen, or if you’ve got nothing else better, an old brush dipped in washing up liquid to protect the bristles.
• Watercolour Paints: I’m using Cadmium Yellow, Sap Green, Veridian, Ultramarine Blue, and Burnt Umber.
• Round Watercolor Brush: For applying and blending colors.
• A palette or a plate: For mixing your desired shades.
• Jar of Water and Paper Towel: For cleaning your brush and controlling moisture.
• Optional: Heat Tool: To speed up the drying process.

Step 2: Sketch and Mask

Lightly sketch your letter(s) on your watercolour paper in whatever lettering style you like. Then apply masking fluid to cover the entire letter. Make sure the masking fluid is dry before painting on top of it.

Step 3: Activate and Mix Paints

Activate your watercolor paints by adding a small amount of water to each of the colours you intend to use.

Create a dark, muted blue by mixing Ultramarine Blue with Burnt Umber.

Prepare a glowy yellow mixture by combining Cadmium Yellow with a touch of Sap Green and water.

Step 4:  Paint the Background

Apply the Ultramarine Blue mix around the edges of the paper, leaving the center unpainted. Soften the inner edge of the blue area with clean water, creating a subtle gradient.

Step 5: Paint the Glow

Paint the yellow mix in the center of the page, overlapping the masked letter. Soften the outer edge of the yellow area with clean water, allowing it to blend with the blue.

Step 6: Layer the Leaves

Mix more Sap Green into the yellow mix to create a light green hue. Then use this mixture to paint individual leaves around the masked letter. You can use the shape of the brush itself to create the leaf shape – just press the brush into the page then lift. Focusing on the area surrounding the letter.

Add Veridian Green to the your light green mix and use this to paint another layer of leaves. Make sure to overlap the first set of leaves and extend slightly outward past them.

Introduce a little Ultramarine Blue into the green mix and paint more leaves reaching towards the edges of the paper.

Add even more Ultramarine Blue to create the colour you’ll use for the final layer of leaves. Concentrate these leaves on the edges and filling any gaps.

Step 7: Final Touches

Mix Veridian Green and Sap Green to create a mid-green wash. Apply this wash to any pale areas, but avoid the masked letter. The intention is to cover any of the page white that’s remaining.

Step 8: Remove the Masking Fluid

Once dry, carefully remove the masking fluid to reveal your crisp letter. Pay close attention when removing the masking fluid as your paper can rip. If this starts to happen stop and switch sides / direction for removing the fluid. If it did tear the paper all is not lost! You can stick the torn paper back down with a glue stick (I’ve had to do this before!)

Step 9: Enjoy your finished art

Once your artwork has dried, step back and appreciate the beauty of your gently illuminated letter(s). Then thank yourself for making the time to do something just for you.

See a Real Time Example for Mindfultober 2024 Plan

You can watch my real-time example of this approach here – it’s about 20 minutes long:

https://youtu.be/uhQCs3qKYaA

Take it Further

If you like the tiny sketchbook I’m using here, you might enjoy making your own one. I teach how to make this exact one and several others in my Skillshare class: Make Miniature Books: Bookbinding for Beginners. This class teaches you how to create four different kinds of tiny books, from no-stitch and no-glue accordion fold books to perfect-bound books, and stitched books including the beautiful Coptic-Bound books. It also covers how to make cute accessories for your mini books. If you don’t have a Skillshare membership, this link will give you 1 month’s free access to Skillshare, where you can take this class plus thousands of others. (If you choose to continue your access after a month with a paid subscription, I’ll be paid a small commission.)

Mindfultober 2024 Specific Blog Posts:

• Mindfultober 2024
• Symmetry (coming soon)
• Layer (coming soon)
• Aura (coming soon)

Final Thoughts

“Mindfultober 2024 Plan” is about embracing the planning that some kinds of paintings require, letting yourself enjoy the stages and becoming immersed in the process. This exercise is not just about the end result. It’s about sinking into the creative process, savouring each brushstroke, and finding tranquillity in the present moment. As you paint, allow yourself to let go of distractions and fully engage with the colours you’re using, the shapes you create, and the materials you’re using. By approaching this mindfully, you’ll not only be developing your art skills but you’ll be giving yourself the gift of peace.

I look forward to seeing what you create.

Happy painting!