EP #29 – Toby Haseler | Blank Pages into Beauty | Watercolour Art for All Skill Levels
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In Episode 29 of the Wet on Wet Podcast, Sunil Kalbandi sits down with artist, educator, author, and SketchLoose founder Toby Haseler for an inspiring conversation about loose sketching, urban sketching, creativity, observation, artistic confidence, and why enjoying the process matters more than chasing perfection.
Known for his expressive line work and approachable teaching style, Toby has inspired thousands of artists through his workshops, books, online courses, and YouTube channel. His philosophy is simple yet powerful—embrace imperfection, simplify what you see, and let your personality shine through every sketch.
Unlike many professional artists, Toby didn’t follow a traditional path into art. With a background in music and no formal art education beyond a short adult drawing course, he shares how sketching became a creative escape during a period of burnout and eventually grew into a full-time career dedicated to helping others discover the joy of making art.
Finding Freedom Through Loose Sketching
One of the central themes of this episode is freedom.
Toby explains why loose sketching isn’t about being careless—it’s about making confident decisions, simplifying complex subjects, and trusting your own artistic voice.
He discusses why simplicity often requires a deeper understanding than detail and how artists can become more expressive by learning what to leave out rather than trying to include everything.
Observation, Composition & Perspective
The conversation explores observation, composition, and perspective in a refreshingly practical way.
Rather than relying on complicated rules, Toby explains how checking angles, understanding shapes, and regularly stepping back from a drawing can dramatically improve perspective while keeping sketches natural, confident, and expressive.
Sunil and Toby also discuss:
- Choosing interesting subjects
- Simplifying busy scenes
- Developing stronger compositions
- Building confidence through continuous line drawing
- Creating expressive sketches without overthinking
The Creative Process Beyond Technique
The conversation extends far beyond drawing techniques.
Toby talks openly about creativity, motivation, balancing family life with a creative career, experimenting with new ideas, writing his second book, and maintaining enthusiasm after years of teaching and painting.
He also shares practical advice on sketchbooks, daily practice, affordable art supplies, and why beginners shouldn’t worry about owning expensive materials before they start creating.
Artificial Intelligence & The Future of Handmade Art
One of the most thought-provoking parts of the episode explores the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in the creative world.
Toby offers a balanced perspective, explaining why AI may transform certain areas of the industry but can never replace the personal satisfaction, creativity, observation, and human connection that come from drawing by hand.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Toby’s journey from musician to full-time artist
- Why loose sketching is about freedom, not perfection
- Simplifying complex scenes into expressive drawings
- Practical approaches to perspective and observation
- Composition and choosing interesting subjects
- Continuous line drawing and building confidence
- Developing your own artistic style naturally
- Sketchbooks and the importance of daily practice
- Budget-friendly art supplies for beginners
- Toby’s favourite pens, inks, brushes, and materials
- Creativity, motivation, and avoiding burnout
- Balancing family life with a creative career
- Toby’s upcoming workbook and future projects
- AI, creativity, and the future of handmade art
About Toby Haseler
Toby Haseler is a UK-based artist, educator, author, and founder of SketchLoose, an online learning platform dedicated to helping artists develop confidence through loose sketching and expressive watercolour.
Through workshops, books, online courses, and YouTube, Toby has inspired thousands of artists around the world to embrace simplicity, observation, and the joy of creating.
Explore Toby Haseler
Linktree
https://linktr.ee/tobysketchloose
Website
https://www.sketchloose.co.uk
Urban Sketch Workshops
https://www.urbansketch.co.uk
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tobysketchloose/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TobySketchLoose
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/therealtobyurbansketch/
About the Host
Sunil Kalbandi
Website
https://kalbandi.com