Why do you make art?

For me, making art feels like coming home after a long journey. It has become a deeply fulfilling part of my life, and I find great happiness in the process of painting. My goal is to create pieces that bring a sense of beauty, peace, warmth, and joy to those who look at them.

How long have you been painting?

I have been painting since childhood. As the demands of school and my corporate career gradually eased, art naturally became a vital part of my daily life. I returned to painting professionally in 2018, and I have been focusing exclusively on watercolor since 2023.

Did you have formal art training?

My academic background is in Industrial Engineering, and I did not receive formal academic training in art. Apart from technical drawing courses at university, I took various courses in charcoal, acrylic, and oil painting over the years. I developed my own practice through continuous experimentation, observation, and self-study, alongside online courses and workshops with watercolor artists from around the world.

Are you a working artist or a hobbyist?

I am a full-time artist. After more than 20 years of corporate experience, I decided to devote myself fully to painting and make art my main profession. It was an important transition in my life.

Who and/or what do you look to for inspiration?

I find inspiration almost anywhere, but I am especially drawn to nature, atmospheric light, mist, quiet landscapes, and reflections on water. I am also deeply inspired by watercolor masters such as Joseph Zbukvic and Thomas W. Schaller.

What kind of music do you listen to while painting?

I don’t have any particular music that I listen to while painting. I usually prefer to work in silence.

Have you had a mentor?

I haven’t had one particular mentor. Instead, I’ve learned through observing, studying, and practicing, as well as through online courses and countless videos by different watercolor artists.

Do you paint every day?

Yes, I paint almost every day.

Do you paint one piece at a time or work on several at the same time?

I usually prefer to focus on one painting at a time.

Do you create a concept piece first?

Yes, usually. Before moving to the final paper, I often make small value studies or color tests to plan the composition, light, and my wet-on-wet strategy, while leaving room for the watercolor to surprise me.

Do you prefer painting in studio or plein air?

I mostly paint in my studio, where I can control the drying time, but I gather inspiration and reference photos from what I observe outdoors. I would love to spend more time painting plein air in the future.

How many core colors do you use?

I have a carefully selected core palette of 18 colors. I like having a relatively focused palette because it helps me understand my colors and the relationships between them.

Tubes, pans or sticks?

I prefer tubes.

Do you use masking fluid?

Very rarely. I prefer to preserve the natural white of the paper through negative painting and careful brush control, using masking fluid only when really necessary.

When do you know that your piece is finished?

I usually know a painting is finished when I feel that one more brushstroke might take something away from it. For me, leaving a painting a little early is usually better than overworking it.