Karen Mai came to us LIVE from Hong Kong on Friday, November 25th to share her watercolor techniques and favorite color palette.

Here’s a quick Q&A with Karen:

Warum machst du Kunst?

For fun, meditation and expression.

Wie lange malen Sie schon?

I haven’t been to an art school but I’ve been painting since I was a child.

Sind Sie ein professioneller Künstler oder ein Hobbykünstler?

I’m a working artist.

Was inspiriert dich?

Life, the medium I’m using, and different forms of art.

Welche Musik hörst du beim Malen?

I usually listen to classical music, audio books, or soundtracks from movies and TV shows.

Hattest du einen Mentor?

No, but I’m grateful for all my art and calligraphy teachers during my childhood.

Malst du jeden Tag?

No, but I try to sketch when I have time, or at least keep observing.

Malst du ein Bild nach dem anderen oder arbeitest du an mehreren gleichzeitig?

Mostly one at a time. But I may add adjustments to older pieces.

Malen Sie lieber im Atelier oder im Freien?

I like both. Each has its own fun and challenges to help me improve in different aspects.

Wie viele Kernfarben verwenden Sie?

About 10.

Tuben, Pfannen oder Stäbe?

Röhren.

Woran erkennt man, dass das eigene Werk fertig ist?

When a piece is almost finished, I put it away for a few days and come back with fresh eyes. I also take photos or scan it, which usually helps me spot something I need to adjust.