What makes an abstract watercolor painting truly come alive?

Abstract watercolor is a delicate balance between intention and surrender – a dialogue between the artist, the pigment, and the beauty of water. In this Q&A, Besnik Xhemaili shares his creative approach to abstract painting, the role of DANIEL SMITH watercolors in his work, and the insights that have shaped his artistic journey.

How did you develop your abstract watercolor style, and what role do color, texture, and composition play in expressing emotion and movement in your paintings?

My abstract watercolor style was not something I consciously invented—it evolved naturally through years of painting, experimenting, and learning to trust the medium. Watercolor has its own intelligence. Instead of trying to dominate it, I learned to collaborate with it.

For me, color is emotion before it becomes form. A single color can completely change the psychological atmosphere of a painting. Texture is created by allowing water, pigment, and paper to interact freely, revealing unexpected details that cannot be planned. Composition provides the invisible structure that keeps this freedom in balance. Even in my most spontaneous works, every movement eventually finds its place within an intentional visual rhythm.

How have DANIEL SMITH watercolors influenced your creative process, and which pigments or color combinations do you return to most often in your abstract work?

DANIEL SMITH watercolors expanded my possibilities because they allow me to work with exceptional pigment strength, transparency, and granulation. They respond beautifully to water, and that responsiveness is essential in abstract painting where subtle interactions often become the most meaningful moments.

I rarely think in terms of favorite colors alone. Instead, I think in relationships between colors. I often return to combinations of rich earth pigments with vibrant contemporary colors—allowing warm and cool tones to create tension and harmony simultaneously. Granulating pigments are especially valuable because they introduce a natural complexity that cannot be artificially reproduced.

The quality of the pigment gives me confidence to work boldly while still preserving the delicacy that watercolor demands.

How do you balance spontaneity with intentional decision-making when creating an abstract watercolor painting, from the first wash to the finishing touches?

Every painting begins with openness rather than certainty.

The first washes are intuitive. I allow water, gravity, and pigment to create possibilities instead of forcing immediate solutions. As the painting develops, observation becomes more important than action. I spend as much time looking as I do painting.

At a certain point the painting begins to communicate its own direction. My role shifts from creator to listener. The final decisions become increasingly deliberate—adding emphasis, simplifying unnecessary passages, and protecting the freshness that appeared during the earliest stages.

For me, the greatest challenge is knowing when to stop. A successful watercolor is often defined by what is left untouched.

Which of your abstract watercolor paintings best represents your artistic vision, and what do you hope other artists learn or take away from it?

Rather than identifying a single painting, I see my body of work as one continuous conversation. Each painting answers questions raised by the previous one while opening new questions for the next.

If there is one idea that defines my artistic vision, it is the search for freedom within discipline. Watercolor is both fragile and demanding. It rewards confidence but punishes hesitation. That paradox fascinates me.

I hope other artists understand that originality does not come from trying to be different. It comes from working honestly, consistently, and allowing your own experiences to shape your visual language. Technique is important, but authenticity is what gives a painting its lasting presence. And yes of course Tulip theme is my favourite.

What advice would you give to artists who are just beginning to explore abstract watercolor and want to develop their own unique artistic voice?

Be patient with yourself.

Do not chase style. Chase curiosity.

Master the fundamentals of watercolor—understand water, pigment, timing, and paper—but don’t allow technique to become a limitation. Experiment constantly, accept failures as valuable teachers, and paint regularly enough that your hand begins to move naturally without overthinking.

Most importantly, avoid comparing your work with others. Your artistic voice develops from your own experiences, observations, and emotions. The more honestly you paint, the more distinctive your work will become.

In the end, watercolor is not about controlling water. It is about learning when to guide it, when to trust it, and when to simply let it speak.

Through years of exploration, Besnik Xhemaili has discovered that abstract watercolor is as much about trust as technique. His journey encourages artists to embrace curiosity, let color lead the way, and develop a voice that is uniquely their own.

Have you tried abstract watercolor painting, or is it something you’d like to explore? We’d love to see your unique take—share your colorful creations and don’t forget to tag us 😊