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:

¿Por qué haces arte?

For fun, meditation and expression.

¿Cuánto tiempo llevas pintando?

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

¿Eres un artista profesional o un aficionado?

I’m a working artist.

¿Qué te inspira?

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

¿Qué tipo de música escuchas mientras pintas?

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

¿Tuviste un mentor?

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

¿Pintas todos los días?

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

¿Pintas una pieza a la vez o trabajas en varias al mismo tiempo?

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

¿Prefieres pintar en el estudio o al aire libre?

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

¿Cuántos colores primarios utilizas?

About 10.

¿Tubos, sartenes o palos?

Tubes.

How do you know when your piece is finished?

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.