For many of us, painting is about much more than creating artwork.
It's a quiet moment at the end of a busy day.
A chance to slow down, put our phones aside, and pay attention to something simple and beautiful.
It's a way to reconnect with ourselves.
When I first started painting, I wasn't thinking about becoming a teacher, building a business, or creating courses. I simply loved watching watercolor move across the paper. I loved observing flowers, mixing colors, and discovering how a few brushstrokes could bring something to life.
And over the years, I've noticed that many artists begin in much the same way.
They simply enjoy painting.
They enjoy learning, experimenting, making mistakes, and discovering what watercolor can do.
But sometimes, that feeling changes.
We start measuring our progress. We compare our paintings with someone else's. We think we should be painting more often, improving faster, or creating something better.
And before we realize it, something that once felt relaxing starts to feel like another thing we need to be good at.
We forget that we started painting because we enjoyed it.
That's one of the reasons I created my Patreon community.
I wanted to create a space where you could come back to painting whenever you felt ready. Somewhere you can learn new techniques, paint alongside me, ask questions, and simply have something creative to look forward to.
Over the years, it has grown into a lovely community of artists from all over the world. Some members are picking up a brush for the first time, while others have been painting for many years. Everyone is at a different stage, and I really like that.
Inside Patreon, you'll find a growing collection of real-time watercolor tutorials, lessons, live feedback sessions, and my structured Online Watercolor School, where you can build your skills step by step.
You don't have to follow everything or keep up with every new lesson. You can choose a project that catches your eye, revisit an old tutorial, or simply paint along with me when you have the time.
There is no pressure to do it all.
Another part of the community that I especially love is the Artwork Mail Club. Each month, I create something special for members to receive in the mail, from hand-painted bookmarks and high-quality art prints to stickers and other little surprises.
For the February edition, I painted 100 watercolor bookmarks by hand, each with colorful hearts and an inspirational word on the back. The theme was all about showing a little more love to your inner artist.
If you'd like to learn and paint with me, I'd love to have you join us on Patreon. You can explore the lessons, meet other artists, and find a little inspiration waiting for you whenever you're ready to pick up your brush.
Join me on Patreon.
Because watercolor isn't a race.
There isn't a finish line waiting for us.
There is always another flower to paint, another technique to explore, another color combination to discover.
And perhaps most importantly, there is always another opportunity to enjoy the process.
What brings me the most joy is hearing from students who tell me they've started painting again after years away from art. Or from someone who finally feels confident enough to try watercolor after believing for years that they weren't creative.
Those moments remind me why I started teaching in the first place.
Not to help people create perfect paintings.
But to help them discover the joy of creating.
If painting helps you slow down, feel inspired, and reconnect with yourself, then it has already done something valuable.
The finished artwork is simply a beautiful bonus.
So wherever you are on your watercolor journey, I hope you continue making a little space for creativity in your life.
Not because you have to.
But because you enjoy it.
With love,
Kristine 💚
P.S. Rather than telling you what the community is like, I'll let some of our members share their experience in their own words.
0 comments