Watercolours & Wellbeing: Why Painting is the Ultimate Mindfulness Practice

Did you know watercolour painting isn’t just about pretty pictures? It’s also a mindfulness practice with a splash of creativity, a dash of patience, and a whole lot of oh la la!

It’s true. Watercolour has this magical way of slowing you down and pulling you into the moment. Imagine the soft glide of a brush on paper, the gentle bloom of colour spreading like laughter at a family dinner, and the quiet hum of focus as your mind tunes out the noise of daily life. That’s watercolour at work — and it’s more than just art.

4 Reasons Why Watercolour = Mindfulness Magic

🎉 Focus on the Present Moment
When you’re painting, there’s no time for overthinking. It’s just you, your brush, and that gorgeous juicy colour gliding across the page. It’s impossible to think about emails or laundry when you’re chasing the perfect blend.

🎉 Letting Go of Perfection
Watercolours have a mind of their own — and that’s the beauty of it. You don’t "control" watercolour, you collaborate with it. Embracing the happy accidents (and maybe a few rogue splashes) is all part of the magic. Mistakes? Pas du tout (Nah), they’re just "unexpected design choices."

🎉 The Power of Repetition
Ever noticed how layering paint or making brushstrokes feels a bit like a dance? It's a rhythm. Press, lift, press, lift... Layer, dry, layer, dry… and before you know it, you’re in a creative flow that feels oh-so-satisfying. Repetition becomes meditation, and every brushstroke brings you closer to calm.

🎉 The Joy of Creation
There’s something wildly fulfilling about starting with a blank page and ending with a colourful masterpiece. Watercolour reminds us that creativity doesn’t have to be "perfect" to be powerful. The joy is in the process — every drip, every splash, every little moment of discovery.

What I Tell My Students During Workshops (a.k.a. The Golden Rules of Zen Painting)

When I host a watercolour workshop, I like to keep things light, playful, and most importantly, pressure-free. Here are my golden rules to remember:

🧘‍♀️ Breathe — If you’re holding your breath while painting, you’re doing it wrong. Loosen up, inhale that creative energy, and exhale the stress.

😁 Smile — Yes, seriously. Painting should be fun! If you’re not smiling, you’re probably overthinking it. Smiling makes it easier to paint. Relax and enjoy the process.

💧 Less is More — Watercolour is like good French cooking. You don’t need too much of anything, just the right balance. A little water, a little pigment, et voilà!

🤷‍♀️ Mistakes are Required — Perfection is boring. Mistakes make things interesting. That little splash you didn’t mean to make? It could be the best part of your artwork. Trust me, it happens to me all the time. The best way to create your own style is to turn your mistakes into a masterpiece.

Ready to Get Your Mindfulness On?
Watercolour isn’t just about creating pretty pictures — it’s a creative, calming escape from the chaos of daily life. So grab a brush, splash a little oh la la onto your paper, and see where the flow takes you.

PS: If you want to experience this mindfulness magic in real life, come join one of my workshops. I promise — it’s more fun than scrolling TikTok, Instagram or binging your latest Netflix series!