How watercolour helped me embrace imperfection
Chasing perfection (It was exhausting)
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been chasing perfection in my art. My dream? To be a Dutch master—meticulous, precise, capturing every detail flawlessly. When I first started painting, I worked in acrylics, layering dark to light, always aiming for that rich oil-painting look. Every brushstroke was carefully planned, every piece striving for perfection.
Acrylics are very different to watercolour, so my work was opaque, structured, and deeply rooted in my fine art training.
Before painting, I was a slave to the pencil
From charcoal to pencil, these were my comfort zones, where control was everything. And if you are at this stage right now, whether that's the Wacom pen, your Apple pencil or a good old-fashioned graphite pencil, you will understand the fear of going from precision to letting go.
The moment that changed everything
Then there was Zoe. My colleague and accidental mentor. When I was first in the design studio, we would talk (of course, I was talking). She would sit, brush in hand, chatting away while flicking colour across the page. And just like that, like actual magic, a loose, effortless floral would appear.
No rigid lines, no overthinking, just movement and flow. It was mesmerizing.
I admired it so much, but for years, I didn’t dare try it myself. I only started experimenting with loose watercolours when I stopped working with Zoe. I kept thinking of something Zoe said that stuck with me: “I could never paint like you.” And that was the moment I realised that I didn’t need to paint like anyone else, I just needed to paint like me. I knew I wanted that dancing paintbrush, just like Zoe. But, of course, in my own way. My style, my movement, my interpretation.
This was an extension of my style... not a replacement!!
Letting go (and actually enjoying painting again)
I finally let go. I stopped trying to control every brushstroke, stopped trying to make watercolour behave like acrylics, and started embracing its unpredictable, wild beauty. And let me tell you,it was LIBERATING. Watercolours aren’t like acrylics. They don’t wait for you to decide. They move, they flow, they surprise you. And that’s what makes them so magical.
Was it hard to shake my old perfectionist mindset? Yes. Did it completely change my art for the better? Also yes.
Now, watercolour is one of my favorite mediums, and I fully embrace the messy. Just like I tell all of you...lean into the happy accidents, let go of the need for perfection, and watch what unfolds.
It’s made me more creative, more open, and a freer artist. Honestly? It’s made me see art in a whole new light.
Watercolour taught me more than just painting
This journey has been about so much more than technique. Watercolour taught me to let go, trust the process, and embrace imperfection. And not just in art, but in life, too. Some of the best things happen when we stop overthinking and just allow.
So if you’re stuck, afraid to make a mess, or feeling like your work is too tight, my advice?
Let go.
Let the paint do its thing. Trust that something beautiful will emerge. Because more often than not, the magic is in the freedom.
Want to become a watercolour expert (or just lose the fear)?
If you’re ready to loosen up, explore watercolour, and stop stressing over perfection, then Florals and Fizz is for you!
My free 60-minute watercolour workshop is the perfect chance to dive in, whether you’re a total beginner or looking to refine your skills.
We’ll embrace the flow, create beautiful florals, and most importantly, have fun!
Sign-ups are open now, and I’d love to see you there. Let’s paint, sip something fizzy, and let go of perfection together!
Are you joining? Are you still stuck fearing imperfection?? Let me know!
Natasha xo