Hello! Today we have Bee who makes some pretty amazing watercolour work. I really like her consistency in creating different pictures, but all with the same colourful and slightly ethereal quality. Her work was so captivating that I had to ask her a few questions about her creative process and how she works on her dreamy art! Her pastel themed and sparkly landscapes are just a watercolour dream. She also posts videos of her art process on Youtube.
Read on to hear what she has to say.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Bee, and I am 19 years old from South Australia. Currently I am a full time uni student and I work two part time jobs. I have always been creative since I can remember. I remember when I was little I was always creating things with paper and glue, trying to sew, knitting and crocheting. My mother always sewed my dance costumes so I can say I was highly inspired by her to make art a big part of my life.
What sparked your interest in art in general? How long have you been practicing?
Hmm, I find art very emotional. The mixing and blending of colours, and how mistakes can creatively be turned into blessings. The way of art is symbolic for me, in a way of living a happy life. I have been painting with watercolours for about 3 years now; I have fallen in love with the way that the colours spread and blend into each other in a calm and peaceful way.
How do you interpret the presence and significance of art in your lifestyle?
My lifestyle is very busy, but at the same time a little lazy (because I get so tired!). I have to try and juggle two jobs and a full time course, plus time with my other half, family, friends, and other lifestyle choices like working out at the gym. As a natural and intense introvert, these activities can be insanely overwhelming and I will need to spend a lot of time on my own – and this is where painting comes in! Painting allows me to spend time with myself and relax easily. It gives a great balance to my life because its something I really love doing and I can just chill out.
What is your general process while creating an art piece?
I start by making sure I have enough paper to paint a lot of pictures at once. I also love getting my pet cockatiel out so he can sit on my shoulder while I paint. I start by painting the ideas I have with masking fluid, setting them aside to dry, and then I start on my more colourful pieces. I tape the borders of about 4 pieces of paper at once. I find working on more than one painting at a time allows the others to dry, and at the end I have lots of paintings.
For watercolour I like to work in layers, I start by setting a background colour and making sure that I use lots of water! I let that dry and I add more paints, layering them up. I will use black watercolour with less water for trees or other details. Then I use a toothbrush and white acrylic paint to spray a ‘starry’ layer.
What keeps you motivated to draw and paint?
Probably the satisfaction and self worth that my finish products make me feel. Looking at my art allows me to appreciate myself and appreciate my talent. My other half also motivates me a lot, especially when I am feeling lazy! Haha. I also get a lot of positive feedback from my valued followers on Instagram, which makes me want to paint more.
How much time on average does it take you to create a piece?
Well I work on many at a time, but separately I would guess around half hour to an hour for each piece.
What was the first (or your favourite) piece of art you remember creating?
Okay so, very first, when I was in pre-school we had those tripod painting stands (obviously very short because we were so small!). We were given spray bottles which had different colours of translucent ink that had been watered down. The colours were so vibrant and so beautiful when sprayed and I remember I was the first to create the ‘butterfly’ pictures by folding them in half. I was so proud because everyone wanted to do the same!
Do you plan to pursue a career in art? Or is art just a hobby you love?
I love sewing and fashion was going to be a huge career decision for me. However, to get the most and highest possibility of a successful career out of it, I would have had to move away from family and start in a completely new city. Art is just a hobby I really love, like I mentioned before, it gives my life balance from all the other things.
Can you share a glimpse of a typical day in your life?
Sure, go to sleep at 2am, have some funky dreams, wake up at 10am. Skip breakfast in a desperate rush to get to uni, get in my car and endure a stressful 35 minute drive. Buy some lunch, sit through lectures, rush home to get ready for work. Work a stressful waitress job, come home by midnight, spend time with my bird Charlie, go to sleep at 2am.
It sounds so boring! I do get a couple of days away from uni though, but when I have a whole day free of uni and my jobs, I will spend the entire day painting.
Whats your outfit staple? And your favourite flower and colour?
Outfit staple would have to be anything black with a pop of colour/sparkles. I don’t know why but I really love wearing black in all styles, whether it’s formal, party, or one of my favourites: sports luxe. I swear I’m not goth! Haha.
I love all flowers, but I especially love peonies and carnations. My favourite colours are all shades of pink, and mint green.
I spy a cockatiel!
His name is Charlie, born November 2014. He enjoys head scratches and inspecting jewellery and other shiny things 😂. I hand reared him from a very young age and weaned him myself, which in turn gives us a stronger bond because he sees me as his true ‘mother’. Birds are very adaptable to their owners so Charlie knows that he spends most time with me late at night (since I work a night job). Oppositely, my friends cockatiel goes to sleep as soon as it gets dark because he has adapted to his owners life. Charlie is happy to just sit on my shoulder while I paint 😊
What are some fun themes/topics that are inspiring you nowadays?
I love painting scenes. I remember I used to binge watch anime, and Toradora was one of my favourites. The scenes (especially snow ones) gave me a special feeling, warm but calm. I try to go for this feel in my paintings.
What is your favourite art tool you use?
Hands down masking fluid.
Could you share any tips on how to be good at watercolour?
Be generous with how much water you use. A lot of people don’t use enough water! Make sure to let things completely dry before you add layers of depth. I always remember that with watercolour, you can paint dark on lighter colours, but you can’t paint light on dark (however you can paint light on dark effectively with gouache!)
What do you think makes a good, satisfactory piece?
Being able to feel the emotions that the painting exhibits is a good sign. I also think a good border really puts someone at ease when looking at a piece of art.
Thanks Bee for sharing! Wishing you all the best ahead in your dreamy, ethereal world of watercolour! -Aaria
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You can find Bee on her instagram here.