Hello Reader, After some quiet behind-the-scenes work, I’ve finished something special just for you! If you’re new to watercolor — or just want to revisit the foundations — this will be the perfect place to start. I created a 7-day watercolor email series just for beginners — each day you’ll get a simple tip and a small prompt to practice with. No big projects, no overwhelm — just bite-sized steps to help you feel more confident with watercolor. Join the 7-day painting series It’s free, fun,...

As a child of immigrant parents, it probably wouldn’t surprise you to hear that I grew up thinking I had to become a doctor or lawyer. But the truth is, my parents never told me I had to be anything in particular. I applied to every college undeclared. At Berkeley, I took a bunch of general education classes, trying to figure out what to major in. I tried economics—whatever the professor was saying sounded like an alien language. Computer programming? That was literally a different language...

As a teen, I won a summer art scholarship to take two classes at a local art college. One was a still life class, the other was a figure drawing class - a nude figure drawing class. I remember feeling intimidated, shy, and generally awkward - but I also truly enjoyed the experience. I’d drive to class every day - with my mom in the passenger seat. I’d walk in with huge pads of drawing paper and my supplies and get lost for hours in art. And then I’d leave after covering sheet after sheet with...