The most important lesson I've learned from this journey in writing and visual art is that the human brain, or at least the part of the human brain that we're consciously aware of, is incapable of truly creating beautiful works of art or prose that bring joy to both the maker and the receiver.

That's because our left brain's egotistical and critical attitudes obstruct the untapped depths of creativity and wisdom contained within all of us.
And if I’m going to be able to enjoy creating art (visual or written), I’d have to become comfortable with Embracing Mistakes and sometimes even turn errors into Masterpieces!

I found that a lot of the best work and the most delightful surprises in my art came from what I thought would be my mistakes.
Personally, I believe that the left brain’s ‘I know, or I should know’ mindset kills our ability to see and create real beauty, take risks, and flow with life with grace and ease, whatever it may throw our way.

It stops us from experiencing that feeling of flow often described as being ‘in the zone’, which we usually associate with elite athletes, artists, or geniuses. Even they only get to experience it in peak moments.

I've learned that you don't need to be a member of one of those rare subgroups of people to experience it. It can be a way of life. And paradoxically, once I surrendered control (ha, what really was surrendered was the illusion of control), I felt more of a sense of agency in my life.

Sometimes, what I do to fix a mistake rather than throwing it out results in a much more interesting piece. After all, I learnt how to draw using tricks to bypass the ‘logical’ left-brain interference. We usually start a class with a quick urban sketch using unusual techniques and setting a timer.

It was so scary at first. I remember we didn't have time to stop or erase anything with the timer. I was so surprised at how good I was at drawing under pressure like that - despite the pressure and because of it!

MY Quick Sharpie Sketches are a perfect example of this. They’re 5–10-minute timed drawings done with a Sharpie, so my left brain can’t erase the mistakes, and I don’t have enough time to start again!

Touching On Philosophy: Taoism, Wu Wei and Art

On a more philosophical level, watercolour art reflects Taoist philosophy.

The approach of guiding yet relinquishing control is an embodied expression of the Taoist philosophy of Wu Wei, effortless effort.
The process mirrors the unpredictability of life, where letting go and guiding with an unclenched hand can lead to unexpected and beautiful outcomes.
It encourages a balance between making efforts and allowing things to unfold naturally without the pointless internal struggle.

Just like water flows around obstacles to find the path of least resistance, I, too, found the easy way to create beautiful art by working with a medium where water does all the best work!

And yes, I am using Taoism to justify my inherent laziness!