Finding Peace in Watercolor: A Personal Escape from the Wedding Rush
- Leanne Larson
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
As a live wedding painter, my weekends are filled with energy, movement, and the vibrant emotions of a couple’s special day. The music, the laughter, the fast-paced atmosphere—it’s exhilarating. But during the week, I crave a different kind of painting experience, one that brings stillness and calm. Recently, that’s where watercolor comes in.
Taking a day just for myself to paint with watercolor feels like stepping into a quiet sanctuary. Unlike the structured timelines and high-energy environment of wedding painting, watercolor allows me to slow down, breathe, and let creativity flow in its own time.
A Slow and Gentle Process
I start by setting up a peaceful space, maybe near a window where soft natural light filters in. A cup of tea steams nearby, and my favorite playlist hums in the background. Unlike the quick, intentional brushstrokes I use for capturing a wedding moment live, watercolor lets me take my time. The brush glides effortlessly across the paper, pigment blooming in soft, unexpected ways.
Watercolor has a mind of its own—it teaches patience. I lay down a wash of color, watching it expand and blend, creating shapes I hadn’t planned but welcome. There’s no rush, no pressure to perform. Just me, the paint, and the gentle rhythm of water meeting paper.
The Joy of Letting Go
With wedding paintings, I’m always working toward a finished piece that will become a treasured keepsake. But when I paint for myself, I allow the process to be open-ended. Some days, I paint loose florals, letting petals form organically. Other days, I experiment with abstract washes, letting color flow wherever it wants. It’s freeing—there’s no wrong way, no deadline, no expectations.
A Watercolor Retreat/workshop is in the works....
These quiet painting days are my reset button. They remind me why I fell in love with art in the first place—not just to create for others, but to nurture my own creativity. It’s a balance that keeps me feeling refreshed and ready for the next bustling wedding event.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I highly recommend setting aside time for a personal creative retreat. Whether it’s watercolor, sketching, or another quiet hobby, there’s something truly special about making art just for yourself.
I look forward to designing a workshop for other artists to get away and find inner peace with watercolor. A space where we can step away from the rush, slow down, and rediscover the joy of painting for ourselves.
For now, I’ll savor this peaceful moment until the next wedding calls me back to the whirlwind of celebration and joy.
Comments