Capturing Beauty on a Small CanvasThis year, I continue a project I began last year: creating postcard-sized watercolor paintings. For me, this work is more than simply making small pictures; it is about capturing the beauty of the world within the intimate frame of a tiny surface. I paint these works spontaneously, often in a very short amount of time. I enjoy this immediacy—how the brush moves quickly across the paper, leaving marks that feel honest and alive. In those fleeting moments, the light, the air, and even my own emotions are recorded in watercolor. Unlike larger works that require long planning and refinement, these small paintings hold a freshness that only spontaneity can offer. Watercolor, by its very nature, carries its own surprises. The way water spreads, the way colors merge or resist each other, the accidental blooms that appear—all of these are gifts I could never fully control. This unpredictability is part of its beauty, and each time I paint, I discover something new. Through this process, I not only remember the joy of painting but also learn to embrace the unexpected. These postcard-sized works are not just exercises. They will serve many purposes: exhibitions, teaching, and even publications. For my students, they are proof that one does not need endless hours to create something meaningful and beautiful. For viewers, they are reminders that great emotion can be carried even within a small frame. Most importantly, through these daily practices, I gather countless small secrets and tips—insights that only reveal themselves with experience. Sometimes it feels as though I have uncovered a hidden treasure: the way water behaves on paper, the rhythm of a wash, the sudden harmony of unexpected colors. The more I paint, the more of these secrets are revealed, and the happier I become. That is why I believe it is essential to paint as much as possible, every single day. Even one small painting a day, over time, grows into something much larger—a body of work, a habit of creativity, and a deeper connection to art itself. In the end, these small watercolors are not just paintings. They are a way of seeing, a way of remembering, and a way of living with gratitude. Each one is a reminder that beauty exists everywhere, waiting to be captured in even the smallest frame. Exploring the beauty of postcard-sized watercolor paintings—spontaneous daily works that capture fleeting moments, reveal hidden secrets of watercolor, and inspire joy for exhibitions, teaching, and beyond. When we try too hard to perfect every detail in a painting, we often lose the very joy that led us to paint in the first place. Overthinking, controlling every brushstroke, and obsessing over precision can drain the creative energy that makes art come alive. Once joy is lost, the painting becomes heavy, and the freshness that watercolor naturally carries begins to fade.
Painting never lies. It reveals the artist’s heart directly. A forced or overly calculated painting feels stiff and cold, while a work created in joy radiates warmth and truth. This is why, as artists, we must treasure our inner state as much as our technical skills. A happy and relaxed heart produces art that breathes, art that speaks honestly to others. When I paint with happiness, I feel that the viewers also sense that same lightness and delight. The brushstrokes carry energy that cannot be faked, a kind of silent communication between artist and audience. Art, after all, is not only about the image we see but about the feeling it conveys. For this reason, in the second half of this year, I have chosen to simplify my painting style even further. By letting go of excessive detail, I create space for freedom and spontaneity. My goal is not to impress with technical perfection but to preserve the pure joy of painting. Each stroke becomes a reminder that art is meant to be experienced, not controlled. In this journey, I am learning that simplicity does not mean emptiness—it means clarity. It means making room for joy, for honesty, and for beauty to shine without resistance. And as long as I paint with this spirit, I believe my work will continue to grow—not only in skill, but in the ability to connect heart to heart.
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Postcard Watercolors: Painting the World, One Day One Art at a TimeEvery summer, I return to one of my favorite creative rituals--daily postcard watercolor painting. Each day, I take a small piece of paper and quickly paint something I’ve been wanting to capture. Sometimes it’s a quiet memory, other times it’s just a flash of color or light that lingers in my mind. No matter what, I follow my instinct—and my brush—wherever it leads. There’s something freeing about working small. There’s no pressure, just movement. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. And through this process, I find myself dreaming a little bigger: What if I could paint the whole world this way? One moment, one glimpse, one postcard at a time. Last year, this simple practice led to a beautiful surprise. My work was featured in an article by Rent.com, where I was included among creatives exploring hobbies at home. (You can see the full article here.) The recognition was wonderful—but more than that, it reminded me that sometimes the smallest acts of daily creation lead to the most meaningful connections. As I begin again this summer, I feel renewed. And grateful. For the paint, the paper, the quiet minutes—and the hope that in these small cards, the world might quietly unfold. Discover how daily postcard watercolor painting became a joyful summer ritual and led to unexpected recognition in a Rent.com feature. A story of creativity, presence, and quiet transformation. I love the small routines of my everyday life. What may seem trivial to others is more precious than gold to me. That’s why I’m very cautious about wasting time. I treasure the moments when I can concentrate and create something with my own hands. There is nothing more fulfilling than quietly making something, step by step, with intention and care.
Each day, I return to my small watercolor postcard practice. It excites me every summer—just the thought of doing this fills me with energy. I quickly paint whatever has been lingering in my mind: scenes I've wanted to capture, colors I’ve longed to play with, memories I wish to preserve. With each card, I feel like I’m slowly painting the entire world. That, perhaps, is my secret hope—to one day hold a collection that reflects all I’ve seen, felt, and imagined. This simple act brings me deep joy. It helps me step away from the noise of the world and return to myself. It is in these quiet, uninterrupted moments that I feel most alive. At first, I only created. I didn’t document anything. I simply made one painting and moved on to the next. But eventually, I began writing down little notes—short reflections, fragments of a story, the emotion behind the image—and something changed. The joy doubled. The act of creating became more meaningful when I began recording and weaving my paintings into a narrative. I believe that when someone purchases one of my paintings, they are not just buying an image—they are buying a story, a feeling, a piece of time. These stories make the artwork more alive, more personal. That’s why I continue to paint, write, and share. All of this happens quietly, in a small space. At first, I thought no one would ever see it except me, my family, and a few friends who received my cards on special occasions. But as time went on, I realized that even if this creative journey is mostly invisible to the world, it holds immense value. Just the thought that someone out there might resonate with what I’m doing is enough to keep me going. This is my way of living with purpose—cherishing my time, honoring small moments, and building something meaningful from them. And so, I will keep painting, one card at a time, creating tiny worlds filled with stories and light. A painting is the best gift that can convey a person's heart.Today, I finished a watercolor birthday card for my first VIP client, who collects my paintings and always supports me. I will choose this card from my recent 1 Day 1 Art work and put it in a gift box to give as a gift. As I have survived and developed as an artist for many years, I have met and talked with many people. It is the same now, and I will meet more people in the future to talk about paintings and art. Every time I do, I realize that people are divided into many groups. Some people can tell that they love art just by looking at their eyes. Especially in places like outdoor shows where we meet thousands of visitors a day, I often see the sparkling and clear eyes of these people who love paintings. I love the sparkling eyes and energy of art lovers when they look around paintings. It is very enjoyable to talk about art with them. That is why I always prepare art shows and exhibitions to meet people with such energy. They are also full of curiosity. They ask questions about paintings and techniques and share their experiences. They often observe and ask questions about the artist’s life. The other group is a kind of ‘wonderful’ tourist. They do not love art, but they are curious about life here when they watch from the outside. And they have an affinity for beauty. They do not understand art well, but they come to see paintings because they love beauty. They don't know much about paintings, but if they see a painting they like, they are willing to open their wallets. They want to decorate their rooms with beautiful paintings. They know the vitality, energy, and luck that paintings give. Some have even experienced that a dull and dark room comes to life with a few paintings. The last group is people who don't know the 'value' of paintings. They don't understand why they have to pay a lot of money for paints on a piece of paper. They also have contempt for expensive art pieces. These people even feel sorry for the artist profession itself. They tell their stories of giving up on being an artist even though they were good at painting in order to make a lot of money. I think it's understandable because everyone has different values, and I listen to them. As I have been selling paintings and meeting customers, and some of them have become long-term regulars, I have come to discover the value of paintings and art even more. Above all, I know the power that paintings give me. On days when I feel depressed and tired, I hang up my paintings or look at them for a long time. Strangely, I feel energized. I feel happy. One day, an women came to my exhibition and asked if it would be okay to buy my painting on installment. "When I see your painting, I feel energized. I'm depressed and going through a hard time right now. But if I hang your painting on my wall every morning, I feel like I can get all my energy. If you could, would you be willing to pay for it?" Of course, I paid for my painting on installment for her. She paid the full amount and invited me and her family to see the painting hanging in her room. Her face looked bright. I was touched by her beautiful heart. I meet people who love paintings like this. The person who drew the candle today is one of them. He is a master of a different field from art. However, he understands and loves art. I continue to grow with his support and encouragement. I sincerely thank you again. For artists, art supporters who understand and love their work are like partners who complete their art world. My clients know very well how much I love art, how serious I am about art, and how much I will develop in the future. I will do my best not to disappoint these art lovers. There are many things that are lacking in writing about this gratitude. Sometimes, some words can be misunderstood. Words are the same. However, pictures are the best medium to express the heart.
1 Day 1 Art: Spontaneous spreadingIf you fail to control the water in watercolor paints, you will get subtle patterns, like flowers blooming or mold growing. These patterns are the main culprits of ruining a clear watercolor painting. But can't you use these patterns to make flowers bloom? I tried to make flowers using the watercolor bleeding, which we call a mistake.
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