"There is no need for perfection. You will get better with every practice."

Hi Jade, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your first contact with the art of water coloring?

Hello everyone! My name is Jade, the artist behind Jadore Studio. I am a designer and illustrator who loves working with watercolors. My artistic venture started at a young age, back in kindergarten. I loved attending art classes and doodling little storybooks during my free time, which made up my happy childhood memories. Before I set my heart on watercolor, I was exposed to many art mediums in school. As I grew, I started to find my preference for watercolors. I love the medium to be airy, accessible, yet restrictive simultaneously. The watercolor process often requires me to be present at the moment and I learn to enjoy the process and the surprising outcomes it often brings me.

What motivated you to launch Jadore Studio, and what has the experience been like for you?

Art has always been a side hustle for my sister and I on top of our day job. With social media being commonplace, we thought we would want to create a platform to showcase our work and to connect our art to the rest of the world. On top of that, we also believe that art should be for everyone. We started to create art that is approachable and relatable to everyone. This decision turned out to be quite a significant milestone in our lives as it opened up many amazing opportunities and possibilities for us and our artwork. We have learned so much over the past few years. Our biggest takeaway is to experience first-hand the commitments and expectations of turning a hobby into a business. We have been taught some painful lessons but I guess if given a choice, we would not do it otherwise.

Can you tell us more about your watercolour process? Also, do you have any rituals or must-haves when you’re working?

I love tidying up my work table, making good coffee, and playing jazz before I start painting. Before I go into painting, I usually decide on the palettes and subjects before researching more about them. At the same time, I try not to overthink it and let my mind leads me in the creations.

Many of your artworks are related to botanicals. Are there any reasons why botanicals, in particular?

I have been a big nature lover, although I do not have green fingers. I have always loved painting florals and botanically related subjects. I guess it’s less rigid, and I enjoy the rhythm and flow that this subject has to offer. And nature and floral observation are constantly changing. We can always get new ideas and inspiration during the different stages of life. That process is beautiful and priceless.

What is self-care to you, and how do you practice it?

Self-care to me, is keeping the body and mind happy. As a mother of a four-year-old, self-care is essential for me to support the family healthily and keep me moving forward. Being the sole caregiver of my son, I believe in loving myself first before I could offer love to others. My daily self-care ritual involved journalling, yoga in the morning, and good coffee to kick start the day. Once the universe senses your good vibes, it rewards you.

Now that you’ve tried some of our rituals, is there anything you like?

I love the body oil, as it smells so therapeutic and absorbs into the skin quickly. I love using it before bedtime, as that helps me settle into sleep.

Lastly, do you have any watercolour tips to share with fellow watercolour artists or beginners trying this art for the first time?

For anyone who wants to try watercolor, don’t be afraid to start. There is no need for perfection. You will get better with every practice.

"You cannot get an A if you're afraid of getting an F"
- Quincy