In Episode 26 of the Wet on Wet Podcast, Sunil Kalbandi sits down with internationally recognized watercolor artist Inga Buive for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, mindfulness, watercolor practice, and building a meaningful artistic life.

Originally from Lithuania and now based in the UK, Inga is known for her calm, expressive watercolor paintings inspired by nature, mindfulness, and everyday observation.

But her journey into art wasn’t traditional.

Before becoming a full-time artist, Inga worked as a graphic designer and spent years away from painting. It was only during maternity leave — while looking for a creative outlet that fit around motherhood and daily life — that she discovered watercolor.

What began as small daily exercises and tutorials slowly evolved into a creative practice that transformed her life.

Over the years, she built a loyal global audience through social media, online teaching, books, Domestika courses, and a simple philosophy:

Creativity should feel accessible, calming, and enjoyable — not overwhelming.

This episode explores not just watercolor techniques, but the mindset behind consistency, creative growth, and finding joy in the process.

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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

Journey & Career

• Transitioning from graphic design into watercolor
• Discovering watercolor during maternity leave
• Starting with simple tutorials and daily practice
• Building confidence through consistency
• Growing an audience online while working a full-time job
• Moving from hobbyist to full-time artist

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Mindfulness & Creative Practice

• Why watercolor became a calming and therapeutic process
• Connecting creativity with mindfulness
• Using nature as inspiration and emotional grounding
• Why creative hobbies are valuable even without professional goals
• Creating art for joy rather than perfection

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Social Media & Growth

• Building a large Instagram audience through consistency
• Why relatable and simple content performs best
• Creating tutorials that feel approachable for beginners
• Balancing authenticity with social media trends
• Helping people feel confident enough to start painting

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Teaching & Learning

• Breaking watercolor into small, simple lessons
• Why beginners struggle with overwhelm
• The importance of repetition and practice
• Learning through mistakes and experimentation
• Teaching watercolor in a way that feels encouraging rather than intimidating

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Mindset & Consistency

• How a background in competitive swimming shaped discipline
• Why consistency matters more than natural talent
• Staying motivated through bad paintings
• Ending painting sessions on a positive note
• Building long-term improvement through small daily practice

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Watercolor Techniques & Materials

• Importance of paper quality in watercolor
• Favorite papers: Arches, Canson Heritage, Saunders Waterford
• Favorite paints: Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton
• Natural vs synthetic brushes and when to use each
• Using texture, blooms, granulation, and contrast effectively
• Why contrast is essential for stronger paintings

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Sketchbooks & Process

• Using sketchbooks to experiment freely
• Developing ideas before larger paintings
• Solving compositions mentally before painting
• Painting from observation and real-life references
• Why sketchbooks help artists become more confident

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Creativity, Nature & Inspiration

• Influence of Lithuanian culture and nature
• Observing flowers, leaves, and seasonal changes
• Using watercolor to connect with the natural world
• Finding inspiration through travel, ceramics, photography, and everyday life

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Thoughts on AI & Handmade Art

• Why human-made art still matters
• The emotional connection behind handmade work
• Using AI as a tool rather than a replacement for creativity
• Why traditional crafts and handmade art are becoming more valuable

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ABOUT INGA BUIVE

Inga Buive is a Lithuanian-born watercolor artist, illustrator, teacher, and author currently based in the UK.

Her work combines expressive watercolor techniques with themes of mindfulness, creativity, and connection to nature.

Through books, online courses, workshops, and social media, she encourages artists to embrace watercolor in a way that feels approachable, calming, and joyful.

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EXPLORE INGA BUIVE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inga.buive/

Domestika Courses: https://www.domestika.org/en/inga_buive

Website: https://ingabuive.co.uk/

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ABOUT WET ON WET PODCAST

Hosted by Sunil Kalbandi, the Wet on Wet Podcast features conversations with world-class watercolor artists — sharing their journeys, techniques, and philosophies to help artists grow beyond just tutorials.

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AVAILABLE ON

Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What role does creativity play in your life?

Do you paint for improvement, mindfulness, or enjoyment?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below.