EP #30 – Sushma Hegde | Finding Joy Through Watercolour & Creativity
Join the Email List
Listen On
What does it take to leave a successful engineering career and build a life around creativity?
In Episode 30 of the Wet on Wet Podcast, Sunil Kalbandi sits down with internationally acclaimed watercolour artist, educator, bestselling author, and creative entrepreneur Sushma Hegde for an inspiring conversation about watercolour, creativity, mindset, teaching, social media, and building a meaningful artistic career.
Originally from Bangalore, India, and now based in Luxembourg, Sushma didn’t come from a traditional art background. After studying engineering and working in Germany’s automotive industry, she discovered watercolour as a way to escape the pressures of corporate life. What began as a personal creative outlet gradually evolved into a thriving international art career, inspiring thousands of artists through her online courses, workshops, books, and social media.
Building a Sustainable Creative Habit
One of the central themes of this episode is building sustainable creative habits.
Sushma explains how she developed a consistent daily painting practice and why creativity doesn’t require waiting for the perfect mood or the perfect idea. She shares how simple exercises like doodling without expectations can remove creative pressure and help artists paint more freely.
Rather than chasing perfection, she encourages artists to focus on consistency, curiosity, and enjoying the creative process one painting at a time.
Overcoming Perfectionism & Self-Doubt
The conversation also explores one of the biggest challenges artists face—perfectionism.
Sushma explains why not every painting needs to be successful and why mistakes are simply part of becoming a better artist. She also discusses the fear of using expensive art supplies and reminds artists that unused materials are the real waste.
Her refreshing approach encourages artists to experiment, embrace imperfections, and develop confidence through practice rather than expecting every painting to be a masterpiece.
Growing as an Artist & Building a Creative Business
Sunil and Sushma dive into the realities of building a successful creative career.
They discuss growing an authentic online community, teaching thousands of students worldwide, photographing artwork, creating content for social media, and balancing creativity with the business side of being an artist.
Instead of chasing algorithms, Sushma explains why consistency, authenticity, and genuine connection have helped her build a loyal audience around the world.
She also reflects on writing her bestselling book Wildflower Watercolor, developing online courses, and learning through experimentation rather than certainty.
Creativity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The conversation concludes with an honest discussion about Artificial Intelligence and the future of art.
Sushma shares her thoughts on AI-generated artwork while explaining why handmade art will always have value. For her, painting isn’t simply about creating beautiful images—it’s about slowing down, observing nature, expressing yourself, and finding joy in the creative process.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Sushma’s journey from engineer to full-time artist
- Building a consistent creative habit
- Why doodling helps improve your painting
- Overcoming perfectionism and self-doubt
- Developing confidence through regular practice
- Building an authentic community on Instagram
- Marketing advice for artists and creative entrepreneurs
- Photographing and presenting your artwork
- Watercolour materials, brushes, sketchbooks, and favourite supplies
- Teaching, online courses, and writing Wildflower Watercolor
- Creativity, business, and balancing art with life
- AI and the future of handmade art
- Practical advice for artists at every stage of their journey
About Sushma Hegde
Sushma Hegde is a Luxembourg-based watercolour artist, educator, and bestselling author of Wildflower Watercolor. Known for her expressive floral paintings, nature-inspired artwork, and approachable teaching style, she has inspired thousands of artists worldwide through her books, online courses, workshops, and educational content.
Her mission is to make watercolour enjoyable, accessible, and approachable for artists of every skill level while encouraging creativity without fear of perfection.
Explore Sushma Hegde
Website
https://www.sushmahegde.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sushhegde/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@hegdesushma
About the Host
Sunil Kalbandi
Website
https://kalbandi.com