Embracing Realistic Art: How to Maintain Whimsy and Playfulness While Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

When I work on my latest pieces, I find myself stepping outside my comfort zone—shifting from the abstract expressionism I usually favour to something more realistic. Yet, despite this change in approach, I always maintain a sense of whimsy and playfulness in my art. It’s a different experience for me—slowing down to capture animals and natural forms more accurately, honing techniques that focus on the finer details of living things. But even as I work on precision, I’m always drawn back to my more emotional, action-driven painting style.

The Creative Process:

My process begins with a base of watercolour, allowing the paint to flow naturally on the paper. Watching the watercolors blend and diffuse into soft, organic shapes is incredibly calming. The unpredictable nature of watercolour is something I embrace—it’s fluid, soothing, and adds soft transitions in tone. Once I’ve laid down these main shapes, I start to bring in more structure, using a pen to outline and sharpen the forms. This creates a contrast between the flowing colours and the more precise, defined lines.

After outlining, I return to the piece with bolder colours, adding depth and definition to the shapes. It’s a delicate balance—embracing the unpredictable fluidity of watercolour while incorporating the structure and precision I’m learning to achieve. This combination allows me to keep the playfulness of my style while moving towards a more realistic depiction of nature.

Exploring Tones, Textures, and Forms

As I work through these pieces, I focus on capturing the unique tones and textures that reflect the natural forms I’m depicting. For instance, the goat’s earthy browns and the bird’s soft blues bring a blend of realism and imagination to life, while the delicate portrayal of moths and mushrooms reflects the surreal, dreamlike side of nature. I use colours intentionally, creating a balance between softness and contrast, giving each form a sense of life and presence.

Patience, Practice, and the Beauty of Imperfection

I’ve discovered that patience and practice are essential when working towards realism, especially when it comes to capturing the intricate details of animals or plants. However, I never want to lose the sense of creativity and exploration that drives me. It’s easy to feel pressure to “get it right,” but I remind myself that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s the process of creation itself. Every mistake or unexpected outcome teaches me something valuable, making the final piece that much more special.

For me, the process is where the magic happens. It’s a journey that involves both honing my technical skills and giving myself the freedom to experiment and play. Each painting becomes an evolution—an exploration of where technique meets emotion, structure meets whimsy. That’s what makes every piece unique and something I’m proud of, even if it’s not “perfect.”