Watercolor paintings have this incredible way of sparking inspiration in our everyday lives. So, here are 10 ways they can lift you up, especially on a quiet morning like this.

One: They remind you to embrace imperfection.

The way watercolors bleed and blend—it’s messy, unpredictable, and beautiful, just like life. This Blue Blossoms painting happened in the most beautiful way with the colors bleeding into each other on the paper. You never really know what the end result will be. That is the fun part. Now available in large 20"x20" giclee prints. 

Two: Those soft, flowing colors can calm your mind.

Ever notice how just looking at them feels like a deep breath? If I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths, I can imagine being on that beach with the warm salt air blowing through my hair. My mind is calm. 

Three: They spark creativity.

Watercolor paintings don’t just sit there looking pretty—they’re like a matchstick striking your imagination. Have you ever watched an artist swirl a brush, blending blues into purples, and suddenly thought, "I wonder what I could make"? That’s the magic. The way colors dance on the page, refusing to stay in neat little boxes, practically begs you to pick up a pencil, a brush, or even just a napkin and a pen at the coffee shop. Take my painting Happy Go Lucky Watercolor 11x15 on lauratrevey.com. It’s a joyful explosion of blues and greens. I started with a simple idea, but the watercolors had other plans, splashing and blending into something unexpected. That’s the spark: it’s not about being ‘good’ at art—it’s about the itch to *try*. Maybe you sketch the steam curling off your morning coffee, or doodle a wildflower you saw on your walk. Before you know it, you’re not just admiring someone else’s work—you’re creating your own. Watercolors remind you that creativity isn’t reserved for the pros; it’s in you, waiting for a splash of inspiration to wake it up. So next time you see a painting—mine or anyone’s—don’t just look. Let Happy Go Lucky nudge you to play, experiment, and make something uniquely yours."

Four: Watercolors connect you to nature.

Think of those landscapes or florals—they pull you outside, even if just in your head. I am having a great time painting Spring daffodils and wishing for the warm weather to arrive. 

Five: They teach patience.

Watching layers dry reminds you good things take time. 

Six: The lightness of the strokes can lift your mood.

You can achieve delicate hues in watercolor creating a mystical and magical tone as seen below in Midnight Blue. 

Seven: They encourage simplicity.

A few colors, a brush—sometimes less really is more. Seen below, Rocky Road, landscape 11"x15"

Eight: They inspire storytelling.

Every painting feels like it’s whispering a tale—what’s yours today? Look around your kitchen. What familiar objects do you see that bring a smile to your face? That invoke a happy memory? I painted a still life of a few things from my kitchen that I love. The result was "Orchid in a Tea Cup."

Nine: They show you beauty in the unexpected.

A happy accident, like a splash, can turn into the best part. (Two Honey Bees)

Ten: They remind you to keep flowing.

Like water, you can adapt, shift, and create something amazing. Go With The Flow giclee prints available in multiple sizes. 

So, next time you’re sipping your morning coffee, maybe pull out some watercolors—or just gaze at one. Let it nudge you into a brighter day.

Love what you see? Shop my original paintings and prints at lauratrevey.com and bring a burst of creativity to your walls! Plus, subscribe to my newsletter for more inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

Keep the creative vibes flowing!  - Laura Trevey