One Reference, Two Paintings, Endless Possibilities
One of my favorite things about painting is how a single reference image can lead to completely different interpretations. Recently, I painted two versions of the same subject—a cozy mug of hot chocolate—but approached them in entirely different ways. One is a soft, realistic watercolor with a glowing purple mug, while the other is a layered, distressed oil painting dripping with texture and mood. Each one tells its own story, and that’s the magic of art—it’s never just about what you paint, but how you paint it.
Reference Photo
Watercolor:
Soft, Cozy, and Dreamy
For the first painting, I used watercolor, focusing on a mostly wet-on-wet technique. This allowed the colors to blend seamlessly, giving everything a soft, luminous quality. The rich purple mug stands out against the gentle browns of the hot chocolate, and the bright yellow counter.
Watercolor has this incredible ability to feel light and effortless, and that’s exactly the mood of this piece—cozy, inviting, and serene. It reminds me of slow winter mornings, where you wrap your hands around a warm mug and savor the quiet before the day begins.
Oil:
Textured, Distressed,
and Emotional
The second painting couldn’t be more different. Using oils, I leaned into layering, dripping, and distressing techniques to create a piece that feels raw and expressive. Burnt sienna dominates the palette, giving everything a rich, earthy warmth. The drips add movement, almost as if the image is dissolving—like a memory fading over time.
Unlike watercolor, oils let me build up layers and rework areas, adding depth and history to the painting. This version isn’t just about depicting a mug of hot chocolate—it’s about capturing a feeling. It’s moody, nostalgic, and has a weight to it, like a well-loved photograph left out in the rain.
Endless Ways to Paint, Endless Ways to Feel
It’s fascinating how two paintings of the same subject can feel so different. One is soft and comforting, the other raw and full of movement. That’s the beauty of painting—every brushstroke, every color choice, and every technique shifts the mood and meaning.
There’s no single way to paint, and no single way to see. Whether it’s delicate and glowing or textured and expressive, every painting is a new way to tell a story. And that’s what keeps me coming back to the studio.