Serenade at Bethesda

Watercolour and story by Preeti Maheshwari

My name is Preeti Maheshwari, and I am a self-taught artist. My journey with watercolors began in childhood, when I would spend my afternoons and holidays playing with vibrant colors and water, creating cute animals and simple landscapes on paper. Painting with watercolors has always allowed me to express my thoughts and emotions without words. There's something magical about the fluidity of this medium that resonates deeply with my soul.

Art occupies a special place in my life. It's not just a hobby; it's my sanctuary. Whenever I pick up a brush, a sense of peace washes over me. For many years, I've sought to learn not only watercolor techniques but also explore other mediums through online tutorials.

However, like any artist, I face challenges. The lack of guidance from a mentor makes it difficult to capture the essence of a scene or achieve the desired effects. I often grapple with frustration, but I see each challenge as part of the journey, teaching me valuable lessons along the way.

I'm eager to expand my skills and explore new techniques in watercolor. I aspire to learn how to create more depth and texture in my work and experiment with different styles. I believe the Watercolor Academy offers an incredible opportunity for growth, and winning a course would be a significant step in my artistic journey.

For this competition, I chose to paint Bethesda Fountain, a symbol of tranquility and beauty that I've admired through photographs and stories. Although I have never visited the fountain in person, its enchanting presence resonates with me. The idea of a serene gathering place, where people come together to enjoy nature and art, inspires my work. I hope to convey that sense of peace and connection in my painting.

The Watercolor Academy represents an incredible opportunity for growth, enhancing my understanding of techniques and expanding my artistic vision. Winning a course would not only improve my abilities but also enable me to share newfound knowledge with others, inspiring my community to appreciate art as I do.

I believe people should vote for me because my painting, "Serenade at Bethesda," reflects not just a location but a feeling—a moment of peace that I hope to share with others. This artwork embodies my love for watercolor and my dedication to capturing the beauty of the world around us.

Discover how to paint in watercolor the right way

Get your instant access to
Free watercolor video lessons

Do you want to Win the Watercolor Academy Video Course?