Ohn Mar Win is an artist, illustrator, designer, and teacher whose career spans more than 20 years. She is a top teacher on the online education platform Skillshare, where she has more than 25 watercolor and illustration classes and over 140,000 students. Ohn Mar is also the author behind Go with the Flow Painting. We asked her a few questions about her creative process.

Quarto Creates: How did you first become interested in art and watercolor?

Ohn Mar Win: Way back in 2015 I was gifted a small moleskin sketchbook for my birthday. I bought myself a second hand watercolor set and tried painting a page, which looked awful. So it just sat there for a few more months. But as I wanted to take time away from my computer artwork I decided to carve out dedicated time for watercolor and that's really how it started.

QC: What is your advice for those who want to try it but aren’t sure where to start?

OMW:

• Start with painting everyday objects from your house, an apple or mug or shoes. They have much to teach you about shape, value and textures. 
• Give yourself permission to play 20-30 mins at least 3 times a week with your watercolors.
• Don't look at Instagram for inspiration - it will give you false ideal that you think you have to live up to.
• Put less expectation on the outcomes of your early pieces.

QC: What’s changed in the art world since you started your creative career?

OMW: Social media is a wonderful tool if used well. I graduated from art college in the mid 1990s and had to physically carry my portfolio around London a few times a week to show art directors. Social media makes it far easier to share and connect with those who want to feature your art.

QC: What artists do you look to for inspiration?

OMW: My art is constantly evolving and I like to learn from other artists. These include watercolor courses by Liz Steel, and Patreon of Emma Carlisle. I also watch classes by Tom Forese and Dylan Mierzwinski.

QC: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from creating?

OMW: Follow your own joy, capture experiences and follow your intuition to make the most meaningful art unique to you. Be open to different experiences, and ideas, and widen your comfort zone.

Learn more about Ohn Mar's work on Instagram @ohn_mar_win and online at ohnmarwin.com.