23^rd April 2026 Beena

When I decided to paint from a photo Jen sent me, I underestimated the challenges that would shape my creative journey. The photo, alive with the vibrant energy of Singapore’s Botanical Garden, captures lush greenery and two workers rowing a canoe—a deceptively simple scene that would demand far more of me as an artist.

Working in watercolour, I set out to transform an ordinary scene into one filled with sunlight and life. Preserving the paper’s white was essential, allowing light to dance through the composition. The greatest challenge was capturing the ripples’ shifting perspective—moving in unpredictable directions due to the canoe’s motion, creating a lively surf effect and constantly changing colours on the water’s surface.

Yet as I placed the final brushstroke, a wave of satisfaction washed over me. I nearly abandoned this painting, but perseverance revealed a deeper reward. Life mirrors this creative struggle: when faced with daunting challenges, it’s tempting to retreat or postpone. Yet overcoming difficulty brings an irreplaceable joy—a sense of triumph that inspires us to face the next challenge with greater determination. I wish to thank Jen for the photo.