Miwa Gardner gave you 1 free month of Skillshare

16

Classes

838

Students

Hello,

I'm Miwa Gardner, a big fan of art and a bit of a wanderer. Even though I had to step away from oil painting in 2005, my love for art never faded. I picked up the brush again in 2018, then dived into watercolors in 2019, and I've been hooked ever since. Art isn't just a hobby for me—it's my whole world.

While I adore painting portraits with a dreamy vibe, my Skillshare classes are all about sharing the joy of painting with simple watercolor techniques. With 26 years in Japan (believe it or not I am a quarter Japanese;)) under my belt and a love for all things Asian, I like to sprinkle in a bit of Japanese flair into my classes. Let's make painting a relaxing experience for everyone!

 (From Class "Japanese Lucky Cat In Watercolor")

After living in six different countries—the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, and Germany—I've been lucky to absorb a rich variety of cultural influences that inspire my artwork. Whether it's soaking up cultural vibes or hanging out with my little one, everyday life gives me plenty of inspiration for my art.

(From Class "Watercolor For Beginners: Line Drawing Of Japanese Lady")

I've been lucky to learn from some amazing artists, like Agnes Cecil and Kelogsloops, and now I'm all about sharing what I've learned. Teaching English in Japan and running workshops in Munich have helped me fine-tune my teaching style. Teaching isn't just about sharing knowledge—it's about growing together.

On top of my love for watercolor, I also host a podcast called “Art, Parenthood, and Beyond,” where I explore the deeper aspects of a creative life. If you’re navigating the ups and downs of creativity—balancing art with other responsibilities or feeling stuck in your process—this podcast is for you. I share personal stories, challenges, and strategies for staying inspired while juggling real-life demands. You’ll also hear interviews with other artists, so you can gain diverse insights into how they keep pushing their art forward. You can tune in here: Art, Parenthood, and BeyondPodcast

(From Class: Watercolor for Beginners: Minimal Japanese Stones)

I'm super excited to explore Japanese art and culture with you in my upcoming classes. From basic techniques to exploring minimalist Japanese vibes in watercolor, let's dive into new creative adventures together!

Follow me on Skillshare by clicking on the Follow button near my name at the top of this page, so you'll be notified when my next class is available! My aim is to release one every 4 to 8 weeks throughout 2024. 

And if you're looking to bring some of my watercolor art into your home, I now offer high-resolution, downloadable digital prints. These pieces are perfect for easily printable and instantly uplifting your space with a personal artistic touch—available for purchase directly!

Stone June

Color

Helpful resources I love:
If you'd like to see how I build my color palettes, check out my YouTube video:
“How to Choose the Perfect Color Palette for Your Art | Unboxing Palette Scout”
I walk you through how I use Palette Scout to create harmonious color palettes for my watercolor paintings. Some links in the video description help support my art—thank you if you decide to check them out!

If you’d like to learn more about me, my podcast, and my artwork, please visit my website at MiwaGardner.com, or give me a follow on 

Instagram :-)