Esther Peck is a watercolor floral artist as well as a long time Princeton Ambassador. She started in Art Education at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, where she took a course in Western Art. Since then, she has taken up various roles in the art industry such as being an Assistant Art Director and a Freelance Graphic Designer. Currently, she teaches a multitude of watercolor classes from classic flower wreaths to realistic looking animals and landscapes. Learn more about Esther and her art journey below.

What was your journey like to become an artist? What inspired you to start?

Since I was young, I have loved to draw and create. I was talent scouted by my art teacher to join an art club and that boosted my self-confidence. It was natural to go into arts as I was recognized for my strength by teachers.

I believe that it is very important to know what your strength is and focus on that.

I started as a graphic designer, learned more about painting, and explored different mediums before I got into floral watercolor.

What does your art process look like?

For loose flowers, I just follow the flow, painting whatever comes to mind. For Botanical florals, I need more planning. I do research for the flowers before drawing the design. I was a graphic designer before, so I like to play with different designs and layouts.

In my recent workshops, I plan different wreaths for my students to practice. Whenever time allows, I discuss floral composition with my students. By doing that, I hope that my students not only learn how to paint the flowers, but they can also compose their own wreaths and designs.

What are your creative inspirations?

I love going to gardens. Beautiful wedding bouquets often inspire me to paint floral wreaths as well.

Why did you choose to paint florals?

I love to paint flowers but also animals. I hope one day, I can combine these 2 subjects together to form wreaths.

What is your favorite watercolor technique for painting florals and why?

Painting loose florals allows my creativity to flow freely and it is very relaxing.

What is your favorite piece of watercolor advice to give to your students?

Do not be too hard on yourself, just paint and create. Do not be discouraged when the painting looks bad at first, keep painting and very often, it will turn out well after all.

What are your Princeton Brushes of choice?

If I had to choose only two brushes, it would be a Neptune round size 8 and Heritage round size 6. These are ideal for my loose florals and botanical florals. I also use a Velvetouch angular brush for painting hydrangeas and a Velvetouch Petals 8 for painting roses, peonies and hydrangeas.

You can watch a tutorial on how Esther uses an angular shader brush below.

Thanks, Esther, for sharing your journey as a watercolor artist with us! You can find Esther on Instagram at @estherpeck, on her YouTube here, and at her website.

Check out Esther’s newest book Watercolour Floral Painting where she teaches you beginner and intermediate techniques to transform shapes into beautiful florals. It includes 18 watercolor painting techniques, 7 floral composition tips, and 16 step-by-step floral projects.