Written by These amazing doodlewashes come to us from Sunmi An, who prefers to be called Mia, in Seoul, South Korea (follow her on Instagram and Facebook!). She is currently working as a writer for television (MBC, one of the biggest broadcasting stations in South Korea).
“I write news scripts which cover interesting stories and news around the world,” she says. “I majored in English Literature and have always been fascinated by stories and fiction, so I have been writing fiction and screenplays in my free time. None of them have been published yet, but I’m trying hard to get a chance.”
One day, two months ago, she saw a woman wearing purple rain boots and holding a yellow umbrella walking in front of her. Her style was so colorful that she made a photo and sketch of her, and then added watercolor when she returned home.
“This was the beginning of my watercolor journey,” Mia says. “Since that day, I painted watercolor almost every day. I’m experiencing miracles each day. When I paint, I find true peace and forget myself. It makes me relax, relieves stress, finding beauty in everything, and being a better person. I genuinely believe colors have magical healing power.”
Mia is a self-taught artist and says she’s really just a beginner. She always liked drawing when she was a kid but never had formal education in fine arts. “I basically doodlewash anything and everything,” she says “testing every medium, still trying to find my own style.”
These days, her favorite tools are the Winsor & Newton Cotman compact set, water brush, and pens (Faber-Castell Pitt artist pen and Staedtler pen) She says she simply sketches with pencil or pen, and then adds watercolor. Mia prefers Fabriano 100% cotton paper (5″x7″) for landscapes, and Fabriano postcard paper for small items.
“My greatest inspiration comes from traveling. I love to doodlewash from the photos I’ve taken during travel. Sometimes I draw on the spot when I have time. Recent travel to Arles, Southern France was such an inspiration. A visit to the town where Van Gogh had lived ignited my passion for painting again.”
Since she began drawing, she was able to find beauty in everyday life. “I got to look at things more closely. Trees, flowers, breakfast, a cup of coffee, people on the bus, are all great subjects to draw. When I put them on my canvas, they become special and meaningful.”
Mia believes the arts can bring miracles and a better life for everyone. That’s why she wants to be called Mia, because it means “miracle of art.” She would like to connect with other aspiring artists so they might learn from each other. She wants to make people happy with her paintings, and someday hopes to start a charity with her artwork.
“To be featured on Doodlewash.com is one of the greatest miracles of my watercolor journey,” Mia says. “I’ve been drawing and doodlewashing for about 100 days, and I’ll keep drawing for 1,000 days, 10,000 days, one million days more.”
It’s truly an honor to feature you Mia, and share your inspiring doodlewashes and story. Be sure to follow her journey on Instagram and Facebook! Thank you so much, Mia, for all the beauty you’re bringing into the world. And we’ll be following you to discover what beautiful miracles you’ll share next!
That is amazing. It captures everyday lift and beautiful sighs. It would be lovely framed and in the living room.. *sigh and smile*
So happy you liked Mia’s work!! Maybe one day she’ll open a store! 😉👍🏻
I hope she does. Her work is amazing. Thank you for posting it
Awesome so happy you liked Mia’s feature! 😃
Thanks so much for loving my art! Yes, maybe I’ll start an online shop featuring my work, and that should be something charitable.
I will be looking out for it. Your art is amazing!
Thank you for loving my works! Yes, someday I’ll start an online shop featuring my works and that should be something charitable.
“I genuinely believe colors have magical healing power.” Yes! This is a lovely featured artist. I like your artistic and life philosophies Mia. Makes me want to paint right now! Best wishes 🙂
I know, right?! It made me feel the same. Mia is so inspiring. Glad you liked this Jessica!! 😃❤️
Thank you! I believe we are all artists inside. Let your little artist inside you grow.
Such a great story of how Mia got started with watercolors! And I love why she chose Mia as her name. Her colors are wonderful!
Yeah…I was so excited to feature her! She’s really inspiring! Thanks Teresa…happy you liked her feature! ❤️😃
Thank you! Funny thing is ‘Mia’ in Korean means ‘lost child’. Kind of true, because I’m lost in art.
I really enjoyed reading about how she got started! It’s amazing to me that art (the process as well as the product) touch us in so many different ways. And once again I’m greatful to you, Charlie, for bringing us together. I’m constantly inspired by the artists you’ve featured in your blog. Will be following Mia on IG!
That makes me so happy to hear! I’m just never sure who knows of who, so I figure all of us doodlewashers should “meet”! Hehe… And Mia is awesome. You’ll love following her work!
Right, we all should meet one day!
Yes!! That would be so amazing!!!
Thank you Kari! I discovered the more I share my art, the more pleasure I get in return. It’s priceless to get to know all the great artists in this blog doodlewash.
Mia, you are an inspiration, thank you for bringing us all joy today with your beautiful watercolors. Thank you Charlie.
Thanks so much for your wonderful words, Sharon! ❤️😃
Thanks so much! I’m inspired everday by many other artists on doodlewash.
I really enjoy her Doodlewashes. Her work does not look or feel like a beginner. I like color as well and her use of color really draws me in. Awesome!
Awesome!! So happy you liked Mia’s work!! 😃😃
So glad you like my works. Thanks a lot!
What lovely watercolors and such an inspirational attitude towards creativity and sketching. So refreshing! Thank you Mia and Charlie!
So happy you liked Mia’s feature, Carhe! ❤️😃 She’s amazing and I love her positive attitude as well!
this is amazing! I wish I could draw so well