In a fast-moving world, Rashmi chooses to paint slowly.
Her watercolor florals are shaped by softness, observation, and a deep appreciation for nature’s quieter moments. Returning to the same flowers again and again, she finds something new with every painting—a different mood, a subtle detail, or simply another moment of peace.
We spoke with her about watercolor, the joy of teaching, and why painting has remained a source of calm throughout her artistic journey.
Drawn to Florals
What first drew you to painting florals in watercolor?
The calming feeling it immediately brought on my mind. Back in the day when I took to painting with watercolors ( more than 10 years ago) I worked a busy corporate job and would look forward to using art as a way to ease the stress at the end of a day. Capturing the natural softness of flowers , petals , floral compositions , nature and botanical elements became very relaxing.
What keeps flowers inspiring to you after painting them so often? Are there certain flowers or natural forms you return to again and again?
I love repainting the same flowers again and again. Every time I repaint a particular flower I feel like I am portraying it differently, in a different mood and observing details I had overlooked ever so slightly the previous time. It also is cathartic to paint some favorite flowers. Specially the short lived spring flowers. Snowdrops , daffodils, hyacinths ,magnolias , tulips and such. It feels like reading a favorite poem. Brings me immense joy and feels meditative.
What attracts you to a softer and more simplified approach to painting?
The world around us is chaotic and messy enough. I do like creating to ease my way through it. Painting simple floral compositions with soft strokes and gentle touches feels like a balm to my soul.
What do you enjoy most about helping beginners learn watercolor?
I was a beginner once and I know what aspects of the medium challenged me. I love breaking it down so anyone trying watercolors newly is not discouraged as it can seem hard to “ break into “. Even if 1 person is inspired by my instagram post / reel I feel like my purpose as an artist has been met for that day.
Could you share your favorite piece of work at this stage and introduce it briefly?
Surprisingly it is not a floral painting . It is a painting of my daughter when she was a few months old :) Wish i could keep her that tiny always .. lol
How would you describe your work to someone discovering it for the first time?
Meditative art painted to ease daily stress.
Petals, Water & Movement
What role does water control play in your painting process?
It is my favorite medium. I find it amazing what a cup of water and tiny bobs of paint can create.
How do you approach layering color without overworking the paper?
Paint with patience. Give it time to dry out before layering and not “hurt” the grain of the paper.
What do you look for in brushes when painting delicate florals?
Essentially the shape and sturdiness.
How have Artify brushes supported your watercolor workflow or tutorials, if at all?
I love how easy to maintain Artify brushes are. They are also made to cater to a variety of styles. The brush sets are great recommendations for new beginners. I find them to be versatile and valuable so a newbie can figure out what type of brush might suit their style best.
What challenges come with creating beginner-friendly watercolor tutorials?
None at all :)
Letting the Practice Bloom
How do you see your watercolor practice evolving in the future?
Probably painting larger pieces if my days can permit that
Are there new botanical subjects or techniques you’d like to explore?
What keeps floral painting exciting and meaningful to you?
The calmth it brings . I have to paint atleast one flower a day :) it is like my daily cup of coffee
How would you like your tutorials to inspire future artists?
Teaching them techniques that can better their hands with the medium
How do you stay creatively refreshed while working within a familiar subject matter?
Taking up tiny projects regularly
For Rashmi, the beauty of watercolor lies not only in the finished painting, but in the quiet moments it creates along the way.
Whether revisiting a favorite flower or encouraging someone to pick up a brush for the first time, her work celebrates the gentle, restorative power of creativity.
Like returning to a favorite poem, each painting offers another chance to slow down, observe, and begin again.
Want to see more from Rashmi? Find her here:
Rashmi's Instagram
-Want to discover more artists and works? Explore Artify Gallery now!
4 comments
Love how Rashmi creates those beautiful, cohesive bouquets out of nowhere, it’s feels like magic and truly meditative to even see her tutorials!
Watching Rashmi create art is such a calming experience. Every brushstroke reflects patience, creativity, and a beautiful eye for detail. Her paintings don’t adds colour and life on paper and bring a sense of peace to anyone who sees them.
Every creation reminds us to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity with the world. Wishing you many more milestones and endless success. Keep shining, artist! ❤️🎨✨
A calm mind a creative hand..the imagination of colours of the rainbow Rashmi Thodkar matches so well . The way she talks as she paints is so relaxing to watch.
Every update she sends …is a day the onlookers mind and heart soothens..and relaxes.
I do enjoy them every time.
Keep it up artist.🙏🙏
Loved to read the illustrations given by Rashmi the artist. I must say… like how she chose painting to bring calmness, the person who visualises it also can feel the serene quietness in her painting. I am a great fan of hers and never miss watching her paintings. In fact I have started drawing and colouring using acrylic colours. I wish her the very best always.. 🥳👌🫶