Art and Earth Science by Grass
by Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist There’s something grounding about creating color with your own hands — literally. Long before tubes of paint lined art store shelves, artists and scientists alike relied on the earth itself for pigment: crushed rocks, minerals, clay, and soil. Each hue told a story of its origin — a… Continue reading Colors from the Earth: Making Natural Watercolor Pigments from Rocks and Soil
by Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist There’s a quiet magic that happens when water touches pigment. As the color spreads, merges, and settles into soft gradients, it reminds me of something far grander, the slow artistry of Earth itself. Every brushstroke and every wash feels like a miniature reenactment of the processes our planet… Continue reading Painting Earth’s Layers: What Watercolor Teaches Us About Geology
From August 14 to 17, 2025, Phuket, Thailand transformed into a living canvas as hundreds of urban sketchers from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered for the Asia-Link Sketchwalk Phuket 2025. Over four vibrant days, the island’s streets, heritage buildings, and waterfronts became backdrops for artists who came together to share their passion for on-location sketching. Four… Continue reading Sinours Phuket Edition: A Watercolor Souvenir from Asia-Link Sketchwalk Thailand 2025
Photo of the "toys" from UMAE & Ladybug the day they arrived in the mail. A few months ago, I shared a blog post reviewing the UMAE & Ladybug watercolor paper block—a product that had genuinely impressed me with its quality. I included a few of my paintings done on the paper, thinking nothing more… Continue reading A Surprise Gift from UMAE & Ladybug – A Taiwan-based Art Company
Hello, everyone! I took advantage of the Easter break to slow down and recharge — spending some much-needed time with my potted and hydroponic plants, and finally picking up my watercolor brushes again. It’s a hobby I’ve missed dearly but had to set aside due to work, which I’ve shared more about in the blog… Continue reading Exploring UMAE Watercolor Paper Block: A Review and My Watercolor Sketches Using the Block
My youngest son is currently enrolled in a hybrid homeschooling program combining parent-led learning with teacher-guided instruction. He attends online webinars with teachers and classmates, but I supervise half of his education, allowing us to follow our own pace and schedule. While he adheres to the curriculum set by the Department of Education in the… Continue reading Homemade Watercolors: A Fun Learning Project for Kids
Like many people, I enjoy attending conventions, whether they focus on science or the arts. One of the most memorable conventions I attended was the International Geological Convention in 2012, held in Brisbane, Australia. I represented my former geothermal company, and it was my first time traveling abroad. At the convention, I had the opportunity… Continue reading Attending Artist Convention for the Learnings, Fun, Connections, and Freebies
What are iron oxide watercolors?What is granulation in watercolors?How I got into iron oxide watercolors:My Personal Experience with Sinours Iron Oxide WatercolorsWhat I like and don't like about Sinours Iron Oxide Watercolor Set What are iron oxide watercolors? Iron oxide pigments are widely used in watercolors because of their permanence, non-toxicity, and availability in a… Continue reading Exploring Iron Oxide Watercolors: A Personal Journey and Insights
"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." – A.A. Milne Do you remember playing with miniature toys as a child? I do. My mom used to buy and assemble kitchen toys for me because she knew how much I loved cooking—a skill I learned from my dad, who was a chef… Continue reading Miniature Art – Why consider painting in miniatures?
The Fabulous Scientist 