Art & Mindfulness Blog | Simon Robin Stephens

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Painting Carshalton — Why I Love This Corner of South London

Carshalton is one of South London's hidden gems — chalk streams, Victorian ponds, ancient churches and a village high street that somehow feels entirely apart from the city. I've been painting it for years, and I'm still finding new views.

17 March 2026 3 min read

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Behind the Scenes

How to Hang and Display Watercolour Art Without Causing Damage

Hanging a watercolour correctly protects it from fading, damp and buckling for decades. Here's everything you need to know about displaying original watercolour paintings in your home.

17 March 2026

4 min read

Commissions

Watercolour Paintings as Wedding Gifts — A Truly Personal Touch

Looking for a unique, lasting wedding gift? A commissioned watercolour of the couple's home, wedding venue, or favourite landscape is one of the most personal presents you can give.

17 March 2026

3 min read

Behind the Scenes

How to Read a Watercolour Painting: What to Look For

Most people look at a painting and decide very quickly whether they like it or not. But there is a second kind of looking — slower, more curious, more rewarding. This is how to do it.

17 March 2026

6 min read

Art Therapy

Art and Anxiety — How Painting Has Helped Me (And Might Help You)

I've never been a calm person by nature. But over the years, watercolour painting has become one of the most effective tools I have for managing anxiety. Here's what I've learned — not from a therapist, just from years of practice.

17 March 2026

4 min read

Collectors

How to Choose Art for Your Home — A Room-by-Room Guide

Choosing art for your home doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a practical guide to picking pieces that work in every room.

17 March 2026

3 min read

Art Therapy

Painting as Meditation: A Beginner's Guide to Mindful Art Practice

You do not need to be able to meditate to use painting as a contemplative practice. In fact, for many people — especially those with ADHD or anxiety — making art is a more accessible route to the same state of presence that meditation promises.

17 March 2026

6 min read

Art Therapy

Finding Calm in Colour: Why Blue and Green Work So Well in Watercolour Therapy

There is a reason watercolour landscapes feel calming. The colours are not accidental — blue and green have a measurable effect on the nervous system. Here is why I paint the palette I paint, and how you can use it too.

17 March 2026

3 min read

Behind the Scenes

The Best Watercolour Paper for Beginners and Beyond — An Honest Guide

Paper is the single most important material decision a watercolour painter makes. The wrong paper will frustrate you before you've even started; the right paper makes every brushstroke sing. Here is what I have learned after years of painting on everything from cheap pads to handmade sheets.

17 March 2026

4 min read

Collectors

How to Buy Original Art as a Gift (Without Getting It Wrong)

Buying original art for someone you love is a beautiful idea. Here is how to get it right — and what to do if you're not sure what they'd like.

17 March 2026

3 min read

Behind the Scenes

The Best Watercolour Paints for Beginners (My Honest UK Recommendations)

Which watercolour paints are actually worth buying when you're starting out? Here are my honest recommendations — no affiliate links, just what actually works.

17 March 2026

3 min read

Behind the Scenes

How to Store and Care for Watercolour Paintings

Watercolours are more resilient than most people think — but they do need proper care. Here is everything I know about storing, framing, and preserving watercolour paintings so they last for generations.

17 March 2026

6 min read

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Art & Life Blog

Painting Carshalton — Why I Love This Corner of South London

More Articles

How to Hang and Display Watercolour Art Without Causing Damage

Watercolour Paintings as Wedding Gifts — A Truly Personal Touch

How to Read a Watercolour Painting: What to Look For

Art and Anxiety — How Painting Has Helped Me (And Might Help You)

How to Choose Art for Your Home — A Room-by-Room Guide

Painting as Meditation: A Beginner's Guide to Mindful Art Practice

Finding Calm in Colour: Why Blue and Green Work So Well in Watercolour Therapy

The Best Watercolour Paper for Beginners and Beyond — An Honest Guide

How to Buy Original Art as a Gift (Without Getting It Wrong)

The Best Watercolour Paints for Beginners (My Honest UK Recommendations)

How to Store and Care for Watercolour Paintings

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