EP #05: Sebastian Thommen - How Painting Changed My Life

Описание: Welcome to Wet on Wet, the podcast where we explore inspiring artist journeys and creative breakthroughs. In this episode, host Sunil Kalbandi speaks with plein air painter, actor, and creative spirit Sebastian Thommen, whose story is anything but traditional.

From running a gourmet food truck with watercolor coffee cups to painting on Irish coastlines from a camper van, Sebastian proves that art can bloom even through chaos. Discover how a VHS tape, a fishing rod, and a personal crisis shaped one of Ireland’s most soulful plein air watercolorists.

*What You’ll Learn:*

How a tragedy gave Sebastian his first brushes—and his purpose
Why plein air watercolor builds memory, presence, and confidence
The role of acting in his brushwork and bold composition
How a painting on a coffee cup launched a full-time art career
His approach to sketching, simplifying, and avoiding perfectionism
The importance of building community—even with just two people in the rain

*Selected Quotes from Sebastian Thommen:*

"The real gift isn’t talent. It’s being able to stare at the same tree for an hour and still feel wonder."
"Art helped me rebuild my life when I lost my home, job, and partner."
"You can’t do good paintings if you’re afraid of bad ones. I want to see the bad ones."
"Painting outdoors forces you to simplify. That’s how you grow."
"Your style finds you. Not the other way around."
"Watercolor artists are the nicest people. Maybe because we all know how brutally hard it is."

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*Timestamps:*

00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – Sebastian’s early years and first watercolor set
06:00 – Crisis, homelessness, and returning to art
08:30 – The food truck story and coffee cup breakthrough
12:30 – Why plein air over studio painting
14:00 – The emotional power of sketching outdoors
16:00 – How value studies changed his process
19:30 – A day in the life of a full-time watercolor artist
21:30 – Landscapes vs urban sketching
23:00 – His favorite mentors and artists
26:30 – Using Instagram, email, and storytelling to grow an audience
29:00 – Gear and tech he uses for filming and teaching
31:30 – Dealing with bad paintings and frustration
33:00 – What motivates him to paint
35:00 – Favorite pigments, papers, and brushes
38:00 – Teaching, pricing art, and building retreats in Ireland
42:00 – Community, watercolor honesty, and future plans

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*Connect with Sebastian Thommen:*
Website: [https://sebastianthommen.com](https://sebastianthommen.com)
Instagram: [  / sebastian  \_thommen](  / sebastian_thommen  )
Facebook: [  / sebastianthommenart  ](  / sebastianthommenart  )
TikTok: [  / sebastianthommen  ](  / sebastianthommen  )

*Connect with Host Sunil Kalbandi:*
Website: [https://sunilkalbandi.com](https://sunilkalbandi.com)
Instagram: [  / sunilkalbandi  ](  / sunilkalbandi  )
TikTok: [  / sunilkalbandi5  ](  / sunilkalbandi5  )

*Gear, Tools & Materials Mentioned:*

*Brushes*

Escoda Alvaro Castagnet Signature Set – [https://www.escoda.com](https://www.escoda.com)
Escoda Versàtil – [https://www.escoda.com](https://www.escoda.com)
Haake Brush – [https://www.jacksonsart.com](https://www.jacksonsart.com)
Chinese Rigger Brush – [https://www.jacksonsart.com](https://www.jacksonsart.com)

*Paints (Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors)* – [https://www.danielsmith.com](https://www.danielsmith.com)

Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Cerulean Blue
Burnt Sienna
Quinacridone Gold
Lavender

*Paper*

Arches Aquarelle – [https://www.arches-papers.com](https://www.arches-papers.com)
Baohong Watercolor Paper – [https://www.jacksonsart.com](https://www.jacksonsart.com)

*Sketching Tools*

Lindner Plein Air Brass Palette – [https://www.lindnerpalette.com](https://www.lindnerpalette.com)
Moleskine Pocket Sketchbook – [https://www.moleskine.com](https://www.moleskine.com)

*Editing & Recording*

DJI Osmo Camera – [https://www.dji.com](https://www.dji.com)
Final Cut Pro – [https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro](https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro)

*Bonus Tip*

Google Maps (Save Painting Spots) – [https://maps.google.com](https://maps.google.com)

*Inspirations & Mentors*

Joseph Zbukvic – [https://www.josephzbukvic.com](https://www.josephzbukvic.com)
Alvaro Castagnet – [https://www.alvarocastagnet.net](https://www.alvarocastagnet.net)
Herman Pekel – [https://www.hermanpekelart.com](https://www.hermanpekelart.com)
Nicholas Lopez – [https://www.instagram.com](https://www.instagram.com)
Andy Evansen – [https://www.evansenartstudio.com](https://www.evansenartstudio.com)