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

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." --- *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 --- *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)