How I Create My Watercolor Images

Many readers have asked about the watercolor-style images that appear in my emails, editions of The Curated Life, and other places on my website. I am always grateful when someone takes the time to ask a question, and because this one comes up often, it made sense to put the answer in one place.

The Tool I Use

The watercolor-style images are created with ChatGPT. I use a paid account, and I write detailed prompts that describe what I want the image to include. Sometimes the prompt is simple. Other times it is very specific and includes details about colors, flowers, containers, fabric, seasonal items, room details, or the feeling I want the finished image to have. Almost always, the watercolor creation process begins with one of my own photos, styled and taken here at home.

After the first image is created, I usually make adjustments. Sometimes I change the placement of an object. Sometimes I ask for softer colors, fewer items, or a different background. There are times when the first try is close, and there are times when it takes several tries to get an image I can use. In addition to ChatGPT, I use other editing programs after the image has been created. I often upload a watercolor to Adobe Lightroom to make final tweaks.

Why It Took Time To Figure Out

This process has taken about six months to understand in a way that works for me, and I’m still learning. During that time, I have tested many different prompts, saved the wording that worked, and learned what tends to give me the best results.

Even now, every image is different. A prompt that works beautifully for a pitcher of flowers may not work at all for a porch scene or a kitchen shelf. Each image needs its own direction. That is why I am not able to give one basic prompt that will work for every project. There simply isn’t one.

Can I Share My Prompts?

I am not able to help with individual prompts or troubleshoot specific images. I wish it were easier, but each image depends on what is being created, the style desired, the colors used, and the final purpose of the image.

The best advice I can give is to be very specific. Describe the subject, the colors, the placement, the background, and the overall look you want. Then be prepared to revise the prompt several times. It also helps to save the wording that works, because over time, you will begin to see patterns in the prompts that give you the best results.

A Note About Creativity And AI

When I realized what AI was capable of, and that it was not going away, I felt strongly that I needed to understand it for myself. Creating these watercolor images has been part of that learning process. It has helped me see firsthand what AI can do, how to use it responsibly, and how much direction and refinement it still takes to create something that feels right. Even though the images are made with ChatGPT, they still begin with a real idea.The tool creates the image, but the creative direction comes from me.

Why I Use These Images

Watercolor-style images give me a way to add something pretty, seasonal, and useful to my content. They are especially helpful for emails, simple seasonal graphics, and posts where a soft illustration fits better than a photograph. And to be perfectly honest, I really love them.

They are not a replacement for my photography. I still use real photos for recipes, home decor, gardening, projects, and anything where a true image is more helpful to the reader. The watercolor images are simply another creative tool.

I hope this answers the question in a helpful and honest way. I know many people are curious about how these images are made, and I completely understand why. For me, the process has been a mix of learning the tool, practicing the prompts, and slowly figuring out what works for the On Sutton Place style. Thank you for your interest, your kind words, and your understanding.