Swil Arts

Swil Arts California moments worth keeping Does the dreamy, ethereal quality of watercolors speak to your soul? If you're nodding, welcome – you've found a kindred spirit.

Debugging Life: How I Traded Algorithms for Art

Are you searching for a piece of art that encapsulates life's most vibrant moments? I'm Sara, the creative force behind Swil Arts Studio. I've traded the predictability of code for the beautiful unpredictability of watercolors. After nearly a decade as a software engineer at Google, I embraced a new chapter to fully pursue my artistic passions. My j

ourney from tech to watercolor artistry is a testament to the joy of exploring different paths in life. At Swil Arts Studio, I craft vibrant, dreamy watercolor scenes inspired by the kaleidoscope of life itself. My current love is the line and wash technique, marrying the expressiveness of ink sketches with the fluidity of watercolors. This approach allows me to capture a scene's essence with both detail and atmospheric charm. From captivating urban landscapes and charming animals to often-overlooked everyday objects and mouthwatering food, I find inspiration in the world's rich tapestry. My work whispers nature's beauty, echoes city life's pulse, and immortalizes those soul-stirring moments that color our existence. With Polish roots and San Diego wings, I bring a unique perspective to every brushstroke. My background in computer science infuses my artistic process with precision, resulting in pieces that are both emotive and technically intriguing. Through my art, I strive to unveil the extraordinary in the ordinary, inviting viewers to see the world anew. Whether you're drawn to an original piece or envisioning a custom commission, let's collaborate to bring that same transformative energy into your space. When I'm not in my studio, you can find me:
— Immersing myself in ancient wisdom: practicing yoga (I'm certified in teaching Hatha and Kundalini), offering Reiki healing, or guiding sound bath sessions.
— Exploring local farmers markets, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors and fresh scents of seasonal produce.
— Hiking with my partner, immersing myself in nature. I prioritize self-care, mental health, and overall wellbeing, and I've found that spending time outdoors helps regulate my nervous system and brings me a sense of peace. I believe in:
— Creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of identity, feels seen, validated, and celebrated. — As a q***r artist, I bring my whole self to my work, infusing my unique perspective into every piece I create.
— The power of authenticity, honesty, and vulnerability, inspired by role models like Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Desiree Adaway, and Glennon Doyle.
— The healing power of beauty and aesthetics, and that surrounding oneself with art can profoundly nurture the soul.
— A spiritual connection to a divine consciousness and intelligence, trusting that the Universe supports my creativity and inspiration. My artwork graces a diverse array of spaces, from vibrant small businesses to cherished personal collections. For businesses, I've had the privilege of creating custom pieces for unique establishments like Living Juices and Yoga, FarmaSea, and Cactus Beach Bar and Cafe. Here's what one business owner had to say:

"We commissioned Sara to paint three watercolors for our juice bar/cafe. She brilliantly brought our ideas to life, providing references and a design board that helped us envision the pieces and refine our concept. Sara captured our desire for bold, bright colors while maintaining a realistic style. We're thrilled with the results, and our customers constantly compliment the artwork!"

I take equal pride in the heartfelt connections I create with individual clients. Recently, I received this wonderful testimonial from Jesse:

"Sara went above and beyond to capture a drawing of both our dogs for our wedding cocktail napkins. Her attention to detail was incredible, with their facial expressions and even their eyes captured beautifully. We have gotten so many compliments already, and can't wait to frame the piece in our house and pass out the beautiful napkins to all of our guests this September. Thanks for sharing your talents with us, Sara!"

You can find my art, both originals and prints, in FiftySix Shop in Koh Tao, Thailand, and across seven shops in San Diego: Gallery at Land's End, Bazaar Del Mundo, Stroll, Studio NN, Nibble, La Jolla Outpost, and Vervor. Five things you may not know about me:
1. I've had the incredible opportunity to visit 50 countries across 5 continents and live in 7 of them. My global adventures have greatly enriched my perspective and lifestyle.
2. Interior design is another of my passions. I designed and decorated the apartment I share with my amazing Colombian spouse, and our home was featured in "Apartment Therapy" magazine.
3. Edward Hopper is one of my favorite painters. His ability to capture the quiet, haunting beauty of everyday moments deeply resonates with me.
4. I’m an avid reader, and my current favorite author is Liane Moriarty. I also dabble in writing fiction. My short story won 3rd prize in the SDPL Short Story Contest in 2022, and another was shortlisted in 2024. My literary works have been featured in Helikopter, Aloka, and Lunaris Review magazines.
5. Cooking is another of my passions. I've taken numerous cooking courses and used to run a recipe blog. As a pescatarian sharing life with my vegan partner, I delight in crafting diverse, plant-centric meals inspired by our travels across the globe. Whether you're looking for an original piece or a custom commission, I'm here to help you add a splash of dream-like beauty to your world. Follow me on Instagram to see my latest creations, or reach out to discuss bringing your vision to life through a custom watercolor piece. Let's paint your story together!

07/30/2026

A custom house portrait isn’t complete until it’s framed and ready to become part of the story it represents. 🏡

I chose the matting and frame to complement the watercolor without overpowering it, then added the final handwritten details that make this piece unmistakably personal. What began as a photograph is now a one-of-a-kind keepsake, made to hold a chapter of someone’s life.

Have a home story you’d like preserved this way? Send me a message.

07/27/2026

A custom house portrait begins long before the first wash of color. I study the reference photos, look for the angle that feels most like home, sketch the structure in ink, then slowly build the light, shadows, and small details in watercolor.

The technical part matters, but so does the feeling. I’m not only painting a building. I’m trying to preserve the place where someone’s life unfolded.

Which part of the process would you most like to see more closely?

07/24/2026

From a real house to a custom watercolor portrait. Watch the transformation, from the original reference photo to the finished watercolor and ink keepsake.

I don’t try to copy every detail mechanically. I look for what gives the home its character, the light, the architecture, the shapes people recognize instantly, and translate those details through my own hand. The result holds the place as it was, but also how it felt. 🏡

What detail would make your own home instantly recognizable?

07/23/2026

One of those evenings I will not forget.

I donated Endless Summer Surf Van Dream to the live auction. Watching people bid on my art in real time was electric.

The winner was Chantal. She pulled out a Sharpie and asked me to sign it on the spot. I was not ready for how emotional that felt.

Two days later she told me her daughter loved it. Then she looked at another piece and joked she was going to become my collector.

I think she might be serious.

Black joy, Black pride, and Black creativity deserve to be celebrated loudly and with intention. I am so grateful to be part of this community.

Forbes called it “the luxury of imperfection.” I just call it painting.Grateful to be included in a piece by R. Daniel F...
07/21/2026

Forbes called it “the luxury of imperfection.” I just call it painting.

Grateful to be included in a piece by R. Daniel Foster about why handmade work is having a moment right now, right as AI generated images are everywhere.

Here’s the thing I keep coming back to: the wobble in an ink line, the spot where the wash bled a little further than planned, the choice to leave a “mistake” in because it looks more alive than the fixed version would have. None of that is a flaw. That’s the whole point.

A hotel or a business could buy stock art for almost nothing. When they come to me instead, they’re asking for someone to actually look at their space, their neighborhood, their story, and interpret it by hand. That’s not something a prompt can do.

Link to the full article in my bio.

I painted this one after a fish taco run that didn't need to be anything special. Avocado sliced into fans, a little dis...
07/21/2026

I painted this one after a fish taco run that didn't need to be anything special. Avocado sliced into fans, a little dish of guac and pico, jalapeños and cilantro scattered across the table like they always end up, a cold Pacifico standing guard next to the plate. The ingredient list I scrawled in the corner says it best: fish tacos, a cold beer, time to linger. That's the whole afternoon, really.

I lettered "Taco Tuesday" in big script down the side, the kind of flourish I love adding to these food pieces. I sat with this painting for weeks. I posted it. I looked at it more times than I can count.

Then a friend looked at it and said, "wait, is that supposed to say Tusday?"

It is not supposed to say Tusday. It says Tusday.

I went back and stared at it like the letters might rearrange themselves if I waited long enough. They did not. Somewhere between the E and the S, my hand just skipped a step, and my eyes skipped right past it every single time after that.

Here's the thing I keep coming back to. I make this art by hand, with ink that doesn't undo and paper that doesn't forgive. No spell check, no layers, no command Z. That's exactly why people connect with it. The wobble in a line, the ink that bleeds slightly past where I meant it to stop, a word that's missing a letter because I was thinking about lunch and not lettering. That's a human being making something, not a machine generating it.

So I'm not fixing it. Tusday it is. If anything, it might be my favorite kind of mistake now, the kind that proves a real hand was holding the pen.

If you've spotted a typo in your own life, in a sign, a tattoo, a text you sent your boss, I would love to hear about it. Misery loves company, and so does mine.

Good news this week. My work was nominated for San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women Awards, in the Art and Design Risi...
07/15/2026

Good news this week. My work was nominated for San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women Awards, in the Art and Design Rising Star category.

A few years ago I left software engineering to paint the small stuff. A mask drying on a balcony rail. A lifeguard tower at sunset. A takeout cup left on a porch table. I did not expect any of it to lead here.

Voting is open now. Link to vote is in my bio, and it would mean a lot if you took a minute for me.

A few months ago, I sat down for an interview with a reporter at Business Insider. She wanted to talk about leaving Goog...
07/14/2026

A few months ago, I sat down for an interview with a reporter at Business Insider. She wanted to talk about leaving Google, the year I spent traveling, and how a set of watercolors ended up changing my whole direction. That piece is out now.

I've told pieces of this story before, but never all the way through to someone taking notes. It made me go back over parts of the timeline I don't think about much anymore. Warsaw. London. A stretch in Zurich at Google that I thought would be enough.

Then six months on Koh Tao. My partner and I had no plan beyond travel, and somewhere in that stretch I picked up a set of watercolors and started sketching whatever was in front of me. Fruit stands. Village corners. A mask drying on a balcony rail. I posted a few of the sketches in a local Facebook group, mostly because I wanted something to show for the time. People started asking if they could buy them.

The question that stuck with me most was about success. What does it look like now, compared to my Google years? For me, it's not about how much I finish in a week anymore. If one person stops in front of a painting and feels something, or remembers something, that's the whole job done.

I'm still building this one season at a time. Some months move faster than others. But this is the first time a national outlet asked me to lay out the whole decision, and saying it out loud for someone else made me trust it more.

Read the full Business Insider feature here: https://www.businessinsider.com/quit-google-travel-thailand-watercolor-success-art-studio-2026-7, then share your own leap of faith story in the comments.

Issue 4 of is out, and I have two reasons to be happy about it. I illustrated the cover, and Valentina is in the interv...
07/07/2026

Issue 4 of is out, and I have two reasons to be happy about it. I illustrated the cover, and Valentina is in the interview pages.

The cover came from the founder's letter, which is about the courage to begin before you feel ready. I sat with that for a while before I picked up a pencil. I kept coming back to a cactus. Not the postcard kind, the kind that looks like it's surviving something. I drew it with a window cut into its side, so you can see inside it instead of just the spines and the shape.

Inside that window are five words: begin, root, stretch, adapt, bloom. Growth doesn't move in a straight line, and a cactus holds a lot of contradictions at once. It protects itself and it's generous with what it stores. It looks still and it's actually moving, just slowly. It survives hard conditions and somehow still flowers. That felt closer to the truth of starting something than a sunrise or an open road would have.

The interview section is a different kind of cover, the kind that asks people to be honest. This issue's conversations cover immigration, cultural pride, gender identity, sobriety, entrepreneurship, and family, told by people who've actually lived inside those questions. Valentina is one of the voices in there, talking about identity and belonging in the specific, lived way that doesn't translate well into a quote on a tote bag. I'm not going to summarize their words for them. Go read the interview.

What I keep noticing, working on something like this, is that the theme of the issue and the way I draw aren't that different. I'm always trying to find the small true detail instead of the big sweeping one. A founder's letter about courage to begin turned into a cactus with a window in it, not a sunrise. That's usually how it goes here.

This Friday, Swil Arts is heading to Oceanside Art Walk.I’ll be there July 3 from 5 to 8 pm with watercolor and ink prin...
07/02/2026

This Friday, Swil Arts is heading to Oceanside Art Walk.

I’ll be there July 3 from 5 to 8 pm with watercolor and ink prints, cards, and small giftable pieces inspired by Southern California places and everyday moments.

It’s a free, family-friendly evening with local artists, makers, live music, and lots to wander through. Come say hi, browse slowly, and maybe take home a little California moment worth keeping.

Where: First Friday Oceanside Art Walk
When: Friday, July 3, 5 to 8 pm

Address

San Diego, CA

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Swil Arts posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Swil Arts:

Shortcuts

Share

Category