Bianca Rayala is a watercolour and gouache artist and online tutor based in Manila, Philippines. She shares accessible tutorials and courses – ranging from freehand, nature-inspired landscapes to expressive figures – and is recognised as a ‘Top Teacher’ on Skillshare. On Instagram, she regularly posts short-form educational content on watercolour and gouache, and is also listed as an Educator at Silver Brush Limited.
Your enthusiasm for Schmincke – 10 questions for Bianca
What’s your name, where are you from?
Hello! I’m Bianca Rayala. I began my professional journey as a Certified Public Accountant at the Philippines’ number one auditing firm. However, as the years went by, I felt a deep sense of unfulfillment in my heart. That changed when I discovered the joy of painting with watercolour—a moment that led me to make the bold decision to leave a flourishing corporate career and pursue my true passion for art.
Over the years, I have dedicated myself to honing my skills, placing a high value on constant and lifelong learning. I attended various watercolour masterclasses with renowned local and international artists, participated in watercolour exhibitions and eventually held my own workshops—both in person and online—as a Skillshare Top Teacher.
Today, I’ve had the privilege of teaching thousands of students from around the world. My purpose is to inspire people to discover, embrace, and pursue their creative passion.
Since when and in which techniques do you mainly work?
I’ve loved painting since I was young, but it was in 2016 that I felt a strong desire to grow seriously as an artist. I work primarily with watercolour and gouache, and I’m drawn to creating quiet, reflective landscapes that capture mood, light, and the subtle beauty of everyday life. My paintings aim to express joy, grace, and serenity, allowing colors to flow naturally through expressive brushstrokes.
Do you have favourite themes? What inspires you?
I’m especially drawn to landscapes—places filled with light, stillness, and simple beauty, like flower fields, quiet lakes, and old barns. Travel, nature, and those calm, everyday moments inspire me and remind me that painting is a way to pause, reflect, and give thanks.
And where do you paint preferably?
I usually paint in a quiet corner of our home, a space where I can slow down and focus. I also love plein air painting because it allows me to appreciate even the smallest details of nature. Being outdoors trains my eyes to observe more carefully, and I learn so much simply by watching light, colour and atmosphere unfold in real time.
Do you still remember your first Schmincke colour?
Yes, my first Schmincke watercolour was Indigo. I love mixing it with my greens when painting landscapes—it adds depth and richness while keeping the colours calm and harmonious.
What are your favourite colours?
Some of my favourite Schmincke colours are HORADAM Aquarell Transparent Sienna (14 653), Olive Green (14 515), Cobalt Blue Light (14 487), Cobalt Violet Hue (14 473), and Quinacridone Magenta (14 369).
And what is special about them?
These colours are essential to my nature-inspired palette. They are versatile, harmonious and allow me to mix soft, balanced hues that capture light, mood, and the quiet beauty of the landscape.
How can we learn from you?
I teach watercolour and gouache classes online, mainly on Skillshare. My classes focus on loose, expressive techniques and painting with intention. I guide students step by step in observing light, colour and mood, helping them simplify scenes and paint with confidence. The lessons are approachable and encouraging for beginners, while still offering meaningful insights for intermediate artists. Beyond techniques, my goal is to help students enjoy the process, develop their own style, and grow creatively through consistent practice.
And where can we see your works?
You can find my work on Instagram, where I share finished paintings, process videos, and reflections on creativity, faith, and everyday life.
Which two of your artworks should we show to our readers?
