Alicia Tan is a seasoned Singaporean watercolour artist known for her evocative and expressive paintings. What began as a childhood habit of doodling grew into a lifelong passion for art. Over time, her early fascination with lines, shapes, and forms developed into a deep appreciation for the world around her, especially the quiet beauty of traditional architecture and the delicate rhythms of nature.
Inspired by old kampongs, shophouses, and serene natural landscapes, Alicia seeks to preserve fleeting moments through her brushwork. Her watercolours reflect a thoughtful balance of precision and spontaneity, revealing not only what she sees, but what she feels. With each piece, she captures not just the subject itself, but its spirit, layering mood, memory, and emotion into every scene.
Through years of disciplined practice and exploration, Alicia has developed a distinctive voice in watercolour. Her sensitivity to light, texture, and transparency allows her to convey depth and atmosphere with a gentle touch, while her attention to detail gives her work a quiet, meditative power. Whether painting a weathered wall, a still pond, or swaying watergrass, she invites viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the beauty in everyday life.
Beyond the paper, Alicia finds joy in painting en plein air with fellow artists, sharing both the creative process and the simple pleasures of life. For her, art is not only a form of expression, but a way of seeing, feeling, and preserving joy. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of artists, she remains committed to sharing her knowledge with those who wish to explore the world of watercolour.
Alicia’s work has received multiple awards, including Honorable Mention in the San Diego Watercolour Society – Out ‘N’ About Plein Air Show 2024, People’s Choice Award in the San Diego Watercolour Society Plein Air Exhibition 2023, the Legion Paper Merchandise Award in the 3rd Annual Women in Watercolour International Juried Competition 2022, the Excellent Award from the International Masters of Watercolour Alliance (IMWA) 2022, UK SAA Artists of the Year 2021, and First Prize in the Fremantle 2020 Plein Air Competition. She is currently a full-time art educator, sharing her experience with those keen to explore watercolour.
A Member of the Singapore Watercolour Society since 2018, Alicia served as Treasurer from 2021 to 2023 and is also part of the SWS Jury of Judges from 2021 to the present.