Create with Joy

by Mary Wu

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Clases & Workshops

Art with Heart

Woman with long black hair writing on a greeting card with flowers on the table, surrounded by yellow and orange flowers, on a wooden table outside with a house and greenery in the background.

Watercolor art, beginner friendly classes, and whimsical handmade pieces, all created to help you slow down and enjoy the process.

Meet Mary

I’m Mary Wu, a watercolor artist based in Southern California, and you may know me as Mama Panda Painter. I share approachable watercolor and mixed media techniques with a community of over 700,000 people across social media, including daily instructional reels. I love creating whimsical, giftable pieces that are perfect for framing or sharing with someone you love. My tutorials are beginner friendly, but designed for anyone who enjoys a simple, approachable way to create. I break each technique down into easy steps, so even pieces that look complicated feel doable.

Cute watercolor painting of a gray bunny holding a sunflower on a round paper, surrounded by yellow paint splatters and green leaves with yellow flowers.

Classes & Workshops

Step by step watercolor classes for kids and adults. I teach my own independent workshops and kids camps, both in person and online, as well as in-person classes through the Manhattan Beach Art Center and online classes through The Nook by Rocky Nook. My teaching style is approachable, easy to follow, and encouraging, a relaxed space where anyone can slow down, build confidence, and enjoy the process.

Easter, birthday, anniversary, and Halloween greeting cards with floral decorations and sprigs of purple, yellow, and white flowers on a wooden surface.

My Creations

A collection of watercolor paintings, drawings, and work in other mediums, all created with care. Beyond watercolor, I love experimenting with laser cut wood pieces, DTF prints, and other handmade projects, bringing the same whimsical, giftable style into new materials. Some pieces are part of my book, DIY Watercolor Cards, and I also take on custom requests, so if you have an idea in mind, I’d love to help bring it to life.

Original artwork, handmade gifts, and personalized pieces by Mama Panda Painter are available at mamapandapainter.com.

For custom requests or class inquiries, feel free to reach out through my website or message me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @mamapandapainter.

My first book

is here

Learn to paint simple watercolor cards you can create and share all year.

Explore the Book

Faber-Castell Tropical Escapes

I loved having the opportunity to create the original watercolor artwork for Faber-Castell’s Tropical Escapes collection. I also helped choose the color palettes for the watercolor pencils, markers, and paints. It was so exciting to see my paintings and color choices come to life across the collection!

Explore the Tropical Escapes Collection

Paint along with me on social

A watercolor illustration of a pink bird with the words "with LOVE" written on a card, surrounded by pink flowers, green leaves, and small colorful hearts on a wooden surface
A hand holding a small watercolor painting of a red and white lighthouse on a green hill by the ocean, with a blue sky and seagulls flying.
Colorful watercolor illustration of underwater sea creatures such as an octopus, starfish, whale, turtle, crab, and various coral and seaweed, with the phrase "Happiness comes in waves" written in black calligraphy, surrounded by pink, yellow, purple, and green flowers and foliage.
A watercolor painting of yellow dandelion flowers on a white paper, surrounded by fresh yellow flowers and green leaves on a wooden surface with a paintbrush nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ below, or reach out anytime, I’d love to hear from you.

Contact Me

  • I offer in-person watercolor and mixed media classes for kids and adults, online workshops, private art camps for kids, and custom events like birthday parties, business events, and special occasions. I also create original artwork, handmade gifts, and my book, DIY Watercolor Cards.

  • Browse my Classes page for upcoming workshops, or reach out through my Contact page if you’re interested in booking a private event, party, or custom piece.

  • I bring over 20 years of teaching experience as a credentialed California teacher to every class. My style is approachable, easy to follow, and encouraging, a relaxed space where anyone can slow down, build confidence, and enjoy the process, whether you’re brand new or just picking up a brush again. I also love bringing that same energy to birthday parties, team events, and private gatherings.

  • Yes. I love hosting watercolor birthday parties, business team events, and special occasions. Reach out through my Contact page with your event details and I’ll help you plan something memorable.

  • Yes, I love custom work. Beyond watercolor, I create custom designs for T-shirts, DTF prints, and laser cut projects. If you have an idea in mind, reach out through my Contact page and I’d love to help bring it to life.

  • Pricing depends on workshop length. Shorter one hour sessions start at $25, while standard 2 to 3 hour workshops start at $50. Camps, private events, and custom design work are priced separately. I believe art should be accessible, so let’s talk and find something that works for you, or contact me for a quote.

In the Community
VoyageLA logo with black background and white and pink text
Logo with the words "BOLD JOURNEY" in large pink and black text on a white circular background.
Logo for the Ours Arts Foundation featuring the word "OUR" in multicolored gradient letters, with a black paintbrush underneath and the words "ARTS FOUNDATION" in black below.