Gretchen Villanueva-Heras

Tropical State of Mind showcases the delicate watercolor works of Gretchen Villanueva-Heras, known as GretchensWater — a self-taught artist from Bais and Dumaguete whose paintings are shaped by memory, place, and personal history. 

Drawing inspiration from her coastal hometown and tropical flora, Gretchen captures the quiet beauty of everyday life in the Philippines. Her deep connection to family roots and passion for history are reflected in the emotional depth of her work — each piece like a page from a watercolor diary. Influenced by her father’s craftsmanship and her own fascination with the past, Gretchen weaves nostalgia and storytelling into soft washes of light and color. This collection invites viewers to pause, reflect, and feel at home in familiar yet intimate island scenes.