4 Ways To Get Started In Watercolor

I know watercolor can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! You can get started right away with a few simple supplies. All you need is a jar for water, a watercolor paint palette, a pencil, some watercolor paper, brushes and paper towel.

Now, let’s start painting!

Vintage Vase No. 3 by Sara Franklin

1. Let go of perfection

Do you stare at the blank page in fear of what to paint? It’s time to let go of perfection and start splattering, swishing and experimenting! The key word here is fun. Use paper you don’t mind using a lot of. Get comfortable with your brush by trying different brushstrokes and see what happens.

2. Find a subject to paint

See what you have lying around your desk, your kitchen or your table. Find a vase, a piece of fruit or a flower. Now, take a minute to look at your subject. What shapes do you see? Start with the bigger shapes and work your way to the smaller ones in brushstrokes. Do some pencil sketches to study your subject!

3. Keep your colors simple

Start with one color and keep it simple! Minimalistic paintings have a beauty in themselves, so no need to overcomplicate things with every color in your palette. Once your first color dries, try adding accents in a second color.

4. Paint without fear

It’s time to let go of fear! Use your brush as an extension of you. Keep your colors and your water limited. The more water you have, the messier and harder it will be to control. Start with one color and practice your brushwork by working light to dark.

If you’d like to ignite your watercolor wild child, be sure to join the waitlist for Watercolor Awaits, a place for beginners to learn modern watercolor.