The Only Beginner Watercolor Guide You’ll Need for 2025

Watercolor painting is one of the most common art mediums out there, known for its ease of use and ability to create the most beautiful works of art. At first glance, you may find it intimidating to start watercoloring yourself, but it’s not as hard as you think!

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In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of watercolor for beginners. From supplies to tips and techniques, we hope this can be a great starting point if you’re considering watercolor painting in 2025.

Why Watercolor Painting Is Perfect for Beginners

It’s worth knowing that anyone can learn and achieve watercolor painting. In fact, did you know that preschoolers can become adept at handling a paintbrush? It’s a great way to encourage creative freedom and explore the different styles and techniques that resonate with you.

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On the other hand, watercolor painting can be relaxing for some people as well. Simply sitting and painting with your favorite colors is known to be calming and therapeutic. 

To summarize, watercolor is a great entry point into art thanks to its affordable, accessible, and forgiving nature. Don’t let any watercolor myths or fears hold you back, because anyone can become a watercolorist with time and practice! 

Essential Supplies You Need to Start Watercolor Painting 

A common misconception about starting with watercolors is that materials are expensive. That may be the case sometimes, but there is a wide array of affordable, beginner-friendly tools out there. To help you get started, here are three must-have supplies you’ll need before watercoloring: 

Watercolor Paints 

Of course, you can’t accomplish watercolor painting without watercolors! Play with a variety of color palettes and combinations, but you should at least have a set of primary colors like red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, and black for your first time.

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There are different types you can choose from; some of them are: 

• Watercolor Pans/Palettes

• Watercolor Tubes 

• Liquid Watercolor

• Watercolor Brush Markers

Brushes 

Next up, you’ll need a good set of watercolor brushes to start painting. These come in a variety of sizes, but you should generally have three different brushes ranging from small to large and maybe another set of fine watercolor brushes for more precise artwork.

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Stick to one basic set of round-bristled brushes for your first time, and over time, when you’re ready to experiment with more advanced watercolor techniques, that’s when you should consider other types like flat bristles, dagger bristles, or liner bristles. 

Canvas or Watercolor Paper 

Last but not least, you’ll need something to paint your masterpieces on. The traditional method would be to go for canvases, but if you’re a beginner, consider using watercolor paper first. It’s a great way to experiment with techniques and colors without worrying about wasting an expensive, framed canvas.

Watercolor Painting Tips to Start Your Artistic Journey

Feeling a bit intimidated to start watercoloring? Not to worry! We’ve got some tips to give you some confidence and inspiration to make your very first work of art! 

Learn Basic Watercolor Techniques 

Once you already have your watercolor painting supplies, the next thing is learning basic techniques. For beginners, you should first learn these three: 

• Wet on Dry 

As the name suggests, this technique simply uses a wet paintbrush with paint on a dry piece of paper. This is best for adding details and accents to your artwork. 

• Wet on Wet 

Next up, the wet-on-wet technique is for instances where your wet paintbrush is applying watercolor paint on an already damp piece of paper, optimal for blending and subtle details. 

• Washes 

Try flat wash painting for even colors, gradient wash for ombre or a blended look, and variegated wash for a textured result. 

Try Beginner-Friendly Watercolor Projects 

If you’ve never experienced working with watercolor paints before, then you shouldn’t compare your work to more advanced artists. Start small and simple so you can get the hang of using your brushes and playing with different colors.

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Consider going along with watercolor tutorials or using a coloring book or paint-by-number pages made specifically for watercolors. This will help you get familiar with techniques, or simply the sensation of painting. Don’t rush the process and trust in your ability; you’ll be a pro in no time!  

Avoid Common Beginner Watercolor Mistakes 

There are lots of misconceptions that come with watercolor painting, and you shouldn’t let these hold you back from trying watercoloring yourself! 

For instance, it’s untrue that you need expensive supplies when, in reality, high-quality affordable painting materials are readily available. Watercolor art isn’t limited to things like plants, flowers, or landscapes either. You can paint anything you want!

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Lastly, don’t go into watercolor painting thinking that it’s difficult to learn. Artists of all ages and experience levels can try this activity, and you shouldn’t feel pressured by the progress of other artists as well.      

Practice, Get Creative, and Stay Motivated! 

Just like any other skill or activity, it takes time, effort, and inspiration to improve. When you start watercoloring, go at your own, comfortable pace and practice as much as you can. Explore different subjects, techniques, and color combinations as well! This is the best way to learn and improve as a watercolorist over time.

Just starting with watercolors? You’re in for an amazing experience!

Watercolor painting is a therapeutic and incredibly fulfilling activity. If you’re seeing artwork that resonates or inspires you, use it to fuel your creative ideas and make your own masterpiece! Whether you paint for home decor, gifts for loved ones, or simply for your enjoyment, you don’t want to miss out on this amazing art form.  

Want to learn more about all things watercolor painting? Head over to The Creative Corner for more tips and inspiration!