If I could go back and restart my watercolor journey, there are five key things I would focus on to set myself up for success. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these tips will help you develop a strong foundation, avoid common pitfalls, and truly enjoy the creative process.
1. Define Your Intention and Commitment
Before you even pick up a brush, ask yourself: What is my intention with watercolor painting?
- Do I want a relaxing hobby?
- Am I looking to develop a regular painting practice?
- Do I want to master this medium over time?
Understanding your why will guide your decisions on supplies, learning resources, and the time you dedicate to painting. If your goal is to paint regularly, treat it as a commitment—just like scheduling personal time for self-care. This will help you stay consistent, even when life gets busy. When you're tempted to skip a session, remind yourself why you started in the first place.
2. Choose the Right Watercolor Supplies
The supplies you use can make or break your painting experience. Many beginners assume they should start with cheaper materials, but low-quality supplies often lead to frustration.
- Paper: Invest in good-quality watercolor paper (100% cotton) to avoid blotchy and streaky results.
- Paint: Higher-quality paints offer better pigmentation and blending, reducing dull or muddy colors.
- Brushes: A good watercolor brush holds water and pigment effectively, allowing for smoother application.
If you're unsure what supplies to get, download my Free Watercolor Supplies Guide, where I share my recommendations to help you get started on the right foot.
3. Stick to a Limited Color Palette
It's tempting to buy a huge set of colors, but starting with just a few will help you understand color mixing better. I recommend using:
- Two versions of each primary color (red, blue, yellow) – one warm and one cool.
By mastering color mixing with these six colors, you'll gain confidence in creating any shade you need, rather than feeling overwhelmed by too many options. If you need help with color mixing, check out my Free Color Mixing Guide for step-by-step tips.
4. Get Familiar with Your Supplies
Instead of constantly switching between different brands and tools, take time to really understand how your supplies work.
- Experiment with your paper to see how it absorbs water.
- Learn how much pigment your paints need for vibrant colors.
- Observe how your brush holds and releases water.
Consistency will help you develop control and troubleshoot issues. In my Watercolor Membership, I use the same set of materials across all classes, so you can easily follow along without worrying about supply changes.
5. Focus on the Process, Not Perfection
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to enjoy the process rather than chasing perfect results. Every painting is an opportunity to learn.
Instead of judging yourself harshly, ask:
- What worked well in this painting?
- What could I adjust next time?
- How did I grow through this experience?
Every mistake is a lesson that brings you closer to mastery. The key is to paint consistently, reflect on your progress, and embrace the journey.
Bonus: Master the Fundamentals
Once you have the right mindset and tools, mastering watercolor fundamentals will make everything easier. Focus on:
- Water control and paint consistency
- Understanding how watercolor behaves
- Timing techniques to create smooth blends and textures
If you want structured guidance, my Watercolor Membership provides step-by-step lessons to help you build a solid foundation.
Starting or restarting your watercolor journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By setting your intention, choosing the right supplies, focusing on a limited palette, getting comfortable with your materials, and embracing the learning process, you’ll make faster progress and enjoy painting more.
If you need more help, check out my Free Watercolor Guides and Watercolor Membership for resources tailored to your journey.
Happy painting!