How to Start Watercolor Painting: A Simple Guide for Complete Beginners

Shilpi Gupta
Sep 3
11 min read

Watercolor painting intimidates 65% of aspiring artists more than any other medium. Yet, surprisingly, it's actually one of the most forgiving and accessible art forms for complete beginners.

Have you ever admired a watercolor piece and thought, "I could never do that"? The good news is that you absolutely can. Unlike other painting techniques that require extensive supplies and technical knowledge, watercolor welcomes newcomers with its simplicity. Furthermore, many professional artists still use the same basic supplies they started with, making it a cost-effective way to explore your creativity.

What makes watercolor particularly beginner-friendly is how it embraces imperfection. Those unexpected bleeds, blooms, and blends often create the most beautiful effects. In fact, many techniques that seem like "happy accidents" to beginners are deliberately used by experienced artists to create stunning textures and effects.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your watercolor journey: from selecting your first supplies and understanding basic techniques to completing simple exercises that build confidence. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to create your first watercolor masterpieces.

Why Watercolor is Great for Beginners

Many aspiring artists are drawn to watercolor painting because of its unique advantages. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or returning to art after a long break, watercolor offers several compelling benefits that make it an ideal starting point.

It's affordable and portable

One significant advantage of watercolor is its accessibility from a cost perspective. You can begin creating vibrant artwork with relatively inexpensive materials [1]. Unlike some art forms that require significant investment, watercolor needs just the essentials to get started:

· A basic set of paints

· A couple of quality brushes

· Watercolor paper

· Clean water and a mixing palette

Also watercolor is one of the most portable art mediums. With just a palette and a pad of paper tucked into your bag, you can paint almost anywhere. Whether it’s outdoors in nature, while traveling, or right at your kitchen table, watercolors adapt beautifully. Their compact setup means you can turn any spot into your creative studio in minutes.

Moreover, watercolors don't require elaborate storage solutions or dedicated studio space. Once you're finished painting, cleanup is straightforward—just rinse your brushes in water [2]. Consequently, many beginners find watercolor fits easily into their existing lifestyle without demanding significant changes to their living space.

You don't need prior experience

Another remarkable aspect of watercolor is its accessibility to those without formal training. "You don't have to have any prior experience to try watercolor painting!" [3] This welcoming nature makes it less intimidating than mediums that require extensive technical knowledge before beginning.

Though often considered tricky to master, watercolor continues to be one of the most loved and approachable mediums for beginners. This apparent contradiction exists because although watercolor has unique properties, the basic techniques can be learned quickly. The key is understanding that you don't need to follow complex tutorials to improve—sometimes focusing on specific techniques produces better results [4].

What makes watercolor especially welcoming for beginners is the wide range of learning resources available – from books to online courses, guidance is always within reach. This accessibility to knowledge helps shorten the learning curve and provides inspiration when needed.

Mistakes can be part of the art

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of watercolor for beginners is how it embraces imperfection. One expert explains, "Every artist faces challenges, and every artist needs practice to grow" [5]. Rather than viewing mistakes as failures, watercolor allows them to become integral parts of your creative journey.

The fluid, unpredictable nature of watercolor often leads to unexpected results—what separates experienced artists from beginners isn't a lack of mistakes but rather the willingness to learn from them [5]. When something doesn't turn out as planned, it becomes an opportunity for discovery rather than disappointment.

Even professional artists emphasize this perspective: "Sometimes, stepping away for an hour or even a day can help you return with fresh eyes and a new perspective" [5]. Those unplanned bleeds, blooms, and color interactions often create the most beautiful effects in watercolor paintings.

Under those circumstances, it's helpful to remember that "the fun of watercolor is that it can end in unexpected results" [6]. By embracing these happy accidents, you develop not only technical skills but also a more flexible, creative approach to art-making. In essence, the mistakes become part of your unique artistic style.

What You Need to Get Started

Setting up your first watercolor kit shouldn't be overwhelming. The right supplies will make your painting journey both enjoyable and successful from the very beginning.

Choosing the right watercolor paints

Watercolor paints come in two main formats: tubes and pans (small dried cakes). Tube paints contain watercolor in a more viscous liquid form and provide vibrant colors, while pans are convenient, portable, and easily reactivated with water.

For beginners, quality matters more than quantity. Instead of purchasing dozens of cheap colors, invest in a small set of artist-quality paints. Student-grade paints contain less pigment and more fillers, resulting in colors that appear chalky and dull, whereas professional-grade paints create richer, more vibrant results.

Start with primary colors (red, blue, yellow) in both warm and cool variations. This simple palette allows you to mix most colors you'll need. Many artists recommend beginning with brands like Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, or Schmincke for reliable quality. For more details and options, check this out.

Types of brushes and what they do

Watercolor brushes are specifically designed with soft bristles that hold plenty of water. Unlike stiffer brushes used for acrylics or oils, watercolor brushes have long, absorbent bristles that release water and paint smoothly onto the paper.

Brushes come in various materials:

· Natural hair (sable, squirrel) - excellent water retention but more expensive

· Synthetic - more affordable, durable, and increasingly high-quality

· Blended - a good compromise between performance and cost

Beginners typically need just three basic shapes:

1. Round brush (size 6-8) - versatile for most techniques, comes to a point for details

2. Flat brush - covers large areas quickly and creates crisp edges

3. Small round brush (size 2-4) - for fine details and small areas

The round brush is perhaps the most essential—with practice, you can create both broad strokes and fine lines using just this one tool.

Understanding watercolor paper

Paper might seem like a minor consideration, yet it significantly impacts your results. Regular sketch paper or printer paper simply won't work—they lack the special sizing (a type of glue) that keeps paint and water on the surface rather than immediately soaking in.

Look for these key characteristics:

· Weight: 140lb (300gsm) is standard; heavier papers buckle less when wet

· Material: 100% cotton paper is ideal

· Texture: Cold press (slightly textured) is most versatile for beginners; hot press (smooth) and rough are also available

Paper comes in various formats including pads, blocks (glued on all sides to prevent warping), and individual sheets. For your first attempts, a pad of cold press watercolor paper at 140lb weight provides good value while still offering a proper painting experience. Check this for details about watercolor paper and brand options.

Other helpful tools (palette, water jars, etc.)

Several additional items will complete your basic watercolor setup:

A palette with wells and mixing areas allows you to organize and blend colors effectively. For tube paints, plastic palettes with sealable lids help keep colors fresh between sessions.
Two water jars are essential—one for rinsing your brush and another for clean water. Mason jars or similar glass containers work perfectly and resist staining.
A flat board (simple wooden board works well) provides support for your paper and can be tilted to control paint flow. Secure your paper to the board with masking tape to prevent buckling.
Masking fluid (liquid latex) preserves white areas while you paint around them. Apply with an old brush or toothpick, never your good brushes, as it can damage the bristles.
Paper towels or a soft cloth helps control moisture, lift color, and clean brushes between colors.

With these foundational supplies, you'll be well-equipped to begin your watercolor journey without unnecessary complexity or expense.

How Watercolor Works

Understanding the basic principles of watercolor reveals why it behaves so differently from other painting mediums. The magic of watercolor painting lies in its unique properties and how they interact.

The role of water in watercolor

Water isn't just a mixing agent—it's the star of the show. As the name suggests, water plays an active role in transporting pigments across the paper. The foundational rule of watercolor is straightforward: water always flows from areas of higher wetness to lower wetness. This movement creates those characteristic soft edges and fluid effects that make watercolor so appealing.

Control over water is perhaps the most crucial skill to develop. Many artists use Joseph Zbukvic's helpful framework that describes paint consistencies as tea, milk, cream, and butter—ranging from highly diluted washes to thick, concentrated pigment. Each consistency serves different purposes in your painting: tea for light background washes, milk for general coloring, cream for mid-tones, and butter for deep accents.

Transparency and layering explained

Transparency sets watercolor apart from other painting mediums. Unlike opaque paints that cover previous layers completely, watercolor allows light to pass through the pigment and reflect off the paper beneath. This quality creates luminosity that's impossible to achieve with other mediums.

This transparency enables the technique known as glazing—applying thin layers of color on top of previously dried layers. Each layer influences the final appearance, creating depth and complexity. Remember to let each layer dry completely; otherwise, you'll disturb the underlying paint and create unwanted blending.

Working from light to dark becomes essential due to this transparent nature. Beginning with lighter colors allows you to gradually build up tone and intensity through successive layers. Once dark colors are applied, they can't easily be lightened—the white of the paper provides the lightest values in your painting.

Wet-on-wet vs. wet-on-dry techniques

These two fundamental approaches produce dramatically different results. In wet-on-wet, paint is applied to already-moistened paper, causing colors to blend, spread, and create soft, diffused edges. This technique works beautifully for atmospheric effects, skies, and suggesting distance or fog.

Conversely, wet-on-dry involves applying paint directly to dry paper. This creates crisp, defined edges and allows for precise control over your brushstrokes. Detailed work, fine lines, and sharp edges are best achieved this way.

Most paintings combine both approaches—perhaps starting with wet-on-wet for backgrounds and atmospheric effects, then adding details and definition with wet-on-dry once the initial layers have dried.

Simple Exercises to Try First

Begin your watercolor journey with these foundational exercises that will help you understand how paint, water, and paper interact. These simple activities build essential skills without overwhelming you.

Feathering with water lines

Feathering creates those beautiful soft gradients that make watercolor so distinctive. Initially, load your brush with water and just a bit of paint at the tip. Draw a line across your paper, moving quickly enough that the paper remains damp. Next, rinse your brush and use just clean water to pull the color downward from the line. The pigment will gradually spread into the water, creating a feathered effect.

This technique helps you practice water control while creating atmospheric effects. For beginners, feathering teaches you how paint behaves when it meets different levels of moisture. Try this with various colors to see how differently each pigment moves across the paper.

Layering with ovals (glazing)

Glazing involves applying transparent layers of paint over previously dried layers. Start by painting several ovals using different colors. The key step: wait until each layer is completely dry before adding the next. If you rush this process, colors will blend instead of creating clear layers.

Through glazing, you'll learn how to build depth and richness in your paintings. Each new layer modifies the colors beneath while maintaining transparency. This technique demonstrates how watercolor's transparency creates luminosity impossible with other mediums.

Try glazing complementary colors (colors opposite on the color wheel) to create beautiful neutral grays that add sophistication to your palette. As you practice, you'll discover how glazing helps tone down areas that might appear too bright.

Warm vs. cool color mixing squares

Understanding warm and cool color relationships transforms your painting ability. Draw a grid of small squares on your paper. In the first row, mix warm primary colors (those leaning toward orange/red). In the second row, mix cool primaries (those leaning toward blue/green).

Compare the results - notice how cool yellow and cool blue make a bright green, yet warm yellow with cool blue creates a more subdued green. Similarly, cool red glazed over blue produces vibrant purples, while warm red creates more muted results.

This exercise reveals why selecting the right temperature of each color matters tremendously in watercolor mixing, helping you create either vibrant or subtle effects intentionally.

Tips to Build Confidence and Avoid Frustration

The journey to watercolor mastery often involves emotional hurdles as much as technical ones. Even experienced artists face moments of doubt and frustration. Fortunately, there are proven approaches to build your confidence gradually.

Don't aim for perfection

Perfectionism is perhaps the biggest obstacle for beginners. One of the main factors holding watercolorists back is the fear of making mistakes. Instead of seeking flawless results, learn to embrace the unexpected elements as part of your unique style. Whenever you feel stuck with a painting that isn't matching your vision, push through to completion anyway. Stepping away briefly and returning with fresh eyes often reveals that your work isn't as "bad" as you initially thought. Remember that most creative growth ultimately comes from adjusting your mindset and attitude.

Practice small and often

Consistency trumps duration when developing skills. Even 15 minutes daily significantly improves your abilities more effectively than occasional lengthy sessions. Working on small paintings accelerates progress since you'll complete more pieces and encounter more learning opportunities. Between paintings, dedicate time to practice specific techniques in isolation—if you want better skies or trees, focus exclusively on those elements. Keep scrap paper nearby to test brushstrokes before applying them to your painting.

Learn from happy accidents

Watercolor's fluid nature creates unexpected effects that often become the most interesting elements in your work. Rather than fighting these surprises, incorporate them into your painting. These "mistakes" actually add texture, depth, and uniqueness impossible to achieve through rigid control. The most experienced artists view these moments as opportunities for growth, not failures.

Track your progress over time

Save your paintings chronologically to visualize improvement. Sometimes artists don't recognize their advancement because they're too close to their work. Try viewing paintings from a distance or through photographs to gain perspective. Accept that development includes both forward and backward steps—as long as you continue painting, you'll keep progressing. Celebrate small victories along the way!

Conclusion

Watercolor painting truly stands as one of the most rewarding artistic journeys you can embark upon. Throughout this guide, we've seen how this medium offers unique advantages for beginners - from affordability and portability to its forgiving nature that transforms mistakes into beautiful creative opportunities.

The simplicity of basic supplies makes watercolor particularly accessible. You need only quality paints, a few well-chosen brushes, proper paper, and some supplementary tools to begin creating. This accessibility, coupled with the medium's inherent portability, allows creativity to flourish almost anywhere.

Understanding fundamental watercolor principles significantly accelerates your progress. Water behavior, transparency, layering techniques, and the distinction between wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry approaches form the foundation of your watercolor toolkit. These basics, once mastered through simple exercises like feathering, glazing, and color mixing, open endless creative possibilities.

Perhaps most importantly, watercolor teaches valuable artistic lessons beyond technique. The ability to embrace imperfection, find beauty in unexpected results, and develop patience transforms not just your artwork but your creative mindset. Regular practice, even in small sessions, builds skill and confidence over time.

Remember that every watercolor artist began exactly where you are now. Each painting represents progress, regardless of the outcome. The watercolor journey rewards those who approach it with curiosity rather than perfectionism.

Therefore, pick up your brush today. Fill your palette with vibrant colors, prepare your paper, and allow yourself the freedom to experiment. Watercolor painting offers a uniquely accessible path to artistic expression - one where the journey itself provides as much joy as the destination. Your watercolor adventure awaits!

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