Okay, let’s get something straight - watercolor can be intimidating. It is unforgiving and tends to have a mind of its own. However, watercolor can also be beautiful, magical and modern. Watercolor can be fun and relaxing when you understand how it works and once you hear of few of my favourite tips!

So, let’s dive in!

Tip #1: Paint what you love and with colors that make you happy

Think about what imagery you love, for me I love being out in nature. I love picking up things on my walk that speak to me. I analyze them, take pictures of them and collect them. They make me happy, so I tend to paint a lot of stems and brush strokes.

I pick a color that makes me happy. It’s important to remember that the color that makes you happy make not be a “normal” color for that motif. That’s okay! Have fun and experiment. My favourite color to paint leaves with is “Pains Grey” - not very traditional.

The important thing is here is you are painting something you love with a color that brings you joy so you can get relaxed, warmed up, and start to feel comfortable.

Tip #2 - Get Some Instruction

When you are just starting out it is so important to get some sort of instruction. This could be from YouTube, a book or a course. Allow yourself to learn more about brush strokes, colors and different techniques and how to control your brush. When you learn how to control your brush, that’s where the magic happens! I still read books from when I first started painting and I still take classes. Learning never ends!

Tip# 3 - Practise

Practise is so undervalued in my opinion. Practise is the only true way to begin to understand how colors work together. Practice your water to paint ratio, play around with it and really get to know your colors! Let different colors mix and mingle, don’t be shy!

Remember, watercolor can be fun. It starts with practice and letting go of the idea of being "perfect”. With more practice you will begin to learn more, feel more confident and understand just how amazing watercolor can be.

As you can tell, I love watercolor. I believe it is a great medium and one that can have so many different approaches and styles to it. In my podcast episode “My Best Watercolor Tips” I go into these tips in even more detail.

If you are new to watercolor or even experienced. I hope you will check it out - the more we learn and absorb other’s tips and tricks the more we grow as a creative.

Happy Listening!