As an artist, I've found that learning watercolor can be both exciting and overwhelming. That’s part of why I started my Youtube channel 5 years ago! And today, it's easier than ever to get started. Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush! While there are a ton of resources at your fingertips anytime you open up a new Google tab, I’m going to save you some time and share some tips to help you get started with watercolor painting, and share some of the absolute best watercolor tutorials for beginners below!
First, find a teacher or watercolor artist who resonates with you
As I said above, there are a LOT of resources and people out there. If you’re looking to learn how to create watercolor art, finding a teacher or artist whose style and approach resonate with you is key. Whether you prefer a more traditional or contemporary style, there's a watercolor tutor out there for everyone. In my opinion, YouTube is one of the top places to search for watercolor tutorials. You can find a plethora of options ranging from basic techniques to advanced tips and tricks. I should know… I have over 350+ videos on my channel!
If you think I might be the right teacher for you, I’d love to welcome you into my community. I also want to say sincere congratulations on taking the first step towards exploring the world of watercolor! Trying something new and discovering a passion for creativity is an enriching experience. I’m honored to think I might play a small part in it for you. As you get started learning watercolor for beginners, I want to constantly encourage you to keep an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow as an artist. I’ve been doing this for over a decade already and I‘m never done learning.
Decide What Structure of Support is Right For You As An Artist
I’m going to share some of my favorite (completely free) watercolor tutorials for beginners below. However, I also know and appreciate that thousands of people have especially loved the learning structure that I introduced in my first best-selling watercolor book, Everyday Watercolor. So if you’re a big fan of structure, too, and want to go even deeper with your new hobby, I would love to invite you to check out my Everyday Watercolor Companion Course. It includes 5 sections that help you build foundational watercolor skills and techniques to create final masterpieces from each of my 3 books. It’s a great option for those who want to learn watercolor quickly beyond simply tutorial-hopping, only to find that they still feel like they're missing something. If that’s you (or has been you in the past), this 8-hour watercolor tutorial course may be a great fit!
The Best Watercolor Tutorials for Beginners
Now, let's dive into a roundup of my favorite free watercolor tutorials for beginners. These handpicked videos cover everything from basic brush techniques to creating stunning landscapes and vibrant florals.
A Crash Course on How to Watercolor
For those who are brand new to the world of watercolor, this crash course video is a good place to start. In under 15 minutes, I break down everything you need to know. I cover everything from choosing brushes, paper, and paints, how to better load the paint on your brush (it’s a skill – I promise!), and the different strokes you’ll achieve with different brushes. I also share sound foundational techniques that I think you should know and practice, as well as more resources if you want to improve your skills. This quick video is a great place to start to, at the very least, learn what you don’t know yet!
The BEST Watercolor Practice to Improve Quickly
While I could tell you over and over again that we all start as beginners, I also know that especially at first, it can feel discouraging or overwhelming when you don’t see your skills improving quickly. In this watercolor tutorial, I walk you through 4 simple paintings for beginners who want to improve their watercolor skills quickly. This is a great video to watch if you are just starting to put paint on your paintbrush. Not only will I show you the techniques you’ll want to learn as a watercolor artist, but you’ll also create art while doing it which can serve as a great motivator to new artists!
Easiest Way to Paint TEN Flowers with Watercolor!
Can you tell I’m a big fan of learning by doing? If you’re looking for the best watercolor tutorials for beginners but don’t love the idea of starting with a blank canvas (like with the tutorial above), this next video might be the right one for you. In this video, I share the easiest way to paint ten different flowers. Specifically, I share how to paint lavender, black eyed susan, rose, cherry blossom, tulip, anemone, poppy, zinnia, delphinium, and a sunflower.
This watercolor painting tutorial is a great option if you prefer to focus on details first, or if you find yourself preferring something less guided than a complete painting tutorial. Plus, if you love this style, there’s a part two so you can learn how to paint twenty watercolor flowers in under 90 minutes.
Simple Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners
This is one of my personal favorite watercolor tutorials, both for beginners and those who are more experienced and are just looking for some fresh inspiration. With a mix of different painting techniques and brush strokes, I walk you through the creative process step-by-step when creating:
- An easy and fun abstract painting
- A simple daisy flower bouquet painting
- A sunset and palm tree landscape painting
Don’t Just Watch the Videos – Pick Up Your Own Paintbrush!
While I’m a big fan of honing your craft and learning from those a few steps ahead of you, I also want to remind you to make sure that there is a balance between watching someone show you new skills and actually creating. It's easy to get caught up in an endless scroll of tutorials. True mastery (and enjoyment) comes not just from absorbing information, but from putting that knowledge into practice.
3 Reminders as You Start To Explore With Watercolor
First, practice regularly. Set aside dedicated time in your schedule to sit down with your paints, brushes, and paper. Consistency is key when it comes to improving your skills. Even if you can only spare a few minutes each day, those small moments of practice will add up over time. This will gradually build your confidence and skill set.
As you get more comfortable, experiment with different techniques. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new approaches. Play with different brush strokes, explore various watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry brushing. As a new artist, allow yourself the freedom to experiment and discover what works best for you.
Lastly, don't be afraid to make mistakes – they're all part of the learning experience. Every smudged stroke, misplaced wash, or muddy color is a chance to learn something new. Embrace the process of trial and error, and don't be too hard on yourself when things don't turn out as planned. Remember, we ALL start as beginners who made our fair share of mistakes along the way.
Want to start with the best tools for watercolor? I share everything I use and recommend regardless of where you are at in your watercolor art journey here.
A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor
If you want a more thorough and complete guide to learning watercolor painting, check out my Complete Beginners Guide to Watercolor, on YouTube here. This comprehensive two-hour tutorial covers everything you need to know to get started with watercolor painting. I share an overview of my favorite supplies, fundamental techniques, and more. Whether you're a complete novice or are looking to brush up on your skills by going back to the basics, this has been one of my most popular videos to date!
