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Start Here: Your Watercolor Path

You don’t have to learn everything before you begin. Pick the route that fits where you are today.

I’m brand new

Start with the short basics path below. Take one lesson at a time.

See the five basics

I have supplies. Let’s paint.

Try the first exercise: a value scale using one paint color, water, a brush, a palette and watercolor paper. Add water gradually to explore lighter values.

Open the easy exercises

Your basics path

  1. Choosing paper — Learn what to look for before choosing your paper.
  2. Choosing paint — Get familiar with the paint options.
  3. Building a palette — Explore a limited set of colors.
  4. Beginner techniques — Learn the foundations, then try them on paper.
  5. Easy exercises — Practice values, washes and texture. Start with just one exercise.

Something isn’t working?

That’s part of learning, too. Explore common watercolor mistakes or compare wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry.

Prefer to browse? See all beginner articles.