Why Watercolour Is the Perfect Medium for Beginners - How to start painting with watercolour

If you’ve ever thought about picking up a paintbrush but felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff (or the horror stories of watercolour being “unforgiving”), I’m here to tell you the truth: watercolour is actually one of the best mediums to start with. It’s playful, approachable, and much kinder than its reputation suggests. In fact, I’d argue it’s the perfect place for beginners to dip their toes into the world of painting and let me tell you how to start painting with watercolour.

Simplicity is usually best

1. You don’t need loads of gear

One of the biggest hurdles for beginners is the idea that you need an entire studio before you can even begin. With watercolour, you really don’t. A small set of paints, a couple of brushes, and some decent paper is all it takes. No expensive easels, no cupboards of smelly solvents — just the basics and a bit of curiosity.

2. It teaches you to embrace happy accidents

Watercolour has a mind of its own — and that’s half the fun. The way the paint flows, blends, and surprises you is often where the magic happens. Beginners sometimes think these moments are mistakes, but in reality, watercolour is teaching you to loosen up, let go of perfection, and enjoy the process. Trust me, those “accidents” often turn into the loveliest parts of a painting.

Allow the water to work for you

3. It’s quick and accessible

Not everyone has hours to devote to a canvas. With watercolour, you don’t need them. There are no long drying times, no toxic fumes, and very little mess. You can finish a painting in an afternoon — or sneak in a quick sketch while the kettle boils or between school runs. It’s the ideal medium for busy lives and short bursts of creativity.

4. It helps you see colour differently

One of the joys of watercolour is its transparency. You learn to layer colours, to let them shine through one another, and to appreciate the way they mix on paper. These lessons give you a whole new way of seeing colour, and they’ll make you a stronger artist no matter what medium you pick up next.

Experimenting with watercolour often leads to fun discoveries

5. It builds confidence fast

Because watercolour lends itself to smaller, quicker pieces, you get results faster. Each little painting teaches you something new. Before long, you’ll look back and realise you’ve built up not just skills, but confidence — and suddenly the idea of tackling bigger projects doesn’t feel so scary.

Final thoughts - How to start painting with watercolour

Watercolour doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, it can be one of the most playful, forgiving, and satisfying mediums to start with. If you’d like to explore it in a supportive, step-by-step way, my Beginners Watercolour Course in Sherborne is designed just for you. We’ll cover the basics, learn techniques, and most importantly, rediscover how much fun painting can be. And if you cant make it in person I have online courses I am adding regularly here.

Come and have fun learning watercolours

✦ Ready to try? Come join me — I promise you’ll be surprised at what you can create.

Emma x