Can You Enjoy Watercolor with Absolutely Zero Experience?
I started watercolor knowing pretty much nothing. . . so you don’t have to! It turns out you don’t need talent, just a little guidance and courage to try. I’m sharing my beginner journey to hopefully make your own start with watercolor simpler, fun, and less intimidating.
Why Watercolor?
I’ve admired Alyssa’s mission for a long time; she always talks about how anyone can make art they’re proud of. I love seeing groups share photos of their finished watercolor pages for the first time after her in-person classes, and I’ve personally witnessed people excitedly pick something up from her booth at art fairs, ready to try a new hobby for themselves.
For some reason, it never occurred to me that “anyone” included me, too. I didn’t realize I’d been excluding myself until I finally picked up a brush and tried.
Starting watercolor as a total beginner reminded me that creativity and making art isn’t just for “artists” or “creatives”; it’s truly for anyone. Whether you’re looking for beginner watercolor tutorials or a relaxing new hobby to try, this is a great place to start.
After four years of college assignments, deadlines, and endless screen time, I realized something important was missing: creating just for the sake of creating. My hobbies have always leaned toward outdoor activities or solving puzzles, but I hadn’t actually made much of anything new for myself in a long time.
Sure, who doesn’t enjoy arts and crafts when materials are provided (monsters, that’s who), but I hadn’t carved out space to explore my own creativity, experiment, and dillydally a little to see where my imagination could take me. I was tired of reacting to what’s already been made rather than producing something myself.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn watercolor step by step or explore a relaxing creative hobby, this is for you. I wanted a way to slow down, engage my brain differently, and step into a more creative rhythm.
That’s why I decided to start watercolor, not just to paint but to tap into a deeper well of creativity and give my brain the kind of exercise that art provides.
Research in creativity and neuroaesthetics suggests that making and engaging with art isn’t just fun, it’s actually transformative!
Creativity strengthens brain connections, encourages problem solving, and even triggers moments of insight that feel like little “aha” gifts from and for your own mind. Engaging with art can also activate the brain’s introspective networks, boosting self reflection, mindfulness, and emotional well being.
In other words, painting isn’t just about the finished piece, it’s about the process of thinking, exploring, and connecting with yourself. Art is science, man!
Out of all the things I could choose, I decided to try watercolor because I’ve watched Alyssa do it for years and love seeing what she and others make through it.
I’ve always admired other people’s ability to literally create something; I honestly didn’t know if I could do that myself, but wanted to find out. It’s an inexpensive, beginner friendly hobby that doesn’t require much gear and part of the appeal is that watercolor is forgiving.
The way the paint flows and blends allows for unexpected results so “mistakes” turn into something beautiful. It’s also surprisingly relaxing and mindful, giving you a chance to focus on the process rather than the outcome.
On top of that, Alyssa’s guidance and expertise carefully formatted into both virtual tutorials and physical workbooks, makes it easy to get past the hump of jumping into an unknown world. It helped me feel supported through the learning process.
As a recovering perfectionist, this was a challenge, but I want to show anyone who has ever been even slightly curious about a creative hobby, if I can at least try it you absolutely can too.
For inspiration and advice to begin your watercolor journey:
1. Why You Should Make Bad Art
2. How to Overcome the Fear of a Blank Page
3. 20 Watercolor Tips Every Beginner (and Beyond!) Should Know
Happy painting!
-Lauren
