Mixing Watercolors: Five Things to Know
Warm and cool primaries, mixing your own greens, and why you add water instead of white, plus an exercise: make a green chart.
An artist's journal
The Art Blog
Learning out loud, one painting at a time. Come behind the easel, see what I’m studying, and paint along with me. Beginners are especially welcome.
Welcome to the studio
Coming back to the easel
Hello, and welcome. I earned my degree in advertising art, and now I’m coming back to painting for one simple reason: the love of art.
If you’ve ever tried to teach yourself, you know how it goes. One video leads to ten more, every artist says something different, and after hours of watching you still feel like you haven’t gotten anywhere. I’ve been there.
So I’m opening up my journey. I’ll share the artists I’m learning from, show you how I put their lessons into practice, and turn each one into a beginner-friendly step you can try yourself. My hope is simple: that you’ll grow as an artist too, and that together we’ll build a warm, encouraging art community.
I’ll also be inviting other artists to join us for workshops and interviews, so you can learn from many voices and see how different artists find their way.
And this is only the beginning. There’s much more to come: new lessons, video walkthroughs, supply guides, workshops, and courses, added as the journey grows.
A beginner-friendly path
How it works
Every lesson follows the same simple path, so you always know where you are.
1. Study
We start with a lesson from an artist I'm learning from, credited with thanks, so you can see how the pros do it.
2. Practice
Then I show you my own attempt: progress photos, happy accidents, and what I learned along the way.
3. Simplify
I break it down into a beginner-friendly version, with a short supply list and clear steps.
4. Share
You try it, share your piece, and cheer each other on. No experience needed.
The masters who light the way
On the studio wall
Every artist learns from those who came before. These are a few of the painters whose botanical studies, gardens, and quiet watercolors inspire this journey. My own pieces will join them as they’re finished, with more to come.
All works shown are in the public domain or CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
No more learning alone
Teaching yourself can feel like crossing a minefield. Here’s what we’ll do differently:
A clear path
One step at a time, in an order that makes sense.
Honest progress
Real attempts, not just the finished masterpiece.
Simple supplies
What you actually need to begin, and what can wait.
Friends along the way
A community that encourages, never compares.
The latest chapter
New posts are on the way.
Watercolor
Watercolor Basics: Five Things to Know Before You Paint
The paper, paints, brush, and two simple techniques you need to start painting in watercolor, plus a first exercise: paint a leaf.
Artist in the Spotlight
These are artists who inspire me, with their art and the spirit they hold in this world. In each spotlight I share what I love about their work, in my own words, and where you can follow them. Coming soon: guest artist interviews and workshops, right here.
New posts are on the way.
Paint with us
Follow the journey
New lessons, progress posts, workshop dates, and gallery shows, sent to your inbox. Or join the Art Club to paint alongside other beginners.
