What to Paint for Beginners - 3 Watercolor Painting Exercises

It's hard to know what to paint with watercolors isn't it? Especially if you're a beginner....I get it. It's also a struggle sometimes to get excited about basic watercolor exercises when you just feel like creating something "for real", am I right?

So today I'm here with three very useful, pretty easy watercolor exercises that will surely inspire your next painting session. Hopefully you get down to this watercolor painting tutorial like, today...now maybe?

So let's go with some warm up watercolor exercises you can refer to again and again when you're feeling a bit under the creative weather..., lol!

My newest book celebrates the joy that can be found in watercolor painting for beginners and seasoned artists alike!

Have you picked up your book yet? If not head here:

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MY JOYFUL ART SUPPLIES (Specific list for this vid below)

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Chapters

0:00 - Intro
8:10 - Where I actually start painting

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WHAT I USED

Lira Flourescent Watercolors-

Sunflower- Arches Rough
All else- Academy

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TUTORIAL MENTIONED :

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Founder and Host of #Artforjoysake

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Kristy's WATERcoloring Books:

How to Make Art for Joy's Sake - Free-Spirited Watercolor

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[jesscherry]

I am 77 years. Since I met you, I am learning so much! I used to paint primarily with Dr Martins inks. Now you have encouraged me to try other kinds of mediums. Thanks! I am having a ball!

[NessaWolfeMuller]

I needed this today, thank you very much ❤ I have never seen this scrape technique. I love experimenting, it is hard to let go of ideas like “I’m wasting supplies” and “ I need to produce something important/valuable” and “ this is a waste of time”. Letting go of those negative thoughts is vital to creativity and positive mental health. Embrace the joy of being lost in the process, that’s my goal now. I have to remind myself of this goal every day. I hope at some point I won’t need to!

[shelleyl]

Beginner here. Not to art but to watercolor. This is a gem. Loved it. Yay

[jojoshosho]

Thank you for being so welcoming and providing a pretentious free space!

[thejameshoeve]

Hi Kristy, I love your channel and your positive attitude!
I am 61, and am just beginning sketching and since finding your channel, I'm getting started with watercolor. You are a natural born teacher and motivator . Thank you. 😊

[kmmara]

I just found you; and I’m 3mins in. Love it, love your energy and just saying “Thanks, you!”

[tinak]

Thank you Kristy, so important to say “art doesn’t have right to have a function.” This takes away the performance pressure so the painter can simply enjoy the process. 👩🏻‍🎨

[TheSadafmumtaz]

I just love how positive energy you have! I just can't stop smiling on the way you talk to us. More power to you dear Kristy!

[MadhuB-All]

Thanks, Kristy! So needed this after being thoroughly frustrated with my lack of skills yesterday.

[craftsinnot]

Thanks for this! This was fun! I’m new to watercolor. So anything will help me learn how to do this. 😊

[justanotherti]

Thank you so much for these exercises.
I am going to try one.

[wandaeades]

Rainy bad day. I'm mixing colors on paper! What fun! I played today!

[kerri-mignon]

Omg! Love you. Always wished I had art talent. Growing up was only pushed and encouraged to be left brain. Wasn't even allowed to take photography classes...
Now I'm older and can do what I want. Yes, I've done a lot of photography, pretty good if I do say so myself, but now been taking plunge into water color. First abstract, cuz doubted my abilities, but lately, discovered that maybe I don't suck. I don't follow rules (total errant).
I've been fixated on discovered the truth of life, the universe and eveything (the answer is...42. I think) I've discovered that painting and creating is actually really helpful when falling down the rabbit hole. When my right brain allowed to do its thing, dots connect like crazy. And my skills actually seem to be increasing. I've always been hypercritical of myself. It's a big deal for me to be able to admit that. :-)
It's a form of meditation. A type of visualization. We create our reality and artist expression is a phenomenal way to connect to our Creator.

At least that's what I've experienced. Love and light to all

[PaperPensandCoffee]

I have been doodling over my paintings for years. love that there are others out there that do the same. high 5

[luvkayakn]

I love these. I'm working 6/10s and these fun exercises are perfect for spending a little time just relaxing at the end of the day

[carolbantegui]

Thank you! I love the way you paint!!! You really are enjoying doing your art!!!

[susanpettit]

Why is it that I have just found you!!!! I LOVE your enthusiasm and your teaching. Thank you so much for putting out these tutorials. They are awesome!!! I need to figure out how to access your books next! Thank you again.

[darschoenrock]

Awesome exercise1. I am going to try doing this.😘

[bridgetthauert]

I am going to do this with my six year old granddaughter! Looks so fun!

[pamellabinder]

Kristy you are ssssooo inspirational and always giving excellent and important instruction! I’ve learned more from you in 2 months of following your channel that the 20 years I’ve been painting. Thank you so much for sharing your multi talents ❤