9 Minute Watercolor Tutorial for Absolute Beginners - Start Painting Today!

When you start a new hobby or commit to taking a creative endeavor more seriously, you often experience some level of stress. There is so much to learn, so many choices to make, and sometimes other artists are hesitant to share their process. It can feel overwhelming.

In today’s video, I cover the basics of watercolor painting, including:
Information about supplies
Common watercolor processes
Pros and cons of taping your paper
Prioritizing value over color
The power of painting in large shapes

Until next time!

[JohnvanGurp]

Super tutorial, thank you very much! My mother was a professional artist for 70+ years and mastered every medium she tried from oils to clay sculpture, to sketching to watercolors. Here I am retired and in my early 60s and I’m gonna start painting too.

[jhanvee]

I absolutely loved to paint as a kid but I left those days behind. I am trying again to reconnect with things I loved previously and your video is a boon to me. Thank you 🥺

[d.martinez-rodriguez]

I appreciate these "Cliff Notes" versions of your lessons.🎨🎨🎨

[KginVT]

Invaluable info in such a short time! I’ve been painting for years but I really needed to see this video because it simplifies everything. I tend to overwork, over think, over analyze, etc. So I will watch this again. THANK YOU! 😊

[prophet]

Informing people to put the lightest values on first is probably one of the most helpful advice I've gotten from a watercolor tutorial. Great video!

[sharongates]

Wow! You covered not only every point a beginning watercolor student would need but also a wonderful refresher for the seasoned painter. I am a retired art teacher, having mastered & taught both watercolor and oils, but you, young man, make me want to teach again. Bravo!

[julioginerdivenosa]

Wonderful! I am writing a novel in which the female protagonist is a girl who loves to paint, especially watercolours. Although I don't paint, your video has been a great help to me. Congratulations you're a true artist!

[Alvichayan]

Thank you for using what you have learned during all these paintings to teach ❤

[stephanieashworth]

White of the clouds 'left behind' is such a revelation!

[nancylim]

I just learned so much!!!! Thank you Matthew!!

[SayHelloToOblivion]

I quickly learned why going with tube paint is better when I attempted my first painting. I wish I would have watched this video before I bought my palette of Winsor and Newton pan paints. The more color you want, the more water you need to add to get it out of the pan, which just dilutes it. You never win.

[createwithwatercolor]

I think these 9 mins were very much informative in my day today. Enjoyed this video. This has got everything one need to know about watercolor painting and equally valuable for both beginners and experienced people. Thanks 🙏 for this

[ReinhildeLenaers]

I feel I can do anything after watching your video's. You are such an inspiration. Thank you, Matt!

[toffylikesgames]

Great video, all the important info in 9 minutes :) After practicing values, I found that I'm enjoying step 2 the most - adding darker values and establishing shapes. It's SO satisfying and it's really changing the way your art looks!

[Andy_S.]

Большое спасибо! Всё ясно и понятно!
Я — художник -керамист из Москвы, но хочу вспомнить молодость и вернуться к волшебному миру акварели, в которой я никогда НЕ был большим Мастером. Спасибо за чёткие, ясные инструкции! Ваши работы восхищают своей точной тональностью (tone), композиций и акварельным мастерством!
Подписался!

[sudharajesh]

Thanks so much for the effort you are taking in making these videos available. Your instructions are so clear and precise and valuable too. Thanks Matt.

[babsbab]

I’m so glad I found this video before starting watercolor-you’re a great instructor-thank you

[johnjunji]

very informative video! short but full of values there! very appreciate your help

[barandianati]

What a tutorial!you didn’t miss one single detail.thanks

[nasosvlachos]

I want to thank you very much for the knowledge you share and, furthermore, to congratulate you for the way you do it.
I have watched hundreds of videos of watercolor demos and instructions and I have to say that yours are the most efficient and helpful.
You've done great job in listing the essentials and underlining them, making knowledge easier and less time consuming for everyone.
You are a brilliant artist and a great teacher, although in every art we are all students and learning never stops, I think you will agree with this...