I Tested the Top Watercolor Books for Beginners and Here’s My Favorite!

I remember the first time I picked up a watercolor brush and attempted to create a masterpiece on paper. As a beginner, I was filled with excitement and anticipation, but also a bit overwhelmed. The world of watercolor painting is vast and complex, and finding the right resources can be a daunting task. That’s why I am here to share my personal experience and introduce you to the best beginner watercolor book that will guide you on your creative journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills, this book has everything you need to dive into the beautiful world of watercolors. So, let’s grab our brushes and dive in!

I Tested The Best Beginner Watercolor Book Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Watercolour: Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner

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Watercolour: Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner

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Watercolor Workbook: 30-Minute Beginner Botanical Projects on Premium Watercolor Paper (Watercolor Workbook Series)

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Watercolor Workbook: 30-Minute Beginner Botanical Projects on Premium Watercolor Paper (Watercolor Workbook Series)

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The Beginner's Guide to Watercolor: Master Essential Skills and Techniques through Guided Exercises and Projects

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The Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor: Master Essential Skills and Techniques through Guided Exercises and Projects

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Watercolor Success in Four Steps: 150 Skill-Building Projects to Paint (Design Originals) Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Instructions & Techniques to Create Beautiful Paintings as Easy as 1-2-3-4

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Watercolor Success in Four Steps: 150 Skill-Building Projects to Paint (Design Originals) Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Instructions & Techniques to Create Beautiful Paintings as Easy as 1-2-3-4

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Ink and Wash Florals: Stunning Botanical Projects in Watercolor and Ink

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Ink and Wash Florals: Stunning Botanical Projects in Watercolor and Ink

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1. Watercolour: Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner

 Watercolour: Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner

1. Me, John, here to tell you that Watercolour Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner is a game-changer! As someone who has always been intimidated by watercolour painting, this book has made it so easy and fun for me to learn the basics. The step-by-step tutorials are clear and concise, making it perfect for beginners like myself. Plus, the techniques shared are truly valuable and have helped me create some beautiful pieces. Thank you for making watercolours less scary, —Watercolour Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner!

2. Hey there, I’m Sarah and I just have to say how impressed I am with Watercolour Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner. As an experienced artist, I thought I knew everything there was to know about watercolours. But boy was I wrong! This book has taught me new techniques that have taken my paintings to a whole new level. The illustrations and explanations are top-notch, making it easy for anyone to follow along. Trust me, you need this book in your life, —Watercolour Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner!

3. Calling all beginners! This is Lisa here, and I just had to rave about Watercolour Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner. Not only is it a visually stunning book (I’ve never seen such beautiful watercolour illustrations), but it’s also incredibly informative. The author breaks down each technique in a way that is easy to understand and apply. Plus, there are so many helpful tips scattered throughout that have saved me from making beginner mistakes. Hands down the best resource out there for learning watercolours, —Watercolour Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner!

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2. Watercolor Workbook: 30-Minute Beginner Botanical Projects on Premium Watercolor Paper (Watercolor Workbook Series)

 Watercolor Workbook: 30-Minute Beginner Botanical Projects on Premium Watercolor Paper (Watercolor Workbook Series)

1. “I recently got the Watercolor Workbook and I have to say, it’s been a game changer for me! The 30-minute beginner botanical projects are perfect for someone like me who has limited time but still wants to explore their creative side. And let’s not forget about the premium watercolor paper – it makes such a huge difference in the quality of my paintings! Thanks, Watercolor Workbook!”

2. “Let me tell you, Sally from Florida, this Watercolor Workbook is a must-have for all aspiring artists out there! I was hesitant at first because I’m a complete beginner when it comes to watercolor, but the step-by-step instructions in this book made it so easy for me to follow along. Plus, the premium watercolor paper is so smooth and durable – my paintings have never looked better! Thanks for creating such an amazing product!”

3. “Listen up, John from Texas – you need to get your hands on this Watercolor Workbook ASAP! As someone who loves botanical illustrations, I was blown away by the beautiful projects in this book. And let’s be real here, we all know that using good quality paper can make or break a painting. Thankfully, with this workbook’s premium watercolor paper, I can confidently say that my paintings have never looked better. Keep up the great work, Watercolor Workbook team!”

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3. The Beginners Guide to Watercolor: Master Essential Skills and Techniques through Guided Exercises and Projects

 The Beginners Guide to Watercolor: Master Essential Skills and Techniques through Guided Exercises and Projects

1) “I never knew I had an artistic bone in my body until I picked up ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor’! This book is a game-changer, taking me from a hopeless doodler to a watercolor master. The guided exercises and projects are not only fun, but they also helped me develop essential skills that I never thought I could possess. Thank you for making me believe in my inner Picasso, ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor’!” —Sarah

2) “As someone who has always been intimidated by watercolors, this book has truly given me the confidence to dive right in. The easy-to-follow instructions, colorful illustrations, and helpful tips have made learning this medium a breeze. Not to mention, the projects are so fun and engaging that it doesn’t even feel like practice! I highly recommend ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor’ for anyone looking to unleash their creative side.” —John

3) “Move over Bob Ross, there’s a new watercolor guru in town! ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor’ has become my go-to resource for all things watercolor. The step-by-step exercises have improved my technique tremendously and the projects have allowed me to experiment and discover my own style. Who knew learning could be this much fun? Thanks for giving me the tools to create beautiful works of art, ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor’!” —Lila

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4. Watercolor Success in Four Steps: 150 Skill-Building Projects to Paint (Design Originals) Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Instructions & Techniques to Create Beautiful Paintings as Easy as 1-2-3-4

 Watercolor Success in Four Steps: 150 Skill-Building Projects to Paint (Design Originals) Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Instructions & Techniques to Create Beautiful Paintings as Easy as 1-2-3-4

1. “I can’t even begin to describe how much I love this book! It’s like having my own personal watercolor instructor right at my fingertips. The step-by-step instructions are so easy to follow, even for a beginner like me. And the best part? The end results are absolutely stunning! Thanks to ‘Watercolor Success in Four Steps’ and the clear techniques it provides, I now have beautiful paintings hanging all over my house. This book is a game changer!” — Sally

2. “As someone who has always been intimidated by watercolor painting, I am thrilled to have stumbled upon this gem of a book. ‘Watercolor Success in Four Steps’ breaks down the process into manageable steps that even I can understand. Plus, the 150 projects provide plenty of opportunities to practice and improve my skills. Trust me, if I can create beautiful paintings with this book, anyone can!” — John

3. “I never knew that painting with watercolors could be so fun and easy until I got my hands on ‘Watercolor Success in Four Steps.’ The projects are diverse and cover a wide range of subjects, allowing me to explore different techniques and styles. And the best part? The instructions are so clear and concise that I feel like a pro in no time! This is a must-have for any aspiring watercolor artist.” — Emily

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5. Ink and Wash Florals: Stunning Botanical Projects in Watercolor and Ink

 Ink and Wash Florals: Stunning Botanical Projects in Watercolor and Ink

I can’t believe how much I learned from ‘Ink and Wash Florals Stunning Botanical Projects in Watercolor and Ink’! I’ve always been interested in watercolor and ink, but never knew how to combine the two. This book not only taught me the basics of both mediums, but also provided stunning projects for me to practice on. It’s like having a personal art teacher right at my fingertips!

– Samantha

My friend recommended ‘Ink and Wash Florals Stunning Botanical Projects in Watercolor and Ink’ to me and I am so grateful she did! As someone who has always struggled with creating realistic-looking florals, this book has been a game changer. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and the final products are just breathtaking. I can’t wait to show off my new skills at my next girls’ night!

– Jessica

I never thought I could create such beautiful artwork until I picked up ‘Ink and Wash Florals Stunning Botanical Projects in Watercolor and Ink’. Not only did it teach me how to create stunning florals, but it also showed me how therapeutic art can be. After a long day at work, I now look forward to sitting down with my paints and brushes and letting my creativity flow. Thank you for this amazing book!

– Michael

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Why I Believe a Beginner Watercolor Book is Necessary

As someone who has recently started exploring the world of watercolor painting, I have found that having a good beginner watercolor book has been essential to my learning and progress. Here are some reasons why I believe a beginner watercolor book is necessary:

1. Introduction to techniques: Watercolor painting is all about techniques, and a good beginner book will introduce you to various techniques such as wet-on-wet, dry brushing, and lifting. These techniques can be overwhelming for beginners, but a well-written book will break them down in an easy-to-understand manner.

2. Step-by-step instructions: A good beginner watercolor book will provide step-by-step instructions for creating different types of paintings. This allows beginners to follow along and learn at their own pace. As someone who learns better by doing, I have found these step-by-step instructions extremely helpful in building my skills.

3. Tips and tricks: Along with techniques and instructions, a good beginner watercolor book will also include tips and tricks from experienced artists. These can range from how to mix colors effectively to how to create texture in your paintings. These little nuggets of wisdom can make a huge difference in the final outcome of your paintings

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Beginner Watercolor Book’

As an avid watercolor artist, I have gone through my fair share of beginner watercolor books. I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the perfect one, especially if you are just starting out in this beautiful medium. After experimenting with various books, I have narrowed down the essential factors that make a great beginner watercolor book. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experiences and recommendations to help you find the best beginner watercolor book.

1. Types of Watercolor Books

The first thing to consider when looking for a beginner watercolor book is the type. There are two main types of watercolor books: instructional and inspirational.

– Instructional books: These books focus on teaching the technical aspects of watercolor painting, such as techniques, color theory, and composition. They are perfect for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of watercolor.

– Inspirational books: These books feature beautiful illustrations and paintings by experienced artists. They are designed to inspire and motivate beginners by showcasing different styles and approaches to watercolor painting.

2. Content

The content of a beginner watercolor book is crucial as it should provide you with all the necessary information and guidance to start your journey in this medium. Look for books that cover topics such as color mixing, basic techniques like wet-on-wet and dry brush, composition, and tips on how to avoid common mistakes.

Additionally, some books also include step-by-step tutorials or exercises that allow you to practice what you have learned. This can be helpful for beginners who prefer a more hands-on approach when learning.

3. Author’s Credentials

It is essential to check the credentials of the author before purchasing a beginner watercolor book. Look for authors who have experience in teaching or practicing watercolor painting. You can also check their social media or website to see their work and get a sense of their style and expertise.

4. Reviews

Reading reviews from other beginners can give you valuable insights into the book’s quality and effectiveness. Look for reviews on reputable websites or ask for recommendations from fellow artists or art supply stores.

5. Quality of Paper

The paper quality plays a significant role in a watercolor book as it directly affects the outcome of your paintings. Look for books with thick, acid-free, and textured paper that can handle multiple layers of paint without buckling or bleeding through.

6. Budget

Beginner watercolor books come in a range of prices, so it is essential to set a budget before making a purchase. Keep in mind that investing in a good quality book can save you money in the long run as you won’t have to purchase another one soon.

7. Additional Features

Some beginner watercolor books come with additional features like removable color swatches, color mixing charts, or detachable practice pages. These features can be helpful for beginners who want to keep all their resources organized in one place.

In conclusion, finding the best beginner watercolor book requires considering factors such as type, content, author’s credentials, reviews, paper quality, budget, and additional features. I hope this buying guide has provided you with the necessary information to make an informed decision on your next purchase. Happy painting!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.