Watercolour painting thrives on lightness, flowing gradients and creative experimentation. Perfect for anyone who wants to get started straight away with little material.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to get started: basic techniques, suitable materials and simple watercolour exercises.
Why watercolour is the ideal way to get started
Watercolour painting only requires water, some paper, a brush and a few colours. You can start intuitively. And yes, you can learn to paint in watercolours - even without experience. The decisive factor is a feeling for the amount of water and colour. This develops quickly through targeted exercises and a basic understanding of the technique.
Materials: What beginners should look out for
If you start with good basic materials, you will avoid many frustrating experiences.
Paper
Sturdy watercolour paper is the foundation of a successful painting. It should be at least 200 to 300 g/m² thick and cold-pressed paper is slightly textured and ideal for beginners. Normal printer paper is not suitable as it curls, absorbs colour unevenly and tears very quickly if it gets too wet.
Colours
A small set in so-called student quality is sufficient. Basic colours such as yellow, red and blue as well as black and natural sienna are important.
Brush
A round brush in a medium size, around 6 to 10, is sufficient to start with.
A cat's tongue can also be used as an option, especially for leaves and soft shapes.
Synthetic brushes are inexpensive and technically very high quality today.
Book a course now
At Paint it Easy, we have everything you need for your creative start: suitable brushes, high-quality paper and watercolours for every level. And if you'd rather get started together, simply book one of our watercolour courses for beginners - we'll guide you step by step.
Basic techniques you should know
Watercolour is based on the interplay of water and colour. These techniques form the basis for every motif:
Colour is applied to damp paper. Ideal for soft transitions such as sky and mist.
Colour on dry paper produces clear, controlled lines and sharp shapes.
Smooth transitions from dark to light or between two colours.
This technique is crucial for developing control.
Colour is applied layer by layer. This creates depth and precision.
A little water in the brush creates grainy, textured effects.
For loose details such as stars, flower dust or pebbles.
The best watercolour exercises for beginners
Practising is the surest way to achieve success quickly.
Exercise 1: Gradients from dark to light
Start with a lot of pigment and gradually add water.
This will give you smooth, soft transitions.
Exercise 2: Painting a colour circle
Mix new shades from the basic colours and use them to paint a circle in several segments.
This trains your understanding of harmony and contrasts.
Exercise 3: 20 small circles
Even filling without hard edges trains control over water and colour.
Exercise4: Line variations
Create fine lines with the tip of the brush and widen them with pressure.
This exercise supports safe movements.
Frequently asked questions about watercolour painting
Yes, especially through basic knowledge and regular practice.
A round brush of medium size as a base, synthetic fibres are recommended.
Watercolour paper with at least 200 to 300 g/m², cold-pressed.
Both are well suited. Watercolour is more intuitive, acrylic is more forgiving of mistakes.
It is too thin or not fixed.
Conclusion
Watercolour is an ideal creative introduction: little material, quick results and plenty of room for experimentation. If you understand the basic techniques and do simple exercises regularly, you will soon see visible progress.
If you would like to deepen what you have learned, Paint It Easy offers suitable watercolour courses for beginners - relaxed, accompanied and with lots of fun to discover.
