Are you excited to start watercolor painting but worried about how long it might take to master the basics? Many new artists find themselves daunted by the uncertainty of how quickly they can pick up this art form. The fear of spending months without seeing significant progress can hold you back from diving into watercolor painting.
This frustration is common, especially when considering the steep learning curve associated with watercolor techniques. The delicate balance of water and pigment, along with the unpredictable nature of the medium, can make it challenging to gauge your progress. This uncertainty often leads to hesitation, leaving you wondering if you’ll ever reach the proficiency you’re aiming for.
So, how long does it take to learn watercolor painting? On average, it can take anywhere from two to six months to grasp the fundamentals. To expedite your learning, consider enrolling in watercolor painting classes, creating a personalized color reference sheet, and investing in the right materials early on. Embracing these strategies can accelerate your progress and enhance your watercolor journey.
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How To Learn Watercolor Painting Quickly
While the process of learning watercolor painting can take a while, there are ways that you can speed up the process.
Watercolor Painting Classes
One of the fastest ways to learn the ins and outs of watercolor painting is to join a class. Believe it or not, plenty of watercolor painting classes are available both in-person and online. Of course, online courses will require you to provide your own supplies.
Sure, you can learn a lot about watercolor painting online or through trial and error. All the information you need is out there and ready to go when you are. However, taking a class will give you a unique opportunity for one-on-one discussions and even feedback on your progress. Feedback can help you better understand what you need to work on.
Color References
Another way to speed up the process of learning the basics of watercolor painting is to create a reference
for yourself. One of the hardest parts of learning watercolor painting is getting the colors right. You also have to consider what type of paper are you going to use; are you experimenting with different surfaces? Not only do you need to know how the colors look on the page, but you also need to know how to create different colors with different combinations.
Creating your own color reference sheet can save you a lot of time and effort. It can also save a lot of guesswork that comes with using watercolors. Use this sheet as a way to ensure that every painting comes out with the exact colors you originally had in mind.
Get the Materials Right Away
Another way to learn watercolor painting faster is to dive right in. To do this, you need to have the right supplies to get started. You can read about the mechanics of watercolor painting as much as you want, but the real experience comes from actually doing it. So, get what you need to start painting right away.
Now, this doesn’t mean you need to spend hundreds of dollars on supplies right away. Starting with cheap, beginner supplies will do just fine. No need to spend a ton of money on a hobby that you aren’t even sure you will enjoy. So, don’t hesitate to save money by buying cheaper materials to start and working your way up to better-quality supplies.
If you want an all-inclusive starter kit, then we’ve got you covered. This NAWOD Watercolor Paint Set (available on Amazon.com) has everything you need to get started as it comes with brushes, paper, and 50 different colors to choose from. The only thing you need to provide is the water, and you’re ready to get started.
This is a great set to get started with, or you can opt to buy your own supplies at a nearby craft store. Either way, do this before you get really serious about watercolor painting, as it will save you a lot of time. You can only learn the basics of a sport for so long before you need to get out there and practice, and watercolor painting is no different.
Don’t Be Afraid To Make Mistakes
One of the most important rules of learning a new art form is to never be afraid of making mistakes. Not every watercolor painting you complete is going to be frame-worthy, and that’s okay. If you aren’t making mistakes, you may not take enough risks. So, mix those colors and paint over that tree. The more mistakes you make, the faster you will learn.
Is Watercolor Painting Difficult To Master?
Watercolor painting is very difficult to master because there are so many aspects of it that are unpredictable. A little too much water or not enough can drastically change the color and overall quality of your painting. With so many variables, it takes time to master.
If you’re wondering whether or not watercolor painting is going to be difficult, you’re not alone. There are many watercolor artists who will tell you just how difficult it is to master. Should this stop you from trying it all together? We certainly don’t think so.
While it can be truly challenging, watercolor painting is one of the most beautiful art forms. One of the best things about choosing watercolor is how unique your paintings will be. Part of what makes it so challenging also makes it highly unlikely you will paint something very similar to another painting.
You can make a lot of mistakes with watercolor painting–and you most definitely will in your journey. However, those mistakes and the little challenges that you face along the way only help you create something that is completely unique to you and your style.
In fact, the nuances of watercolor paint make it impossible to always predict. So, you may notice that your favorite watercolor shade does not show up the same way on a different type of paper. So, creating the same exact watercolor painting again is nearly impossible.
Final Words
Learning the basics of watercolor painting can be a time-consuming process. However, understanding how long it takes to learn watercolor painting and applying effective strategies can make a significant difference. Enrolling in watercolor painting classes, creating a color reference sheet, and starting with the right materials are all practical steps to expedite your learning.
While it may take time to become proficient, don’t let the learning curve deter you. Embrace the process, make mistakes, and continue practicing. Remember, the journey of mastering watercolor painting is as rewarding as the finished artwork itself. So, pick up your brushes and start your watercolor adventure today!