Learning watercolor can be fun. You may find it to be a relaxing adventure that allows you to let go of control and venture into the unknown in a safe and healthy way…

You also might look at what you’ve created and want to hide it in a drawer never to be seen again.

Here’s a few words of comfort for the beginners out there. It’s okay to make art, good, bad or even ugly. When you start looking into watercolor supplies and methods, it’s easy to fall into the “but I don’t have that exact thing” trap. I doubt anyone who has explored this medium hasn’t run into something similar. I’m here to tell you that when you sit down to paint in the beginning, whatever you end up with is good enough.

You don’t have to have the most expensive paper, paints or brushes. If you follow a tutorial, it doesn’t have to look like the artist’s work you are learning from. Even as you gain experience, your work doesn’t need to look just like the work of anyone else. That’s what makes an artist and individual with their own style.

Get out your paints, watercolor paper, and a brush and just let the paint and water do what they will. When you come back and do another, aim to make something you like, and don’t worry about what other people will think of it. Ultimately, you are painting for yourself.

Simple advice, work with what you have, figure out what you want to do with your watercolor journey and don’t be so hard on yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. Just start to enjoy the process.

All of the other things–what paints and paper and techniques you use to achieve your goals will come with time. There are plenty of good instructors and artists out there willing to share their experience, tips and tricks with their audiences. It is okay to learn as you go.

Pick up the brush. Breathe. You can do this.