Hello, dear friends. It’s been far too long since my last post. I’m almost embarrassed, but only almost.
2025 saw lots of changes at home — hubby changed jobs and we moved permanently to South Carolina. Our son’s fixer upper needed a kitchen, so we made lots of trips to Birmingham to help with that. And, well… we enjoyed some time together for a change. It’s been nice.
But, now it’s time to start the next chapter, 2026!
A few years ago, I wrote a post, “Forget resolutions. Choose better.”
Basically, instead of making a resolution, I dedicate the year to a new skill.
I’ve been doing this for a couple decades now. Some skills stick — like becoming a good cookie baker and decorator. In 2025, I focused on how to maximize travel reward points. OOF! Way too much work for too little reward. I learned a few tricks to get a better return on my points, but that’s as far as it went.
So… what’s in store for 2026?
I am going to learn watercolor Painting!
Well, let’s rephrase. I’m going to explore the art medium of watercolor painting and see if I like it. I’ve been watching YouTube videos to start learning about it. And tomorrow, I’ll dip my first brush into water and pigment to see what happens!
If you’d like to join me, here’s everything you need to know to get started!
Watercolor Painting Basic Supplies
To get started with watercolor painting, you need a few essential supplies. Of course, you could go crazy and buy a lot, but… let’s just focus on getting started. Here are the essentials.
- Watercolor paper. To get started, heavy weight, cold pressed paper is the best. It offers texture to hold the water and allow you to work with the pigment. Here are a few options to consider:
- Watercolor pad: This pad is a popular size for watercolor painting, 5.5″ X 8.5″. The spiral bound notebook works like a journal. Great for practicing beginner skills and seeing your skills progress.
- Multisize paper pack: For the adventurous beginner or those with a little experience, this variety pack of quality, cold press watercolor paper is just the ticket. From tiny 4X4 paintings to statement making 9X12 paintings, you’ll have lots of variety. Beginners might like the large paper, divided into segments to practice different techniques side by side on the same paper to discover how things work.
- One size paper pack: Offering three different size options, this paper pack is for the budding artist who wants to work on one piece at a time. Tape the piece to a board and work on it for several days. Or work on it, let it dry, tuck it away and pull it out later! With three sizes, you’ll find what works for you!
- Budget paper pack: For the beginner, this is a great value option. It’s slightly lighter than the other papers offered, but you get 100 sheets. This is great for practicing those basic techniques of brush stroke, color shading, wet on wet and wet on dry techniques. Use this to learn a new skill and then create masterpieces on the nicer paper.
- Paint brushes. A good variety of paint brushes is all you need to get started. Take care of your brushes by rinsing well after use and letting them dry flat. Once dry, store them brush side up so the bristles don’t get smushed. Don’t skip that step and dry them brush side up because it can damage the bristle attachment. Here are two good options for brushes.
- Paint brush set. This 11 piece paint brush set offers a good variety of brush styles.
- Professional paint brush set. This brand offers a few different options, including a round brush set and a short handled set that some might prefer. If you want to dive in, explore the options.
- Paint palette. One of the cool things about watercolor is you can mix your paint colors and store them in a palette to use over time. This paint palette has lots of “wells” for initial colors and mixing areas to create shades for depth. When you’re done for the day, let the palette fully dry, snap it shut and it will be ready to go the next time you paint! No waste. 🙂
- Watercolor paints. There are essentially two types of watercolor paint, dry bricks and tubes. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For dry, you need to mist it a bit to activate before you use it. For the tubes, you’ll want to put a little into your paint palette to create your color scheme for your painting, so think ahead if color is critical. Tube paint seems to be a bit more saturated according to the videos I have watched so far. Here are two solid choices, one of each.
- Beginner tube paints with accessories. This is a great size for beginners who want to give tube watercolor paints a try. It’s also a good little travel kit, so you can tuck it in your bag and take it anywhere! Kids have soccer practice? You can paint while you wait. Mmmhmm!
- Block watercolor paints with accessories. Another great set for beginners and those on the go. This block watercolor set includes 24 essential colors which are easy to blend. It’s a portable set, as well with basics for on the go practice or to tuck away in your corner of the world. The heavier pigment means you need less to do more!
- Two jars of water. When you paint, you’ll want two jars of water — a jelly jar would work well. One is to rinse your brush. The other is for clean water to use in your painting.
- Other essentials.
- Paper towels — for blotting, cleaning up spills, wiping your brush.
- A board — tape your paper to a board unless you’re using a notebook. It’ll give you some stability.
- Tape — masking tape or washi tape to tape your paper to a board (a clean wooden cutting board or a clipboard work great) to secure your work.
Better with friends!
If you want to join me on my watercolor adventure this year, join my private Facebook group, just for those of us who want to learn and share together.
I’ll be sharing my own journey, YouTube videos I find especially helpful, products that make a difference and whatever else comes along. It’s a place where we all can ask questions and share our successes (or frustrations) without judgment!
A friend of mine who is an accomplished artist is already planning to join the group. She might (wink wink) be willing to help with tips and advice as we go along!
Forget resolutions! Discover art!
So there you have it! My skill focus for 2026 is watercolor painting. I’m very excited, though I am a little nervous. I’ve never tried something like this before.
I hope you’ll join me as we discover together!
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