If you’ve ever looked at a watercolor painting and thought, “I wish I could do that,” you’re not alone. Thousands of people each year dip their brushes into the world of watercolor art, many starting from scratch. The good news? You don’t need a fine arts degree or years of practice to get started—just the right online course and a bit of guidance.
In this article, we’re diving deep into “Painting with Watercolors,” an online course designed for absolute beginners excited to explore watercolor painting from their own home. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or brushing up on long-lost skills, this Skillshare course offers a foundation that sets you up for success.
Let’s explore what this course includes, who it’s for, what to expect, and whether it’s the right creative investment for your artistic growth.
📸 (Image suggestion: Insert a high-quality image of watercolor brushes, paints, and a beginner’s sketch on textured paper – Source: Unsplash or Pexels)
What You’ll Learn in “Painting with Watercolors”
This course is tailored for beginners, but it doesn’t stop at just the basics. Once you’ve got your supplies in order, you’ll be introduced to foundational techniques that include:
- Wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry methods
- Gradient washes and layering
- Color mixing and theory
- Texture creation and dry brush effects
- Approaches to painting florals, landscapes, and organic textures
The step-by-step instruction allows users to move at their own pace—a major bonus if you’re balancing creativity with work, family, or just life in general.
Why Online Watercolor Courses Work (When They’re Good)
A lot of people assume learning art online feels cold or disconnected, but the best courses nail a few things:
- Clear, digestible explanations
- Progress-driven frameworks and projects
- Visual demos alongside downloadable guides
- Flexibility to rewatch lessons
According to a recent roundup by CreativeBloq, courses that deliver these elements help beginners “develop concrete foundational skills while staying inspired to keep going” (source).
Platforms like Skillshare also encourage strong community engagement. Even if you’re painting solo at the kitchen table, you’re never truly alone. You’ll be able to view classmates’ projects, share your own progress, and even get feedback—sometimes directly from instructors or peers.
Pros and Cons: Is This Course Worth It?
Like any online course, “Painting with Watercolors” has its strengths and weaknesses. Based on reviews from similar courses and watercolor experts like Louise DeMasi and Nicki Traikos, here’s what you can expect.
Pros:
- Ideal for complete beginners and hobbyists
- Self-paced learning lets you progress comfortably
- Clear demos for tricky techniques like wet-on-wet or gradients
- Lifetime access so you can revisit as you grow
- Free trial on Skillshare, so you can test before committing
Cons:
- No live feedback or one-on-one tutoring
- Some students wish for more assignments or practice prompts
- May not be as in-depth as high-ticket courses like Watercolor Academy
That last point is especially relevant. Watercolor Academy, for example, costs nearly $300, but includes certificate pathways and mentorship. For some, that kind of structure is worth it—for others, especially those testing the waters, more affordable options (like this one) make more sense.
How This Course Compares to Others
Let’s put “Painting with Watercolors” side-by-side with a few alternatives:
- Domestika: Affordable (€10–€50), strong artistic focus, with niche topics like botanical illustration. But fewer beginner-friendly options.
- Udemy: Good for organized lessons, and regular sales. However, instructor quality can vary widely.
- Louise DeMasi’s Courses: Excellent personal teaching approach, but more focused on nature-themed painting and less beginner onboarding.
For a new watercolorist just getting into paints and brushes, Skillshare’s version is a great entry point. It walks you through core concepts without overwhelming you and gives you the confidence to keep exploring.
Pricing & Access
Here’s a breakdown of what you get:
- Instant access to the full course library with a free trial of Skillshare Premium
- Unlimited replays of “Painting with Watercolors”
- Access to hundreds of other art courses if you continue with a subscription (usually less than $15/month)
Compared to other beginner watercolor courses charging $100–$300, this is a cost-effective and low-pressure entry. If you stick with it, you’ll be painting beautiful designs in no time—and if not, you’re free to cancel after the trial.
Tip: Use the free trial to complete multiple beginner classes before committing to a subscription plan. It’s a smart way to sample instructors and styles.
Who This Course is Best For
This watercolor class is a great fit if:
- You’ve never held a paintbrush and want a friendly introduction
- You’re a casual artist curious about watercolor
- You want to explore creativity without the pressure of grades or perfection
- You’re looking for a flexible, cost-effective way to learn from experts
If you’re already painting at an intermediate level, you might prefer courses that dive deeper into specific subjects—like portraits, botanicals, or abstract styles.
Final Verdict: Is “Painting with Watercolors” Worth It?
Absolutely, especially for beginners. While it may not offer personalized critique or advanced challenges, it hits the sweet spot of accessibility, clarity, and quality. You’ll come away with knowledge of fundamental techniques, better brush control, and the motivation to keep improving.
Plus, with Skillshare’s free trial, there’s literally no reason not to try.
🎯 Ready to start your watercolor journey? Here’s our recommended next step.
Resources & Further Reading:
Whether you want to add a splash of color to your day or embark on a creative journey, “Painting with Watercolors” brings the tools, teaching, and inspiration right to your screen. Just press play—and paint.