Best Beginner Watercolor Course Online for 2024: Full Review & Why It’s Worth It
Are you dreaming of picking up a brush and learning how to paint with watercolors, but not sure where to start? Whether you’ve never held a paintbrush or you dabbled back in grade school, finding the right watercolor painting class online can quickly turn a vague curiosity into a fulfilling new hobby—or even a future passion project.
But let’s face it: not all online art classes are created equal. Some are too advanced. Others lack structure. That’s why today, I’m diving deep into one of the most talked-about courses for beginners—Startup Library: Painting with Watercolors, available on The Great Courses through their partnership with Wondrium.
This review covers what makes this course different, why it’s ideal for true novices, and how it stacks up against popular competitors like Domestika and Nathan Brown’s digital masterclasses.
Why Learn Watercolor Painting in 2024?
Watercolor is one of the most beginner-friendly styles of painting. It’s affordable, calming, and doesn’t require a studio or hundreds of dollars in equipment. It’s also proven to promote mindfulness and reduce stress, which is why more people than ever are turning to creative hobbies.
But you’ll need more than just a watercolor set and YouTube videos. Without clear guidance, beginners often struggle with understanding water control, layering, and technique. That’s where a structured, expert-led course comes in.
So what’s the best way to get started?
Let’s explore one of the top-rated, beginner-specific options out there.
Course Breakdown: Startup Library – Painting with Watercolors
Taught by watercolor expert Kateri Ewing, Startup Library: Painting with Watercolors offers a fully comprehensive, step-by-step entry point for aspiring artists. Designed specifically for beginners, it walks you through everything from understanding your brushes to finishing your first art piece.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- 🖌️ An in-depth curriculum starting with color theory and brush techniques
- 🎨 Easy-to-follow lessons on washes, blending, layers, and glaze
- 📦 Help on how to select and use your tools (including brushes and paper)
- 🖼️ Small practice projects that build confidence and reinforce technique
- 💻 Flexible on-demand video format so you can learn at your own pace
The lessons build smoothly from one to the next, making it perfect for someone who learns best in a structured, logical way. And unlike many online art courses, this one doesn’t assume any prior knowledge.
What Makes This Course Stand Out?
There’s no shortage of watercolor classes online. So what makes this one worth your time and money?
Here’s what sets it apart:
-
🎓 Expert Teaching by a Trusted Instructor
Kateri Ewing is not just a teacher—she’s also a practicing artist who knows how to explain terms and techniques in a way that actually sticks. Beginners rave about her soothing voice and logical flow of instruction. -
✅ Fully Comprehensive and Beginner-Focused
Unlike some courses that jump ahead too quickly, this one stays laser-focused on fundamentals. Perfect if you’re just opening your first paint set. -
🧠 Thoughtful Lesson Design for Skill Building
The course is organized intentionally to help you understand why you’re doing each exercise. It’s methodical—but never boring.
✍️ According to detailed reviews on sites like Reddit and Quora, many students found the course more helpful than community college art classes. One Reddit user noted, “I actually understood how to control water for the first time thanks to this course.”
Real Student Feedback: What People Are Saying
User reviews consistently highlight how approachable and motivating this course is.
👉 Here are a few paraphrased takeaways:
- “Kateri makes you feel like you can actually learn to paint, even if you’ve never tried before.”
- “Bought it during a sale, and I’ve now painted more in two weeks than I had in two years trying alone.”
- “No fluff—just solid instructions and practical exercises that build up your skill.”
The course also gets praised for its clarity, soothing pacing, and the sense of progression it offers. Unlike random YouTube videos, you always know what to do next.
How It Compares to Other Watercolor Courses
Wondering if it’s better than Domestika or other low-cost platforms? Here’s a quick perspective:
- 📚 Domestika: Great for short, project-oriented lessons. Budget-friendly, but often lacks deep foundational teaching. Good for dabblers.
- 💻 Nathan Brown’s Digital Watercolor Masterclass: Excellent for intermediate or digital artists using tools like Procreate. Requires prior basics.
- 🎨 SVS Learn (Mixed Media): Best for those looking to mix digital and traditional mediums. Some lessons are short, but great for expanding techniques.
That said, if you are new to watercolor and still learning how to hold a brush, Startup Library remains the gold standard in beginner watercolor courses (source: TheGreatCourses.com).
Pricing & Is It Worth the Money?
The course is typically priced between $40 and $70, depending on sales or if you access it via the Wondrium subscription. This price point is fair—especially considering the volume and depth of instruction.
When compared to private art lessons, which can run $30–$100 per hour, this course offers high ROI and repeatable content you can revisit anytime.
Who Should Take This Course?
🟢 Take this course if:
- You’re a complete beginner looking for clear, structured lessons
- You’ve struggled with YouTube tutorials that don’t explain the “why” behind techniques
- You want to learn watercolor painting at your own pace with real artistic results
🔴 This course might not be for you if:
- You’re advanced and seeking highly specialized, stylistic painting instruction
- You need live feedback or community interaction (though forums can help)
Final Thoughts: Is “Painting with Watercolors” Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start watercolor painting—this is it.
The Startup Library: Painting with Watercolors is everything a beginner needs: warm, expert instruction, thoughtful progression, and affordable access. And unlike other courses that skim the surface, this one truly lays the artistic foundation to help you develop real skills.
Ready to bring your creativity to life—one brushstroke at a time?
📚 Source:
- The Great Courses: Review of “Startup Library: Painting with Watercolors”
- Reddit Watercolor Group Discussions (r/learnart, r/watercolor)
Got a question before enrolling or want recommendations for supplies? Drop a comment below—I check and respond weekly!