Master Watercolor Painting at Home: Best Online Course for Beginners
If you’ve ever dreamed of learning watercolor painting from scratch—but don’t consider yourself “artsy” or have no idea where to begin—you’re not alone. Luckily, the rise of online watercolor classes makes it possible to master this calming and rewarding skill from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, mindful creativity, or even to explore your artistic side for the first time, this guide will help you find the best watercolor painting course to get started.
Today, we’ll review the most popular beginner-friendly watercolor courses online, highlight what to expect, and show you how to avoid wasting time and money.
Why Take an Online Watercolor Painting Course?
Watercolor courses have boomed over the past few years, especially as more people explore at-home hobbies that are expressive, relaxing, and screen-free. Unlike oil or acrylic painting, watercolors require minimal setup and are beginner-friendly once you understand the basics of brush control, color mixing, and water ratios.
But here’s the catch: Not all online watercolor classes are created equal.
In our analysis of beginner watercolor painting courses, we found key differences in teaching style, community access, instructor support, and content depth (source: Skillshare Learning Trends 2023). Let’s dive into the best options—what they promise, how much they cost, and what actual students say.
Best Watercolor Course for Beginners: Emily Lex’s Simplified Watercolor
If you’re someone who appreciates a simplified, gentle start, the Simplified Watercolor course by Emily Lex is an excellent entry point. It’s designed specifically for beginners with zero experience and focuses on gaining confidence instead of technical mastery right away.
What You’ll Learn:
- Picking the right watercolor supplies (without overspending)
- How to properly hold a brush and control water color flow
- Mixing colors and creating gradients
- Layering techniques to build depth
- Easy, fun projects that build momentum
Emily’s tone is approachable and stress-free. One reviewer on the course site mentioned it felt like “painting with a friend who just happens to be good at it.”
Key Features:
- 10 HD Instructional Videos + Project Modules
- Lifetime Access
- Bonus content (seasonal projects and newsletters)
- 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
At just ~$67, it’s a one-time purchase that provides great value for beginners and even makes for a thoughtful gift.
💡 Tip: Similar beginner watercolor courses on Skillshare require ongoing monthly fees. This one you own forever.
Looking for More In-Depth Guidance? Try Watercolor Academy
If you’re a little more serious—or want professional feedback—the Watercolor Academy offers a much more robust program. For $297, you get lifetime access to 80+ lessons, plus unlimited personal feedback from professional watercolor tutors. It’s ideal for beginners who want to learn fast or even advance beyond the basics.
Why You Might Prefer Watercolor Academy:
- In-depth curriculum: From mixing techniques to advanced perspectives
- Unlimited critiques: Submit work, get tutor feedback indefinitely
- Community forum: Learn alongside other students
- Diploma certificate: Great for resume or portfolio use
That said, it’s not cheap. For casual learners, it may feel like overkill. But if you’re committed—or want your art evaluated—it may be worth it.
🧠 Real Student Review (Paraphrased from Reddit):
“The tutor feedback really helped me correct mistakes early on. It’s almost like having a coach, not just videos.”
Other Options Worth Considering
Let’s compare other watercolor painting classes:
| Course | Cost | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emily Lex (Simplified Watercolor) | ~$67 (lifetime) | Complete beginners, casual hobbyists | No direct tutor feedback |
| Watercolor Academy | $297 (lifetime) | Serious learners, structured projects | Higher upfront cost |
| Skillshare (Multiple Courses) | ~$14/mo | Exploring different styles, artists | Ongoing subscription required |
| YouTube Channels (Jenna Rainey, CraftedByRobert) | Free | Zero-cost demos, casual learning | No organization or feedback |
If you’re someone who values continuous content, Skillshare or Louise De Masi’s Art School might appeal—offering hundreds of tutorials with a monthly fee. But if you’re the type who prefers to “buy it once and own it,” Emily Lex or Watercolor Academy may be a better fit, especially with solid refund policies in place.
Pros and Cons to Know Before You Enroll
Here’s what stood out from dozens of course testimonials and Reddit discussions:
Pros:
- Beginner-focused structure, no art degree needed
- Projects that build real-world watercolor confidence
- Access-from-anywhere learning at your pace
- Courses like Emily Lex’s are budget-friendly with refunds
Cons:
- Limited feedback in basic-priced courses
- Advanced topics often missing in beginner versions
- Artistic progress still requires practice—watching isn’t enough
- Some frustration reported around refunds from less-known creators (always read the fine print)
📝 According to a 2023 Skillshare Course Trends study, painting classes saw a 36% increase in first-time enrollments versus the prior year, largely due to accessibility and emotional wellness benefits tied to creative hobbies.
Final Verdict: What’s the Best Watercolor Course Online for You?
If you’re a beginner looking for a relaxing, confidence-boosting way to explore watercolor painting at your own pace, Emily Lex’s Simplified Watercolor course is our top recommendation. Affordable, beginner-approved, and beautifully produced—it hits the sweet spot between cost, content quality, and ease of access.
For more structured learning and personal tutor support, the Watercolor Academy is a fantastic option, assuming your budget allows.
Want to dip your toes in for free? YouTube has your back—but expect to piece things together on your own without much guidance or community.
No matter which path you choose, the most important part is to start. Watercolor is one of those things you learn best by doing, not just watching.
Ready to turn your creative goals into reality?
📘 Reference:
Skillshare Creative Learning Trends, 2023 Report
Reddit thread via r/learnart: Compare Watercolor Academy vs Skillshare—Best for Total Beginners? (2023)