This is one of the more challenging paintings I have tried since I started learning watercolor a year and a half ago. It’s definitely not perfect but I’m glad I didn’t stop early when I thought about giving up (see second photo). A good reminder to keep pushing darks darker when possible and to invest in good paper so you can apply a lot of layers. I think I am six layers deep (no pun intended 🤣) in the water.

I had a cozy art weekend after picking up a copy of “The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds” on a whim. This was my first time drawing a bird in actual detail but this book was absolutely wonderful and I’m inspired to do it more often!

And I keep trying to fix it but I feel like it'll just end up being solid colour if I keep going 😂

Any advice for getting this looking finished? I'm getting a bit bored of coming back once every day to add more (I want to let it dry fully before laying another wash)

For reference this is an exercise out of Hannah Pickerill's watercolour boot camp

I’ve only been painting since May/June and have done mostly small pieces. This was my first “big” (12x9in) piece and was by the far the one I have had the most fun with!

It occurs to me after having written so many detailed, thoughtful replies and receiving not even a thanks from the various OPs, that many of these original posts are probably AI generated. Either that or people genuinely have no interest in or concept of how to connect. Wasn’t social media supposed to be about connection?

((I’m still learning how to Reddit)) I’m still very much learning watercolors but I picked up some Turner gouache on sale. I tried and failed to love the Windsor Newton student gouache but this one? I adore it. So much fun

Warning to anyone hunting for cheap Schmincke paints. I ordered from schminckecolor.com in September. It calls itself the "Schmincke Online Mall" and sells Horadam, Mussini, pastels and more at 40 to 65% off. Nothing ever arrived.

Here's what happened:

• Their support email ([service@orderinmail.com](mailto:service@orderinmail.com)) sent weeks of "lost package," "escalated trace," and "free priority reshipment" emails.
• The tracking was on starx-express.co, which isn't a real carrier. Its sister sites are flagged as scams.
• They promised a new tracking number within 24 to 48 hours, and then went silent.

The domain was registered in May 2026 with the owner hidden. It has no connection to the real Schmincke, which is at schmincke.de.

I've disputed the charge with my card company and reported the site to Schmincke, Cloudflare, and the FTC. If you ordered from them, dispute the charge now. If you're buying Schmincke online, use the official dealer list on schmincke.de or a store you already know. If the discount seems too good to be true, it is.

I've already heard back from official Schmincke contacts and they are aware of this and several other scam impersonation sites. It's a game of whack-a-mole trying to rid them as they keep reincarnating.

Stay safe out there, artists. 🎨

Although my sister thought some were potatoes! 🙄. The last one was accepted into a curated art sale, so I’m excited about that one.

White cats want in on the halloween fun too! Kitty's got a spooky stew brewing 🎃

Finally gifted the series so I can share my negative space dino skellys 🥹 these were such an experiment but so fun to make!!

open to feedback but plz be kind. I feel very vulnerable sharing my art.

mostly Daniel Smith watercolor pans

300lb cold press arches watercolor block

not sure the brand of the liquid resist, but I can look at it when I'm home if anyone is interested.

I recently bought the neon watercolor paint by Paul Ruben’s. They are really fun to use. I had a blast.

Hi! Critique, comments, and advice always welcome!
This is a commission portrait.

wanted to buy kuretakes opal colors, decided to try and paint some pearls first and add them on later

the pearls turned out better than expected with regular colors

should I still get the opal paints? if so should i add an opal layer on top of these?

any recommendations to improve this is appreciated

i've tried adding more warmth, i've tried different pigments, but somehow every face i do ends up looking kinda... dead? is this a common beginner thing or am i just cursed. would love to know what other people do to keep skin tones looking alive.

Attaching reference image as well

I am a beginner learning how to draw. I have started Dynamic sketching by Peter Han and I am really enjoying it. I was suggested I should learn how to use water colors along with this. I am looking for something that teaches me basics and develops my skills gradually. Do you have any recommendations ?

Sometimes I find it hard to decide when to stop with a painting. Is there something I could do to improve this painting or should I leave it? I'm wondering whether to add more detail on the leaves.

Hello! Im doing an art event with friends and for it I am trying to create a water colour painting. I have little to none art skills or previous experience with water colour painting but have always liked water colour so that is why I've chosen it for my project.

I thought it would be a neat idea to put water to paper and see what I can with my own initiative before looking up tips and the basics of how to actually do water colour painting. I don't think they turned out terrible for a first time with no idea what I'm doing but I've come here to show what I've done and ask for tips on what to do and what not to do.

Please don't be afraid to criticise whats wrong with them, just also let me know what to do right going forward.

The 2 paintings at the end are the inspirations for the peice I am trying to create.

Thank you!!