Name: Lessons Learned (3 Years of Watercolour Painting)
Uploaded: 2023-12-28 16:09:09
Duration: 23 min 45 s

Question 1

What are the biggest lessons Josh Wiley learned after 3 years of watercolour painting?

Accepted Answer

In this video I share the big takeaways that helped me improve the most over my first three years. A lot of it comes down to showing up consistently, keeping things simple, and learning to work with the water instead of fighting it. I also learned that progress comes from practice and repetition, not from trying to make every painting a masterpiece.

Question 2

How do you get better at watercolour faster?

Accepted Answer

What helped me most was doing more small, focused practice instead of only attempting big finished paintings. Simple studies, quick demos, and repeating the same subject teaches you a ton. The more you paint, the more you start to understand timing, moisture, and how pigments behave.

Question 3

What should beginners focus on first in watercolour?

Accepted Answer

If I could go back, I’d focus earlier on fundamentals like value control, edges, and basic washes. Water control is everything, and it’s easier to learn when you’re not juggling too many colours or complicated subjects. Keeping the process simple makes it easier to see what’s actually happening.

Question 4

Why does my watercolour look muddy and overworked?

Accepted Answer

A lot of muddiness comes from going back into areas at the wrong time, or mixing too many pigments together. Learning when to leave things alone is huge in watercolour. In my experience, cleaner results come from fewer passes, better timing, and a more limited palette.

Question 5

Do I need expensive supplies to improve in watercolour?

Accepted Answer

The main improvements I’ve seen came from practice and technique, not from chasing new supplies. Good materials can help, but they don’t replace learning water control and values. I’d rather paint more with what I have than wait for the “perfect” setup.

Question 6

How often should I practice watercolour to see progress?

Accepted Answer

Consistency mattered more for me than long sessions once in a while. Even short, regular painting time helped things click faster. If you can paint a little more often, you’ll build muscle memory for timing and washes much quicker.

Question 7

What’s the best way to stay motivated with watercolour painting?

Accepted Answer

For me, motivation comes and goes, so I try not to rely on it. Having a simple routine and giving myself permission to make imperfect paintings keeps me going. When I focus on learning instead of results, it’s a lot easier to stick with it.

Lessons Learned (3 Years of Watercolour Painting)

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