In this video I share the watercolor buying tip I truly wish I’d known sooner: don’t guess your way into a full set of tubes—test first with dot cards (also called dot sheets). When you’re new (or even if you’ve been painting a while), it’s so easy to spend a bunch of money on colors that look gorgeous online… and then you realize they don’t fit your style, your palette, or the way you like to paint loosely. Dot cards let you actually paint with the real pigment before you commit. I walk you through how I use dot sheets to swatch, compare brands, and narrow down the colors I’ll genuinely reach for in paint-alongs, florals, and seasonal pieces. It’s a relaxed, low-pressure way to explore—perfect if you want watercolors to be your calm place instead of a stressful, expensive rabbit hole. I also share the supplies I’m using, including my paper, brushes, and palette, so you can set yourself up for easy testing and confident color choices.