How watercolour transformed my life
If you’ve ever felt a quiet pull toward creativity — even if you weren’t sure where to begin — watercolour has a beautiful way of meeting you exactly where you are. My journey started with a simple curiosity and a longing for more softness in my day. I never imagined it would become my way of living, my career, and eventually the way I help others discover the joy that watercolour can bring. Watercolour teaches patience, presence, and the magic of letting go. It’s simple and honest. It flows where it wants to flow — and in that surrender, something in you softens too. Today, I want to share how my art journey transformed me, supported me, and how you can begin your own creative path with watercolour, even as a complete beginner.
How my watercolour journey began
When I first started, I was excited, but also overwhelmed. I compared myself to others far too often, and my mind kept whispering doubts: “I don’t have enough time. How can I fit this in?” “It’s too late to start; I should've learned this as a teen.” “I can’t draw — how could I ever paint like an artist?” “Real artists probably went to art school… I didn’t.”...
What I slowly discovered is that none of those thoughts were real barriers — they were simply fears. Every time I picked up the brush, even for a few minutes, those fears softened. I realised watercolour doesn’t ask for perfection or an art degree. It simply invites you to begin, enjoy the process, and practise whenever you can — in small pockets of time throughout your day — until painting becomes a gentle, grounding ritual. That’s how I eventually started waking at 5am, not because I had to, but because painting became my favourite quiet moment before the day’s responsibilities. Watercolour welcomes you just as you are, with whatever you have, even if it’s five minutes and a single brush.
Why watercolour is the perfect medium for beginners
Watercolour meets you with softness and allows you to explore creativity without pressure. You don’t need a studio, expensive supplies, or hours of free time. A small palette, a single brush, and a good paper pad or sketchbook are enough to begin. Watching colours blend and bloom naturally slows your breathing and encourages mindfulness, turning even a short painting session into a moment of calm. In watercolour, there are no mistakes — only new directions. It surprises you with soft edges, blooms, and unexpected textures, teaching you to let go. And as you practise, you build confidence step by step. Each painting teaches you something new. Progress happens gently, in layers — just like watercolour itself.
The emotional benefits of painting with watercolour
Painting isn’t just creative; it’s deeply nourishing. Many of my students tell me that watercolour helps reduce stress after overwhelming days, reconnects them with a forgotten creative part of themselves, builds confidence through small, joyful achievements, and brings more colour, calm, and intention into their everyday routines. Over time, watercolour becomes more than a hobby — it becomes a supportive companion and a grounding practice.
How to begin your own watercolour journey
You don’t need a perfect start — just a gentle one. Begin with a few simple supplies: a round brush, a small watercolour set, and a good-quality sketchbook or pad. Learn basic techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and soft gradients, then practice your brushstrokes by painting simple projects like leaves. These basics open the door to every painting you’ll create. Try to paint in small, consistent moments — five to fifteen minutes while enjoying your tea or coffee, or a short weekend session. These little pockets of practice add up, and soon watercolour becomes a natural part of your day.
Most importantly, enjoy the process instead of focusing on the outcome. Let each piece teach you something, and avoid comparing yourself to others. Your journey is uniquely yours.
If you want guidance and a supportive place to grow…
If something inside you feels excited to start — trust that feeling. You don’t need to know how to draw or feel perfectly ready. All you need is curiosity and a little time. Inside my Watercolour Clubhouse, you’ll find beginner-friendly classes, calming projects, step-by-step tutorials, and a supportive community where you can learn at your own pace and grow with confidence. If you’d love to explore watercolour with structure, inspiration, and encouragement, the Clubhouse is ready to welcome you.
Looking forward to welcoming you inside our creative watercolour community.
Love,
Sofia
P.S. I’d love to connect with you beyond this blog. Join our growing creative community on Instagram at @sofiapalikaart for daily inspiration and gentle watercolour encouragement.