Dive Into 'Watercolor Thursdays': Family Edition: Day 1
- michelle3218
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
I'll start this blog off on a light note.
I've done art in various mediums over the years, particularly as a young adult. It is something I enjoy but do not have time for. Let me rephrase that. What that actually means is that it is something that brings me joy that I have not, in recent years, made enough of a priority. I picked up a very interesting book on a whim and snagged a travel watercolor case because the logistics are pretty ideal, as the disarray the setup/tear-down process creates in your house is minimal.
On the off chance that he might be interested, I asked my son (an adult on the autism spectrum with ADHD) if he'd like the matching book and paint set so we could learn watercolor together, and he was digging the idea. I love doing anything with my son.
So the books are really neat. It is actually a two-in-one. They open like a book, but one half is the actual book with instructions, and the other half has watercolor paper with pre-drawn sketches. This is great if you want the joy of painting without the drawing part (which includes planning and sketching and erasing and changing your mind, etc.) It's ideal for first-timers or those who want a very relaxed experience.
So yesterday was the first day of Painting Thursday.
After scanning the book, we embarked on Painting No. 1, which was a page with a sketch of some rows of bricks. (I'll try to get a before picture next time.) Sound boring? It was a gradient exercise. Start with one side with pink or red and make it blue by slowly mixing your paint as you go. I also suggested my son experiment with various amounts of water in the paint as he went, as that changes the entire feel. At one point, he did run into a smidge of frustration, but I was able to help him refocus on the goal (to learn and enjoy), and he hopped right back into it. I think he really enjoyed it, and I feel that this particular book is nonjudgmental and encouraging, which is great for beginners. (I'll link the book and supplies below. No one ever seems to just give a price on anything, as if it's some super secret. I am not one of those people. Per person was around 40 bucks.)
So, the results of today's exercises? Can you guess whose is whose? Remember, I have painted in various mediums before; my son has not. For anyone who knows painting, I would specify that these were pans, which have always given me grief.
He is on the left, and I think he did a bangin' good job. I definitely did not distinguish myself on this project. If you know anyone with autism, you may know someone who really does not like the reality of "you have to suck at something first before you can master it".
I highly recommend that everyone, particularly those with mental disabilities, find an art that resonates with them. Somewhere out there, I think that exists for everyone. Not just fine art, not just painting. Sketching, classic literature, theater, music, scrapbooking, sculpture, digital media, crochet, anything goes. You'll gonna hear me touch on this topic in the future. I find it viscerally meaningful.
As promised, here are the links to the materials we are using. I am not an affiliate; I do not make any money from this. I just like to share good products.
The Book:
Learn to Watercolor: 20 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Lessons on Watercolor Paper
At the time of this writing: $21 and some change
The Paints: (24 colors)
ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set Portable, Palette Set with Metallic Colors for Workbooks
At the time of this writing, it goes for around $18
They do have a 12 paint set that is, at the time of writing, $9.99. The book did state you could start with less.
I will admit, I went all in and got a set of brushes, as the sizing of the brushes that came with the kit were limited. This is very optional, but I'm glad I did it because this set had the perfect brush size for this first project.
20 Pcs Paint Brushes, Acrylic Painting Brush Set, Watercolor Brushes
Price at the time of writing was $4.99, and it's actually two sets, which may be something you are interested in, or I'm betting you could find a cheaper single set if desired.
Total price per person for our setup: (book) 21 + (paint) $18 + brushes $2.50 = about $42 per person
Total price if you go with the 12-piece paint set, it would be (book) 21 + paint $10 = around $31
(You can just use the paint brushes that come with the paint kit.)
If you are willing to try, there are a ton of watercolor teaching books out there. Just note that some do not come with watercolor paper, so you'd have to add that cost in.
I have some additional suggestions on this topic, so if you are artsy and crafty or just art curious, you may find some new ideas.
Many new and exciting things are coming.
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