What to Paint for Beginners - 3 Watercolor Painting Exercises

It's hard to know what to paint with watercolors isn't it? Especially if you're a beginner....I get it. It's also a struggle sometimes to get excited about basic watercolor exercises when you just feel like creating something "for real", am I right?
So today I'm here with three very useful, pretty easy watercolor exercises that will surely inspire your next painting session. Hopefully you get down to this watercolor painting tutorial like, today...now maybe?
So let's go with some warm up watercolor exercises you can refer to again and again when you're feeling a bit under the creative weather..., lol!
My newest book celebrates the joy that can be found in watercolor painting for beginners and seasoned artists alike!
Have you picked up your book yet? If not head here:
www.amazon.com/dp/0764361511?...
------------------------------------------------------------
Last Video - • How to Paint the North...
------------------------------------------------------------
MY JOYFUL ART SUPPLIES (Specific list for this vid below)
Art for Joy's Sake Brushes: mailchi.mp/kristyrice/artforj...
Free from Fear Brushes: mailchi.mp/kristyrice/freefro...
Palette: mailchi.mp/kristyrice/palette
------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
8:10 - Where I actually start painting
------------------------------------------------------------
SIGN up for my email list & you'll GET YOUR FREE CREATIVITY E-BOOK!
mailchi.mp/kristyrice.com/fru...
------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT I USED
Case for Making Handmade Watercolors- www.caseformaking.com/
Lira Flourescent Watercolors-
The Art for Joy's Sake ¼ inch dagger brush- www.kristyrice.com/products/a...
Sunflower- Arches Rough
All else- Academy
------------------------------------------------------------
TUTORIAL MENTIONED :
How to paint watercolor leaves- • 🔴Channel Re-Launch Pai...
------------------------------------------------------------
FIND ME ELSEWHERE:
Get in touch! [e-mail]
TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@kristythepain...
Instagram
/ kristythepainter
/ momental
Licensing - wildapple.com/artists/kristy-...
Hand Painted Stationery - www.momentaldesigns.com/
Watercolor Homegoods - www.kristyrice.com/
WATERcoloring Books - www.amazon.com/shop/kristyric...
Founder and Host of #Artforjoysake
/ artforjoysake
------------------------------------------------------------
Kristy's WATERcoloring Books:
How to Make Art for Joy's Sake - Free-Spirited Watercolor
www.amazon.com/shop/kristyric...
The Art for Joy's Sake Journal - www.kristyrice.com/products/t...
Painterly Days, Floral - amzn.to/2C9oi6S
Painterly Days, Woodland - amzn.to/2PRuHqo
Painterly Days, Pattern - amzn.to/2PM0YiB
Kristy's Summer Cutting Garden - amzn.to/2MGntHy
Kristy's Spring Cutting Garden - amzn.to/2BYqMVI
Kristy's Fall Cutting Garden - amzn.to/2LIyfrD
Kristy's Winter Cutting Garden - amzn.to/2wunkND
Kristy's Wedding Inspiration Book: The Painter's Wedding - amzn.to/2opWVfu
------------------------------------------------------------

[@jesscherry404]

I am 77 years. Since I met you, I am learning so much! I used to paint primarily with Dr Martins inks. Now you have encouraged me to try other kinds of mediums. Thanks! I am having a ball!

[@jojo4shosho]

Thank you for being so welcoming and providing a pretentious free space!

[@KristyRice]

You are so welcome!

[@tinak5765]

Thank you Kristy, so important to say “art doesn’t have right to have a function.” This takes away the performance pressure so the painter can simply enjoy the process. 👩🏻‍🎨

[@KristyRice]

Yesss! Thanks for watching! XO

[@thejameshoeve]

Hi Kristy, I love your channel and your positive attitude! I am 61, and am just beginning sketching and since finding your channel, I'm getting started with watercolor. You are a natural born teacher and motivator . Thank you. 😊

[@KristyRice]

Thank you SO much!! Thrilled you are here!!!

[@TheSadafmumtaz]

I just love how positive energy you have! I just can't stop smiling on the way you talk to us. More power to you dear Kristy!

[@KristyRice]

You are too kind! Cheers :)

[@janemckenzie6056]

This may be my favorite video yet! Opened my mind and allowed me to just "PLAY"!

[@luvkayakn]

I love these. I'm working 6/10s and these fun exercises are perfect for spending a little time just relaxing at the end of the day

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful!

[@kathyhanson172]

Kristy! I loved this particular lesson because I was at a point where I was getting tired of painting my flowers I’ve only been painting since February. So I did the bouquet and I did the shapes and I had so much fun thank you

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful!

[@susanpettit8751]

Why is it that I have just found you!!!! I LOVE your enthusiasm and your teaching. Thank you so much for putting out these tutorials. They are awesome!!! I need to figure out how to access your books next! Thank you again.

[@KristyRice]

Welcome welcome!!

[@PaperPensandCoffee]

I have been doodling over my paintings for years. love that there are others out there that do the same. high 5

[@sherriallard172]

I absolutely love the scraping technique for backgrounds for pen & ink and also the gift tag idea!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much!! Hope it brings you some joy when you try it!!

[@shelleyl497]

Beginner here. Not to art but to watercolor. This is a gem. Loved it. Yay

[@Krisstofers]

Like I said, ever since I met your channel, that I keep coming back to the basics, tear it back and rebuild... So, here I am again!!!

[@mbb8488]

Thanks, Kristy! So needed this after being thoroughly frustrated with my lack of skills yesterday.

[@KristyRice]

You got this! Just keep painting

[@pamellabinder6186]

Kristy you are ssssooo inspirational and always giving excellent and important instruction! I’ve learned more from you in 2 months of following your channel that the 20 years I’ve been painting. Thank you so much for sharing your multi talents ❤

[@KristyRice]

Wow what a humbling compliment!!

[@timeenuf4200]

Leaving with wonderment!!! - I felt even more inspired than ever. Thank you for this fun, quick, physical reminder that we are all creative. Imagine how many people try this and how many ga-zillions of different art forms are created. Thank you again Kristy.

[@KristyRice]

You’re welcome!😘

[@picklesnoutpenobscott3165]

Eeee! You, are my paint crush! Totally. Thank youuuuuuu.

[@KristyRice]

Thank YOU!!!

[@craftsinnot7794]

Thanks for this! This was fun! I’m new to watercolor. So anything will help me learn how to do this. 😊

[@juliebergacker5680]

Wow! How wonderful and so fun 👏👏👍💕💕

[@kmmara41]

I just found you; and I’m 3mins in. Love it, love your energy and just saying “Thanks, you!”

[@KristyRice]

Welcome!!

[@mechiel_7]

I just typed watercolor in the search. And i just clicked on you. Ur amazing!!! I subscribed

[@KristyRice]

Wow so glad you found us here! Welcome!

[@nosebleedseats3788]

What have you done to me.... FRIEND?! Just copped the Art of Soil pallet, the one you have... AND your brushes ARRIVED today! Going to do my *assignment* here in an hour. I like to use my tablet and go along with you.... toooooooo freakin' excited!!! I love what you've done to me :)

[@KristyRice]

Happy to help? Lol!!!

[@martinitang]

Ooooooh, fun fun fun❤

[@paulasingleton1610]

I LOVE watching your videos! I just started a month ago and I am in LOVE. I have ADHD and I rarely stick to anything longer than a couple of weeks, but watercolor just makes me happy! Your videos make me happy to watch! I just love them. 😊

[@KristyRice]

How’s it going??

[@carolbantegui2193]

Thank you! I love the way you paint!!! You really are enjoying doing your art!!!

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much 😀

[@victoriasebanz281]

watercolor is all about surrender....yummmm!

[@KristyRice]

😘😘😘

[@reneelanier3475]

The joy of watercolor is just being able to play with beautiful colors! We don’t need to paint something, we need to play!!!! I adore abstract watercolor way more than painting a formal sketch.

[@KristyRice]

Yes yes yes!!!

[@bridgetthauert5518]

I am going to do this with my six year old granddaughter! Looks so fun!

[@KristyRice]

Have fun!

[@wildflower1397]

I am 30 seconds in, and already inspired, lol.

[@pamelaroderick6588]

you are so cool!!! love how you teach!!! i started on a fluke when i retired and i’m in love with watercolor

[@KristyRice]

That is awesome!

[@art_nulfo]

Hi. Just found your channel and tbh I feel relieved because I'm new to watercolor painting and the fact that my first two paintings so far was good but eventually my next one turned mess into my eyes but when I watched some of your videos it changed with positivity and I see my latest painting now as "expressive" and "honest". Thank you for sharing your optimism. I will continue painting. 😊

[@KristyRice]

So glad you’re here and yes indeed keep painting :)

[@deborahpaulin1188]

That's about the highest compliment a teacher can receive! ❤❤😊 I felt the same.

[@grandmak1860]

Yes, yes, yes! PLAY every chance you can! Art opens us up to receive! Thanks for the reminder and keep being you Kristy!

[@KristyRice]

Yes! Thank you!

[@Weissguys6]

I put my watercolors away before Christmas and haven’t got them back out yet. And then I watched you today……. ❤️

[@Weissguys6]

Ohhhhh no, just finished watching. Now I NEED ink!! 😂😂😂 Apologies in advance to my hubby. ❤️😂

[@KristyRice]

Well get them back out!!! Wahoooo!!

[@wandaeades7274]

Rainy bad day. I'm mixing colors on paper! What fun! I played today!

[@KristyRice]

Wahoo!!!

[@ricncat62]

I am brand new to watercolors actually I am brand new to painting and I love your videos and keep looking for more from you

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much 😀

[@carolrawson9118]

I’m a watercolour virgin and I am absolutely loving your videos ❤😊

[@Alleellaa]

I feel like we can all benefit from the advice "making art for Art Sake!" So often we get in our own way and lose the inspiration to create because we allow ourselves to get bogged down in the spiral of indecision/perfection/overthinking. Thanks for the reminder. If you can't tell by my novelistic comments, I really enjoyed your content. Thank you!

[@kerri-mignon1196]

Omg! Love you. Always wished I had art talent. Growing up was only pushed and encouraged to be left brain. Wasn't even allowed to take photography classes... Now I'm older and can do what I want. Yes, I've done a lot of photography, pretty good if I do say so myself, but now been taking plunge into water color. First abstract, cuz doubted my abilities, but lately, discovered that maybe I don't suck. I don't follow rules (total errant). I've been fixated on discovered the truth of life, the universe and eveything (the answer is...42. I think) I've discovered that painting and creating is actually really helpful when falling down the rabbit hole. When my right brain allowed to do its thing, dots connect like crazy. And my skills actually seem to be increasing. I've always been hypercritical of myself. It's a big deal for me to be able to admit that. :-) It's a form of meditation. A type of visualization. We create our reality and artist expression is a phenomenal way to connect to our Creator. At least that's what I've experienced. Love and light to all

[@williammichael2156]

That's me too X love you X

[@DeborahOlander]

I appreciate your message and love that your studio looks like mine. Thank you

[@KristyRice]

You are so welcome!

[@SatyaPerry-fp6lx]

Thank you Kristy. You are such an inspiration through this very essential art skill especially to a nit so confident beginner like me. Satya

[@patlatour2465]

Oh my I have to get me some gesso and ink I’m going to have so much fun painting ❤ I will try with pan paints and white gouache thankyou for these ideas I can see adding some of these into my scrapbooking pages. 😊 so much JOY.

[@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsPals]

I'm officially a huge fan! Going to get your books, pallets 🎨 and brushes! 😊I'm going to treat myself. I'm going to watch all your videos on watercolor paper, best paints, and whatever else! You are bringing back happy memories me my supplies & my art lab. 😊 I gotta get back to that mindset. I'm loving your original art rhetoric. Juicy is a great word to describe paints! 😂 What a fun teacher ❤

[@janettepolt2815]

Thank you so, so, much for helping me.

[@mrs.z605]

Ive been watching your videos for a short while now, how am i just now seeing these super helpful and FUN exercises??? Going to do these right now!! Thank you!!! Fun fun fun ❣️❣️❣️

[@dianemcdonald3900]

Very fun!

[@user-oj8ki6xk3d]

I watched your cotton paper video. I bought Gencraft almost a year ago due to a promotion, and I love it

[@KristyRice]

Awesome

[@justanotherti4790]

Thank you so much for these exercises. I am going to try one.

[@CrashsCreativeChaos]

Absolutely LOVED this!

[@KristyRice]

Thanks so much!

[@ruthedwards9642]

I’m loving watching you have fun!!! I can’t wait to try these fun exercises! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@katewalton6350]

Love, love, love this ! So satisfying! Thx.

[@KristyRice]

So glad!

[@MishWoon]

Love “no rules”….takes so much pressure off beginners like me 💕

[@KristyRice]

So glad!

[@williammichael2156]

Me too X

[@Lacroix999]

When you started to draw the flower, my head just screamed “use a silver pen!!” Because for some reason I just thought that would have looked super cool on the pinks!

[@TracyLCrawford]

Love your videos- watched three this morning, and I'll remember. But the Montessori teacher in me has to comment. If you start from the top left of your circle, you can go all the way around without picking up you pencil.

[@rosangelaneff4528]

I believe that I was looking for you to help me out w/ my little skill.You did and I love and enjoy my what I learned w/ you.Thanks

[@g.pastore2358]

You are absolutely the best 😘Thank you so much! 🖌️🎨

[@KristyRice]

Thank you so much 😀

[@joburrow9863]

Thank you Kristy! I never know what to paint….so, many times I just start with blobs/puddles of coordinating colors. Then I might draw over the colors to make a picture. I love all of your exercises. I also love metallics in water color.

[@KristyRice]

Ahh yes you get it!!

[@rainforme1850]

I smile when I hear ur play in ur fun and phrasing of words. You remind me of the children I used to work with and Headstart which is a program for 3 to 5 year olds that come from low income homes. We would put out art supplies and we never had to tell children how to use them. I do have a question, however I need a little more detail about the ink because I’m so new to art. Thank you for posting this because now I’m gonna do more than try I’m actually going to open up my watercolors

[@KristyRice]

I use liquid watercolor and Dr Ph Martin’s inks. Both act similarly on paper :)

[@MrsBarnabas]

Thank you, Kristy. :)

[@KristyRice]

You’re very welcome!

[@treybeedee6177]

I’ve only been watercoloring for about 3 weeks and im already wanting to get a lot of different palettes. I’m glad you have a hard time coming up with stuff to paint. Right now I’ve been making greeting cards that have turned out pretty good. I have to say I’ve always been nervous about watercolor because I’ve always been an acrylic painter. Ive sold many painted rocks, i dont think u can watercolor on rocks . 🙄❤️

[@robertweinblatt2018]

That ink is SICK SICK SICK

[@KristyRice]

Oh my, thank you!

[@cindyriesenberg7035]

I’m so glad I found you. You have inspired this frustrated wanna be artist to be adventurous. I’m ready to try again. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@KristyRice]

Welcome!!! Cheers :)

[@wendyfisher5488]

I love love love the scraping, Kristy! Love your personality! You made my day! Binge watching your videos. Thanks for the tips!

[@s.d.atkinson5986]

Wow, I just found your channel. I am totally an A type artist. I haven’t done anything for several years. I was in tears when you said, just have fun! No rules, just enjoy the process. Thank you so much for giving me permission to just have fun.🥰

[@KristyRice]

Welcome to you!!! So glad to have you :)

[@sharronwood3639]

Love this!

[@cherylbrewer5194]

Omg, that was fun!

[@KristyRice]

Thanks!

[@joeystoycity3140]

I’m totally obsessed with ur watercolor classes thank you so much

[@KristyRice]

You’re welcome!

[@sallieturner8771]

Thank you Kristy. Love your teaching method and affirming it's ok to mess up. Being a type A those words soothed my heart and soul. Keep on teaching!!!!!

[@KristyRice]

I will! And thank you!!

[@terriphillips6971]

This was so freeing, and it absolutely sparks joy for me! Thank you!!!

[@KristyRice]

You're so welcome!

[@darschoenrock4057]

Awesome exercise1. I am going to try doing this.😘

[@robertweinblatt2018]

I nearly passed out when you pulled through those puddles🥰🥰🥰😜🤪😁😘👍🏻

[@KristyRice]

😁

[@karismify]

Witnessing your joy makes me cry so hard.. wish I felt that way but... [critical thoughts]. Haven't been able to make it through an entire video yet because of that but I admire the way you model positive self talk. You say "compliment yourself" and I'm like 😭😭😭

[@KristyRice]

😢

[@lorettawatkins5024]

Kristie, I love you happy approach to art...thank you for the inspiration!

[@KristyRice]

You’re very welcome!

[@vickineifeld405]

You are my best ! So motivating, fun and inspirational.

[@susanH1986]

Thank you for this fun play idea! 👍👍❤️

[@susanknuppe8099]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!!!

[@KristyRice]

Yay yay yay glad to hear it!

[@aagell6858]

So encouraging and fun! Just what I needed! Thank you!!!

[@KristyRice]

You're welcome!

[@milena_z_whales]

I LOVE these! So easy just start… I know I end up getting more creative once I start… but starting is often hard. Thank you for this 💙

[@KristyRice]

You can do it!

[@evelynr7174]

Love this video Kristy, been playing with these ideas for couple hours, so fun, thanks for being such an inspiration!

[@KristyRice]

Ohhh I’m so glad!! Wonderful!

[@1234dvarela]

Thank You! Very helpful.

[@ritaobrien9093]

Fun! Thanks, I'm going to try them!

[@KristyRice]

Have fun!

[@jonnaortega5978]

You are my new hero😁

[@KristyRice]

Omg thanks!

[@susanac6851]

Thank you for reminding me it's about having fun! My painting attempts don't have to be utilitarian either. I have now found I have no reason to say I can't think of anything to paint!! Thank you. Now I am going to have fun!

[@KristyRice]

Yes yes go!

[@treybeedee6177]

You do teach painting watercolor like no other!!! AND I LOVE YOU FOR IT❣️❣️❣️❣️ your my favorite ❣️❣️

[@KristyRice]

Wow, thank you!

[@cynthiawelsh3299]

You’re so awesome! Thanks for just being the best 👏

[@somebody7311]

The only function my art has is my pleasure, I had a stroke a couple of months ago and decided after 20 years to start painting again. I soon realised that I wanted to do loose painting I find it so satisfying I do not follow any rules anything goes. The compliments received and asked how did you do that surprised most people. The best thing is I am making a very good recovery. Found your channel a couple of weeks ago. Now I have many more Avenues to explore. Thank you so much. 😍

[@KristyRice]

Wonderful to hear! I’m honored to be a small part of your recovery! XO

[@lisajanify]

I love this so much! Thank you.

[@KristyRice]

Glad you like it!

[@JacquelineJax]

Your book looks amazing. You obviously spend a ton of time on it

[@KristyRice]

I do :)

[@loriannferraioli2698]

Love these ideas. Thank you.

[@KristyRice]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@reneelanier3475]

You totally speak my watercolor language!!!!!!!!!! Play, break the rules!

[@KristyRice]

Yaaaaassss!

[@Alleellaa]

Create and DESTROY! (Last exercise): I tried a similar technique for art therapy, and yes!! It's scary at first! You're like "wait I just spent time on this why would I destroy it!?" But after going through with the destruction, I was inspired again to utilize the new material from the deconstructed art. I learned so much from it! Follow your intuition, don't allow fear to dictate the creation process, destruction is fun and inspirational! And as creatives, creating and destroying is what we do, so embrace it!!

[@marysharp9635]

always a delight to watch to break those boundaries Kristy ❤🎉❤

[@annangel4828]

Such fun, just playing! After scrolling through yt videos and pinterest and unsplash, I just surrendered. I rarely just play/experiment. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@KristyRice]

You bet!!

[@beckymendoza8894]

I’m so glad I came across you! I just love the way you are so enthusiastic on teaching us 🌺So far I’m learning so much from one video! 👍🏼

[@KristyRice]

I'm so glad!

[@annp4756]

This was fantastic, Kristy. I can't wait to make my paint "play and dance".

[@KristyRice]

So glad you enjoyed this!!

[@keariewashburn4680]

I'm doing these today!😊😃 just gotta do it!🤗 thank you Kristy 💗

[@KristyRice]

You got this!

[@erinnfitzgerald6257]

LOVE this, thank you 🙏

[@KristyRice]

You’re welcome!!

[@stephaniegrier8379]

Amazing 👏🏽 I love it!

[@cheriew1428]

Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your time and talent! I just bought your book, can hardly wait for it to arrive! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@KristyRice]

Thank you!! Hope you’re loving the book!!

[@karenkuschel1748]

This screams FUN! 😍

[@KristyRice]

I think so! Thanks!

[@brookerohleder6769]

I am going to use these exercises into backgrounds for my cardmaking...I am so thrilled I found this video today July 2022. ❤️

[@KristyRice]

I’m glad you did!