Starting with watercolors can be an exciting journey! Here are some subjects you can start with to get comfortable with the medium:

Simple Landscapes: Begin with basic landscapes like a serene lake, a rolling hill, or a solitary tree. Landscapes often provide ample opportunities to practice blending colors and creating depth.
Flowers and Plants: Flowers and plants offer a variety of shapes, textures, and colors to experiment with. Start with simple blooms like roses or daisies, and gradually move on to more complex flowers and foliage.
Fruit and Vegetables: Still life paintings of fruit and vegetables can help you practice capturing light, shadow, and texture. Start with easily recognizable fruits like apples, oranges, or bananas.
Seascapes: Seascapes allow you to explore the interplay of water, sky, and land. Begin with a simple beach scene or a distant horizon line and gradually incorporate more elements like waves and rocks.
Animals: Simple animals such as birds, butterflies, or fish can be great subjects for watercolor paintings. Focus on capturing their shapes and movements with loose, flowing brushstrokes.
Skies and Clouds: Practice painting different types of clouds against a gradient sky. Experiment with various techniques to create soft, fluffy clouds or dramatic stormy skies.
Buildings and Architecture: Start with simple structures like houses or barns before moving on to more complex buildings. Pay attention to perspective and the play of light and shadow on architectural details.
Portraits: Begin with simple portraits or self-portraits to practice capturing facial features and expressions. You can also experiment with painting portraits in different lighting conditions to understand how light affects form.
Abstract Art: Let go of realism and experiment with abstract watercolor paintings. Play with shapes, colors, and textures to create unique compositions that express emotions or ideas.
Your Surroundings: Take inspiration from your everyday surroundings, whether it's your workspace, a corner of your room, or a view from your window. Look for interesting compositions and details to paint.

Remember to start with simple subjects and gradually challenge yourself as you become more comfortable with the medium. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – they're all part of the learning process! Experiment with different techniques, colors, and brushstrokes to develop your own unique style.

Ala Lopatniov

Illustrator & Watercolorist

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