I’ve been enjoying my new watercolor hobby, since posting to that time-lapse video I found so inspiring. It’s only been about a month since I started, during which I’ve probably painted four times, but I’m proud of how I’m progressing. I’ve missed making art, even if I’m just painting what amount to cute spot illustrations.
I’ve been experimenting with different paints (tubes vs. pans, student grade versus professional quality), and I’m still finding what I like. You know what turned out to be great though? The inexpensive 36-color watercolor palette I had initially picked up on a whim at Michael’s. I’ve heard from more seasoned watercolor artists that they love it too!
Want to give it a go for yourself? I went back and bought five more palettes, along with some better quality paintbrushes (don’t bother with the one it comes with) to give away to five readers. I also bought five Moleskine Watercolor Notebooks
(I painted this illustration of the prize using only watercolors from that 36-color palette.)
This giveaway is open to everyone, worldwide. Just leave a comment below by midnight CST, Monday, January 27 to enter. After the giveaway ends, I’ll randomly draw five winners and ship off a palette, brush, and sketchbook to each. It’s a small way to share a little bit of what’s making me happy these days!
Katheryn Stanford
January 21, 2014 at 9:32 amYou inspire creativity…thanks for such a neat giveaway!
Marlene
January 21, 2014 at 9:32 amI’d love this! Haven’t watercolored since college!
Megan
January 21, 2014 at 9:32 amYour paintings are lovely and you have a great eye. This would be a fun hobby to pick up.
Megan D.
January 21, 2014 at 9:32 amWhat a great opportunity to get into painting! :)
Hannah
January 21, 2014 at 9:33 amI’ve been really inspired by your recent forays into painting. Maybe I’ll give painting a go!
Esha
January 21, 2014 at 9:33 amWhat a sweet giveaway!
Emily
January 21, 2014 at 9:34 amYou never fail to inspire me! Love your ideas! I’m on a strict budget and these may be just the ticket to throw me back into something I loved doing as a little girl ;)
Julia
January 21, 2014 at 9:34 amI´m not really into painting, but when I see your artworks I instantly want to start with it. Looks super nice! Thank you for sharing your happiness with us :)
Meredith
January 21, 2014 at 9:34 amI’ve been doing The Artist’s Way for my new years resolution with Alli from Wardrobe Oxygen. It has made me want to grab my paints and start back up with painting. If I don’t win – I’ll have to just go out and grab a set for myself. I’m bookmarking this page to remind myself.
Your pictures are beautiful as well! You have a fantastic eye!
Jordan Forbes
January 21, 2014 at 9:35 amWhat a lovely giveaway! I’ve never painted with water colors, only acrylics. I’d love to give it a try, though!
Kate Kinder
January 21, 2014 at 9:35 amAs an artist and crafter I am always looking for fun supplies. What a fun giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity. :)
Robin (noteverstill)
January 21, 2014 at 9:35 amHow lovely of you!
Rschel Clark
January 21, 2014 at 9:35 amThis is just the thing to get my creative juices flowing after a crazy Monday!
Jessica
January 21, 2014 at 9:35 amHow Awesome of you to share! Painting is so relaxing. You are so talented! Crossing my fingers to win!!
Beverley
January 21, 2014 at 9:36 amIt’s January in Canada and things are a wee bit cold (-25 or so..) and I could use some new art supplies while staying warm inside.
Emily
January 21, 2014 at 9:36 amI used to watercolor in college, and I miss it. I could definitely use a little creative outlet. Your little sketches look beautiful. Glad you’re getting back into it.
cynthia
January 21, 2014 at 9:36 amLooks great!!
Katie Miller
January 21, 2014 at 9:36 amWhat a great giveaway! I would love to learn how to watercolor :)
Stacy
January 21, 2014 at 9:37 amI would love to win your lovely prize! =)
Olivia
January 21, 2014 at 9:37 amWow, your paintings are lovely! Mine will definitely be “abstract” ha!
Kel
January 21, 2014 at 9:37 amthis would be a great excuse to get back into watercolors
Elisabeth
January 21, 2014 at 9:37 amThis is so sweet and thoughtful! So great to take time to share joy!!! Thank you :)
Mel
January 21, 2014 at 9:37 amPaints for my own. I could pretend to be an artist, while I learn how to be an artist.
Heather
January 21, 2014 at 9:38 amYour little illustrations are lovely! Thanks for inspiring us.
Elena
January 21, 2014 at 9:38 amYou are such a source of inspiration. I would love to start painting again.
Thank you for a great giveaway.
vanessa joie
January 21, 2014 at 9:38 amwhat a lovely giveaway. I’ve always loved water colors and would love to give it a go!
Ciara NiMhathuna
January 21, 2014 at 9:38 amOOh – just sorted reduced hours with work :) Would definitely love to get back to painting and crafting with my new found hours in the day (presumably the kids will allow!!)
Beth
January 21, 2014 at 9:39 amThis is so fun! :) Thank you so much!
Whitney Gowin
January 21, 2014 at 9:39 amI would absolutely love to win this! Just a day ago I asked my husband to get me a water color palette and sketchbook for valentines or Mother’s Day. Winning this would take the burden of shopping away for him. ;)
Diana
January 21, 2014 at 9:39 amIt’s been a while since last time I used watercolors, such a relaxing hobby, I should get back to it.
Sharon Flasche
January 21, 2014 at 9:40 amI would love to get back into art as well. Seems like this kind of thing goes by the wayside when family starts.
Marla Stills
January 21, 2014 at 9:40 amI have been painting with acrylics but would love to experiment with watercolors. Thanks for thinking up a fun giveaway!
Josefina Marambio
January 21, 2014 at 9:41 amWow, I just started painting with watercolors a couple of weeks ago and I’m happy, just like you. I would love to win this pack, as for now I’m just using pencils that are diluted with water and concentrated watercolor tubes (not sure what they are called lol).
I hope I get lucky!
Thank you and I admire your work!
<3
Josefina
Elisabeth
January 21, 2014 at 9:41 amI think I’ve just discovered my next goal/challenge!
Vickie D.
January 21, 2014 at 9:41 amSo generous of you, I would like to win and give it a try!
Kendall
January 21, 2014 at 9:41 amThis looks fun! I miss painting so much. Not sure why I stopped really. Perfect reminder to start again.
Alicia
January 21, 2014 at 9:42 amWhat a creative and thoughtful giveaway! Your illustrations are lovely, too! :)
Regan
January 21, 2014 at 9:42 amHow exciting! Your watercolor creations are so pretty. Thanks for sharing your lovely new hobby!
amy
January 21, 2014 at 9:42 amSweet! I have been curious about experimenting with watercolors lately, too! I guess I need to watch a video on ‘how to’ … or just go with it!?
Paula
January 21, 2014 at 9:42 amWhat an amazing and beautiful way to journal. And so vivid. Thanks for sharing your gifts. <3
Jenni
January 21, 2014 at 9:42 amWhat a great little kit! I would love to learn to paint like you!
Amy
January 21, 2014 at 9:42 amI could use a new hobby. Thanks for the giveaway.
Anita
January 21, 2014 at 9:42 amI would love to give watercolor painting a whirl- looks very relaxing!
Kara
January 21, 2014 at 9:43 amI would LOVE to win this! You’ve inspired me lately to get back into painting, and bedrest gives me plenty of time to paint things for sweet baby P!
pat
January 21, 2014 at 9:43 amI love your creative mind! A very long time ago before my 4 children and 14 grandchildren I painted with watercolors and loved how the colors flowed together! You’ve inspired my desire to paint again thank you!
Caitlin
January 21, 2014 at 9:43 amSo cute! Handy and portable :) thanks!
Mary
January 21, 2014 at 9:43 amOoh I’ve always wanted to give watercolors a try! Thanks for the giveaway!
cheryl
January 21, 2014 at 9:43 amLove this giveaway! Thanks!
Ilse den Besten
January 21, 2014 at 9:44 amSo sweet of you to think of this and buy the items for a giveaway yourself!
I would love to win one of these sets! I allready paint on the regular but with acrylics and oilpaint.
I am studying industrial design and your couch paintings above inspired me to maby use watercolours for the presentation of some designs!
Dianita
January 21, 2014 at 9:44 amGreat giveaway!!
Kelly
January 21, 2014 at 9:44 amLooks like fun!
Katie
January 21, 2014 at 9:45 amWhat a great giveaway! I’d love to give it a go.
Kricia
January 21, 2014 at 9:45 amSo inspiring! Would LOVE to have a set of this! I have stopped painting since uni days (donated all the supplies away) and I gotta get the mojo back this year!
Amanda
January 21, 2014 at 9:45 amOoo, cool!
Amalia
January 21, 2014 at 9:45 amI would love to win this for my mom, she absolutely love spending her free time just being creative and I know she would love this!! Much love, all the way from South Africa!!
Sara Q
January 21, 2014 at 9:45 amLove all of your illustrations! Such agreat giveaway!!!
Elizabeth
January 21, 2014 at 9:46 amSo Neat! Looks like fun!
Ashley W
January 21, 2014 at 9:46 amI’ve been loving painting lately too! I also get all of my paints from Michaels- right now I am experimenting with gouache although I would love to try water colors!
Meegan
January 21, 2014 at 9:47 amI have been wanting to try my hand at watercolor. This would give me the perfect reason to dive in!
Jen H.
January 21, 2014 at 9:48 amSo awesome! This would be the perfect kick in the pants for me to get back into art too. :)
Kat
January 21, 2014 at 9:48 amThis looks great!
Janis
January 21, 2014 at 9:48 amGreat timing! Just getting my studio space organized and will have a good spot to start making art again.
Amy Kelly
January 21, 2014 at 9:49 amI’ve really loved seeing what paintings you’ve come up with. They are so simple yet lovely and I find your excitement with rediscovering your talent very inspiriting. I loved to paint in high school and early college, but it’s been at least 8 years now since I’ve painted anything. I’ve always favored the look of watercolors and your posts have been tempted to pick up some supplies to jump back in.
amanda
January 21, 2014 at 9:49 amLooks wonderful!
Haley J.
January 21, 2014 at 9:49 amI love this! I’ve been working on learning to paint with watercolors, and this would be so fun!
Christina
January 21, 2014 at 9:51 amI would love to get in to painting! The watercolor sketch books sound great.
tricia w.
January 21, 2014 at 9:51 amI used to love painting with watercolors. You’ve inspired me to pick up a brush once more.
Ashley @GirlyObsessions
January 21, 2014 at 9:51 amYour posts have inspired me to pick up a paintbrush again, which I haven’t done since my days in college (where I studied design but also took fine arts classes). I love to draw and I think I am a better drawer than painter, because I can be more precise. But, I love watercolors, even though I’ve always mentally struggled with the more free form quality of the medium! I’ve really enjoyed seeing your progress, so thanks for the inspiration!!
krista farrell
January 21, 2014 at 9:52 amOh! I love your paintings and LOVE watercolors!!!
Forrest
January 21, 2014 at 9:52 amGreat giveaway! I’d love to win!
Mary
January 21, 2014 at 9:54 amWhat a creative giveaway… thanks for the opportunity!
Gina
January 21, 2014 at 9:54 amIn high school I used to love painting with water colors. All of my friends thought I was crazy because they thought it was too hard. I have been wanting to get back into it recently, but have needed a bit of a push to get supplies.
Amelia
January 21, 2014 at 9:54 amSo fun! I’ve been meaning to check out that video, and pick up a brush!
Marie
January 21, 2014 at 9:54 amPAINTING = AWESOME!
Aimee
January 21, 2014 at 9:55 amMy brother does beautiful watercolor art, I’ve never tried it and his work has made me really want to try! This giveaway is perfectly timed – fingers crossed on both hands .
Heartartz
January 21, 2014 at 9:55 amSuch a lovely idea!
Thank you!
I read a blog…called Tiny Buddha. I receive a daily email from them.
Yesterday’s topic was about taking 15 minutes a day to make art.
The article is So true!
Here is the link
http://archive.feedblitz.com/850672/~4708526/32511460/deb8fe166dee0a7867e7a6f73f0700d1
Teresa
January 21, 2014 at 9:55 amLoving your little illustrations, so inspiring! Never really worked with watercolors, gonna have to try! :)
meg
January 21, 2014 at 9:56 ami love this! Watercolor is the hardest medium for me, i’d love to get better at it!
Tricia
January 21, 2014 at 9:56 amBeautiful work. I would love this for my daughter.
Jamie
January 21, 2014 at 9:56 amThis looks like fun and a totally manageable mess in my small apartment. And even if I don’t get the giveaway it’s nice to know it’s pretty affordable to jump in.
Amie
January 21, 2014 at 9:57 amVery generous of you, darling! You have piqued my interest in watercolours. I would love to try my hand at it. This would be a great starter kit.
jane
January 21, 2014 at 9:57 amlove love love your paintings! *fingers crossed*
Katharine
January 21, 2014 at 9:58 am36 colors would be such an upgrade from my little half-pan!
Stefanie Rico
January 21, 2014 at 9:58 amThe gift of creativity! How wonderful and lovely!
Tracey Contreras
January 21, 2014 at 9:58 amWatercolor painting seems like such a fun activity! I would love to try it out.
Allison Z.
January 21, 2014 at 9:58 amSuper fun! I would love to try watercolor!
Mollie
January 21, 2014 at 9:58 amI use my student’s watercolor paints all the time! This would be a fun surprise birthday gift for me :)
Thank you so much for offering this prize. That is so nice!
Lisa
January 21, 2014 at 10:00 amGreat job with the watercolors. Glad you’re finding joy wiht your new hobby
SashaK
January 21, 2014 at 10:00 amI’d love to get back to painting!
Brit
January 21, 2014 at 10:00 amSo fun! I’ve been wanting to dabble in watercolors, so this would be the perfect way to start.
Meg
January 21, 2014 at 10:01 amI was so inspired by that video, too! I’d love some supplies to get started with.
Cindy Wick
January 21, 2014 at 10:01 amI’m getting into watercolor too! After many years using other mediums I’m finding it refreshing. Love yours :)
Nicole Stillwell
January 21, 2014 at 10:02 amThese watercolors are just lovely!!!!
leah
January 21, 2014 at 10:03 amlooks beautiful, you are doing great! i would love to try this :)
Elise
January 21, 2014 at 10:03 amNicole, thanks so much for posting about your watercolors – I know you’ll get a lot of comments on this post, but I wanted to let you know that your original post (or instagram maybe?) about just going to Michaels and picking up some watercolor supplies and sitting down and just DOING IT because you enjoy it, really inspired me! I picked up a paintbrush a couple weeks ago too (for the first time) and watercolors are so much fun to play with! I’ve felt relaxed, inspired, and just happy when I’m painting. Thank you so much for the inspiration, and of course I hope you keep posting pictures of your paintings – they’re really beautiful!
cathyv
January 21, 2014 at 10:03 amI would love to win this. Great giveaway.
erin k
January 21, 2014 at 10:03 amLove this! Best giveaway ever!
Sarah
January 21, 2014 at 10:04 amWhat a great giveaway! It’s fun to revisit crafty hobbies from your past, isn’t it?
Theresa Klaiber
January 21, 2014 at 10:04 amI love all kinds of paint! Cool give away for my stash!
Nita Keesling
January 21, 2014 at 10:04 amYay watercolors! Thanks Nicole!!