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!
Stefani
January 22, 2014 at 10:41 amLove your paintings! It’s definitely nice to just *make* something from time to time.
Maddie
January 22, 2014 at 10:52 amwould love this! :)
jeska m.
January 22, 2014 at 11:00 amwould love to have this! :)
Katie
January 22, 2014 at 11:08 amHow fun!
Natalia
January 22, 2014 at 11:21 amHola! I think your watercolor drawings are lovely!
Jenny A.
January 22, 2014 at 11:26 amI need a creative outlet. I’ve never been very artistically inclined but maybe I need to try again.
Geneviève
January 22, 2014 at 11:32 amThat is so nice of you to do a giveaway like this! I would certainly like to try watercolor with a gift like that :)
Hillary L.
January 22, 2014 at 11:36 amI just started painting with watercolors last year and I absolutely love it! so relaxing. thanks for sharing the joy :)
Sonja
January 22, 2014 at 11:40 amThis would be a great way to make some artwork for the house!
Sara
January 22, 2014 at 11:49 amYour posts continue to inspire and motivate me. You help me get creative each and every day. I never miss a beat to check out this blog and that a little good and a little love can go a long way in helping or inspiring someone’s life. In a life that is easy to get caught up in ourselves or those around us, I feel that everyday that I can and will make a difference and that painting is how I express it. So I will try to win this palette. Bless you, Nicole, and may I and many others succeed in showing off our blessings and inspirations and kindness and positivity to all.
Molly Gwen
January 22, 2014 at 11:49 amWhat a wonderful giveaway! And kudos to you for it being self-sponsored! One of my resolutions for 2014 is to get back into my hobbies – such as painting – and to create pieces that can be hung in my apartment.
Rachel
January 22, 2014 at 11:51 amYou must be super talented :) I’ve been trying watercolor too but I’m not there yet :/ Oh! I must just need to win this giveaway!
Rachel F
January 22, 2014 at 11:55 amI’d love to win this. I need to get back to creating.
Liz
January 22, 2014 at 12:09 pmI’ve been missing making art lately, too! I love that you’ve found a new hobby that is easily accessible to everyone.
BRIDGET BYRD
January 22, 2014 at 12:14 pmIT IS ALWAYS SO GOOD TO HAVE A NEW CREATIVE OUTLET…IT FEEDS THE SOUL!
Kathy
January 22, 2014 at 12:26 pmThis would be super fun to use with my boys. Thanks!
Imogen
January 22, 2014 at 12:32 pmBeautiful paintings.
Melissa T
January 22, 2014 at 12:32 pmBeautiful art! Would love to make some of my own.
victoria
January 22, 2014 at 12:53 pmWatercoloring is so relaxing and fun, I bought a new sketch book last month hoping to find some free time to start again-you definitely have some natural talent!
Erica M.
January 22, 2014 at 12:59 pmI’ve been pairing old/neon hotel signs in watercolor for the last year or so, I love it!
Erica M.
January 22, 2014 at 12:59 pmOops, PAINTING!
Amber
January 22, 2014 at 1:01 pmFingers crossed!
Brittany Fulton
January 22, 2014 at 1:02 pmThis would be so much fun! I’ve painted with oil paints but haven’t tried watercolors yet.
Barbara
January 22, 2014 at 1:16 pmWould love to have one. I wonder if my daughter (also named Eleanor) would be old enough to get water colors…
Angie G.
January 22, 2014 at 1:35 pmI love your paintings! I think I would enjoy trying to use the watercolors. Thank you for the chance to win!
Valerie
January 22, 2014 at 1:35 pmHi Nicole!
I’m envious of your artistic talents! I am not quite as endowed, but I would love to give watercolor a chance! I can draw abstract shapes and call it art! :-) Thanks for the inspiration and the give away!
Jeanne
January 22, 2014 at 1:35 pmI would love this! I need a life pick-me-up right now. :-)
Gena
January 22, 2014 at 1:42 pmI would love to try my hand at watercolor!
Meredith King
January 22, 2014 at 1:53 pmWhat a fantastic giveaway! Watercolors are my favorite :)
Janna
January 22, 2014 at 1:58 pmThis is so nice. I need to get back into art. I used to be pretty good!
Janna
January 22, 2014 at 1:58 pmPS. I love your painting of the tree in the orange pot! That’s one to frame! :)
Andrea
January 22, 2014 at 2:05 pmDoubt I’d be able to make anything as pretty but I’d love to try my hand at water colors too. Great giveaway!
Joyce
January 22, 2014 at 2:06 pmI just got back into watercolor and appreciate your sharing!
Ricardo - Brasil
January 22, 2014 at 2:13 pmLovely work!
Lesley | Artsy Forager
January 22, 2014 at 2:28 pmLove seeing so many people embracing their creativity and trying new artistic ventures this year! Your watercolors are incredibly charming, will be fun to continue to watch your progress!
Meagan Bryant
January 22, 2014 at 2:28 pmWould so love this :) Beautiful way to share some happy!
Lora Brown
January 22, 2014 at 2:31 pmGreat idea! Thank you for sharing, I would love this.
Shannon
January 22, 2014 at 2:31 pmI’ve never been the master of watercolors, but would love to have the chance :)
Amy Z.
January 22, 2014 at 2:37 pmLove your watercolor flowers! I’m crossing my fingers :)
Nell Krams
January 22, 2014 at 2:45 pmStarting February 1st I will be starting a watercolor painting a day challenge …. Your give-away would be perfect to help me along!! Here’s hoping !! Love your sharing idea!!
Elaine
January 22, 2014 at 3:09 pmThanks so much for posting that time lapse video. I’ve been captivated by watercolors since. However since I don’t really know how to draw yet, I figured I’d start with that first. Better to learn how to walk before I run! But I know I’ll be watercoloring someday.
Sue Church
January 22, 2014 at 3:14 pmI am visiting St John and just started drawing and painting again after 45 years. I see everything from a new perspective. Thank you for sharing your insights.
allison
January 22, 2014 at 3:14 pmwhat an inspiring giveaway! id lvoe to paint some beach scenes :)
Nicole
January 22, 2014 at 3:17 pmThis would be a great addition to my art collection! The palette looks lovely.
Susannah B
January 22, 2014 at 3:47 pmLovely! Sometimes it’s just nice to do something different for a change, isn’t it? I love opportunities to get off my computer and use my hands to make!
liza
January 22, 2014 at 3:57 pmI’d love to win. Awesome giveaway!
Narelle
January 22, 2014 at 4:14 pmI haven’t had one since I was a kid, suddenly realising what I’ve been missing..
Sam
January 22, 2014 at 4:38 pmIt’s inspiring to see a busy working mum carve out a little bit of time to focus on making art. Gives me hope!
Blythe
January 22, 2014 at 4:42 pmI’ve loved seeing what you’ve been painting. I’d like to give it a go too!
Jacqui Sample
January 22, 2014 at 4:55 pmI was quite mesmerized by the video, watching the evolution. I would love a set of these paints!
Lacy
January 22, 2014 at 4:57 pmWatercolor painting looks like so much fun! Would love to try it out. Also, I love what you’ve created with your watercolors so far!
shannon
January 22, 2014 at 5:22 pmI love dabbling in watercolors, too! Love your paintings!
Michelle Langley
January 22, 2014 at 5:23 pmI love your watercolors! I primarily work in acrylic, but I enjoy a good watercolor now and then!
barb c
January 22, 2014 at 5:35 pmyour little paintings are a-ma-zing!
sheila
January 22, 2014 at 5:50 pmI just want to tell you -your fiddle leaf fig is so vividly beautiful! If only i can draw something remotely close…
Michelle
January 22, 2014 at 5:51 pmYour paintings inspire me and I really want bring art back into my life!
Amy H
January 22, 2014 at 6:02 pmI could put this to good use!
Ginnie
January 22, 2014 at 6:07 pmIt’s been years since I’ve worked with watercolors, but I’ve got the itch to pick it up again. I’d love to win this:)
Cruella
January 22, 2014 at 6:09 pmI find your blog so inspiring. I painted with acrylics when I was younger but am completely out of practice. It’s nice to see your progression in such a short time. I recently saw a watercolor collection done by 3 women who picked it up in retirement. There is something wonderful about watercolors. Between you and the retired ladies I hope to pick it up someday.
Rachel
January 22, 2014 at 6:15 pmThat video and your post has really made me want to try out watercolour!
tk
January 22, 2014 at 6:40 pmi definitely need to keep practicing my watercolors!
Autumn Adams
January 22, 2014 at 7:07 pmWow!, there are already 962 comments. A good give-away really draws a crowd. I love watercolor. I think the most important thing is a quality brush, or 10.
Shayna
January 22, 2014 at 7:09 pmI would like to be considered for your watercolour giveaway. Exploring new modes of creative expression has really made a difference in what has been a tough year for me. I have found that engaging in the visual arts with the intention of bringing my whole self to the process without being hung up on the product thereof has been a therapeutic and transformative practice. I appreciate your consideration!
Kate
January 22, 2014 at 7:18 pmThanks for the chance to win, Nicole. I’ve been daydreaming about your original watercolors post since it went up and wishing I had the funds to buy supplies. I’ve been doing a lot of sketches with pencil while pining for a brush and some color, especially on these snowy days. Thanks again :)
Marjorie
January 22, 2014 at 7:21 pmI should dig my palette out of storage…This should inspire me to do so!
Elizabeth Dale
January 22, 2014 at 7:27 pmYou have made me want to try out water colors – this would be lovely!
Grace @ sense and simplicity
January 22, 2014 at 7:36 pmWow, that’s a lot of people that like watercolours – including me! Thanks for the sweet giveaway.
Silvia
January 22, 2014 at 7:50 pmFirst I felt really seduced by that painting. Then I read what was the post about. I haven’t been drawing for a while, I used to do it 9 years ago as a hobby, and after reading you I’ve decided I want to start again!
enannanhelena
January 22, 2014 at 7:56 pmI’ve enjoyed your blog for many years now – and never commented. Why? I don’t know. Because it’s in another language? Or maybe I’m just a lazy person? :)
Anyway, I really enjoy your blog-mix and I find your new home and your “new” decorating-style beatiful.
And now I feel like starting to paint! I’ve tried a few times, but I’m not really sure I’ve got what it takes? Perhaps if I would be so lucky and win one of your kits? No, probabaly not. But I’ll sure would like to try!
Btw, love the way you want to share your newfound passion for art with us.
/helena
enannanhelena
January 22, 2014 at 7:59 pmAnd I do know how to spell beautiful. At least half of the time…
/helena, again.
Melissa
January 22, 2014 at 8:00 pmI love watercolors. :) I’m an art ed student, and in my painting courses so far we’ve used mostly acrylic. But for one class we used gouache (the opaque tubed stuff) which I love. My favorite part is that you can decide whether it’s opaque or transparent.
I had an etsy shop for a while and would include thank you notes made on watercolor paper with each purchase.
Your paintings are beautiful, by the way.
mara's market
January 22, 2014 at 8:09 pmlove your paintings, they are wonderful. i see a new biz for you, let me know when you are open for business : )
mara
susan
January 22, 2014 at 8:31 pmThanks! This is really nice of you and looks like fun
– and probably a lot trickier than you make it look!
Jackie
January 22, 2014 at 8:33 pmWhat a great giveaway. It’s so inspiring to see someone pick up an old habit and get such pleasure out of it. I too loved to paint, but with kids it seems like so much of what makes me ME went by the wayside.
Karen
January 22, 2014 at 8:44 pmgot my fingers crossed!
Joanna Bosse
January 22, 2014 at 8:47 pmMy 7-year old daughter, Ellery, and I have loved reading your blog together. The entire run over the holiday break. We especially loved the time lapse deer watercolor, which we have watched many times since. Ellery wants me to tell you that she really lIke’s the flower in The deer’s mouth and she gets frustrated when the bristles come loose from her brush into her picture. You inspired us to paint a few watercolors ourselves … Mostly fruit and butterflies. Ellery also likes seeing what Eleanor is up to and how her bedroom changes.
Sarah @ The Ugly Duckling House
January 22, 2014 at 8:53 pmI’ve always wanted to learn more about making watercolor art. Great giveaway!
Allison
January 22, 2014 at 9:05 pmGreat giveaway!! I wish I could paint like you, maybe having the right tools may help!! :) xo!
Kate
January 22, 2014 at 9:05 pmOhh, how nice of you to think of us. See your paintings makes me want to get back to painting too!!
Danielle
January 22, 2014 at 9:06 pmVery inspiring–thanks!
Rachael Brooke Winkley
January 22, 2014 at 9:09 pmI love your painting of the giveaway prize.
amanda b.
January 22, 2014 at 9:13 pmI just purchased a set of watercolors in tubes on sale after Christmas, in hopes that I would start painting again. These prizes would be just the things I need for that to happen! Thanks for the chance.
Alison
January 22, 2014 at 9:23 pmThe watercolor post has definitely revived my interest in creating more art, thanks for all of the inspiration Nicole!
Bridget B
January 22, 2014 at 9:28 pmWow Nicole, what a great package, SO nice of you! :)
Audrey
January 22, 2014 at 9:30 pmI took a community watercolor class with a friend and it was so much fun! Your paintings are gorgeous.
Chelsey N
January 22, 2014 at 9:48 pm*Fingers crossed!!*
Jessica
January 22, 2014 at 10:09 pmI’m no artiste, but it looks like something I’d like to try!
Rachel
January 22, 2014 at 10:59 pmI almost bought myself a paint kit after Christmas, then decided the money would be wiser to spend on groceries. You have inspired me to save and make a purchase. Such fun to find a creative outlet!
Naomi
January 23, 2014 at 12:00 amSince moving in with my boyfriend and not having my own space it’s been hard to sit down and paint/sculpt but I think that palette will give me just the push I need :)
Liz
January 23, 2014 at 1:04 am“take a watercolor class” has been on my Life List for years. I bought my daughter a set of watercolors from Target and she allows me to use them, but I really want my own set of paints.
Abby
January 23, 2014 at 2:39 amthese are lovely!!
Jessie Sandstrom
January 23, 2014 at 2:46 amWhat a lovely idea! I was literally just saying I want to start painting again, either way I’ll have to get my hands on those colors :) Thanks for the chance.
Sally
January 23, 2014 at 3:11 amBeautiful watercolours and a very thoughtful giveaway! It would be nice to do some painting of my own instead of just helping out the kids!
Ana
January 23, 2014 at 3:43 amI haven’t used watercolors since highschool (!!), and have totally forgotten how to use them. Been procrastinating in starting again but yours are beautiful- I might have just been inspired to give it a try again.
Jennifer
January 23, 2014 at 4:44 amAlthough I am definitely not an artist, I love experimenting with color and application -and including my children with these experiences too.
Lydia
January 23, 2014 at 6:38 amHave been dying to get back into creating art for years. Maybe this will be the definite push in that direction!
Jordana @WhiteCabana
January 23, 2014 at 6:50 amAh – what a lovely way to spread some happiness this winter!
Jordana
Noecitos
January 23, 2014 at 6:52 amI love your drawings! I used to paint when I was little and I sort of miss it…
Joanna
January 23, 2014 at 7:37 amWhat a beautiful thing to do – thank you!
Lori
January 23, 2014 at 8:20 amPainting has been on my list of goals for this year. I was a fine art major and then got into graphic design and illustration out of college. I will be an empty nester soon and wanted to get back into painting.
Glad you suggested this brand so even if I don’t win the prize, I will head on down to Michael’s and pick one up.
Nicole
January 23, 2014 at 8:47 amI wish I could paint that good! Love your paintings :-)