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!
dia bryant
January 23, 2014 at 9:09 amcute paintings! I like the kitten water cup, too! =)
Tamara
January 23, 2014 at 9:19 amYou’ve inspired me to dig out my old art supplies. Thank you!
Jaime
January 23, 2014 at 9:51 amI’m commenting in the hopes of winning one of these sweet sets for my mom! She’s taken up watercolors in her retirement. How kind of you to put these together for us.
Erica Renee
January 23, 2014 at 10:38 amFun!! I just started painting and would love the set!
Tia
January 23, 2014 at 10:42 amMy daughter would be SOOOO happy to win such a wonderful prize! She is 11 and takes art courses and just loves to paint! Thanks for doing such great things and I love reading your blog!
Clayton Stewart
January 23, 2014 at 10:48 amLooks like a fun set. Love to have one.
animoh
January 23, 2014 at 10:59 amWhat a fantastic giveaway! I’ve looked at some of the watercolours at Michaels, but since I’m an absolute beginner I never knew which one to try. Cheers!
KasiaJ
January 23, 2014 at 11:10 amAwesome! I’ve wanted to get into watercolors for a while (I do enjoy using my daughter’s Crayola set with her), but I haven’t known where to start with grown up materials.
Kim
January 23, 2014 at 11:30 amYou Rock! Thank you for sharing your ideas, inspirations and awesome house. Your last house was really fabulous too, but this one…wowsers! :)
Katherine Rule
January 23, 2014 at 11:30 amSo inspiring! I’ve been wanting to practice with watercolors more lately!
Jen
January 23, 2014 at 12:45 pmI would love this, I took a watercolor class in college and was just thinking I should get some when I was using the old crayola ovals the other day!
Ioanna Karlou
January 23, 2014 at 12:55 pmLove the prize illustration!!! Brilliant giveaway!!!
simplyblythe@yahoo.com
January 23, 2014 at 1:10 pmyour little paintings are super.
would love to give it a go.
sam
January 23, 2014 at 2:18 pmwatercolors are so intriguing to me. i’d love to experiment with them more.
love your work so far :)
Jessie
January 23, 2014 at 2:19 pmThis sounds really lovely. I would love to try out watercolors!
Ellen
January 23, 2014 at 3:24 pmI haven’t watercolored since college… but would love to try again!
Britny
January 23, 2014 at 3:49 pmI love watercolors! Trying to improve my painting skills and this would be perfect! :)
Lisa F
January 23, 2014 at 3:55 pmLoved art as a kid, but haven’t made time for it as much as I’d like as an adult. Fun giveaway!
dai
January 23, 2014 at 4:01 pmI like your watercolor little illustration, especially the colors of the fig leaves.:) I wish to try watercolor with this 36-color set, too! (excited)
tara // etsetara
January 23, 2014 at 4:05 pmthis is so sweet! your illustrations are wonderful.
Diana
January 23, 2014 at 4:14 pmI stopped reading this blog for about a month because school work was overwhelming.
Then I decided to start painting- I’ve never painted, but thought this would be a good way to channel stress.
Finally I come back to catch up on how your new house is going and what do I see?!? You’ve also started painted- great minds think alike ;]
Carrie
January 23, 2014 at 4:58 pmSuch lovely paintings! I haven’t painted (for fun) in ages – this would be wonderful!
Tiffany
January 23, 2014 at 5:16 pmI miss painting! Love your work!
tracy
January 23, 2014 at 5:25 pmLife has been such a shit-show lately. I would love to win this!
Verity
January 23, 2014 at 5:38 pmI’m desperate to learn to paint – has been on my wish list for a few years now. I recently picked up a book on making paper flowers and many of the designs require watercolour painterly accents etc. Would be great to introduce this little bit of lovely into my life! :-)
m gauer
January 23, 2014 at 6:12 pmmy son would love these being he started art this quarter and going to be doing it next semester too .
Michelle
January 23, 2014 at 6:17 pmI’ve been wanting to take up water colors again!
Jean Segina
January 23, 2014 at 6:19 pmGorgeous and inspiring drawings…ours don’t come out nearly that good, but my daughters and I try. Keep it coming!
Miriam Gribin
January 23, 2014 at 6:22 pmI’ve been doing some oil painting but been drifting away toward watercolor lately.
brittany williams
January 23, 2014 at 6:50 pmwould absolutely love this!!! Thank you so much Giveaway Monkey!!!
Shani
January 23, 2014 at 6:55 pmI’d love to have one of these!Fingers crrossed.:)
Kristen
January 23, 2014 at 6:58 pmLove that you’re revisiting creating art. Can’t wait to see more in the future!
beth
January 23, 2014 at 7:03 pmI can’t wait to get my art supplies after we unpack from moving! I’ve always admired watercolor paintings–the beautiful blend of colors and brightness is awesome. These would be fun to play with!
Meg
January 23, 2014 at 7:19 pmTaking my first art class as a adult. Experimented with watercolor for the very first time tonight!!
valerie theberge
January 23, 2014 at 7:25 pmThank you so much! :0)
v_theberge@hotmail.com
Anran
January 23, 2014 at 7:34 pmMy wife would love one of these!
Aneta
January 23, 2014 at 7:36 pmThis is awesome! Your paintings are fantasic, I hope mine turn out half as pretty!
<3 Aneta
Kirsten Brontmire
January 23, 2014 at 8:31 pmI so hope I win! I need more art supplies to add to the ones I have.
Alicia
January 23, 2014 at 8:39 pmYou’ve inspired me to get creative again — just for the hell of it.
Kimberly | Turning It Home
January 23, 2014 at 9:18 pmI’ve “dabbled” in watercolor and found it so much fun. You’re paintings are so inspiring, I see I have much to learn!
Jennifer
January 23, 2014 at 9:19 pmYour paintings are gorgeous! I’m by no means a painter, my craft is sewing. But I do enjoy art of all types and watercolor painting is something I like to do and can share with my son. Thanks for posting this!
Lisa
January 23, 2014 at 9:59 pmI love watercolors! I need to paint again!
Hally
January 23, 2014 at 10:07 pmOh wow, how generous! I’d love to enter!
Megan P
January 23, 2014 at 10:12 pmI’m an art student so I could always use free supplies, lol!
Cher
January 23, 2014 at 10:38 pmAdorable pictures!
Jeanie
January 23, 2014 at 11:03 pmI am a huge knitter, stamper and have dabbled with oil pastels in the past. With all I do, why not throw painting into the mix.. :)
KOSTAS LAMPRINOS
January 23, 2014 at 11:04 pmI so hope I win! what a fantastic giveaway!!!
Karen Pace
January 23, 2014 at 11:20 pmWow your paintings are wonderful and very inspiring. Great talent. Would like to thank you for the competition.
Marsha Sykes
January 23, 2014 at 11:24 pmI’d love to win this for my little one. Thanks for your blog, it’s one of my favorites.
Kelly
January 23, 2014 at 11:34 pmSaw your first watercolor post – I never miss a post! – and was thinking I should buy a set of colors for myself. Hopefully I’ll win and there’ll be no need!
Kate H.
January 24, 2014 at 1:16 amI’d love to win this – I’ve just been getting into watercolors recently!
Jennifer
January 24, 2014 at 1:55 amI love all the colors! And Moleskine notebooks are great
Jane
January 24, 2014 at 3:24 amwow, what a wonderful treat this would be! thanks so much for sharing this joy with some of your readers. xx
Christine
January 24, 2014 at 4:00 amIt’s only been a month? Wow, you sure paint well! I’m not that creative in terms of drawing/painting but I would love to win these to give to my cousin who is very artistic and loves to paint as well.
Thank you very much for sharing! :)
Freda
January 24, 2014 at 4:03 amI would love to win this. Thank you! xx
Lisa Bartlett
January 24, 2014 at 4:53 amWhat a great snowy afternoon activity. I might have to pick one of these pallets up if I don’t win :)
Raine
January 24, 2014 at 5:23 amWhat a wonderful giveaway, I love to paint even though I am not very good but it is the enjoyment that matters. I really am hoping to win for my daughter, she’s 16 and turning into an incredible artist- I love to see her work. Great chance- thank you!
Emma
January 24, 2014 at 6:28 amYay! Winning this would be great. The kids have trashed my watercolour set. Xx
Alice
January 24, 2014 at 7:17 amOMG that is such an amazing giveaway… I really hope I get to win *fingers cross*
Ashlee
January 24, 2014 at 8:21 amI would love it. Moleskin notebooks are my favorite. I took a watercolor class awhile back and would love to have the encouragement to get back into it.
Emily
January 24, 2014 at 8:37 amWhat a lovely way to pass a winter’s day. I’d love to win!
Heather Byrne
January 24, 2014 at 8:46 amIt is very inspiring to see you watercolor keep it up!
Alison
January 24, 2014 at 8:54 amWhat a great prize, I’d love this! Keep up the good work, your paintings are fabulous!
Tiffany
January 24, 2014 at 9:07 amSo inspiring! Would love to try my hand at watercolors.
Dawn Angileri
January 24, 2014 at 9:20 amI have been thinking about trying out watercolors for a long time. But I’ve been procrastinating. I always love how they look. Would love the incentive to stop procrastinating! lol
Alexandra Cosgrove
January 24, 2014 at 9:37 amBeautiful – you are very talented!
opalnera
January 24, 2014 at 9:37 amamazing giveaway!! thanks!! I deligh in draw & paint and I love Moleskine stuff!!
Elsa-Maija
January 24, 2014 at 9:49 amYou are so talented <3
Susan
January 24, 2014 at 10:14 amParticularly like the furniture Illustrations. An inspiring way to combine watercolor and the Love for design. I have started to sketch and do watercolors myself recently. Love and regards Susan
janine - then meets now
January 24, 2014 at 10:49 amI’ve always wanted to give a try with watercolors. Thanks so much for the opportunity!
jule
January 24, 2014 at 11:19 amyay! super inspiring….count me in!
Kristin
January 24, 2014 at 11:22 amAlways great to have some inspiration! What a nice idea. Cheers :)
Carrie Lea
January 24, 2014 at 11:42 amI am a walking disaster, but I want to paint things!!!! I did a picture (super simple, no talent like yours) the other day and it was fun. I was just wishing for some watercolors!
Kirstin
January 24, 2014 at 11:45 amThis is beautiful and would be the perfect gift for my artistically talented little sister. Especially so she could then make some thing for me. : )
Carole
January 24, 2014 at 11:53 amoh, what a great giveaway! my kids have been using my watercolours a lot lately, so it would be lovely to have something just for me :)
Wrenaria
January 24, 2014 at 12:16 pmWatercolors are lovely. I’d love this! Great giveaway!
Trilby C.
January 24, 2014 at 12:37 pmHow pretty! My son got a great collection of art supplies for Christmas, and I’d love to add these beautiful watercolors to it!
wanda braun
January 24, 2014 at 1:09 pmI just love to watercolor! So glad I found your blog, Such pretty paintings to be inspired from and hopefully find some new tips!
Cecilia
January 24, 2014 at 1:11 pmI love your paintings, the sofas looks fantastic. I would love to win, and may I just say that I think it is so sweet of you to make this giweaway.
Parakh
January 24, 2014 at 2:01 pmWhile I do have a set of watercolor paints – I have not touched them in years!! Sometimes it takes getting some fresh new supplies to get the juices flowing! It’d be neat to win – but if not, I am inspired to run out an buy a set and start painting!
Michelle
January 24, 2014 at 2:46 pmWow – lovely work after only a month. I don’t think I’d be able to do anything that cute even after a year, but it would be fun to try :) Love your blog – thanks for all the inspiration!
Alina
January 24, 2014 at 2:48 pmThanks for this giveaway. I’m inspired by your skillz!
Andrea
January 24, 2014 at 2:54 pmThis seems like a fun hobby. I’m not the best artist, but I can even see even writing out cute phrases in water color and framing them.
Mello
January 24, 2014 at 3:30 pmMoleskins are awesome
Karin Shaim
January 24, 2014 at 3:38 pmwhat a lovely idea! I always loved water colors so I am crossing fingers!!
cookiesmasher5@yahoo.com
Kim
January 24, 2014 at 3:39 pmThose sketches are really great.
Lisa
January 24, 2014 at 3:57 pmWhat a lovely giveaway! Please count me in.
Lidya
January 24, 2014 at 4:01 pmYAY! I’ve been trying to get back into art as well, my life lacks the creativity and fun it brings. Really hope I can get one!
Theresa
January 24, 2014 at 4:01 pmI want to start painting again, too…hoping this will get me going!
Lisa M.
January 24, 2014 at 4:57 pmI haven’t painted in years! It was meditative and lovely and I miss it.
Maddie
January 24, 2014 at 4:58 pmFun! I’ve heard those sketchbooks are great :)
Natália Rampon
January 24, 2014 at 5:03 pmThe best of lucky to me ~~ ♥
gayle pace
January 24, 2014 at 5:08 pmI do some pastel drawing and this would be a wonderful addition to some of my supplies I use. It sure didn’t take you long to get the hang of it.
Angela
January 24, 2014 at 7:58 pmI would love to win this, thank you!
PS I just love your fig tree watercolor :)
Amanda
January 24, 2014 at 8:51 pmThis reminds me of the watercolor classes I took as a child. I would love to find out if any of my youthful creativity and skill remains!
trisha wright
January 24, 2014 at 9:22 pmWhat fun! I would love to win!
rosana paschoalim
January 24, 2014 at 10:34 pmeu adorei, quero ganhar
Nancy Smith
January 24, 2014 at 11:11 pmThis would be the perfect excuse for me to start painting again.
Mai Tran
January 25, 2014 at 1:50 amWow, it looks nice and so are your paintings. Hopefully, I could win one to practice with my kids, they love painting :) Greetings from Finland!
B.Dina
January 25, 2014 at 2:34 amOh I would love to win!!!