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!
Carrie
January 21, 2014 at 1:35 pmlove your illustrative style! what a fun giveaway. :)
Staci @ My Friend Staci
January 21, 2014 at 1:35 pmHow sweet of you! Watercoloring is something I have always been interested in giving a shot.
julianne
January 21, 2014 at 1:38 pmwhat a fun give-away! crossing my fingers my name is drawn :)
Anna
January 21, 2014 at 1:39 pmOh, I am keeping my fingers crossed! I have been wanting to start watercolor painting for a while now but haven’t made it to the store to buy supplies yet. And I’m a little overwhelmed by the options, so this is perfect! So nice of you!
Heather passalaqua
January 21, 2014 at 1:39 pmMy 12 year old son is an artist and loves to write! This would be a wonderful surprise for him.
Would truly make his day. He is the oldest of 5 boys and is a great help. I want to do something special
For him so badly.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Jen
January 21, 2014 at 1:41 pmArt is so good for the soul. I used to spend hours immersing myself in it when I wasn’t so busy! Would love to get back into it.
Kelsey
January 21, 2014 at 1:46 pmI love what you’ve posted of your work so far. I’ve never used watercolors, but I always like to try new things!
Liz
January 21, 2014 at 1:47 pmI would also love to get back to painting. This would be just the kick in the pants I need!
Rachel
January 21, 2014 at 1:48 pmI must admit, after reading your initial post about painting with watercolors, I was tempted to run to Michael’s myself and pick up a palette of my own. Thanks for the hosting the giveaway!
kali
January 21, 2014 at 1:48 pmLove your inspiration, it would be so fun to try!!
Rachel
January 21, 2014 at 1:49 pmI must admit, after reading your post about painting with watercolors, I was tempted to run to Michael’s and pick-up one of my own. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Katie
January 21, 2014 at 1:50 pmWhat a great giveaway! One of my “New Year’s Resolutions” is to spend more time doing things I enjoy – this would be great!
Becky
January 21, 2014 at 1:54 pmHow fun! Gosh, those colors are gorgeous!
Kate
January 21, 2014 at 1:56 pmArt scares me. I think this would be an excellent way to start.
Massiel
January 21, 2014 at 1:57 pmBeautiful illustrations! Would love to try my hand at something similar.
Rachel H.
January 21, 2014 at 1:57 pmHow very generous of you, Nicole! I’ve been itching to try watercolors for awhile now. Thanks for hosting this wonderful giveaway.
Kayli Schattner
January 21, 2014 at 1:58 pmEverything about this is so lovely!! Water color painting looks like such a relaxing hobby and beautiful work is produced, but I don’t have the knack!
Lori
January 21, 2014 at 1:58 pmOoh. I’ve been meaning to give watercolors a try!
Christina
January 21, 2014 at 1:59 pmLove this watercolor palette, what a wonderful giveaway!
Nicole Fuller
January 21, 2014 at 1:59 pmMy new favorite medium…watercolor.
Linda R.
January 21, 2014 at 2:00 pmI would love to be able to give these to my next-door neighbor friend. She would love it so much!
Tracy
January 21, 2014 at 2:00 pmWhat an awesome giveaway! I love to paint.
Shasta L.
January 21, 2014 at 2:01 pmWhat a fun giveaway! I hope that my name is drawn, but if not, I think I’ll pick up a palette some time soon.
Ursula
January 21, 2014 at 2:01 pmI have been wanting to start painting, but never find the time, fingers crossed!
Celloluv
January 21, 2014 at 2:02 pmI haven’t done water colors for years! I’ve been doing the zen doodles and want to branch out. I might even be able to combine the two. What a great giveaway. Your progress is great by the way. Can’t imagine living life without art!
Kathy in Michigan
January 21, 2014 at 2:03 pmMy mom paints and I’ve always thought it would be fun to try!! : )
frieda
January 21, 2014 at 2:03 pmWhat a great giveaway! I’ve wanted to get into watercolors for ages…
jo
January 21, 2014 at 2:03 pmthis giveaway is so sweet of you! i’ve tried other kinds of painting before, and lately i’ve been wanting to try watercolors so much! the pictures that you’ve posted have been so inspiring to me, so thank you!
Ursula
January 21, 2014 at 2:03 pmThe palette looks lovely, I’ve been wanting to try watercolour painting for a while.
Erin
January 21, 2014 at 2:03 pmThis is a fun give away. Everyone should try watercolor painting.
XOXO,
Erin
http://www.thevaughnlife.us
Mildred
January 21, 2014 at 2:05 pmI just started experimenting with watercolors as well, after a long love affair with acrylics. I’m amazed at how much I enjoy it as a media but have not tried the Michael’s palette! My first success has been a dragonfly for my husband that I finished at the 11th hour on Christmas Eve!
Wendy
January 21, 2014 at 2:08 pmLove your paintings. It’s been making me want to grab my 4 year old’s set and start painting. This prize would be much appreciated.
Peggy
January 21, 2014 at 2:09 pmSweet and lovely illustrations there — would love to do this, too! Thanks.
Jennifer G
January 21, 2014 at 2:09 pmFun! I’d love to try my hand at few pieces of artwork for around my home.
Kendra
January 21, 2014 at 2:11 pmYour watercolors are so pretty! would love to practice with these: )
Rachel
January 21, 2014 at 2:12 pmHow fun! I’ve been wanting to try my hand at watercolors lately. Haven’t painted in years!
erinkathleen
January 21, 2014 at 2:13 pmthis is such a lovely giveaway – thank you! I’m in the process of building a studio in my basement, so I’d love some new watercolors to inspire my creativity!
Michelle @ Sweetsuite10
January 21, 2014 at 2:13 pmI’ve been admiring your watercolors on Instagram and have pondered giving it a try myself – it looks like so much fun.
Constance
January 21, 2014 at 2:14 pmWhat a great giveaway! I loved watercoloring as a kid and reading this has me itching to try it again.
judy
January 21, 2014 at 2:17 pmhttp://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/ I have never tried to create a link before so I don’t know if this will work but I have followed this lady for quite awhile because of her charming blog about living in Paris as an artist. She does water colors for people of their dogs and children. I must say yours seem as talented as hers. I tell myself artistic ability comes naturally or not at all. That’s what I tell myself.
Lisa
January 21, 2014 at 2:17 pmoh fun! this would be great.
Jillian
January 21, 2014 at 2:17 pmI love my watercolor pencils, I haven’t used a palette in years. I must give it another go!
Rebekah C
January 21, 2014 at 2:20 pmI’ve recently begun introducing my 2 year old son to paint and it’s made me want to start doing some painting on my own time too. A watercolor set just for me would be a great motivator and a nice treat!
Afton
January 21, 2014 at 2:23 pmI think you should your work as prints, Nicole! Great giveaway!
Sarah
January 21, 2014 at 2:25 pmI love the pieces you’ve created. I truly miss making art … Thanks for the inspiration.
Libbey Paul
January 21, 2014 at 2:26 pmLove your little “spot illustrations” — they’re spot on! :-)
Amber
January 21, 2014 at 2:26 pmThis would be a great project while on maternity leave :-)
Everyone keeps telling me to make sure I have a hobby(besides napping).
Chelsea
January 21, 2014 at 2:27 pmYour paintings are so lovely! I recently started working with watercolors too. I painted an oak in a field for my husband for Christmas :-) this would be wonderful to have to play around with some more colors. They look more vibrant than what I have.
erin
January 21, 2014 at 2:27 pmSo cool! What a nice way to pass on what makes you happy!
Kate
January 21, 2014 at 2:28 pmWhat a great giveaway! I saw the John Singer Sargent Watercolor exhibit at the MFA last week and was so inspired!
Elisabet Jonsdottir
January 21, 2014 at 2:28 pmI love worldwide giveaways! Having some watercolors would be fun. Your pictures are beautiful Nicole, keep on painting :)
Megan Leatherwood
January 21, 2014 at 2:28 pmI adore watercolor painting. My daughter and I love to paint together!
Grace
January 21, 2014 at 2:30 pmAwesome giveaway! And should you ever want a portable watercolor kit, this one (http://www.amazon.com/Sakura-XNCW-24N-24-Piece-Assorted-Colors/dp/B001OVG40E) is pretty amazing, fits in purses, and is pretty much leakproof (the brush holds the water, so unless it’s poorly packed, you’re good to go)!
Melanie
January 21, 2014 at 2:30 pmOoh – I really want to check out that palette, and don’t have easy access to a Michaels! Would love to win!!
Jacquie
January 21, 2014 at 2:32 pmWater colour is something that’s always taken me away, somewhere where I don’t have to worry or even think. But I’ve stopped doing it because I lost inspiration. This post alone has helped me think about starting up again. Thank you :)
Danielle
January 21, 2014 at 2:32 pmI would love a new set of watercolor to play with. A nice way to start off the year!
Bekki
January 21, 2014 at 2:34 pmI love what you have been doing with watercolors and would love to try it out myself! Great giveaway!
Kimberly
January 21, 2014 at 2:38 pmWhat a lovely giveaway! Thanks for including the link to the palette too. Will have to pick one up with my next Michael’s 40% off coupon.
Melissa
January 21, 2014 at 2:39 pmOooh! It’s been forever since I’ve used watercolors. Thanks for all these posts. it’s nice to reminisce.
Dee
January 21, 2014 at 2:42 pmI painted a small water colour at Christmas with my son’s dollar store palette. I would love to do more with a larger colour selection.
Laura
January 21, 2014 at 2:42 pmOhhh I would LOVE some watercolors to chase away these long, grey winter days!
Kelly
January 21, 2014 at 2:45 pmI would love to play around with some watercolors!! It’s so sweet of you to want to share it with us :)
Laura
January 21, 2014 at 2:46 pmI would love to receive a water color set. I enjoy painting with water colors…I’m not great at it, but definitely a hobby that is relaxing and I’d love to work on! Your paintings are beautiful!
Anastasia
January 21, 2014 at 2:46 pmI, too, have stepped away from art and would love this opportunity to get back into it! Thank you for this great giveaway :)
Elizabeth Smillie
January 21, 2014 at 2:47 pmLOVE this! It would be so much fun to have some nice paints for me to use while my littles daub around with their cheap pallets :)
Carly
January 21, 2014 at 2:49 pmWhat a lovely hobby and a lovely prize!
Shelly@ConfettiStyle
January 21, 2014 at 2:50 pm2014 is my year for trying new things and painting with watercolors is on my list. I’d love to learn a new craft and create beautiful pieces of art for my family and friends.
Shelly
Sherry W
January 21, 2014 at 2:50 pmI have used water colors and oils for painting and like the watercolors best….. love some of the softer shades when mixed with water….. I have not painted in a long time… this is an inspiration to begin again !!!!!!
Katie K
January 21, 2014 at 2:59 pmEver since you’ve started this I’ve been dying to try my hand at it! I know the sets aren’t terribly expensive, but I have a hard time buying things for myself. Fingers crossed! :D
Alicia
January 21, 2014 at 2:59 pmYou’ve inspired me to get out my old paint supplies and start again too! I guess it is a chain reaction, this inspiration thing. Thanks so much for that!
Louise
January 21, 2014 at 2:59 pmLove your watercolor art and thanks for contest!!
Gina
January 21, 2014 at 3:00 pmI have been wanting to pick up watercolors for months!
Adrienne Penrod
January 21, 2014 at 3:00 pmI’ve been wishing to get back into painting as well, though I used oils and acrylics more often than watercolor. It seems like watercolor is maybe less forgiving but the results are more immediate, which is a good thing for a mom with limited free time. Thanks for the tip off on good paints!
Ronda
January 21, 2014 at 3:01 pmbeautifully vibrant colours. You’ve inspired me to paint!
Catrina
January 21, 2014 at 3:02 pmWhat a great giveaway!
The gift that inspires art & creativity :)
Sarah
January 21, 2014 at 3:03 pmYou’ve inspired me to learn how to watercolor – I don’t have any supplies yet, so this is great timing! :)
Han
January 21, 2014 at 3:07 pmI’ve always been confused as to what the difference is between tube watercolours and blocks of water colours. I keep meaning to look it up but I always forget!
Shifra
January 21, 2014 at 3:11 pmI’m feeling inspired! Would love to win!
Tarah
January 21, 2014 at 3:12 pmI haven’t painted for pleasure in such a long time, but seeing my toddler experience so much joy making her art lately has inspired me to start painting again. What a thoughtful giveaway for your readers! New supplies are always fun to open!
Tara Jane
January 21, 2014 at 3:14 pmLove your illustrations, great inspiration! I also really like the crayola paints. They are nice saturated colors.
Diana Welte
January 21, 2014 at 3:15 pmI have recently come back to watercolors and am enjoying them. This would be fun to win. Thank you for an inspiring giveaway.
Clare Cho
January 21, 2014 at 3:16 pmBeautiful, vibrant colors:) Thank you for sharing!
Ellen
January 21, 2014 at 3:17 pmlove your illustrations! Have always wanted to try watercolors.
Claire
January 21, 2014 at 3:17 pmI am just starting to experiment with painting…. it is such a peaceful hobby!
Ahlia Haskett
January 21, 2014 at 3:17 pmI would love to win one of these prize packs, it looks like such fun!
Robin Grey
January 21, 2014 at 3:18 pmSweet! Hope I win!
Molly
January 21, 2014 at 3:19 pmI LOVE re-discovering an old medium!
Christina
January 21, 2014 at 3:19 pmWhat a nice idea! It would be fun to paint again–it’s been years.
kristin
January 21, 2014 at 3:20 pmwould love to try painting something with these fun tools!
Catie
January 21, 2014 at 3:21 pmOooh, that looks so fun. Sign me up!
Jess Harvey
January 21, 2014 at 3:23 pmOh, these are beautiful. I haven’t painted since high school…errr.. 20 years ago. This would be so fun to win, and maybe pick up if I don’t.
Valerie Turner
January 21, 2014 at 3:24 pmI would love to win this; it’s very kind of you to offer such a thing!
AnnSal
January 21, 2014 at 3:24 pmWhat fun! Would love to make some art with these!
Laura
January 21, 2014 at 3:24 pmLovely giveaway!
Debbie O.
January 21, 2014 at 3:25 pmI’ve been wanting to try watercolors and I’m feeling inspired by your experimentation. Thanks for sharing with us!
Cameron
January 21, 2014 at 3:26 pmWhat a beautiful giveaway. If I am not one of the lucky five, I will hunt it out myself. I’ve painted oils before, but never watercolors, and I would love to learn.
Kristin
January 21, 2014 at 3:27 pmWhat a fun treat this would be!
Tammy
January 21, 2014 at 3:28 pmI would love to be in the drawing! The first thing I would paint is a pretty pink Vespa with my little miniature pincher on the back!
Ashley
January 21, 2014 at 3:28 pmMy fiancé would love this!
Taylor
January 21, 2014 at 3:30 pmLoved the time lapse video – it inspired me to get more creative with my free time!