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!
Kaelie
January 21, 2014 at 3:31 pmThe blank canvas can be so intimidating. Thank you for moving past the white and making something beautiful with paint. I always stick to the pencil and the computer because of the eraser and command Z. Really though, who cares if I make mistakes!? That’s part of the fun.
Whether I win or not, I am going to start painting with what I have (probably not as quality) today, right now. Thank you for the inspiration.
k
Gemma
January 21, 2014 at 3:33 pmWhat a great prize! I’ve just started getting back into art myself, it’s so relaxing, I love it.
Nicola
January 21, 2014 at 3:36 pmI am trying to get into watercolours. I have never worked properly with them before but I have made a couple of greeting cards of cartoon characters that have turned out well so it’s a start at least!
Claudie
January 21, 2014 at 3:36 pmYour watercolor paintings are gorgeous!
Melanie
January 21, 2014 at 3:36 pmSuch a great gift. Would love to start watercoloring!
Deahne Brigden
January 21, 2014 at 3:38 pmYou have inspired me to get back into painting myself! hoping to keep at it to keep improving, but main thing is I LOVE it, so relaxing, even if only now and then. (Not always easy with kiddies) Looking forward to seeing more of yours!
Cynthia
January 21, 2014 at 3:39 pmLove all the colors and Moleskine Water Color notebook! Keeping my fingers crossed.
Hilary
January 21, 2014 at 3:40 pmI’d love to try out some water colors. Your attempts are quite impressive!
Samantha
January 21, 2014 at 3:40 pmI’ve been a follower for a while but never commented – I’m really enjoyin your paintings! I’ve jut picked out some I my artwork from my A-levels to display at home – perhaps I should be picking up the paints again too
Melissa
January 21, 2014 at 3:41 pmMy soul has been craving painting and amidst a full load of graduate course work, this set of watercolors would be the perfect creative getaway from that darn thesis. Love your blog!
stephanie p
January 21, 2014 at 3:43 pmLoved my art classes when I was younger and wouldn’t mind getting back into it. Your work is beautiful!
lisa
January 21, 2014 at 3:46 pmI certainly don’t have your talent but it’s a lovely gift and i’d welcome the opportunity to improve! Thanks for including international readers!
Allison
January 21, 2014 at 3:47 pmI’ve been wanting to try painting–would love this set. You’re illustrations are beautiful!
Terri H
January 21, 2014 at 3:47 pmThanks for the chance to win! I too am experimenting with watercolors.
Janet
January 21, 2014 at 3:47 pmLovely paintings from a lovely lady. What an inspiration to us all!
Karlie
January 21, 2014 at 3:48 pmHow fun! Thanks for the great giveaway.
Jillian Lys
January 21, 2014 at 3:49 pmI need to do something creative. I used to do some watercolors, but would love to get back in to it. Pick me! :)
Janice
January 21, 2014 at 3:49 pmLovely! Looks like some great stress relief!
Kathleen Murphy
January 21, 2014 at 3:49 pmInspired to start painting again! Thanks!
Holly Kennedy
January 21, 2014 at 3:50 pmWhat a lovely illustration and competition. I’ve been watching your progress and have found it inspiring – I definitely want to give watercolours a try. It seems I am seeing beautiful watercolour art everywhere at the moment and every time I do it makes me smile. Have you heard of Emma Block? She has some fabulous stuff on her website and is doing watercolour wedding invites now too. Keep up the good work Nicole, I love what you do!
Alison F.
January 21, 2014 at 3:52 pmFun! I’d love to give this a try, I’ve been feeling crafty lately. Thanks for the giveaway!
Amanda
January 21, 2014 at 3:54 pmFun! It’s so nice seeing your watercolors and provides further encouragement to pick up a brush or other materials and get back to it!
Rebecca
January 21, 2014 at 3:54 pmI haven’t painted in so long, and this looks like a great set to get back into the swing of things with!
Dee
January 21, 2014 at 3:55 pmExactly what I need to kick me in the pants! I’d love to get started with watercolors!
Michelle White
January 21, 2014 at 3:55 pmHow fun!!!
Terri McClung
January 21, 2014 at 3:56 pmI love what you are doing. The pictures are charming. You are inspiring. I used to paint with watercolors a lot when I was younger. Would love to start again.
Ashley
January 21, 2014 at 3:57 pmI would love to play with new paints!
Amy
January 21, 2014 at 3:59 pmLovely colours! It’s very difficult to find decent paints with decent colours and at a decent price!! Well done! These would make a lovely present for my daughter who loves to paint:)
GG
January 21, 2014 at 4:01 pmOh how wonderful!!
gosia
January 21, 2014 at 4:02 pmwow what a treat!
Jess
January 21, 2014 at 4:05 pmBeautiful and inspiring!!
Bonnie Morscher
January 21, 2014 at 4:10 pmWhat a neat prize! I am no artist but I’d love to dabble and see what I could come up with. Love your work, by the way.
Nicole
January 21, 2014 at 4:10 pmI began playing with watercolour in the last few months! It’s so therapeutic!
Megan
January 21, 2014 at 4:12 pmYour cute spot illustrations are just delightful. Thanks.
Katie
January 21, 2014 at 4:13 pmYou’ve inspired me to pick up a watercolor brush for the first time in probably 20 years, thank you!
Melanie
January 21, 2014 at 4:15 pmThanks for being so generous. What a lovely idea! xx
Clare
January 21, 2014 at 4:23 pmMy word for this year is ‘create’-this palette would help!! Been wanting to try my hand at watercolor!!
Jenna
January 21, 2014 at 4:23 pmEver since seeing your initial post I’ve been thinking “hey, I should try that!” It’d be awesome to win!
Megan F
January 21, 2014 at 4:24 pmWhat a nice giveaway! And your paintings are just gorgeous
Camille
January 21, 2014 at 4:27 pmI love giveaways like this – it’s something you love, and you’re just trying to spread the joy. Thanks for being awesome.
Michelle Souilliere
January 21, 2014 at 4:28 pmPainting (or any other creative activity) is such a neat mix of relaxation and rejuvenation. After colouring or making play-dough soup (her latest favourite “dish”) with my 4 year old, I feel energized and calm!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Mary A
January 21, 2014 at 4:29 pmAwesome giveawy! Not like I need another crafty thing to annoy my husband with, but I sure would love to win!
Jess Holland
January 21, 2014 at 4:29 pmWhat a wonderful idea. I’d love to give the waterpainting a go:)
Katie
January 21, 2014 at 4:33 pmI would love this!
Denise
January 21, 2014 at 4:34 pmWhat a lovely idea! It`s very kind of you to share with us :)
Karen Miller
January 21, 2014 at 4:34 pmWhat a lovely giveaway!
Nadia
January 21, 2014 at 4:34 pmSo inspiring to see someone picking up a hobby!
Anna
January 21, 2014 at 4:37 pmWhat a great gift! I hope I win :D
Jessica
January 21, 2014 at 4:40 pmYour pieces are beautiful! You are really good with watercolor. I’ve missed painting so bad lately, maybe this is the motivation I need…
Kelly O'Keefe
January 21, 2014 at 4:40 pmLove the Fiddlehead Fern!
Jen
January 21, 2014 at 4:40 pmReally lovely and inspiring!
Sara Spencer
January 21, 2014 at 4:42 pmLoved seeing your watercoloring on Instagram. It really inspired me to get crafty again (in my case Scrapbooking and cards) instead of just reading so much about other peoples work. :) thanks for the fun giveaway too. One can always hope to win !
Jamie Rowe
January 21, 2014 at 4:43 pmI have been wanting to try watercolor, even having paint in my hand at the store, but I always put it down. What a great giveaway.
Natalie
January 21, 2014 at 4:44 pmWow! They look great! I haven’t painted in a while, I’m so inspired to pick up a paint brush…unfortunately, there is 10+ inches of snow and counting outside, otherwise I’d be on my way to Michaels!
Lesley
January 21, 2014 at 4:44 pmA truly lovely and thoughtful giveaway!
courtney
January 21, 2014 at 4:47 pmI am inspired by your return to watercolor. I recently got out my paints- gotta set some time aside to be creative! :)
Christ;ine
January 21, 2014 at 4:48 pmI really love the watercolor art!Thank you!
Tyler
January 21, 2014 at 4:49 pmOoh, I’ve only been drawing lately but your posts are giving me the painting bug! I’m such a fan of your blog + aesthetic, and this giveaway sounds wonderful.
eilis
January 21, 2014 at 4:50 pmLove anything crafty and artsy…would love to give watercolors a try!
Vicki G.
January 21, 2014 at 4:50 pmVery inspiring!
lonneke cloo
January 21, 2014 at 4:50 pmThat’s so sweet of you. A hug from Holland for you xx
marta
January 21, 2014 at 4:57 pmOh wow internationals are included??? AWESOME :D
sam
January 21, 2014 at 4:57 pmWhat a great snowy day activity.
kim @ DESIGN + LIFE + KIDS
January 21, 2014 at 4:58 pmI’ve been using those watercolors too! But now my girls have taken them over which of course means, they’re a mess :)
Janaya
January 21, 2014 at 5:05 pmWhat a lovely giveaway!! I’ve always wanted to try watercolor. It is beautiful.
Lyndsey
January 21, 2014 at 5:06 pmI’ve been trying to push myself to give watercolours a try. What a wonderful idea for a giveaway!
Adriana Orozco
January 21, 2014 at 5:06 pmOMG i always wanted to have one of these… where i live they’re really expensive and sometimes there’s not of them, i love drawing and painting having this will my life more creative and inspiring. I also love the fact that this is international, i really hope to get one of these, i would really apreciate it, i love your blog and everything you do, you are amazing and i get a lot of inspiration. Im sorry if my english isn’t correct, but i’m really excited! Grettings from mexico!!
Carolyn
January 21, 2014 at 5:09 pmI’m not a talented artist, but it’s so fun to dabble in painting! What a fun giveaway!
rhondajoy
January 21, 2014 at 5:13 pmyour paintings are beautiful! I havn’t tried watercolors since childhood… I’m ready to take a break from painting walls and break out the watercolors with my 2 boys! :) What a fun giveaway!
Christie Purifoy
January 21, 2014 at 5:16 pmI’ve been wanting to try watercolors! What a sweet, generous giveaway. And, your illustrations are lovely.
shells
January 21, 2014 at 5:18 pmYour paintings are just lovely, well done, your obviously a natural!
Megan
January 21, 2014 at 5:26 pmHow sweet! My preschooler loves to paint and it’s a special treat to pull out my paints to use. We recently discovered several are dried up and need to be replaced. We’ll have to look for this kind too.
Carla
January 21, 2014 at 5:30 pmWhat a lovely giveaway- I’d love to practice and get closer to your paintings above (and further away from my stick figures)! :)
Justine
January 21, 2014 at 5:31 pmI would love to win, thank you so much! I’ve been wanting to try my hand at watercolors but haven’t gotten around to it.
Liz
January 21, 2014 at 5:34 pmThanks for the inspiration!
Leigh
January 21, 2014 at 5:38 pmI love the simple everydayness of what you are painting.
Emily Peck
January 21, 2014 at 5:48 pmI love this, can’t wait to get back into painting someday myself! You do beautiful work! <3
Alison
January 21, 2014 at 5:52 pmI’ve been enjoying your creations and it has inspired some water color painting at our house too–kids included!
Cyndi Hartle
January 21, 2014 at 5:53 pmI am new and beginning and would love this!!
Liz
January 21, 2014 at 5:53 pmThanks for sharing the joy!
Bonnie
January 21, 2014 at 6:04 pmHi: I’m your 681st commenter. I was intrigued when your first said you were going to get back to some art works and planned to take you lead. Whether I’m a winner or not, I will persevere!
Best,
Bonnie
Erin P.
January 21, 2014 at 6:04 pmI would love that!
Beth
January 21, 2014 at 6:05 pmWould love to give this a try … love the idea of watercolors!
katy
January 21, 2014 at 6:07 pmI’m looking for a fun, creative way to make some art for my apartment and this could be the perfect outlet!
Laura D'Anna
January 21, 2014 at 6:15 pmWow have you progressed! I love it!
Jeanne
January 21, 2014 at 6:16 pmI too have been thinking about using watercolors. I just purchased the book If You Want to See a Whale. This along with your post has me itching to start painting.
Jennifer
January 21, 2014 at 6:18 pmI’ve really been inspired by your journey back to art…so much so that I’m taking a beginning drawing class in the hopes I’ll move from frequent meeting “doodler” to a bonafide “artiste!” I would LOVE to win this and try my hand at watercolors!
Ali
January 21, 2014 at 6:20 pmLove, love, love your botanicals. I’ve been looking for some prints for my bedroom. I think you’ve inspired me to try and paint my own. (I might need a few practice rounds :))
Stephanie Becker
January 21, 2014 at 6:23 pmStumbled upon your page via pinterest and love it! I have painted with acrylics but would love to give watercolors a try!! Winning this would be the perfect reason to do so :)
Laura Ingalls Gunn
January 21, 2014 at 6:32 pmMy daughter just said the other day that she would like to take up this hobby. How perfect would this be for Valentine’s Day? :)
Liz C
January 21, 2014 at 6:36 pmMy new year’s resolution is to do more creative stuff. I would love to get my hands on this! Although I’m pretty sure my “art” won’t be nearly as lovely as your work. You really do have a talent for illustration.
Megan
January 21, 2014 at 6:41 pmooooo I’d love to win. Since moving at the end of last year all my creative supplies have been boxed up. I’m itching to get back to creating.
Jodie
January 21, 2014 at 6:43 pmLove your watercolour paintings!
Elizabeth @ hobbylobbyist
January 21, 2014 at 6:43 pmI love this giveaway! What a fun win, it will inspire me to get creative in the middle of winter.
julie s
January 21, 2014 at 6:45 pmWhat a wonderful giveaway! I’ve loved seeing your watercolour creations so far and I can’t wait to see what you create next!
Katie B.
January 21, 2014 at 6:46 pmYour paintings are lovely! I’d love to give watercolors a try :)
Melinda ke
January 21, 2014 at 6:46 pmOh, I would love to win one! Watercolor painting is something that I have really wanted to try lately, just haven’t got around to it. I have been checking out some books and supplies at the craft stores but I still feel kinda overwhelmed and not sure which brushes (so many to choose from!) I should get or which paints would be best for someone starting out. What a great prize, thanks so much for the chance to win, Nicole!
Margie
January 21, 2014 at 6:50 pmOh yes please. This is just the kick in the pants I need.
bmerry
January 21, 2014 at 6:50 pmI like it!
lauren w
January 21, 2014 at 6:53 pmwhat a fun prize!