Thank you for joining this relaxing watercolor class! Today was about slowing down, experimenting, and enjoying the creative process—not creating a perfect painting. Every brushstroke is an opportunity to learn, explore, and relax.

What We Learned

Art Can Help You Relax

Painting can be a calming practice that helps you:

Slow down and focus on the present moment.
Reduce stress and anxiety.
Improve concentration.
Encourage creativity and problem-solving.
Express yourself without worrying about perfection.

Remember:

There are no mistakes.
Curiosity is more important than perfection.
Every brushstroke teaches you something.

Supplies

You can use watercolor or your favorite art medium.

Suggested supplies:

Watercolor paper (or other suitable paper)
Watercolor paints
2–3 paintbrushes (different sizes)
Water containers (2 if possible)
Paper towels
Mixing palette
Pencil and eraser (optional)

Simple Tips for Relaxing While You Paint

Limit yourself to 1–3 colors to reduce decision-making.
Keep your paint "juicy" by wetting your watercolors before you begin.
Turn on relaxing music if it helps you focus.
Work slowly and enjoy the process.

Techniques We Practiced

Wet-on-Wet

Paint with lots of water first, then drop in color and watch it spread naturally.

Strong Color vs. Soft Color

Experiment with:

Highly diluted paint
Medium-strength paint
Rich, concentrated color

Notice how each creates a different effect.

Water Experiments

Try:

Adding clean water to wet paint.
Adding color to wet water.
Using more water than feels comfortable.

Watch how the paint blooms and creates texture.

Color Lifting

After paint dries slightly:

Use a damp brush to lift paint.
Blot with a paper towel.
Create highlights and texture.

Brush Exploration

Try:

Large brushes
Small brushes
Different brush pressures
Different brush strokes

Shapes We Explored

Practice painting:

Flowing petals
Leaves
Spirals
Teardrop shapes
Circles
Dots
Simple floral patterns

Vary:

Size
Direction
Amount of water
Amount of paint

Keep Experimenting

Try changing:

Water amount
Color intensity
Shape
Texture
Brush size
Placement

There isn't one "right" way.

Remember

Instead of asking:

"Did I paint it correctly?"

Ask:

What happened when I added more water?
What happens if I wait longer?
What happens if I use more pigment?
What textures can I create?

Every experiment teaches you something new.

Continue at Home

As your painting dries:

Add more details.
Add lines or veins to leaves.
Connect shapes with flowing lines.
Try lifting color for highlights.
Add dots, circles, or spirals.
Create another painting using only one color or grayscale.

You don't have to finish in one sitting. Come back later and keep exploring.

Key Takeaways

Watercolor is as much about experimenting as it is about painting.
More water creates beautiful blooms and unexpected textures.
Relax, play, and enjoy the creative process—there are no wrong answers.