Watercolor Is for Everyone: Simple Lessons to Make Your Creative Practice a Daily Habit - 3 Simple Tools, 21 Lessons, Infinite Creative Possibilities

by Kateri Ewing

Watercolor Is for Everyone guides you through 21 intuitive, process-based painting lessons that help you discover your own unique artist-within while creating works of beauty you will joyfully send out into the world to share.

In this beautiful book, artist Kateri Ewing, author of Look Closer, Draw Better, guides you through a series of simple creative projects using a soulful, meditative, and reflective process. Whether you're picking up a paint brush for the first time or are an experienced artist, you'll discover and deepen your creative potential through these exercises, because everyone can make art. Each project results in two art pieces: one to keep for yourself, and then another one, such as a postcard or mini painting, to share with someone else or send out into the world, to spread their color, creativity, and joy in new places. 

With Watercolor Is for Everyone, you can learn how to build a daily practice and how to set intentions and create, even if you have just 10 minutes a day. The projects draw inspiration from poetry, music, literature, and the natural world, and invite experimentation with a variety of sources, from tarot and oracle cards to rocks and feathers. You'll pursue your personal passions through accessible projects as you build your artistic skills, confidence, and creativity.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2020

Reviews

[Book Barbarian (Tammy Smith) · Rating 4 out of 5]

eARC provided by NetGalley , thank you to NetGalley and Quarry Books. All opinions are my own.

A watercolour guide for anyone; spiritual, beginners, someone that wants to paint intuitively – or not! Such a welcoming introduction for those new to watercolour or for those that want to reignite their creativity.

Watercolor Is for Everyone
Standalone
Publish Date: August 18th 2020
Cover Rating: 7/10
Non Fiction – Art

I BEEN BOBBIN'



The best part of this is that Kateri tackles all the people that say “I cannot draw” by giving them very basic tools to create something quite beautiful, I feel that this is what people lack, confidence and practice mostly.

I have been felt very depressed about my own creative talents and I have to say that this really lifted my spirits, I could only afford the very cheapest tools (which I also think is a part of the problem in the art world ) but I really enjoyed playing around with this medium.

I did not practice all of the lessons but they were very well explained and very easy and uplifting. I think an experienced artist might like this too as Kateri tries to unlock your creativity in a different way. So it would depend on the artist.

Also it has a real sense of mindfulness as there is mention to give thanks to your tools and things like that but you don’t have to do that.

Overall ,I loved how easy to follow and easy to use the entire book is. Such a wonderful and beautiful guide perfect for yourself and perfect as a gift.

Rating: 4

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This is such a relaxing and meditative book combining watercolour painting with mindfulness in bite sized lessons. Each of the 21 lessons is easy to follow relaxing and reflects onto your creative side too.

The idea of this book is to start with lesson one and go through it lesson by lesson, but it can be used in any way you want so you can start wherever you want to.

This is a beautiful book and fantastic for mindfulness.

[Elaine Howlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book teaches watercolour painting as more of a meditative practise than a practical one. The lessons are practical and straight forward but the focus is more on using this skill for mindfulness. The lessons are quite basic so if you're a complete beginner and interested more in being creative then you will find this useful.


Read more reviews and other bookish content on my blog https://elainehowlin.com

[peach · Rating 3 out of 5]

inspiring, motivating, and full of fun little practices to just get your hands moving. got a little mindful and spiritual at times, which i'm sure is a great addition to the artistic process, but maybe it isn't for me at this point in time.

[Neha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a unique book! It combines watercolour and mindfulness all in bite sized lessons anyone can take. I really liked that this book wasn't art focus and reduced anxiety of the reader. I breaks the bounds of traditional art books and focused more on cultivating your creativity. But like this book says, you know need to be creative to make good art. The type of projects in this book allegedly take 15 minutes and are meant to do 1 a day. I thought this was great. It takes away any excuse you make have.
While doing some of the exercises, I really felt so peaceful and creative.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book full of Interesting yet meditative watercolour exercises. I tried a few of them as I was working through it and very much enjoyed the author’s style and approach. I can imagine returning to it for inspiration when I next need an art fix.

I am grateful to have received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Soumya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating - 2.75.

[Big Hard Books & Classics · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone, absolutely Everyone is or can be Creative ... Just Be Open and expand your mind . . .

[Susan]

A good refresher for me.

[Angela HS · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best thing I’ve done for self-care all year. I loved taking out my paint set every day and creating just for fun. For this chronic perfectionist, it was an exercise in letting things be. I enjoyed the balance of structure and freedom in the practices.

If you loved art as a kid and haven’t picked up a paintbrush in years, do yourself a favor and get this book!

[Mechthild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be encouraged to use watercolor
Self-taught artist, author and teacher Kateri Ewing presents "Watercolor Is for Everyone. Simple Lessons to Make Your Creative Practice a Daily Habit - 3 Simple Tools, 21 Lessons, Infinite Creative Possibilities" which was published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry. Ewing's goal is to help artists discover their uniqueness through twenty-one intuitive, process-based painting lessons which help them with the creation of "works of beauty" that they will joyfully send out into the world to share. She states "intuitive, process-based watercolor means that we create from a place of no expectations of how our finished artwork will look. Instead of planning out our work–which can increase our perception of failure if it doesn't turn our as we expected–we operate from a safe place of simply appreciating a moment in time by playing with colorful paints, a beautiful brush, and a lovely textured paper" (p. 7). She hopes that the artists will be lead to make their creative practice a daily habit.
Every lesson contains instruction which tools to gather and the steps to accomplish the lesson. Furthermore the book offers a page with the basic information "Resources for the creative practice" and an index. I highly recommend the book for beginning and advanced artists because Ewing does leave the artist a lot of freedom how to put the lessons into practice. Furthermore, she does not only present her own execution of the lesson but also presents students' works which is inspirational, encouraging and shows creative variety.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#WatercolorIsForEveryone #NetGalley

[Angela Moore Garden Tea Cakes and Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the COVID 19 pandemic hit, I really thought art would be a place I could escape to. But I found I had little enthusiasm to even pick up a brush, I'm really not sure why. Early on I could barely pick up a book to read, but found audio books a great distraction particularly during restless nights of sleep.
Then in July I got the chance to review Kateri Ewings, Watercolor is for Everybody. I picked up the book and started flicking through the pages and looking at some of the tutorials. I sat down with a cuppa and read through the exercises, then I got out my paints.

The book is about using watercolours to create patterns, seeing how the paints and water merge and flow on the paper. A chance to create without the pressure of a fixed detailed scene.

The author shares in detail all the items and materials required, and why she chose them, you also get to see her paints in detail. Most items I already had as a hobby watercolourist, though I did not have the metallic paints though not essential to enjoy the exercises.

For each exercise you will find a list of materials, it also has a name, and an explanation on how painting is more than just paint or a scene, the author talks about emotion, mood, and creativity. Also suggested is putting on music that you love to listen to whilst painting, adding drops of essential oil to your pot of water. I particularly enjoyed Many Voices, One Song exercise which involved using some coins something everyone will have to hand. You can see a copy of my creation below.

This book contains 20 exercises to help you enjoy relaxing with watercolours, bring benefits to both health and well-being. Most of these exercises I had not come across before and theyare certainly aimed at everyone. They can be repeated time and time again as your confidence grows in understanding how the paints move and blend into each other, and how your mood takes you.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Introduction of Watercolor is for Everyone: "What if I told you that an astoundingly creative artist is living and breathing inside of you, just waiting to make his or her mark?" From this opening promise, Kateri Ewing goes on to prove that indeed, watercolor is for everyone. She begins by asking, "When you were a child, I imagine that playing with colorful paints and crayons was a joyful and spontaneous pastime. Why is it that somewhere along the way we lose this joyful and carefree approach to art making and instead become judgmental, allowing the inner critic or the opinion of other to dampen our instincts to make art?" From there, she offers 21 lessons that teach willing participants the how-to and the why of watercolor. Along with the instruction about putting paint onto paper, there is plenty about the care and nurture of the artist's spirit, as well. Some sample chapter titles: "Beginner's Mind, Beginner's Heart;" "Indigo and Rust;" "Dance by the Light of the Moon;" "Mythical Color Magic." There is a gentle way about Ewing's teaching that will have even the most hesitant, skeptical painters enjoying themselves. Find Kateri Ewing on Facebook, Instagram, You Tube or subscribe to her Patreon.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and inspiring book that is for anyone who would like to have a go at watercolour painting. No matter what your ability, this book is for you and not just for the gifted and talented. There are no expectations of greatness or rules and regulations only the promise that it will be fun playing with paint, paper and a brush. The idea is that you create in a spontaneous and intuitive way.
There is a chapter on materials followed by 21 lessons. The lessons are not intended to follow on from each other, but can be worked through in any order. The emphasis is on exploration and enjoyment and using painting as a meditative ritual. Each lesson is broken down into a series of steps accompanied by photos. There is also a student gallery, illustrating the various interpretations of each lesson.
A great book for anyone who feels they lack confidence and talent but would like to be creative in their own way.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.

This watercolor book is definitely for beginners. It offers 21 lessons and encourages each student to make time to paint every day. The artist/author
focuses more on the watercolor process than the product. This removes some of the pressure beginning students feel, to be successful.

There is a relaxed feeling about the book. Listening to music while painting is encouraged. Thanking your paints, brushes, and materials before you begin
is a concept that is unfamiliar to me but apparently part of the meditative process.

The author discusses the type and use of brushes, paints, and paper.
This is the first watercolor book that emphasizes the type of paper as most important in painting.

This gentle book is not for everyone. If you want lessons that teach you landscapes, flowers, or portraits, you will need to look elsewhere.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did book provides a different way of introducing watercolor to someone. Many books discuss the multiple techniques of painting with watercolor, such as wet on wet, wet on dry, layering, etc but this book just jumps into lessons and there are a couple where you are not given a "step-by-step" lesson. Even the lessons that are "step-by-step, it's not the traditional method where the artist is informing you which technique you are going to use for each step and if you need to move quickly or not. There is also no talk on color theory, which many books touch on. The lack of techniques and color theory do not keep this from being a great book to have in your watercolor library. Prior to giving this review, I did a few of the lessons and I did enjoy them. I felt like my own creativity was in my artwork and not just duplicating what the artist already created down to line stroke and exact colors. Great book to add to my collection.

[Evilblacksheep · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through
NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions are my own.

I think the book was not really for me, or rather not what I was looking for at the moment. Nonetheless I think it was an interesting book that would be perfect for beginners in watercolor, especially people who want a bit more relaxed approach to the medium. I feel this book offers a way less intimidating approach than the classic techniques lessons, especially for people who think they need to know how to draw to try themselves at watercolors.

After the usual section on presenting material, the book offers 21 lessons that can be taken in any order you wish. Those lessons are easy to follow and the ones I tried were pretty relaxing, even though I was not much into the whole spiritual/mindfullness aspect of it. As I said, I don't think that part was really for me, but that doesn't make the book bad.

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 4 out of 5]

As in most art books the author discusses the types of brushes, paints and paper. Following the discussion of materials there are 21 lessons. They don’t have to be followed in any particular order. Each chapter encourages the reader/artist to follow their own creativity and take the time to explore the medium. It also discusses the process of mindfulness and well being. The books has a very relaxed feeling. This relaxed feel seems to remove any of the pressure the reader/artist usually feels to be successful.

The photographs are of high quality and the instructions for each lesson are easy to understand. This is a delightful book and is definitely worth a read if watercolors have peaked your interest before.

I would like to thank the author, Quarry Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-needed inspirational book that inspired me in many other ways besides watercolor! I’ve always loved crafts and creativity, but always felt I wasn’t good enough. This book is amazing. I love her beginner’s mind standpoint! Really love the true-life raw photos because they didn’t look perfectly studio based but looked like real art should look. Very detailed instructions. Step by step, with tools to gather and many photos, but she urges you to make it your own. Really love this book. I kept re-reading the beginning because it fit with so much of life and had so much inspiration that can evolve into everything we do. Highly recommended for anyone interested in watercolor, whether beginner or advanced, and anyone who wants to learn a new art. She gives a daily “lesson” with some really good pointers and made it super fun and much less intimidating to learn watercolor.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome beginner watercolor book! The author describes the items needed for watercolor and then there are projects that are so easy and fun and that can be painted over and over with completely different effects each time. Some of the painting projects are abstract and others are not, but each can be added to with more distinct lines after they dry for scenery or for neat art journal pages or just left as they are. Each painting teaches a watercolor technique and also includes a short description from the author of what inspired the painting she is going to teach. I think this book would be an invaluable resource to anyone interested in watercolor or mixed media as some of the paintings include pencil or ink drawings on the painting after it is dry. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. #WatercolorIsforEveryone #NetGalley

[Erin Perkins Curet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest, watercolor scares me. I have many books on the subject and have tried various tutorials, but I am far from a painter I am afraid. That is why I was so excited to receive a copy of the book Watercolor is for Everyone by Kateri Ewing. She breaks down the process into easily grasped concepts for a novice painter such as myself. There are 21 lessons and very few tools necessary to get started on a practice. I have not yet made it though all of the lessons, but so far they are easy to follow and I am hoping my skills will improve over time. The images are beautiful and the book is very thoughtfully put together. It has been a pleasure to read and work with and I am so glad to have this beautiful book in my collection.

*I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not particularly the book for me - it's a bit heavy on woo-adjacent ritual and on art as meditation, and light on actually technique. Which of course is is pretty much exactly what it promises. My library copy smelled of essential oils, and that seems about representative. (I've got nothing against woo in a variety of forms - it's just not what I look for in my art.)

There were a few parts with reflections I enjoyed, and I liked some of the exercises/techniques as well. Not enough to work through all 21 lessons, but I could see myself coming back to this book if I were feeling excited about painting already and just needed a place to start. Lesson 3 in particular gave me some good ideas for where to start if I were lacking inspiration.

[Elna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the kind of book I'm looking for when I check out an art instruction book. Ewing has a gentle tone that never condescends or patronizes, and the prompts are varied and straddle the fine line between simple and challenging. I love how Ewing emphasizes that everyone's result will be different, and each variation is beautiful. It helps that most of them are abstract color studies, so you can just focus on the painting.

Not all of the prompts inspired me, but the vast majority did. I am definitely going to remember and revisit those whenever I need to (and I already have!). I even went and checked out the other books she has in my public library, because I know her exercises will help me grow in confidence and skill.

[Ashutosh Sahu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a great little book for the total beginner. The lessons are all very simple, with clear instructions, yet as I worked through them I realized there are valuable points to each of them that will generally help as I paint more.

There's emphasis on creativity, letting go, playfulness... clearly the author has read many of the other dictatorial art books out there and realized that they discourage beginners. The key to painting is to play and practice, let the finished product slowly get better with time.

I was really surprised how much I improved, doing about one lesson a day. There is a fair amount of new agey stuff that might turn off some readers, but it all made sense to me.

[Courtney R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Watercolor Is for Everyone" by Kateri Ewing is a gem for both beginners and seasoned artists alike. Ewing's approachable lessons and encouraging tone make it easy to integrate watercolor into your daily creative routine. The book's emphasis on simplicity and accessibility empowers readers to explore and express themselves through this versatile medium. With practical exercises and beautiful examples, Ewing demystifies watercolor, turning it into an enjoyable and fulfilling practice. Whether you're new to art or looking to reignite your creativity, this book is an inspiring companion on your artistic journey.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I'd realised this was a mash up of watercolour painting and mindfulness, I would not have requested it from Netgalley - and I would totally have missed out! I really, really enjoyed this. Some of the practices are things I won't necessarily pick up (there's no way I'm thanking my watercolours!) but on the whole, it was a great book. I enjoyed the set up of a lesson a day and loved the focus on using colours intuitively and spontaneously. As an almost total beginner, I also loved the fact that there was no definite result to work towards and the emphasis on whatever you create is worthwhile.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this one.

[TheBrowns · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshingly simple, accessible, and helpful book for beginners interested in developing a personal art practice. I have picked up many art books and usually put them down convinced of the artist's skill and my lack of skill. Watercolor Is for Everyone is a great introduction for anyone interested in developing art as a practice. I found the intro guidance and lessons to be incredibly helpful. Kateri provided enough guidance to begin but continues to emphasize the practice of art rather than focusing on the results. The author included some mystical language and faith practice that I do not share but I still found the book to be one of the most helpful guidebooks I have used.

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really informative book, great as a reference book taking the beginner step by step on their journey in watercolour.

I’m a complete beginner to painting but during lockdown I bought some watercolours and thought I would give it a go. This book is so useful as it explains paints, paper and the process of preparing to paint.

It also encourages the reader to experiment and not to be worried about the outcome. The enjoyment of the process is just as important. I will definitely be trying some of the projects in the book.


Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this beautiful book.

[Cameron Toney · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I've been playing around with watercolors lately, and I have not felt at all confident in it. When I want to learn something, I seek out books to teach me, so I've requested all the books my library had on watercolor painting.
This is my favorite so far! Less about "lets paint a barn", and more about "here is the joy of color, lets play with it so you can get comfortable with it", which is exactly what I need right now.
Its a little more spiritual in language than I usually go for, but I do feel that making things is a bit of a meditation, so I can work with it.
Plus, this is the first book that captures how I feel about metallic pigments (which is to say, I am a fan!)

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book! The artwork is stunning and full of inspiration. I thought it would be more tutorial based but the directions are basic and easy to understand but more along the line of inspiring creativity with guidelines on how to get going. I think it is an excellent learning tool for anyone new to watercolors because it gives you the freedom to sit down with a few colors follow the directions and see what happens.

I highly recommend it.

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.