Best Watercolor Painting Books of 2025

Wildflower Watercolor: The Beginner’s Guide to Painting Beautiful Florals by Sushma Hegde is a delightful book for beginner painters who want to learn how to create stunning botanicals. With step-by-step instructions and over 30 projects to choose from, readers can easily master the art of watercolor painting. The book covers everything from how to mix colors to various types of brushstrokes. What sets this book apart is the author's proficiency and comfort in painting wildflowers, which is reflected in her beautifully explained instructions and handy tips. Overall, this book is an excellent guide for anyone who wants to take their painting skills to the next level.

The Watercolor Workbook is a great tool for anyone looking to build their watercolor skills. With 25 beginner-friendly projects printed on premium watercolor paper, readers can easily follow the step-by-step instructions to create beautiful floral and nature sketches. Author Sarah Simon provides an introduction to watercolor techniques, suggested paint and paintbrush materials, and each project can be completed in 30 minutes or less. The book's unique feature is the thick, 200 gsm premium watercolor paper that allows readers to paint directly on the pages. Overall, this workbook is an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn watercolor painting.

Ink and Wash Florals: Stunning Botanical Projects in Watercolor and Ink is the ultimate guide to mastering linework and watercolor through elegant flower compositions. With expert guidance from Camilla Damsbo Brix, readers will learn the fundamentals of each art form and then marry both mediums in 17 radiant compositions that highlight the immense versatilities of both art forms. This book is perfect for those looking to push themselves and experiment with new techniques. The instructions are super helpful and so much fun, making it an approachable, easy-to-follow guide. Overall, this book is a beautiful way to learn sketching and integrating watercolor and ink techniques.

Watercolor for the Soul is a beginner's guide to painting for relaxation that focuses on the process of painting as a means to de-stress and unwind. Sharone Stevens, an established art teacher and talented artist, encourages readers to connect more with the world around them and find inspiration in their everyday life. The book includes simple painting exercises to get into a relaxed flow and create beautiful artworks that will lift the spirits. Overall, this book is an excellent stress management self-help book that emphasizes the power of art to soothe the soul.

Watercolor Success in Four Steps by Design Originals is a perfect starter's guide for aspiring watercolor artists. The book offers 150 skill-building projects with step-by-step instructions and techniques to create beautiful paintings in just four simple steps. It covers a wide range of subjects, including fruits, vegetables, fashion accessories, sea animals, flowers, household items, and more. The book is beginner-friendly and provides visual instructions and tried-and-true techniques to help the reader learn the basics of watercolor painting. Overall, Watercolor Success in Four Steps is an excellent book for anyone looking to start their journey in watercolor painting.

Pictures by J.R.R. Tolkien is a breathtaking collection of the author's own illustrations for his most popular books, including The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. Christopher Tolkien provides unique insight into his father's artistic vision through detailed notes on the sources for each picture. From delicate watercolors to drawings and sketches, this slipcased edition showcases the richness of Tolkien's imagination. This book is a must-have for any fan of Tolkien's work, providing fascinating visual insight into the world of Middle-earth.

This book, Painting Light and Shadow in Watercolor, is a treasured classic that offers hands-on techniques and insights for intermediate to advanced artists. William B. Lawrence explores pattern, hue, contrast, and texture in watercolor painting. Using a combination of theory, demonstration, and practical suggestions, this book provides a new arsenal of tools to help readers grow as an artist. The author covers techniques such as designing with light and shadow, overlapping patterns, and how to use light and dark to add drama and intensity to your work. Overall, this book is a must-read for watercolor artists who want to take their painting skills to the next level.

The Butterflies Adult Coloring Book is a delightful stress-relieving coloring book filled with over two dozen unique illustrations of beautiful butterflies, cute animals, and relaxing nature scenes. The book features a rich blend of simple and intricate hand-drawn designs suitable for coloring fans of all ages and skill levels. The quality single-sided paper prevents bleed-through and makes it ideal for using with different art supplies. This book is perfect for adults, teens, girls, seniors, and anyone who loves art therapy. Overall, it is an excellent gift idea that promotes relaxation and inner tranquility.

Everyday Watercolor: Learn to Paint Watercolor in 30 Days is a comprehensive guide for beginners and experienced artists who want to enhance their watercolor painting skills. The book covers foundational strokes and patterns and gradually progresses to advanced techniques, providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks. The book also features beautiful, contemporary art by Jenna Rainey, a self-taught designer, and author. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn or improve their watercolor painting skills.

Watercolor in Nature: Paint Woodland Wildlife and Botanicals with 20 Beginner-Friendly Projects is a must-have book for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike. Rosalie Haizlett's step-by-step instructions and vibrant wet-on-dry watercolor style make it easy for beginners to create realistic paintings of insects, fungi, birds, botanicals, and mammals. The book teaches readers how to become better observers in the outdoors, take reference photos, and paint a wide variety of subjects. Haizlett's teaching style and artistic approach make this book accessible and inspiring. It's not only a treasure trove of tips and techniques, but also a celebration of curiosity and wonder in the natural world.