Why Watercolour Journaling?
There's something uniquely calming about watching pigment bloom on wet paper. Watercolour journaling combines the reflective practice of journaling with the expressive freedom of painting — no artistic experience required. All you need is curiosity and the right supplies.
The Supplies You Need
You don't need much to start:
- Watercolour paints — Our Premium Watercolor Paint Set — 24 Colors is perfect for beginners. Rich, vibrant pigments that behave predictably.
- A watercolour-friendly journal or sketchbook — Thin paper buckles and warps when wet. Use our Watercolor Field Sketchbook A5 with 140gsm cold-press paper that holds water beautifully.
- Brushes — A round No. 8, a flat wash brush, and a detail brush cover 90% of techniques.
- Water jar, palette, and paper towels
5 Techniques to Learn First
1. Wet-on-Wet
Wet your paper with clean water first, then drop colour in. Watch it bloom and spread organically — perfect for dreamy backgrounds and skies.
2. Wet-on-Dry
Apply paint to dry paper for crisper, more controlled edges. Great for botanical illustrations and defined shapes.
3. Colour Gradients (Washes)
Start with full-strength colour at the top, add water as you move down the page. Creates beautiful ombre backgrounds for your journal pages.
4. Salt Texture
While your paint is still wet, sprinkle table salt on it. The salt absorbs the pigment, leaving stunning crystalline patterns. Shake it off once dry.
5. Lifting
Use a dry brush or crumpled tissue to lift wet paint off the paper, creating clouds, highlights, and texture.
Your First Watercolour Journal Page
Start with a simple loose floral. Drop a wet wash of green on damp paper for the background, then paint simple petal shapes in pink and coral while the background is still slightly damp. Add a few splashes of clean water for texture. Write a quote or the date while it dries. That's it — that's watercolour journaling.
Building a Practice
Set aside 15 minutes, 3 times a week. Don't judge the results. The more you practice, the more intuitive it becomes. Browse our Art Supplies Collection to build your kit.