Wild Watercolor: Weekly Lessons and Techniques for Stunning Creations

by Karen Elaine

Grow in creative confidence with weekly watercolor projects that showcase the magic of nature Enjoy the meditative art of watercolor and unlock your creativity with Wild Weekly Lessons and Techniques for Stunning Creations. With renowned watercolor artist Karen Elaine as your guide, you’ll confidently build your watercolor skills through tutorials that teach key techniques and projects that feature the wonders of nature in the author’s vibrant signature style. This workbook’s week-by-week format will help you establish a regular watercolor practice, incorporating art and relaxation into your life. From delicate butterflies and tulips to foxes, twilight skies, landscapes, and more, get ready to enter the wild world of watercolor! Wild Watercolor Step-by-step Follow along with beginner-friendly instructions and tried-and-true techniques—with watercolor visuals at every step 36 nature-inspired projects you can frame, including wild poppies, Sonoran sunsets, songbirds, and water lilies Chapters organized by skill level—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—that will help grow key skills every week, including color mixing and water control, to take your watercolor practice to the next level Whether you’re a beginner to watercolor or a seasoned artist looking to refine your skills, let Wild Watercolor guide you through the magical process of bringing nature to life on paper, one stunning project at a time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Watercolor
by Karen Elaine
This is a delightful watercolor tutorial book that has step-by-step instructions for whatever level artist you might be.
There are several lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced artists. The front of the book has the supplies you will need and tips to improve your work. Most of the lessons are nature-inspired such as flowers, birds, and a fox in advanced. All the instructions are easy to understand and follow. I plan to buy this myself.
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this wonderful book.

[Renata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC!

I really liked this book, mainly because its divided by difficulty, it explains how to do watercolor in a simple and easy way, i think i noticed a few errors while i do some of the exercises (like mentioning a color and then not using it afterward).
The exercises are very beautiful and really easy to follow in almost every step.
I did the begginers ones and they are very useful for getting started. I would have hope for more brush control exercises, but for someone who wants to start creating pieces right away, it is perfect.

4/5 stars.

[Witchwanderes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. It takes you by the hand and ease you into more challenging projects. There is not a single example i would not want to make. They are all stunning! I can see myself sitting down with my kids and start at the beginning of the book and teach them to watercolor. I cannot wait to make something out of the book. Absolutely in love. We'll done Karin Elaine!

[Abi_reads_and_scribbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this visual guide to watercolor. As a creative, I've always sort of free handed watercolor. But this book had some detailed info on how to really work with watercolour, layers and layout. I loved the step by step instructions, the weekly lessons were easy to follow. I am looking at gifting this book to some creative coworkers and friends for Christmas.

I highly recommend if you are new to watercolor, or if you've felt like you wanted to explore some easy, accessible weekly projects. I especially liked that the book gets a little more detailed every week.

thanks to Netgalley for this beautiful arc.

[Lecy Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love watercolor painting and thought this would be a lovely book to try some new projects. There are sections dedicated to tools and techniques with lessons for beginners, intermediates, and more advanced painters. The subjects/scenes in the book are all nature-inspired. When I work through this, I might pass it on to a friend or family member who is interested in learning how to paint. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Wild Watercolor: Weekly Lessons and Techniques for Stunning Creations by Karen Elaine
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Overview
Karen Elaine’s Wild Watercolor: Weekly Lessons and Techniques for Stunning Creations is a vibrant, structured guide designed to help artists of all levels refine their watercolor skills through a progressive, week-by-week approach. Unlike traditional art manuals that overwhelm with theory, Elaine’s book adopts a hands-on, project-based methodology, encouraging experimentation while building technical proficiency. The book’s strength lies in its balance of structured lessons and creative freedom, making it equally valuable for disciplined learners and those seeking artistic spontaneity.

Strengths
Pedagogical Structure: The weekly format provides a clear, manageable learning trajectory, preventing the paralysis that often accompanies unstructured artistic study. Each lesson builds on the previous one, reinforcing skills while introducing new techniques.

Technique Diversity: Elaine covers foundational skills (e.g., washes, glazing) alongside advanced methods (e.g., negative painting, texture creation), ensuring relevance for beginners and experienced painters alike.

Visual Inspiration: High-quality illustrations and step-by-step demonstrations demystify complex techniques. The inclusion of Elaine’s own works as examples fosters appreciation for watercolor’s expressive potential.

Encouragement of Creativity: While technical instruction is thorough, the book consistently emphasizes personal interpretation, urging artists to adapt techniques to their unique style—a refreshing departure from rigid, prescriptive guides.

Practical Tips: From material recommendations (e.g., paper types, pigment choices) to troubleshooting common mistakes (e.g., overworking, color bleeding), the book addresses real-world challenges with actionable advice.

Limitations
Assumed Materials Access: Some lessons presume access to specific tools (e.g., masking fluid, granulating pigments), which might frustrate readers working with limited supplies. A budget-friendly alternatives section could enhance inclusivity.

Pacing for Absolute Beginners: While the book is beginner-friendly, those entirely new to art might benefit from even more foundational exercises (e.g., basic brush control drills) before tackling Week 1’s projects.

Digital Integration Absence: Given the rise of digital art, a brief exploration of watercolor techniques in digital mediums (e.g., Procreate brushes) could have expanded the book’s relevance.

Theoretical and Practical Contributions
Art Education Methodology: Elaine’s weekly framework offers a replicable model for self-directed learning, applicable beyond watercolor to other artistic disciplines.
Process Over Perfection: By celebrating “happy accidents” and iterative progress, the book aligns with contemporary pedagogical trends that prioritize growth mindset over flawless outcomes.
Cultural Resonance: The emphasis on expressive, “wild” watercolor reflects broader artistic movements embracing imperfection and organic beauty, countering hyper-realistic trends.
Comparison to Similar Works
Compared to Watercolor Painting: A Comprehensive Approach (Metzger), which leans heavily on theory, Elaine’s book excels in actionable creativity. It complements The Watercolor Course You’ve Always Wanted (Leslie) but stands out for its structured weekly approach and stronger visual guidance.

Conclusion
Wild Watercolor is a standout resource for artists seeking to master watercolor without sacrificing joy or individuality. Elaine’s expertise and encouraging tone make technical challenges feel approachable, while her emphasis on creative exploration ensures the book remains inspiring long after the 52 weeks. Minor gaps in material accessibility are outweighed by its pedagogical innovation and visual richness.

Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Karen Elaine for providing an advance review copy. This access allowed for an in-depth engagement with a guide that redefines watercolor instruction through creativity and structured practice.

Final Verdict
A must-have for watercolor enthusiasts—equally effective as a self-paced course or a reference manual. Elaine’s blend of discipline and wild creativity makes this book a rare gem in art education.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Watercolor by Karen Elaine

Rating: 5 Stars

I just finished Wild Watercolor: Weekly Lessons and Techniques for Stunning Creations by Karen Elaine, and I’m in love. This is the kind of art book that actually makes you want to pick up your brush—every page feels like a friendly nudge into something creative and calm.

At its heart, Wild Watercolor is a week-by-week workbook that guides you through watercolor practice with nature as its muse. Karen Elaine breaks things down into manageable lessons, pairing clear, step-by-step demonstrations with gorgeous visuals so you can follow along easily. The projects range from delicate flowers and fluttering butterflies to songbirds, twilight skies, and even foxes and sweeping landscapes. Each lesson focuses on core watercolor skills—things like water control, color mixing, and layering—so you’re not just copying pretty images but steadily building the confidence to experiment.

I especially appreciated how the book is structured by skill level. There are sections for beginners, intermediate painters, and more advanced artists, which makes it a great companion whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen specific techniques. The projects are practical too: 36 frame-worthy pieces that feel satisfying to complete and display. And the visuals—Karen’s vibrant, nature-inspired style—are as inspiring as the exercises themselves.

A few personal notes: the cover is absolutely charming and set the tone for what’s inside—inviting, lively, and joyful. The layout is very thoughtful; lessons flow logically, with plenty of visual guidance at each step, so you never feel lost. I liked how the book eases you into tougher projects while still being encouraging, which makes it perfect for a beginner who wants structure or a seasoned painter who wants fresh ideas and practice routines.

In short, Wild Watercolor is a delightful, well-designed workbook that blends instruction and inspiration. If you want a gentle, reliable way to develop a regular watercolor practice or simply want beautiful nature-based projects to try, this book is a fantastic pick. Five stars from me—it's a keeper on my shelf and a go-to when I need creative calm.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen's friend Linda (who the book is dedicated too) would be proud of this introduction to watercolors and the skills it helps you build (from beginners skills to advanced.)

Wild Watercolor starts with something I feel a decent amount of art books skip out on, recommending specific paint colors in a limited amount. The author tells you the specific colors and why you should invest in those 3. She also goes over paper and brush selections and the additional items you may benefit from having. I liked this too. The extras aren't always covered and sometimes I'll be following along just to realize, I don't have the tool they have.

Going over the differences between wet on wet painting vs wet on dry, as well as different brush strokes is nice as well. The book is teaching you a lot, just within the first pages, without it feeling like a text book or too much information to take in. I like the way the projects are laid out. It almost reminds me of a recipe book. It shows the specific colors, techniques, and the supplies needed. The fact that each project is a week long is cool too. It teaches you the patience and practice that creating takes.

The projects are really nice because each one is focusing on building a skill, but in an interesting way. The skill of blending, brush strokes, color layering, ect. in a very easy to comprehend way. The pacing of the projects when it comes to what skills have been built flows well. You don't go from easy to hard immediate, each project brings in a few more skills that carry on to the next and so on. The paintings towards the end of the book become more realistic, with much more vibrant colors. However, if you'd stayed and followed the process, the advanced projects don't feel quite as intimidating or difficult. You aren't jumping into this sea of a new medium without a life vest.

I think the Poppy Field was my favorite project out of all of them, which it was a hard choice because all of them are beautiful.

This book would make an amazing gift, with a set of watercolors, brushes, and paper. I will absolutely buy a psychical copy of this book once it is released.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Wild Watercolor is a tutorial and style guide for watercolor by Karen Elaine. Due out 16th Sept 2025 from Penguin Random House on their Zeitgeist imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback format.

The author has an inviting, calm, and encouraging style of writing. She explains a bit of her own background with a short artist's statement. The brief introduction includes illustrated lists of tools and supplies and some basic techniques for getting paint onto paper, for sketching, for selecting subjects and other useful information for beginning painters. Especially salient tips and info are written into highlighted text boxes which are easy to find and remember. The book itself is set up as a weekly tutorial course with guided techniques grouped by level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Each of the tutorials includes specific step by step color photos and process illustrations with instructions for color choice, brushes, and special techniques used. Most of the tutorials cover several pages and are simple enough to give beginning watercolorists confidence by rendering them as illustrated.

This is a very pretty book with a lot of useful information and tips for rendering natural subjects with watercolor. It would make an excellent choice for self-study or for public or school library acquisition.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. Focusing on natural subjects like birds, animals, flowers, etc. The lessons contain vibrant pictures and clear explanations. You start with the first week with a simple sky with clouds and end up 36 lessons later with the advanced prickly pear cactus flower. It’s a comprehensive book that is great for beginners or amateurs looking to hone their skills with watercolor. The front chapter introduces the types of paint, brushes, and paper you need. The author stresses that you should purchase the best you can afford. I wish she had offered more budget-friendly options, but I understand the need for quality materials. She also gives you a list of other supplies that are helpful for the artist. I liked how each lesson gives you the techniques to be used, the materials and colors needed, the steps from first drawing to finished project.

Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@penguinrandomehouse #partner “Thanks for the free/gifted book, @penguinrandomhouse” #sponsored

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

With 36 weekly progressively more difficult lessons, Wild Watercolor is like taking an art class in your home.

Beginning with a simple sky and concluding with an advanced Prickly Pear Cactus Flower, this book gently moves your skill set forward. Using a fully illustrated step-by step approach, the author teaches technique while also naming each one so the reader is ready for any future in person art classes they may take.

The beginning of the book includes a comprehensive look at the tools (papers, brushes, paints, etc.) that will be needed to complete the projects. Each project includes the exact paints and other materials needed too.

Overall, Wild Watercolor is an easy way to experiment with watercolor and advance your skills using a preprogrammed methodology. 5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for providing me with an advanced review copy.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Watercolor is filled with 36 beautifully drawn wildlife, landscapes, and nature portraits created by renowned watercolor artist Karen Elaine. This workbook offers a week-by-week format that helps one establish a regular watercolor practice. I felt inspired by both the artwork and the instructions on shading and mixing watercolors in Wild Watercolors. Viewing this workbook on NetGalley inspired me to ultimately purchase this workbook for both myself and as gifts for those who enjoy watercolor art.

Whether you’re a beginner to watercolor or a seasoned artist looking to refine your skills, let Wild Watercolor guide you through the magical process of bringing nature to life on paper, one stunning project at a time!

Thank you to Zeitgeist @zeitgeistpublishing for the complimentary review copy, provided through @NetGalley to review.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to do watercolor years ago and have wanted to get back into it for a while, but the task has seemed daunting. I'm really glad I stumbled upon this book because this has really inspired me to get into the hobby again! The book is full of beautiful step by step pictures and really great ideas to get started. There's vibrant scenery, flowers, birds, a night sky, etc. It starts out from easiest and works its way up to advanced pieces, which you'll also need drawing skill to be able to do (but you could easily use these techniques to color in a watercoloring book that already has the sketch there for you). I'm very pleased with this book and can see myself going back to it again and again for both inspiration and tips.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with a copy.

[Jennyfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a watercolour artist who is always looking to improve my skills and branch out from my standard landscapes, I was excited to pick up this book. Wild Watercolour is a 36-week course that covers a project a week, with step by step instructions.

The book is broken down into three main sections - Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, with projects from skyscapes to botanicals, feathers to foxes and everything in between. The book focuses on using CMYK colours as the base, encouraging the reader to mix their own shades when different colours are needed, allowing for a good hands-on introduction into colour theory.

Each of the projects are clearly set out and easy to follow. I can't wait to try these and expand my skills!

~This is a NetGalley ARC. All opinions are my own~

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This watercolor book is charming. It has basic to more advanced lessons. It begins with initiating the artist into proper use of materials including paints, brushes, and paper. It discusses various watercolor terms and techniques.

Because the book is divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced sections, you can self-determine where you would like to start based on your own experience in watercolor. The pictured instructions are easy to follow. The finished products are pretty. The projects include birds, small animals, flowers, and small landscapes.
They would make excellent greeting cards when finished.

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

[Crystal E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I really love the way it is laid out week by week, allowing ample time for the artist who paints as a hobby amidst life responsibilities. The steps are thorough and descriptive enough that I feel I would be able to accomplish them without a video aide. I also love that after most steps, you write "let dry", as if giving oneself the power to take a break, walk away and come back tomorrow. This entire book is therapeutic and acts as a personal lesson in art therapy, allowing the painter to be themselves while exploring watercolor. Thank you so very much for allowing me to review this book!

[Gabby McGuffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am someone who enjoy to paint, sketch, and scrapbook as a hobby. I have read other watercolor books in the past and I enjoy how this book gets straight to the point! I think it is a good book for both beginners and medium to advance artists. The beginning has some tips and color mixing exercises, as well as troubleshooting common mistakes I personally have encountered as a beginner in the past. I am excited to try the exercises myself, especially the more complex ones. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.

Thank you Net Galley for this free Arc book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author, teacher and artist Kim Elaine has written and illustrated a set of weekly lessons to help the reader to learn to paint with watercolor. The book is broken down in sections. Step by step introductions and tutorials are accompanied by photos of artwork. Section one has twelve lessons for a beginner with techniques for the sky, water, wild grasses, flowers and more. Section two, weeks thirteen to twenty-four is for the intermediate artist with more details in rocks, trees and birds. The advanced level artwork for weeks twenty-five to thirty-six includes challenging work, tools, "tricks" and techniques.
I received the opportunity to read and observe the artwork from Zeitgeist, Penguin Random House LLC through NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion. This is an exciting book for any level artist or someone needing a refresher. The author encourages using white ink in projects which is something that I personally favor for highlights. There are 36 projects ranging from a simple one-color sky to very detailed scenery. Elaine focuses on art for healing, inspiration and empowerment. Four primary professional tubes of watercolor paint are all that is needed to start this journey with nature as an inspiration.
I love the paintings of the fox and the jack rabbit in the book. This is a solid 5-star book for me. It would make a great gift for teens to adults or treat yourself.

[Judy Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book with clear instructions and beautiful designs to learn to watercolor. I am fairly new to the process, about 2 years studying. The book is perfect for me. Some paintings were easy and some will be challenging. A perfect balance to my needs and future journey in this hobby.

Thank you to Zeitgeist and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

[Alejandra Martin ~ Lexi Likes to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Watercolor is a beautiful, week-by-week watercolor workbook that helps you grow in both skill and creativity. With 36 nature-themed projects ranging from wildflowers to sunsets, it’s perfect for beginners and more experienced artists alike. Karen Elaine’s clear, visual step-by-step instructions make each project accessible and fun. The focus on mindfulness and consistency makes this more than just an art guide—it’s a peaceful creative ritual. A lovely companion for anyone looking to slow down and paint the natural world.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book of watercolor lessons. It is more than "how to paint a flower" or "how to paint a bird". It teaches techniques that you need to paint anything. There are projects progressing from beginner to advanced, and each one helps you build technique, skill, and confidence. I also especially appreciate the trouble shooting section at the beginning!

Thank you to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for the ARC.

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has from beginner with skies and flowers, intermediate with seascapes, rocks and butterflies to advanced with birds, animals and scenery. There are more subjects too. Each are detailed in illustrations. I really like that the beginning tells everything you need as tools and shows different brush strokes. This would be a nice book for anyone interested in starting to watercolor.

[alliyisreading_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for my ARC, Netgalley!
This is such a a beautiful set of watercolor paintings and the directions are really well written. I loved the step by step directions and they were pretty easy to follow. However, I definitely need more practice and plan to do the other 2 sections of the book after the beginner section.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to watercolor! I especially love how the author Karen Elaine walked us through step-by-step on how to layer the colors together for each piece. And I appreciate how she highlighted the different techniques being practiced.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for an eARC of this book! This is my honest review.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so helpful! As someone who has wanted to get into watercolor and not sure where to start, this book helped break down the basics and provided easy step-by-step instructions. I really appreciated the variety of projects, range of beginner to more advanced lessons, and the author’s relatable, encouraging tone. Also it’s beautiful—something to aspire to!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great step by step guide to learn how to watercolor. So many different things to try like flowers, birds while also learning how to create illusions based on how you lay your color on the page.
I will for sure look at this book in its printed version again.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Amber Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher. I love how it takes me through beginner level projects straight through more challenging projects, explaining concepts and techniques in an approachable way. I'm a newbie but already love what I'm painting!

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

This book is a great starting point or refresher course on watercolor. It covers many natural and wild things and makes them easy while building skills to improve your watercolors. I want to own this book!

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great watercolor projects from beginner to advanced. I especially liked the red fox and the jackrabbit. I can't wait to paint them!
Thanks to NETGALLEY for an arc of this book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great guide. Step by step watercolor for beginners working on up to talented advanced painters. The material was thorough and easy to read. I felt I could do this! The best part was the author told us bit by bit what to add. as we paint. She even included "Let dry." when needed. I tend to make this mistake in my haste. Thank you Karen Elaine! 5 Stars!