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Anyone Can Learn Watercolor Journaling - Yes, You!: Easy Techniques for Drawing and Painting
Start Watercolor Journaling Today!
The simple technique presented in this fun-to-read book will have you drawing and painting quickly. No need to wait until you’ve had hours of training or years of practice to enjoy watercolor journaling. In this book you will learn how to:
Recapture the natural joy of art experienced in early childhood
Create colorful travel journals that will become treasured souvenirs and a delight to share
Overcome the resistance of your inner critic that says you can’t draw or paint
Here’s what people are saying about Anyone Can
Learn Watercolor Journaling—Yes, You!
“This book is both an educational and delightful read.”—Sharan Devoto
“I love the sketches in this book and appreciate the easy instructions that go along with them.”—Karen Bates
“What a fun and easy-to-read book. Makes it simple to add a bit of creativity to a journal.”—Soo Hyun Han
NOTE: This book is NOT for the experienced artist. It is intended only for people who want to learn VERY basic techniques for drawing and painting.
The simple technique presented in this fun-to-read book will have you drawing and painting quickly. No need to wait until you’ve had hours of training or years of practice to enjoy watercolor journaling. In this book you will learn how to:
Recapture the natural joy of art experienced in early childhood
Create colorful travel journals that will become treasured souvenirs and a delight to share
Overcome the resistance of your inner critic that says you can’t draw or paint
Here’s what people are saying about Anyone Can
Learn Watercolor Journaling—Yes, You!
“This book is both an educational and delightful read.”—Sharan Devoto
“I love the sketches in this book and appreciate the easy instructions that go along with them.”—Karen Bates
“What a fun and easy-to-read book. Makes it simple to add a bit of creativity to a journal.”—Soo Hyun Han
NOTE: This book is NOT for the experienced artist. It is intended only for people who want to learn VERY basic techniques for drawing and painting.
- GenresArtCraftsJournaling
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2015
350 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 15, 2020
An easy read. I prefer these books with an emphasis on gentle encouragement over extensive lists of equipment and detailed techniques. Illustrated by her own watercolor travel journal.
December 20, 2021
A short little pep talk with some helpful tips that were new to me. Easily read in a single sitting.
Even though my skill level has advanced far beyond that of the images of the author’s shares of her first ever travel book, I really enjoyed reading this book. I visual journal daily and this book reminded me to be less uptight about getting something right, and to concentrate more on capturing the essence of a scene or moment. I also liked some of the ways the author designed her pages. The scenes were a lot less literal than my usual style and it would be fun to be a little more loose and creative in my depictions of my day. I wish I could see the author’s current artwork (the book was published in 2015). It would be fun to see how far they’ve come over the years.
Overall, a fun, quick, and encouraging nudge to start visual journaling ones own adventures. I agree that even the most rudimentary drawings are an absolute delight to revisit in the future…especially after you’re no longer beating yourself up for not being a better artist. With time, it’s easier to simply appreciate the journey and how far you’ve come.
Even though my skill level has advanced far beyond that of the images of the author’s shares of her first ever travel book, I really enjoyed reading this book. I visual journal daily and this book reminded me to be less uptight about getting something right, and to concentrate more on capturing the essence of a scene or moment. I also liked some of the ways the author designed her pages. The scenes were a lot less literal than my usual style and it would be fun to be a little more loose and creative in my depictions of my day. I wish I could see the author’s current artwork (the book was published in 2015). It would be fun to see how far they’ve come over the years.
Overall, a fun, quick, and encouraging nudge to start visual journaling ones own adventures. I agree that even the most rudimentary drawings are an absolute delight to revisit in the future…especially after you’re no longer beating yourself up for not being a better artist. With time, it’s easier to simply appreciate the journey and how far you’ve come.
March 21, 2020
GREAT book for learning watercolor journaling
I love this book! I've painted for a while, as a hobby, using acrylics or doing mixed media collages... I've recently challenged myself to learn watercolors, and this book was fantastic. Great ideas, given in a down to earth voice, and actually starting at the beginning! I've read too many "Intro" books that tell me to start with artist grade watercolors (at often $10 a tube!) and then go on to teach way over my head. I've kept art journals but never thought about actual watercolor journaling until now- and I can't wait to start! Thank you Jolyn, for writing this book- it was very much needed for watercolor beginners!
I love this book! I've painted for a while, as a hobby, using acrylics or doing mixed media collages... I've recently challenged myself to learn watercolors, and this book was fantastic. Great ideas, given in a down to earth voice, and actually starting at the beginning! I've read too many "Intro" books that tell me to start with artist grade watercolors (at often $10 a tube!) and then go on to teach way over my head. I've kept art journals but never thought about actual watercolor journaling until now- and I can't wait to start! Thank you Jolyn, for writing this book- it was very much needed for watercolor beginners!
July 15, 2021
Great illustrations
It’s a quick read and very encouraging. She puts herself out there and it’s nice that all her artwork isn’t perfect so you don’t feel intimidated. She’s probably better now then when she first started, but it’s nice to see it and be okay with whatever your skill level is.
It’s a quick read and very encouraging. She puts herself out there and it’s nice that all her artwork isn’t perfect so you don’t feel intimidated. She’s probably better now then when she first started, but it’s nice to see it and be okay with whatever your skill level is.
December 7, 2019
I expected more...
Okay, so maybe it's my fault that I expected more of this book. I thought she was going to add the basic concepts of perspective and such, but it's just basically telling you to draw what you see. I've been drawing ever since I can remember, so this was definitely not the book for me. This book is for people who have NEVER tried art in their lives. But it's also a travelogue. It has pictures of her journal (which needed better lighting) and her travels. I feel like I wasted my time reading this book...
Okay, so maybe it's my fault that I expected more of this book. I thought she was going to add the basic concepts of perspective and such, but it's just basically telling you to draw what you see. I've been drawing ever since I can remember, so this was definitely not the book for me. This book is for people who have NEVER tried art in their lives. But it's also a travelogue. It has pictures of her journal (which needed better lighting) and her travels. I feel like I wasted my time reading this book...
November 23, 2018
Kickstart your watercolor journaling
This book is a great little overview of watercolor journaling. Brief and to the point, with samples from the author’s own journal. There are some handy tricks in the last chapter, but this is not a technical how-to paint with watercolor book. There are, however, several references at the end to more in depth tutorials. This book does what it says, providing quick, easy techniques to get you started.
This book is a great little overview of watercolor journaling. Brief and to the point, with samples from the author’s own journal. There are some handy tricks in the last chapter, but this is not a technical how-to paint with watercolor book. There are, however, several references at the end to more in depth tutorials. This book does what it says, providing quick, easy techniques to get you started.
November 9, 2018
Great inspiration and ideas!
I really enjoyed this book on watercolor journaling. The illustrations were useful and relevant. Midway through this book I tried my first attempt at watercolor and was quite pleased with the process and outcome. Had I not read this book by Jolyn Parker, I likely would not have started my first watercolor painting.
I really enjoyed this book on watercolor journaling. The illustrations were useful and relevant. Midway through this book I tried my first attempt at watercolor and was quite pleased with the process and outcome. Had I not read this book by Jolyn Parker, I likely would not have started my first watercolor painting.
April 30, 2020
Simple happy fast read
I like the small practical advices like the moleskin notebook you can start with and the shapes I should be paying attention to and using artist tape around the corner. For a book of this size, it seems enough. Also the advice to get over the initial fear of putting on paper is helpful.
I like the small practical advices like the moleskin notebook you can start with and the shapes I should be paying attention to and using artist tape around the corner. For a book of this size, it seems enough. Also the advice to get over the initial fear of putting on paper is helpful.
September 10, 2021
Loved, loved , loved this little book.
Great examples of simple journal pages which were quite effective in showing us yet another way to capture a moment, a feeling, an experience. All the way through the book, Jolyn’s way is so relaxed some how she gave me confidence that I actually think I can do this although I don’t know how to draw.
Great examples of simple journal pages which were quite effective in showing us yet another way to capture a moment, a feeling, an experience. All the way through the book, Jolyn’s way is so relaxed some how she gave me confidence that I actually think I can do this although I don’t know how to draw.
October 4, 2025
Straight forward direction on art journaling
Jolyn explains the supplies you will need to get going and how the use them. Then she takes us with her and she enjoys a trip to New York City! She shares the pages she made during the trip and also gives tips on simple watercolor techniques that help create loves journal pages easily
Jolyn explains the supplies you will need to get going and how the use them. Then she takes us with her and she enjoys a trip to New York City! She shares the pages she made during the trip and also gives tips on simple watercolor techniques that help create loves journal pages easily
September 27, 2017
Great book
To get you started watercoloring right away! He doesn’t intimidate you with his own expert examples, but rather uses his first watercolor journal as examples. Great references in the back as well!
To get you started watercoloring right away! He doesn’t intimidate you with his own expert examples, but rather uses his first watercolor journal as examples. Great references in the back as well!
June 25, 2019
Really Cute
I enjoyed reading Jolyn's book. Onec I started it was a quick read in a quirky style. There was plenty of good advice on dealing with your critic and some interesting techniques. Perhaps she could update it with advice for Journaling in public.
I enjoyed reading Jolyn's book. Onec I started it was a quick read in a quirky style. There was plenty of good advice on dealing with your critic and some interesting techniques. Perhaps she could update it with advice for Journaling in public.
November 24, 2019
This is a great inspirational book. While it has some tips on water coloring it is not a how to but more of a here is some of my pages and how to silence your inner critic that stops you from trying.
I recommended it for any journalist.
I recommended it for any journalist.
October 20, 2021
What fun!
Inspired to start my own journal with this lovely quirky 'You can do it!' book, and it's bite sized suggestions on how to translate what you see onto paper. A reminder to not be too precious.
Inspired to start my own journal with this lovely quirky 'You can do it!' book, and it's bite sized suggestions on how to translate what you see onto paper. A reminder to not be too precious.
November 26, 2018
A short, delightful guide to creating a journal illustrated with watercolors. Full of encouragement for those who think they aren't "artists".
December 18, 2018
Good easy enjoyable read
I have only been watercoloring for a couple of years. And I found this book's style perfect for me. A gentle. Humerous approach 😀😀
I have only been watercoloring for a couple of years. And I found this book's style perfect for me. A gentle. Humerous approach 😀😀
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August 12, 2019Good ideas and pointers. Enjoyed.
October 31, 2020
Charming and inspirational book. I especially liked the chapter on various techniques and the list of resources.
January 11, 2021
A few good tips. Worth the time to go through and read.
August 1, 2022
Inspirational
Really enjoyed this little book, it's full of useful simple information which I will put to good use. Great encouragement.
Really enjoyed this little book, it's full of useful simple information which I will put to good use. Great encouragement.
December 30, 2022
it's cute. more than techniques it includes like pep talks to hype you up. and i liked how it showed some paintings at the end, shows that it's about fun most of all
January 8, 2023
Lovely little book.
February 26, 2017
Very simple, easy to understand techniques with a lighthearted voice. Love this book.
February 18, 2021
Definitely a beginner's book
I personally didn't find this book helpful for watercolor journaling, but it is an excellent resource for a beginner who is new to watercolors.
I personally didn't find this book helpful for watercolor journaling, but it is an excellent resource for a beginner who is new to watercolors.
July 26, 2021
Loved the book!
I am already an artist , and have been all my life. Just recently I bought some of those water filled brushes , but have yet to use them ... your book helps with that , right on time!
I am already an artist , and have been all my life. Just recently I bought some of those water filled brushes , but have yet to use them ... your book helps with that , right on time!
April 16, 2016
Inspiring and motivating
This book is the most motivating of all the Urban sketching related books I read. Author and her thoughts are so likable and relatable. Many of you who wants to try Urban sketching but feels that you are not good enough at drawing so hesitate to try, you should read this book and you will feel motivated and inspired by the author's light hearted approach to the sketching.
This book is the most motivating of all the Urban sketching related books I read. Author and her thoughts are so likable and relatable. Many of you who wants to try Urban sketching but feels that you are not good enough at drawing so hesitate to try, you should read this book and you will feel motivated and inspired by the author's light hearted approach to the sketching.
November 14, 2015
This is a quick but worthwhile read. The author invites you on an adventure of your own design, and offers advice how to overcome your inner critic. This is a great jumping off point for those interested in watercolor journaling. The list of recommended YouTube videos, books, and websites is quite helpful.
August 11, 2015
Encouraging!
Exactly what I was looking for to jumpstart my drawing adventure! Good suggestions for supplies, and nice tips for relaxing and enjoying the process without getting hung up on trying to be Da Vinci! Go forth and sketch!
Exactly what I was looking for to jumpstart my drawing adventure! Good suggestions for supplies, and nice tips for relaxing and enjoying the process without getting hung up on trying to be Da Vinci! Go forth and sketch!
August 31, 2015
A Great Start
Me. Parker was a joy to read. She made this book easy to read and understand. I'm a beginner to watercolor and many other varieties of art... She has inspired me to take hold of this new endeavour...
Me. Parker was a joy to read. She made this book easy to read and understand. I'm a beginner to watercolor and many other varieties of art... She has inspired me to take hold of this new endeavour...
November 9, 2015
Great for a beginner like me
This was an informative, easy read, and didn't overwhelm me with too much information. I also appreciated her advice on not being too critical of myself. I can't wait to get started!
This was an informative, easy read, and didn't overwhelm me with too much information. I also appreciated her advice on not being too critical of myself. I can't wait to get started!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews