Watercolor For The Soul: Simple painting projects for beginners, to calm, soothe and inspire

by Sharone Stevens

Learn how to use watercolor to soothe your soul with this beginner’s guide to painting for relaxation. This fresh approach looks first at the process of painting as a means to de-stress and unwind. Many people love the idea of painting but hold themselves back from starting because they are worried about not being good enough or not feeling as though as are creative. In this guide for the absolute beginner, artist and teacher Sharone Stevens shows you that watercolor can be accessible to everyone and that just painting very simple lines, patterns and shapes in calming colors, concentrating on each brush stroke, can have a powerful meditative effect, while at the same time allowing you to create beautiful art you can be proud of. She also encourages you to connect more with the world around you, finding inspiration in your every-day life and discovering the beautiful textures found in nature, from tree trunks to fruit and butterflies! The aim of the techniques and projects in this book is to create art that relaxes both the artist and the viewer of the finished piece. Projects range from simple gift tags, bookmarks, cards and small wall pieces to larger art pieces that you never thought possible – all done with a focus on relaxation – which is so important in today’s fast-paced, increasingly digital world. Learn how to mix a calming color palette, try simple painting exercises to get into a relaxed flow, and create beautiful artworks that will lift the spirits both during the painting process and beyond, as finished pieces of art. Author Sharone Stevens is an established art teacher and talented artist who is passionate about using art for relaxation and encouraging others to build a regular creative practice. Her gentle lessons and nurturing reassurance will guide even total beginners through the process of making soothing, soulful modern watercolor art.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2022

Reviews

[Margaret Galbraith]

Fantastic book with easy to follow instructions and good tips on what to buy. I might buy this to own my copy,

[Gunes Diker]

Sharone is an amazing guide. She is very talented and her way of teaching marks the difference. With her, You’ll learn that painting is not just creating art but also creating time for yourself. I started to paint with her on an online platform, and as a person who completed all her classes, I can strongly recommend this book because it has everything you should know about Watercolor. Thanks to her focus on watercoloring, you will find this book as a therapy. Each painting is easy to follow, very detailed, and the process of making it gives you a lot of joy. Overall, this book is a must have for everyone, but especially for the ones who wants to meet with watercolors.

[Georgina]

This lovely presented book arrived earlier than expected via Book Depository.

It is full of step-by-step guides to help you achieve various watercolour projects, whilst taking time to relax and enjoy the process.

The Author, Sharone Stevens explains why she wrote the book and how we can benefit from slowing down and being in the moment.

Sharone is on instagram and a star teacher on Skill-share.

Georgina M

[Robert Emond]

Sharone’s teaching style is spot on. The projects are perfect for me right now and the pacing is perfect; it’s like I’m in her classroom or she’s in my head. It can go either way. Great instructor and artist. She can paint what she publishes well. I practice until it looks as close to her sample by following her instructions. She says her paintings or subjects are simple but they can be easily used for cards or hung up. I’m that proud of my work. It makes me feel good.

[Barbara McKell]

great beginners book.

Instructions are clear and easy to follow. This book is a wonderful place to start if you want to feel successful with your first watercolour paintings.

[Lori Palen]

I like the simple palette and some of the simpler projects. Other projects had more tiny detail than my style does.

[Adrienne Adrimano]

For repeated Reference and Inspiration.

An excellent starter for anyone trying to get into water colours or someone looking for a relaxing hobby.

With professional product recommendations and step by step instructions, this book makes watercolor less intimidating.

"Some of the projects are quite quick and simple, and some will take a little longer. These longer projects still involve simple processes, so they are not more technical or advanced, they just have more repetitive elements in them-- perfect for when you want to lose yourself in a longer, mindful painting session."

I could see myself attempting the projects over a year, doing one or two per month, as I learn and gain confidence in watercolor.

This book, along with some supplies, would make a great gift for someone into crafts or analog hobbies, and you could also gift many of the projects you make!

The main content sections:
- Materials
- Watercolor Basics
- Mixing Colors
- Techniques
- The Projects
- More Inspiration: Patterns
- More Inspiration: Mosaics

[Yasmin]

After taking a course with Sharon and following her on Instagram for a very long time I was thrilled to hear that she had published a book. The book, besides looking gorgeous with inspirational drawings and motivation to create, is wonderfully written, detailed explanations and fun creative projects. I have no doubt that I will make good use of it. Highly recommend to anyone who wants and is looking for calm painting projects and to enjoy the benefits that watercolors have.

[Nancy Heinrich]

Mindful watercolor instruction book

Sharon Stevens certainly instructs one of mindful creations of art. Personally, I found her mosaics interesting, however, most of her art instruction is for a beginner : a great resource in using defined watercolor paints to create simple designs. Mindful watercolor certainly takes one off into their own personal space to calm and soothe......as in her title.

[F. P.]

Goodreads keeps suggesting books to me or putting them in my recommendations, books that I either already read or wind up wanting to read--most of their suggestions aren't a good fit, but some are.

Though I've read this, I haven't done any projects in it, but maybe some people who see this review would find it a soothing art book. Sometimes I look for these types of art books just to have a relaxing read.

This is also in Kindle Unlimited right now.

[Rebekah]

Nice projects and practice

I wish that WC books didn’t start with the basics in each book I buy. However I liked the repeating of color mixing instruction. I always seem to need to read these again.
The projects look interesting and I look forward to trying them all. They are small for instructional purposes but each could make a nice little giveaway!

[Marty]

not counting kindergarten 56 years ago,,,,my first how to on water colors

Wow , I learned a lot and will play with this and learn some more…probably not end up in MOMA but this is great for my brain and heart.

Learn more basics and practice….then add some advanced learning…

Practice and THEN get a show….

[Jackie]

Nice projects to try.

I'm not a beginner but wanted something that would be calming, soothing and give me some small projects to take my mind off the pressures of the day. It would be perfect for a beginner as there are good guides at the beginning to cover equipment and processes or someone trying out a new medium for the first time.

[Barbara]

I cannot wait to try the many different projects outlined in this book. These projects will definitely enhance and elevate my watercolor projects and abilities. From bookmarks to wreaths, these projects will inspire me to make and give many cards, gifts, and complete many projects this year.

[Autumn Kearney]

This book teaches people how to focus and find a happy place while being creative with watercolors. It’s great for beginners because it tells how to choose paper, paint, and brushes along with watercolor painting texhniques.

[Holly Socolow]

I loved this book. Just what I needed as a newbie to watercolors. I renewed it so many times from the library I finally decided to just buy it. Sharone’s teaching is very clear, helpful and encouraging. The projects are fun and I learn something new with each exercise.

[Donna Mallery]

Impressive!

A very good beginner watercolor book! It has simple yet beautiful projects. It gives great background information. And the step by step are easy and thorough enough to make it easy for anyone!

[Erika Bresee]

Great for beginners!

I’ve always wanted to try watercolor painting but have been too intimidated by the process and didn’t know where to start! This book told me everything I needed to know and inspired and encouraged me to finally put paintbrush to paper.

[Mercy]

Watercolor for the Soul is such a gentle and encouraging introduction to watercolor painting. I especially loved the idea of approaching painting as a way to slow down, relax, and enjoy the creative process rather than worrying about being “good enough.”

[Starshine Everlight]

This could really be a 4.5. I enjoyed the descriptions of the basics, supplies, and projects. I would have liked more brand options. And more instructions on how to finish off the sample projects.

[Carolyn Barone]

great for beginners

A great comprehensive overview of watercolour techniques and projects for someone moving from a different medium like acrylics to watercolour.

[Soothing Rays]

This book is beautiful!
The featured projects are of a wide variety and there are lots of things that one can try out, even if they are a beginner.

[Jenn]

Had good info on brush techniques. Cute tutorials on whale, avocado, maidenhair fern, gemstone, turtle, pebbles stacked.

[Echo]

What a lovely book with easy and encouraging instructions for a beginner.

[Annette Brannon]

Learned So Much!!!

I have had several books on watercolor. It is hard enough to follow a video or live class, but this author nailed it!! Thanks for making this art so doable!!

[Maria Iliopoulos]

watercolour for the soul

Beautifully illustrated and well written book, instructional and easy to follow. Definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in watercolour.

[Debbie Gervais]

informational

Good information and details. Very helpful resource. I will refer to this book often to remember technique and colour mixing.

[Victoria Loria]

Love it so much!