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Watercolor for the Soul: Simple Painting Projects for Beginners, to Calm, Soothe and Inspire
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.
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.
- GenresArtNonfictionCrafts
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2022
819 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 10, 2022
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.
February 25, 2022
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
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
July 9, 2022
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.
April 23, 2022
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.
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.
January 6, 2022
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.
August 11, 2025
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.
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.
January 5, 2025
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!
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!
June 15, 2025
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….
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….
January 30, 2023
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.
April 15, 2024
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.
May 14, 2024
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.
August 16, 2025
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!
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!
October 14, 2025
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.
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.
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August 4, 2024I like the simple palette and some of the simpler project. Other projects had more tiny detail than my style does.
September 5, 2024
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.
February 1, 2025
great for beginners
A great comprehensive overview of watercolour techniques and projects for someone moving from a different medium like acrylics to watercolour.
A great comprehensive overview of watercolour techniques and projects for someone moving from a different medium like acrylics to watercolour.
March 25, 2025
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.
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.
April 29, 2025
Had good info on brush techniques. Cute tutorials on whale, avocado, maidenhair fern, gemstone, turtle, pebbles stacked.
September 11, 2025
What a lovely book with easy and encouraging instructions for a beginner.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews