Watercolor Book & Gift Guide
Updated: Aug 28
Gift guide for the watercolorist
If you have a watercolorist in your life, or if you are one yourself, here are my favorite gift ideas that inspire play, learning, and beautiful art moments.
1. Books
Watercolor You Can Do It! by Tony Couch (beginner+)
A trusted favorite for building strong fundamentals. Tony Couch explains watercolor in a clear and encouraging way, focusing on core skills. The book covers composition, value, color choices, and how to create impact with simple shapes https://www.tonycouch.com
Composition of Outdoor Painting by Edgar Payne (intermediate)
Includes diagrams, value studies, and compositional templates that help artists understand how to build stronger, more intentional paintings.
A Blossom in the Desert, The Art and Writings of Lilias Trotter (1853 to 1928)
This book is a beautiful source of inspiration for artists who seek deeper meaning in their creative work. Lilias Trotter’s journals weave together watercolor sketches, handwritten reflections, and observations from her life of faith and travel. A thoughtful gift for any artist who values soulful inspiration.
Fill Your Watercolors with Nature's Light & Fill Your Watercolors with Nature's Light & Color by Roland Roycraft (1917- 2011)
My heart leapt with JOY when I discovered these books! Roland Roycraft not only creates atmospheric watercolor pours, but also uses stencil-lifting techniques! To discover that my journey with watercolor pouring has been so similar to another artist’s reminds me of how art can lead us down unexpected, yet wonderfully familiar paths. Sometimes, we discover techniques on our own, only to find that another artist has been exploring the same ideas all along.
2. Color Inspiration and Learning
Color Cubes by Sarah Rene Clark
The new Color Cubes makes color selection easy and fun! These mini palettes help artists experiment with hue combinations, discover surprising mixes, and build confidence in choosing colors. Serving as a colorful reference library sorted by category, they are perfect for sparking fresh creative ideas and supporting watercolor painting.
Foolproof Color Wheel Set by Katie Fowler
This set makes color theory simple and hands-on. Effortlessly pick color combinations and explore ten inspiring schemes. Educate, inspire, and expand your knowledge of color relationships. The color wheel and viewfinder discs are easy and fun to use and come packed in a handy folder for storage.
3. Gift for the Watercolorist Who Has Everything
Pigment Stories: A Book by Jackson’s Art
Perfect for the artist who has everything, this richly illustrated book dives into the fascinating world of color. It offers insights into over 60 historic and contemporary pigments, tracing their journey from prehistoric ochres to modern quinacridones. A captivating read for anyone curious about the intersection of art, history, and creativity.
As you explore these books and gifts, whether giving or receiving, may they inspire playful, colorful, and meaningful art! May the love of Jesus and the hope He brings fill your heart, and may your days and your art shine with His light.
Enjoy posts like these?
❤️ Like ⭐ Rate 💬 Comment
Thank you for being here!
Beautiful and meaningful insights ...I am so enjoying being a member of Watercolorpour. There is a great balance of learning and exploration. Thank you