Best Gifts for Watercolor Lovers 2023
The holiday season is upon us, so I curated this gift guide that is designed to bring joy to the hearts of watercolor lovers, featuring a handpicked selection of my favorite products and educational materials from some of my favorite artists that will inspire and elevate their creative journey.
Emily Lex's Watercolor Workbooks:
Designed to delight, Emily’s watercolor workbooks are a perfect gift for anyone of any age that loves watercolor. These books are how I first learned to watercolor and I just love her simple guided instructions and satisfying color palettes. These workbooks are a perfect (and fun) gift for both beginners and seasoned artists alike.
Emily Lex's Watercolor Paint Set:
Emily’s paint set is a wonderful accompaniment to her workbooks. I love the palette she curated of 12 basic colors that will give you endless possibilities for mixing custom colors. You can also use the tin lid as a mixing palette. A round size 4 brush is also included with this set.
Utility Vase by Sylvan Clayworks:
Store and display your paint brushes with this handmade utility vase. Another piece that adds some beauty to the creative process.
Paint Palette by Sylvan Clayworks:
Elevate your watercolor experience with a meticulously crafted paint palette from Sylvan Clayworks. These handmade, artisanal palettes are not only functional but also beautiful, adding an extra layer of joy to the creative process. I adore mine and use it daily.
Achieve precise details and preserve the white spaces in your watercolor paintings with a masking fluid pen. This handy tool allows artists to create intricate designs and protect specific areas from paint, adding depth and complexity to their artwork.
Mint Gardners' Flowers, Feathers, and Animal Friends Book:
Sarah Simon’s book is a delightful exploration of nature through watercolor. Filled with intricate illustrations of flowers, feathers, and animal friends, this book provides endless inspiration for creating stunning watercolor compositions. It's a must-have for anyone looking to infuse their art with the beauty of the natural world.
Nicki Traikos' New Watercolor Book - Watercolor Made Simple:
Nicki Traikos was my very first watercolor instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed her Watercolor Made Simple course and now she is turning that into a book. So if online courses aren’t your thing but you still want a comprehensive guide to watercolor that breaks down techniques, tips, and tricks, making beautiful watercolor art accessible for artists of all skill levels– then this book is a fantastic gift and resource.
Landscape Workbook by Sara Cray:
For anyone like me with the desire to improve their watercolor landscape skills, Sara Cray's Landscape Workbook would be the perfect gift (it’s definitely on my list!). This guide offers step-by-step instructions and exercises to help artists capture the beauty of outdoor scenes.
Emma Block's Joy of Watercolor:
One of my absolute favorite watercolor tutorial books, Emma Block's Joy of Watercolor is filled with her whimsical and charming illustrations. This book encourages artists to embrace spontaneity and find delight in the process of painting. It's the perfect addition to any watercolor enthusiast's collection.
Renowned for its quality and durability, Arches paper is a favorite among artists. Gift a pad or a set of sheets to ensure your loved one's artwork stands the test of time.
Mallery Jane's Watercolor 101 Course:
Give the gift of knowledge with Mallery Jane's Watercolor 101 Course. This online course is a comprehensive and interactive learning experience that covers the fundamentals of watercolor painting. I love Mallery’s teaching style and vast knowledge of watercolor. I am currently in her Landscape course and am loving it! Perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their skills, this course is a thoughtful and educational present.
I hope this list is helpful as you shop for the watercolor lover in your life!