What are the best art tutorial sites for learning watercolor painting as a beginner hobbyist?

Here are some of the best art tutorial sites for learning watercolor painting as a beginner hobbyist, with a mix of free and paid options:

Best overall beginner-friendly sites

1. Let’s Make Art

• Very beginner-friendly and approachable
• Clear step-by-step watercolor tutorials
• Good for learning basics without feeling overwhelmed
• Lots of project-based lessons

Best for: absolute beginners who want simple, enjoyable projects

2. The Watercolour Workshop

• Focuses specifically on watercolor technique
• Good explanations of washes, layering, blending, and materials
• Helpful for building real foundational skill

Best for: beginners who want to learn technique in a structured way

3. Skillshare

• Huge library of watercolor classes
• Many classes are taught in a friendly, hobbyist style
• Good variety: florals, landscapes, loose painting, and fundamentals

Best for: people who want lots of options and don’t mind a subscription

4. Domestika

• High-quality classes with polished video lessons
• Strong for illustration-style watercolor and creative projects
• Often teaches a specific style or project

Best for: beginners who want visually inspiring classes and structured projects

5. YouTube

• Free and extremely beginner-accessible
• Great channels include:
  • Emma Lefebvre
  • Jenna Rainey
  • The Mind of Watercolor
  • Tayler Olivas
• Easy to learn at your own pace

Best for: budget-conscious learners or people who like trying before paying

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Best sites for structured learning

6. New Masters Academy

• More art-fundamentals focused
• Less watercolor-specific than some others, but excellent for learning drawing and composition alongside painting

Best for: hobbyists who want to build strong foundations

7. Artists Network / Watercolor Artist

• Offers articles, tutorials, and demos
• Good for technique reference and inspiration
• More intermediate-friendly, but still useful for beginners

Best for: learners who like reading as well as watching

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Best free learning resources

8. Craftsy

• Often has beginner craft and art classes, including watercolor
• Easy-to-follow instruction
• Availability can vary depending on subscription offers

9. PBS / educational art demos

• Not always watercolor-only, but often very clear and encouraging
• Good supplemental learning

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If you want the shortest recommendation list:

• Best free: YouTube
• Best beginner-friendly paid: Let’s Make Art
• Best variety: Skillshare
• Best polished project classes: Domestika

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a ranked list by quality,
2. free-only watercolor sites, or
3. a beginner watercolor learning roadmap with what to learn first.