When you decide that you want to learn how to paint do you imagine standing in front of a large easel with a big white canvas in front of you?

If so, this could be a costly mistake.

The cheapest way to learn to paint is to use watercolor. But, there is still a problem...

Imagine you are in your favorite art store, looking at the variety of watercolor paint sets full of wonderful colors. There are displays full of different kinds of brushes and the range of papers is huge.

There is only one way to learn how to paint watercolor...

"Keep it simple - use one color"

When you use 1 color you only need a small list of painting equipment...

• 1 tube of watercolor paint (tube is best)
• 1 brush (not too small - No. 4 to No. 8 size will allow you to get some paint on the paper)
• 1 piece of paper (or a small watercolor sketchbook)
• 1 glass of clean water
• 1 old saucer, plate or dish

This small list of painting materials will not cost much, so get best Artist quality watercolor paint... it lasts longer because the color has more pigment strength than cheaper student quality paints.

All you need now is a flat surface to work on. A drawing board would be best but a table top or kitchen work surface is a good substitute.

Beware! The paint could go anywhere... and it could damage. Make sure that the work surface will not stain. Fortunately most watercolor paints can be quickly wiped away with a cloth.

So, now you have got everything all you need to do is...

1. Squeeze some paint from the tube onto the dish and thin it slightly with a brush full of clean water.
2. Wet the surface of the paper with clean water, after cleaning the brush (alternatively, use a sponge). Leave the edges dry so the paint will stay on the paper.
3. Get a brush full of paint and touch the pool of water at the centre.

Watch the way the color shoots across the paper. Color goes where the water takes it... It is amazing.

"It is great fun watching watercolor paint dry... the effects can be incredible"

And, you know it hasn't cost you the earth to learn to paint watercolor.

Get your Free Drawing Lesson and discover how simple lines and circles help you create a Moonscape Drawing (it could make a simple and effective watercolor painting).