Trying to figure out how to paint w/ watercolors

Hey fellow creatives! As someone who's embarking on this exciting, sometimes daunting, journey of learning watercolor to illustrate my own books, I completely get the feeling of being an 'author on a budget' where 'hiring an illustrator isn't in the cards.' It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding path, and I've picked up a few things that might help you if you're in the same boat. My goal is to share what I'm learning, especially for those of us who are writers first, artists second (for now!). First off, don't feel intimidated by the vast world of art supplies. You don't need professional-grade everything to start. When I began, I focused on a few key essentials. For paper, look for watercolor paper that's at least 140lb (300gsm) — this prevents buckling. You can find affordable pads from brands like Canson XL or Strathmore. For paints, a basic pan set with 12-24 colors from brands like Sakura Koi or Winsor & Newton Cotman is perfect for beginners. They offer good pigment without breaking the bank. And brushes? A round brush (size 6 or 8) and a flat wash brush (1/2 inch) will get you far. Water containers (old mugs work great!) and paper towels are also a must. Remember, the key is to start, not to have the most expensive setup. Once you have your supplies, the best way to learn is by doing. Don't aim for perfection right away. I started by just playing with water and color on paper. Try simple washes – a flat wash, a graded wash (light to dark), and a wet-on-wet wash (painting onto already wet paper for soft blends). These are fundamental and will help you understand how watercolor behaves. For us writers, thinking about how these techniques can create moods for our stories is a great way to practice. A soft, graded wash could be a dreamy sky, while a wet-on-wet blend might be a mystical forest. One of my biggest 'aha!' moments came when I realized I didn't have to be a master painter to tell a story visually. Simple, stylized illustrations often work best, especially for children's books or whimsical stories. Think about your characters: can you capture their essence with simple shapes and colors? For backgrounds, don't feel pressured to create intricate scenes. Sometimes a hint of color or a few suggestive brushstrokes are enough to set the scene. I’ve found that focusing on conveying emotion or key plot points rather than hyper-realism makes the process much less stressful and more enjoyable. Integrating your watercolor art with your writing is another fun challenge. Are you planning to scan your paintings and add text digitally, or will your book be traditionally illustrated? For digital integration, make sure you scan your art at a high resolution (at least 300 dpi). This gives you flexibility for printing. I'm still experimenting with photo editing software to clean up scans and arrange them with text, but even basic programs can help. Finally, don't be afraid to make mistakes. Watercolor is notoriously unforgiving, but that's also part of its charm. Some of my favorite "happy accidents" have come from unexpected bleeds or color mixes. Embrace the learning curve. There are tons of free resources online – YouTube tutorials, blogs, and even other Lemon8 creators – who share amazing tips. Finding an art community, even an online one, can be incredibly motivating. As the OCR mentioned, 'Any helpful tips is greatly appreciated,' and I truly believe in sharing our knowledge to help each other grow. We're all in this together, trying to bring our stories to life, one brushstroke at a time!