Creative Watercolor Media AECP Level 2 – Class 4 | Learning to Trust the Water

What I Learned

This class introduced many different watercolor mediums, including watercolor pans, re-inkers, shimmer sprays, Fresh Dye Inks, and gouache. The educators also demonstrated different techniques, such as loose watercoloring backgrounds and watercoloring stamped images.

For me, however, the biggest lesson was not about the mediums or the techniques.

It was about finding a way into watercoloring that worked for me. A way to overcome the intimidated feeling I always had whenever I thought about watercolor.

Instead of immediately watercoloring complete floral images or backgrounds, I started by experimenting on separate pieces of watercolor cardstock. I tried different mediums, different colors, and different amounts of water. This allowed me to see how the water reacted and gave me confidence before moving on to complete cards.

My Cards

Card 1

For me, this card was all about practice and exploration.

I focused on learning how the different mediums behaved and how watercolor reacted to varying amounts of water. The background is quite simple, with alcohol splattering creating perfectly round bubbles. It became a playful and colorful underwater scene and, most importantly, a comfortable starting point.

Card 2

This card was my biggest challenge because I wanted to push myself further.

For the first time, I really focused on creating depth, movement, and light underwater. This was the moment where I started working with the watercolor and the water itself, instead of trying to control every detail.

I added layers and texture to support the scene, but I intentionally kept the focus on the background. The circular school of fish from the Craft Your Life Project Kit Coral Reef Wonders helps draw the eye through the design, while the layered die-cuts add texture and interest without taking attention away from the watercoloring.

Card 3

This is my most personal card.

For this card, I painted a scene that already existed in my mind. Instead of creating individual watercolor elements, I watercolor painted an entire landscape scene.

For someone who was intimidated by water coloring, this felt like a huge accomplishment.

I only added two birds, a lighthouse, and a sentiment. This background did not need anything more. The watercolor itself became the star of the card.

Reflection

As I wrote earlier, water coloring truly intimidated me.  But during this class, and through the way I gradually increased the difficulty of my projects, that feeling changed.

Am I a skilled watercolor artist now?

No, absolutely not. 

But I overcame a mountain that had been standing in my way for a long time, and I had a lot of fun doing it.

The biggest lesson from this class was not learning a new watercolor technique. It was learning to trust the process.  I learned to work together with the water instead of being intimidated by it. I learned to let go, just a little more, of my need to control every step.

I learned to trust the water.

For me, this class created a wonderful foundation to build upon. I truly want to continue learning water coloring and discover how far I can grow. Not only in technique, but also in learning to trust a creative process that I cannot completely control.

Used Products

Card 1

• Craft Your Life Project Kit: Coral Reef Wonders
• Zero-Waste Beneath the Blue Die Set
• Watercolor 36 Pan Set
• Ink Refill Colors
• Shimmer Sprays
• Kristina Werner for Concord & 9th A7 Detailed Frame Dies

Card 2

• Craft Your Life Project Kit: Coral Reef Wonders
• Zero-Waste Beneath the Blue Die Set
• Artists' Gouache Set – Strolling Through New York
• Iridescent Glitter Relief Paste
• Clear Iridescent Stellar Sequins
• A Pocketful of Happiness Irregular Shapes Die Set

Card 3

• Caribbean Dreams Die Set
• Watercolor 36 Pan Set

Affiliate Note

The links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to shop through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my creative journey. 🤍