Overview
I spent three weeks working through Everyday Watercolor with a complete beginner in mind — testing every project, every technique instruction, every supply recommendation. Jenna Rainey strips the medium back to its most intuitive state, teaching 12 core techniques through 40+ painting projects that are genuinely enjoyable to complete. It's the book I hand beginners in my Portland workshops before anything else.
What stood out most in my testing was Rainey's emphasis on play over perfection. She encourages you to embrace "happy accidents" and see the unpredictability of water as a feature rather than a flaw. After working through about a third of the projects, I could feel the beginner logic of the sequencing — each technique genuinely builds on the last in a way that most books claim but few actually deliver.
What's Inside
- check_circle 12 foundational techniques clearly explained
- check_circle 40+ step-by-step painting projects
- check_circle Color theory explained in plain language
- check_circle Supply guide for beginners
add_circle Pros
- → Friendly, accessible writing style
- → Beautiful photography throughout
- → Projects feel achievable in one sitting
- → Excellent color mixing section
remove_circle Cons
- → Limited advanced content
- → Paper not included (need your own)
- → Style leans heavily toward florals
Who Is This For?
The First Timer
Never held a watercolor brush? This is the single best starting point.
The Floral Artist
Loves botanicals, loose blooms, and the organic watercolor aesthetic.
The Mindful Painter
Wants creative practice that slows the day down, not ramps it up.
How It Compares
| Feature | Everyday Watercolor | Emily Lex | Absolute Beginner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique depth | High (12 methods) | Moderate | Foundational |
| Projects count | 40+ | 10 | 20+ |
| Paper included | No | Yes (64 pages) | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book only for complete beginners? expand_more
What supplies does Rainey recommend? expand_more
Does the book cover landscapes, not just florals? expand_more
Final Verdict
Everyday Watercolor earns its place on any beginner's shelf. Jenna Rainey's warm, intuitive approach makes the medium feel genuinely accessible without sacrificing quality. Highly recommended as your first watercolor book.
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Clara Rivers
Clara holds a BFA in Illustration from the Pacific Northwest College of Art and has taught watercolor workshops in Portland, Oregon since 2009. Her botanical studies have been published in Uppercase Magazine and Illustration Age. She has personally tested and reviewed 200+ watercolor books for this publication.
