Why Watercolor Painting Is Having a Moment — And Why You Should Try It

Watercolor painting might be one of the oldest forms of art, but lately, it’s experiencing a serious revival. Scroll through Instagram or browse your local art fair, and you’ll see watercolor everywhere — from dreamy landscapes to abstract washes and fine-line botanicals. But what is it about watercolor that captivates artists and viewers alike?

As a visual artist specializing in watercolor and mixed-media, I’ve spent years exploring its unpredictable beauty. Watercolor is more than just pigment and water — it’s a conversation between control and spontaneity. Here’s why this medium continues to enchant, challenge, and inspire.

1. Watercolor Is Wild — And That’s the Magic

Unlike acrylic or oil, watercolor doesn’t always behave. It blooms. It bleeds. It dries in unexpected ways. That unpredictability often frustrates beginners, but it’s also what gives watercolor its unique charm. Every painting becomes a practice in letting go — embracing the fluidity and learning to work with the water, not against it.

2. It’s Portable, Minimal, and Accessible

You don’t need a huge studio or a lot of gear to start painting with watercolor. A few good brushes, quality paper, a palette, and a small set of paints can take you far. That makes it the perfect medium for artists on the go, whether you're painting in your New York apartment or sketching on the cliffs of the California coast (as a bicoastal artist, I can vouch for both!).

3. It’s Versatile and Mixes Well with Others

Watercolor plays well with others — pencil, ink, pastel, even collage elements. That’s why so many mixed-media artists (myself included) love incorporating watercolor into broader, layered works. The transparency of watercolor allows for depth and nuance, creating a softness and complexity that’s hard to match.

4. Watercolor Encourages Mindfulness

There’s something meditative about painting with watercolor. The flow of the brush, the movement of water, the rhythm of layering — it slows you down and tunes you in. In a fast-paced, hyper-digital world, watercolor offers a tactile, grounding experience that brings you back to the moment.

5. It Tells Stories in Unexpected Ways

Because it captures light and shadow so delicately, watercolor is ideal for evoking atmosphere and emotion. Whether you’re painting a stormy skyline or a quiet still life, watercolor invites viewers into a visual story — one that feels alive and open to interpretation.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear the Flow

Watercolor isn’t about perfection. It’s about exploration. It rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to be surprised. So if you’ve ever felt intimidated by the medium, I encourage you to dive in — even a few brushstrokes at a time.

Whether you're a seasoned painter or someone rediscovering art after years away, watercolor has something to teach us all: to trust the process, to embrace imperfection, and to find beauty in the unexpected.