Top 3 Watercolor Books for Summer (Paint Your Way Through the Season)
Summer is here, and there's something magical about watercolor painting during the warmer months. It could be the way natural light streams through your windows or how the season's vibrant colors inspire creativity. Whether you're dreaming of painting outdoors in your garden or setting up a cozy art corner inside, these four watercolor books will transform your artistic journey this summer.
From quick 15-minute masterpieces perfect for busy days to comprehensive guides that'll keep you painting all season long, we've curated the perfect collection for every skill level and schedule. Let's dive into our top picks that'll have you creating beautiful watercolor art faster than you can say "summer breeze."
If you’re looking for watercolor books to help you get started, check out our catalog here at Lay It Flat! We create spiral bound versions of the best art books, allowing you to lay your books flat while drawing, painting, and more.
Why Watercolor and Summer Are a Perfect Match
Colors.
The summer breeze.
The flowy nature of watercolor.
There's something about the season that calls for watercolor. The medium's flowing, organic nature perfectly mirrors the season's relaxed vibe. Additionally, watercolor paints dry quickly in warm weather, making them ideal for spontaneous painting sessions on the porch, perfect for quiet afternoons, or a quick morning paint session to start your day.
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, these books offer the perfect blend of inspiration and instruction to make your summer artistically fulfilling.
So what are you waiting for? Here are some motivations to get you started.
Our Top 3 Picks for Summer
1. Watercolor Success in Four Steps by Marina Bakasova
This ultimate beginner's guide teaches you how to perfectly paint 150 objects, from fruits and flowers to animals and household items, using tried-and-true techniques in just four simple steps. What makes this book absolutely perfect for summer? It breaks down complex watercolor techniques into manageable, bite-sized lessons.
Why we love it for summer:
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150 different objects to paint means endless variety for your summer art sessions
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Perfect for beginners who want to see quick progress
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The four-step method makes it easy to squeeze in painting time between summer activities
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Great for painting all those summer fruits and flowers you're seeing everywhere
Best for: Complete beginners and anyone who loves structured, step-by-step learning
2. Wildflower Watercolor: The Beginner's Guide to Painting Beautiful Florals by Sushma Hegde
This beginner-friendly book focuses specifically on creating beautiful floral watercolors, making it perfect for capturing the beauty of summer's blooming flowers. There's nothing quite like painting the flowers you see on your summer walks or in your garden.
Why it's ideal for summer:
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Floral focus matches the season's natural beauty perfectly
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Spiral-bound format (available and in stock) keeps pages open while you paint outdoors
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The beginner-friendly approach won't intimidate newcomers
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Wildflower theme captures that free-spirited summer feeling
Best for: Flower lovers, garden enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to capture summer's natural beauty
3. 15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces by Anna Koliadych
This spiral-bound masterpiece offers 50 step-by-step projects that can be completed in just 15 minutes, perfect for both beginners and experienced artists. When summer gets busy with vacations, BBQs, and outdoor adventures, this book ensures you can still squeeze in your creative time.
Why it's perfect for summer:
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50 different projects keep things interesting all season long
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15-minute timeframe fits perfectly into busy summer schedules
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Quick satisfaction makes it perfect for maintaining creative momentum
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Great for painting small summer memories and moments
Best for: Busy creatives, parents juggling summer activities, and anyone who loves quick artistic wins
How to Make the Most of Your Summer Watercolor Journey
- Set Up Your Summer Art Space: Anywhere! Whether it's a corner of your kitchen table or a dedicated art nook, having your supplies ready makes it easier to dive in when inspiration strikes. You can even take the books outside to gather inspiration.
- Start Small: Don't feel pressure to create masterpieces immediately. Even 10-15 minutes of painting can be advantageous and help build your skills. Feel free to explore the brushes, textures, and fundamentals.
- Paint What You See: Summer offers endless inspiration—from fresh fruit at the farmer's market to flowers in your neighbor's garden. Let the season guide your subject choices. Take a walk, talk to people, and create what you want!
- Don't Worry About Perfection: Watercolor is beautifully unpredictable. Embrace the happy accidents and organic flow of the medium.
Why Choose Spiral-Bound Watercolor Books?
Here's where we get excited about what makes these books even better for your summer painting sessions. Our spiral-bound versions at Lay It Flat make it incredibly easy to keep your book open while you paint. There will no longer be more struggling with pages that want to flip closed right when you're in your creative flow.
Picture this: you're painting in your garden, following a step-by-step floral tutorial, and a gentle breeze keeps trying to turn your pages. With a spiral-bound book, you can focus entirely on your art without fighting with your instruction manual. It's one of those small details that makes a huge difference in your creative experience.
Final Thoughts: Your Summer Art Adventure Awaits
Whether you choose the structured approach of "Watercolor Success in Four Steps," commit to the 30-day journey with "Everyday Watercolor," dive into florals with "Wildflower Watercolor," or squeeze creativity into busy days with "15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces," this summer is your chance to explore the beautiful world of watercolor painting.
Remember, there's no "right" way to be an artist. Some days, you might paint for hours, lost in the meditative flow of color and water. On other days, a quick 15-minute sketch might be precisely what your soul needs. The important thing is to start, to play, and to let yourself enjoy the process.
Ready to add some colorful creativity to your summer? Check out our collection of spiral-bound watercolor books at Lay It Flat and find the perfect guide to start your artistic journey. Your summer self will thank you for it!
