Watercolor coloring books are a fun way to relax and get creative. You get the chill vibes of coloring with the added bonus of playing with watercolors. Finding the right one can be tricky, though. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I’ve tested a bunch to help you find the perfect fit.
Product Overview / Quick Summary:
- Scribble & Color Watercolor Wonders: Best for beginners, simple designs.
- Artfan Watercolor Coloring Book: High-quality paper, intricate patterns.
- ColorIt Watercolor Book for Adults: Single-sided pages, thick paper prevents bleed-through.
- Arteza Watercolor Coloring Book Pad: Affordable option, good for practice.
- Tiger Mill Watercolor Postcards Coloring Book: Portable and great for creating personalized postcards.
Top 5 Best Watercolor Coloring Books
Scribble & Color Watercolor Wonders
The Scribble & Color Watercolor Wonders book is a great starting point if you’re new to watercolor coloring. The designs are simple and inviting, perfect for learning basic techniques. It’s a stress-free way to experiment with different colors and brushstrokes.
Pros:
- ✅ Beginner-friendly designs
- ✅ Affordable price point
- ✅ Encourages experimentation
Cons:
- ❌ Paper quality is not the highest
- ❌ Limited detail in designs
- ❌ May not be suitable for advanced watercolorists
Verdict: Ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxing and simple watercolor coloring experience.
Artfan Watercolor Coloring Book
Artfan Watercolor Coloring Book is a step up in terms of paper quality and design complexity. The pages are thick and can handle a good amount of water without buckling. The intricate patterns provide a satisfying challenge for those looking to improve their coloring skills.
Pros:
- ✅ High-quality, thick paper
- ✅ Intricate and detailed designs
- ✅ Suitable for intermediate artists
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than beginner options
- ❌ Designs may be too complex for some
- ❌ Limited number of pages
Verdict: A great choice for artists who want a higher-quality coloring experience with more detailed designs.
ColorIt Watercolor Book for Adults
The ColorIt Watercolor Book for Adults is designed with serious colorists in mind. The single-sided pages prevent bleed-through, and the thick paper is specifically made for watercolors. I like that you don’t have to worry about ruining the design on the other side!
Pros:
- ✅ Single-sided pages
- ✅ Very thick, bleed-proof paper
- ✅ Wide variety of design themes
Cons:
- ❌ One of the pricier options
- ❌ Can be bulky due to the thick paper
- ❌ May have more pages than some users need
Verdict: Best for serious watercolor artists who want to avoid bleed-through and enjoy a premium coloring experience.
Arteza Watercolor Coloring Book Pad
The Arteza Watercolor Coloring Book Pad offers a great balance of quality and affordability. It’s perfect for practicing new techniques or just having fun without worrying about using up expensive materials. Think of it as your everyday watercolor coloring companion.
Pros:
- ✅ Affordable price
- ✅ Good paper quality for the price
- ✅ Suitable for practice and experimentation
Cons:
- ❌ Paper is not as thick as premium options
- ❌ Designs are fairly simple
- ❌ May experience some bleed-through with heavy water use
Verdict: A budget-friendly option for beginners and those who want a practice pad for watercolor coloring.
Tiger Mill Watercolor Postcards Coloring Book
The Tiger Mill Watercolor Postcards Coloring Book is a unique and fun way to combine art and correspondence. Each page is a postcard ready to be colored, painted, and sent to a friend. I think it is an innovative idea!
Pros:
- ✅ Portable and convenient postcard format
- ✅ Good quality paper for postcards
- ✅ Unique and personalized way to connect with others
Cons:
- ❌ Smaller size limits design complexity
- ❌ Limited number of postcards per book
- ❌ Not ideal for large-scale watercolor projects
Verdict: Perfect for creating personalized postcards and sharing your art with friends and family.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right watercolor coloring book depends on your skill level, budget, and desired features. Here are a few things to consider:
- Paper Quality: Look for thick paper (at least 140lb or 300gsm) that can handle water without buckling or bleeding.
- Design Complexity: Consider your skill level and choose designs that are challenging but not overwhelming. Beginners might prefer simpler patterns, while more experienced artists may enjoy intricate designs.
- Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided Pages: Single-sided pages prevent bleed-through and allow you to remove and display your finished artwork. Double-sided pages offer more designs but may require extra care to avoid damaging the opposite page.
- Price: Watercolor coloring books range in price from affordable to premium. Set a budget and choose a book that offers the best value for your money.
- Size and Format: Consider the size of the book and whether you prefer a traditional book format or a pad of individual sheets. Postcard books are a fun and unique option for sharing your art.
- Intended use: Are you looking to practice or create finished artwork?
FAQs
Q: What kind of watercolors should I use with a watercolor coloring book?
A: You can use any type of watercolor paint, including pan watercolors, tube watercolors, or watercolor pencils. Experiment with different types to see what you prefer.
Q: How do I prevent the paper from buckling when using watercolors?
A: Use thick paper (at least 140lb or 300gsm) and avoid using too much water. You can also tape the edges of the page to a board to keep it flat.
Q: Can I use markers or colored pencils in a watercolor coloring book?
A: Yes, you can use markers or colored pencils to add details or shading to your watercolor paintings. Just be sure to use archival-quality materials that won’t fade over time.
Q: What are some good beginner watercolor techniques to try?
A: Start with basic techniques like wet-on-wet (applying paint to wet paper for soft, blended effects) and dry-on-dry (applying paint to dry paper for crisp, defined lines). Experiment with different brushstrokes and color mixing to find your own style.
Q: How do I display my finished watercolor coloring pages?
A: You can frame your finished pages, display them in a scrapbook, or use them to create greeting cards or other paper crafts. If the pages are single-sided, you can easily remove them from the book and display them.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect watercolor coloring book really boils down to what you’re looking for. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced artist, there’s a book out there that’s perfect for you. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect watercolor coloring book to unleash your creativity and enjoy the relaxing art of watercolor painting.
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