Best Watercolor Workbook with Paints (2026): 5 Picks

Finding the best watercolor workbook with paints starts with how you like to learn: some beginners want guided projects on real watercolor paper, while others want a month of daily practice. We compared five books by project count, print length, paper and what each one teaches, so you can pick the workbook that matches your pace.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Watercolor Workbook by Simon	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Watercolor Success by Bakasova	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Learn to Watercolor by Walker	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Everyday Watercolor by Rainey	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Abstract Watercolor by Leach	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Watercolor Workbook by Simon

Sarah Simon·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A workbook with 25 beginner botanical projects on premium watercolor paper, for adults.

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Pros

• 25 beginner projects on premium watercolor paper
• No drawing skills required, with step-by-step instructions
• Each project takes 30 minutes or less

Cons

• For adults, so not aimed at young children
• Paints and brushes are suggested, not included
• 88 pages, fewer than the other picks

2

Watercolor Success by Bakasova

Marina Bakasova·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

150 skill-building watercolor projects in four simple steps, for beginners.

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Pros

• 150 projects across fruits, flowers, animals and more
• Skill levels printed on each page
• Four-step technique with no experience needed

Cons

• You supply the watercolor paper, paint and brushes
• 176 pages, a long book for slow starters
• No stated reading age or level

3

Learn to Watercolor by Walker

Lacey Walker·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

20 beginner lessons with a watercolor pad of sketches to paint over.

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Pros

• Includes a watercolor pad with sketches, no drawing required
• 20 step-by-step lessons for beginners
• Published October 29, 2024

Cons

• Paints not stated as included
• 96 pages, fewer lessons than the 150-project book
• No stated reading age or level

4

Everyday Watercolor by Rainey

Jenna Rainey·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A guided watercolor-a-day book that builds skills over 30 days.

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Pros

• 30 days of guided lessons from strokes to finished pieces
• 224 pages from Watson-Guptill
• Published October 10, 2017

Cons

• You supply the paper, paint and brushes
• A 30-day program needs daily commitment
• No stated reading age or level

5

Abstract Watercolor by Leach

Kate Rebecca Leach·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Abstract watercolor with pens, for beginners who want to experiment.

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Pros

• Abstract techniques with watercolor and pens
• For complete beginners, per the description
• 120 pages from David & Charles

Cons

• Abstract only, not realistic subjects
• Project count not stated
• No stated reading age or level

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More picks to compare

• Wildflower Watercolor by HegdeBeginner florals guide, 168 pages, for flower painters.Check on Amazon
• Watercolor Workbook: Flowers by Simon25 beginner projects on premium watercolor paper.Check on Amazon
• Bob Ross Paint with WaterPaint-with-water book, 80 pages, for Bob Ross fans.Check on Amazon
• Easy Watercolor Flowers by Rosen45 beginner flower paintings, 176 pages.Check on Amazon
• Watercolor Made Simple by Traikos20 paintings on watercolor paper, no sketching required.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the beginning painter, contents and edition, and value. None of the five listings states a reading age or grade level, so every book scores on fit, contents and value alone. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best watercolor workbook with paints

Paint on real watercolor paper

The Simon workbook prints its 25 projects on 200 gsm premium watercolor paper, and the Walker book includes a watercolor pad with sketches. For a second creative workbook, see the best calligraphy workbook for kids.

Match the project count to your pace

The Bakasova book packs 150 projects into 176 pages for painters who want volume, while the Rainey book spreads lessons across 30 days. For a mindful daily habit, the best ACT workbook compares mindfulness workbooks.

Before you buy

• Check the print length: the books here run from 88 to 176 pages, plus the 224-page Rainey guide.
• Check what you paint on: the Simon workbook prints projects on watercolor paper, and the Walker book includes a watercolor pad with sketches.
• Match the skill focus: abstract art, botanical projects or a 30-day program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these workbooks include paints?

The listings describe workbooks and paper, not paint sets. The Simon workbook suggests paints and brushes.

How many projects are in each book?

The Bakasova book lists 150 projects, the Simon workbook 25, the Walker book 20 lessons, and the Rainey book 30 days of lessons. The Leach book does not state a project count.

Which workbook suits a complete beginner?

The Simon workbook needs no drawing skills and gives 30-minute lessons, and the Walker book needs no sketching with its included pad. Both state they suit beginners.

Still deciding? Our top pickWatercolor Workbook by Simon

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