🍏 From Apples to Rose Petals: Why Supplies (and Structure!) Matter in Watercolor

Ever have one of those mornings where your head is buzzing with projects—a pear here, a shiny cherry there—but you realize if you want these watercolor dreams to happen, you need to actually make time for them?

That’s me. 🙋‍♀️ Zarah here (aka your resident Watercolor Wizard), letting you in on my process as I shift and grow—not just my art, but the way I share it.

Lately, I’ve needed to dial back the daily livestreams on the Academy. Why? Because editing, lesson planning, and packaging fun side projects (hello, Pear Project!) require a little less talking and a lot more focused energy. It’s all part of building something sustainable, both for you and for me.

So here’s the scoop on how I’m making this all work… and why what you paint on matters just as much as how you paint it.

🎨 Studio Schedule Shuffle: When and Where to Find Me

The new routine is all about staying energized and effective:

• Watercolor Wizardry Academy Live Sessions 8:30 - 9:30am Pacific:

  • Wednesday & Saturday mornings, exclusively in the Academy.

• Public Livestreams 3:30 - 4:30pm Pacific:

  • Wednesday evenings (“Watercolor Wizardry Wednesday!”) on all the platforms: YouTube, Twitch, Kick, LinkedIn, and the Watercolor Wizardry Facebook page.

  • Saturday evenings: For the Creator Community (our private creative circle).

🍎 On the Easel: McInntosh Apple, Rose Petal, and the Power of Paper

At the moment, I’m painting the classic McIntosh Apple, and today is all about conquering those greens. (I’m tempted to sneak out for some fishing, but painting wins—at least until the fish start calling! 🎣)

What’s coming up next? The rose petal, then a full rose, both up on the website if you want a sneak peek. After that: a shiny cherry, possibly an orange (debating those thousands of tiny dots!), and some fun shape-masking experiments.

But let’s talk real for a second about supplies. I use BEE Watercolor Journal paper for studies and for hyper, it's much more difficult than Arches hot-press.  I’ve tried, and… womp womp. It’s honestly just making everything harder. Hyper-realistic watercolor is already challenging enough—I want the fight to be with my painting, not the paper.  

So here’s where I get picky:

• Arches (Arsh) paper consistently makes painting smoother and more predictable due to the smooth surface of the hot-press, and it just behaves better. Pro materials may cost more but they seriously help your skill shine.

• Those bright, filler-free professional paints? Gamechangers for vibrant, detailed results.

• If you’re painting loose or just experimenting, there’s room for play with more affordable papers, but for precision? Don’t skimp.

I’ll still use the BEE paper for fun masking projects or color mixing practice—anything that doesn’t rely on being as precise as possible.

Results of today's greed addition.  So far, it's all looking pretty good!  This is the power of layers.  It's much easier to correct as you go when changes are as subtle as they can be... hence my apprehension for adding greens to reds.  That's a big change with complimentary colors.  Here's our results for today:

🧠 Key Takeaways: Lessons from the Studio

• The right supplies enable your skill to come through. Don’t let cheap paper sabotage your confidence (or your art!).

• Adjust your routines to serve your art, not just your habits. More isn’t always better—focused, intentional practice beats daily chaos.

• Community matters. The Creator Community is the place to experiment, share progress, and level up together.

• All projects start messy—give yourself flexibility to iterate and plan ahead (but also follow your joy, even if that sometimes means fishing).

💪 Action Steps for Your Watercolor Practice

1. Audit Your Art Supplies: Swap out one item (paper, paint, or brush) for a pro-quality version and see what changes.

2. Join a Community: If you’re not in the Academy or Creator Community yet, grab the free “Image to Sketch” guide for instant access!

3. Plan Your Next Week: Pick two focused painting sessions and block the time. Show up—consistency builds confidence.

4. Try a Fun Side Project: Not everything needs to be precise! Loosen up with color mixing or shape masking for creative play.

💡 (Low-key) Moral of the Story
Whether in art or business, the supplies and structure you choose make a huge difference. Set yourself up with the right tools, the right rhythm, and the right people. You’ll be amazed how much easier, and more joyful, the journey becomes.

🎨 Want to paint with me and keep up with all the new projects?
Check out WatercolorWizardry.com, join the Academy, or sign up for those daily-ish emails. Progress is always better (and more fun) together.

See you (and your gorgeous paintings) in the next live!
With paints and playlists,
Zarah
Your Watercolor Wizard Master in the making 🍎🧙‍♀️🎨

🎧 Listen to the full story: The Watercolor Wizardry Journey – 🍏 From Apples to Rose Petals: Why Supplies (and Structure!) Matter in Watercolor