Watercolor Foundations
Join now
Eliminate the
intimidation and frustration
of watercolor painting—
because when you
understand
why
and
how,
you waste less & paint
more
because when you understand why and how, you waste less & paint more
Eliminate the
intimidation and frustration
of watercolor painting—
because when you
understand
why
and
how,
you waste less & paint
more
because when you understand why and how, you waste less & paint more
Have you ever felt intimidated when walking through the aisles of Michael’s wondering what paper, paints, and brushes to buy?
It's a sea of options filled with numbers, colors, and brands.
And maybe someone can help you distinguish between pthalo blue and ultramarine blue or give you guidance on what paper is best for the floral wreath you've been inspired to paint...
But that depends on whoever is on shift.
And if they understand the fine arts.
And if their recommendation is in the budget.
Thank goodness there's YouTube!
Or maybe you have supplies and just need a tutorial.
But you click pause and wonder ...
- → “How did they set up their table?”
- → “What kind of paper was that?”
- → “Do I need round brushes? Or flat brushes?”
- → “Why do her colors look good together, and mine look like mud?”
Creativity isn’t the problem…
But any time you’ve sat down with your palette, tubes, brushes, water cup, and paper… it goes haywire.
The colors get muddy and dark, the paper warps, and the brushes?
Swish, swish, and what's on the paper looks nothing like what you envisioned.
There goes that piece of paper—into the trashcan instead of in a frame.
Especially when your tools and techniques aren’t matching up to what’s in your head.
And that makes you doubt yourself—you start to wonder if watercolor is just too tricky, too unpredictable, too… not for you.
It’s overwhelming, frustrating, and intimidating to start something
new.
It’s overwhelming, frustrating, and intimidating to start something
new.
As a homeschooler in the 90’s/early 2000’s in a rural North Carolina city… art classes were nonexistent.
But I KNEW I had the talent and the skill—I just needed the education.
The moment I presented my first painting for open critique, I realized I was starting below the bottom. I’m sure my professors thought “She’s not going to last.”
“Inadequate” doesn’t begin to describe how I felt.
Fast forward four years, and you can see little Rachel graduating with honors, two art degrees, and paintings displayed in three galleries.
Take it from someone who chose the arts as a career… and took her first art class in college.
This painting
was in two galleries: The Ft. Wayne Museum of Art and the Grace College Art Gallery!
Your
creativity
isn’t the problem—it’s understanding how the
tools
work together, so your
artistry
can
flourish.
Your
creativity
isn’t the problem—it’s understanding how the
tools
work together, so your
artistry
can
flourish.
That’s exactly why I created
Watercolor Foundations
A 6-module class that eliminates the intimidation of watercolor painting. It’s a deep dive into the equipment, tools, techniques, and process—because I believe that if you understand why and how, you’ll throw away less paper and start framing your own work in your house.
- → Learn why paper is measured in pounds
- → Choose the right paper for your project
- → Discern when to stretch paper
- → Understand how paper affects paint saturation and drying time
Paper
Paper is the #1 medium for watercolor painting, so it’s critical we understand this medium and how it can help or hinder our painting journey. in this module, you’ll learn which paper to pick for your subject matter, how to prevent wrinkles, and how paper affects color vibrancy and saturation.
Module 01
01.
PAPER
- → Learn why paper is measured in pounds
- → Choose the right paper for your project
- → Discern when to stretch paper
- → Understand how paper affects paint saturation and drying time
02.
BRUSHES
Module 02
Module 02
Brushes
Some painters feel frustrated their painting isn’t what they envisioned, and the solution may be in the brush! Brush shapes affect paint application and should be chosen based on the subject matter. And once you’ve picked the right brush, it’s important to understand how to use it!
- → How to hold a brush
- → Techniques for each type of brush
- → How to clean your brush
- → How to hold a brush
- → Techniques for each type of brush
- → How to clean your brush
03.
PAINTS
Module 03
Module 03
- → Have an understanding of water and paint ratios
- → Learn how to mix paints together to create new colors
- → Understand when to use more or less water in a painting
We’re “coloring water,” so in this module, we’ll discuss the relationship between water and paint, how they affect each other, and why it’s important to understand how this is unlike any other painting medium.
Paints
- → Have an understanding of water and paint ratios
- → Learn how to mix paints together to create new colors
- → Understand when to use more or less water in a painting
04.
color
Module 04
Color Theory
There are ~16,000,000 colors in the world, and with that many options… it’s vital to understand when to use colors harmoniously—especially since we can create up to 25 new colors from 5 tubes of paint! In this module, we’ll remember the core colors, their relationship to each other, and how they can influence our paint preparation!
- → Learn the foundational color palettes
- → Understand how to choose colors that are harmonious
- → Learn creative approaches to painting light and dark hues
Module 04
- → Learn the foundational color palettes
- → Understand how to choose colors that are harmonious
- → Learn creative approaches to painting light and dark hues
Process
Module 05
05.
process
- → Remember the relationship of water to the paper, palette, and paint
- → How to properly clean your palette and brushes
- → Learn the order of steps to painting
- → Recognize signs to avoid common mistakes
Before we get to the fun of painting, we need to understand the steps to paint with watercolors. We’ll walk through each action you need to take and when, discuss amounts of water and paint, how to apply to the paper, and how to clean your tools after a session.
Module 05
- → Remember the relationship of water to the paper, palette, and paint
- → How to properly clean your palette and brushes
- → Learn the order of steps to painting
- → Recognize signs to avoid common mistakes
06.
techniques
Module 06
Techniques
Our tools are ready, and now it’s time to start using them! This module explains the foundational application methods of watercolor painting: wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and lifting! You will also learn when to use each method and how it can enhance your subject matter.
- → Learn how to lift and erase paint
- → Understand the wet-on-wet method
- → Understand the wet-on-dry method
- → Discern when to use each method based on your subject matter
Module 06
- → Learn how to lift and erase paint
- → Understand the wet-on-wet method
- → Understand the wet-on-dry method
- → Discern when to use each method based on your subject matter
A course & digital library
The course has six modules and twenty videos covering the essentials of watercolor painting: paper, brushes, paints, color theory, the process, and techniques.
- Video demonstrations
- End of module check-ins & projects
- Downloadable transcripts and slide decks
10 Color palettes
I've eliminated the guesswork for you with these 10 color palettes! Some artists enjoy creating the color palette and some get mega stressed—no matter where you fall, use these palettes as a starting point to challenge your creativity.
- 10 color palettes of 5 colors in each
- 23 different paints represented
- Links to purchase the colors
Downloadable Art Prints
Get over the blank page syndrome and use these pieces as your warm-up or your main project! I’ve digitized some of the best-selling Mercy Creates art prints and my own personal work, so you can print and paint, test and try, crumple or hang your next masterpiece.
- 5 art prints
- Blank artwork, so you paint the verse, quote, or lyric
- Sized as 8”x10” pieces to fit any standard printer—no resizing needed.
7-Day Wreath challenge
I'll show you how to paint a floral wreath in seven days (or four hours if you're an overachiever)! With step-by-step instructions and an over-the-shoulder video, you can take what you've learned and create something beautiful.
- 17-minute demonstration video
- Steps are broken into 7 days, so you spend ~10 minutes each day painting
- 35-page download with instructions from demonstration video
Watercolor Foundations Workbook
A 22-page downloadable PDF that combines the tips, tricks, notes, and important information from all six modules, so you can reference and remember how to create depth and the different brush grips as you paint.
- Organized by topic: paper, brushes, paints, process, and techniques
- Reminders and images of all the key notes from modules 1–6
- Additional space and wide margins for your notes as you paint
I don't want you to join and
NEVER
actually paint... so here's
everything
included in the course to get you painting
tomorrow.
I don't want you to join and
NEVER
actually paint... so here's
everything
included in the course to get you painting
tomorrow.
join
Instant access to course, demonstrations, projects, and more. Everything is available to watch and download as soon as you join.
learn
Download projects and watch over-the-shoulder videos, so you can conquer the blank page syndrome and develop your style and artistry.
paint
Amazon has delivered your supplies, your workbook is by your side, the 7-day wreath video is up; and you're sitting with confidence, ready to paint!
LESS Second Guessing MORE Painting
Join Watercolor Foundations
LESS Second Guessing MORE Painting
I’m doubling down on your
Creativity—
here’s $405 I’m investing in
YOU.
I’m doubling down on your
Creativity—
here’s $405 I’m investing in
YOU.
$45 VALUE
1 free month of Palette of the Month
Palette of the Month is a subscription that enables you to paint with curated coordinating colors. The paints can be used cohesively in one project or individually in whatever you create. It’s a mini appetizer to the world of colors eliminating one stressor of the painting process, so you can start painting sooner.
- → 5 coordinating colors to use as is or mixed to create 20+ new colors
- → Curated paints from a variety of manufacturers, so you test new pigments without committing to a whole tube of paint
- → Links to purchase any individual tube of paint
bonus 01
$200 VALUE
15-Minute art chat with Rachel
It’s time spent one-on-one, chatting about brush techniques, paint manufacturers, inspiration, paper types… or receiving feedback on a piece and steps to take it to the next level. However you want to spend your fifteen minutes with me is up to you, and I’m excited to hear what you’re learning!
- → 15-minute video chat
- → PDF summarization of meeting emailed to you
- → A personalized meeting, focusing on your questions and topics
bonus 02
$160 VALUE
The Artist’s Pack
A collection of the supplies noted in “Watercolor Foundations.” It’s the supplies and tools I gather for every class, and it’s a top-tier starter set for anyone starting the medium. The Artist’s Pack includes quality materials that help you enjoy the process with less frustration—it’s like cutting fleece with fiskars fabric scissors instead of safety scissors.
- → 7 Brushes: 2 round, 2 flat, 2 angled, and 1 fan brush mentioned in Module 2
- → 3 Different sheets of watercolor paper: arches, strathmore, and Artist’s Loft—all referenced in Module 1
- → The “Foundations” Palette of the Month: 10 paint tins (5 with paint and 5 without for mixing) using the colors referenced in Module 3
- → Tracing paper + Carbon paper
- → A spiral bound “Watercolor Foundations” workbook—which means stops to Office Max to print and more time to paint
bonus 03
Join Watercolor Foundations
There are other
options...
YouTube is an endless library of videos, and you won’t know if it’s helpful until 15 minutes in. Even if you find a great how-to video, you might not understand the reasoning behind the technique, brush, or paper chosen. These videos are aerial views to this medium, created for monetization.
Watercolor Foundations is straight to the point, no advertisements, and no fluff—explaining the skills and tools in an orderly and logical approach.
Continue to learn from YouTube.
You could:
YouTube is an endless library of videos, and you won’t know if it’s helpful until 15 minutes in. Even if you find a great how-to video, you might not understand the reasoning behind the technique, brush, or paper chosen. These videos are aerial views to this medium, created for monetization.
Watercolor Foundations is straight to the point, no advertisements, and no fluff—explaining the skills and tools in an orderly and logical approach.
Continue to learn from YouTube.
You could:
We want to trust store attendants… but did they go to college for art—specifically fine art? Can they tell you from experience why a round brush is better for your floral paintings, an angled brush for your architectural subject matter, or a flat brush is best for sky scenes?
Unlikely. Unless you find the magical unicorn clerk, they won’t be able to help you bring that moment-in-time sunrise over the Bue Ridge mountains to life.
Watercolor Foundations has charts, demonstrations, reasoning, and answers to your equipment questions.
Ask a shop attendant to help with supplies
It’s fun to learn from someone in person and have her at your beck and call… but what have you exchanged for that private tutor?
Your schedule and energy. Unless you’re a time-altering wizard, we both have 24 hours in a day. I don’t know what your schedule looks like, but after 6 p.m. most nights, I’m done. I’m done commuting, cleaning, thinking, emailing, designing, showering, eating, cooking … just plain done.
I’ve tried mid-week book groups and Bible studies, and inevitably, after two weeks I think “Why did I commit to this? I’m exhausted.” And by week four, I’m texting everyone that I have the virus-that-must-not-be-named because I want some introvert time at home.
With Watercolor Foundations, you learn and paint at your own pace on your schedule without filling your car’s gas tank.
All the videos are available in the resource library, and you can take your workbook with you wherever you paint.
Hire a tutor
These classes are fun, exciting, and limited. The instructor has a limited amount of time to teach you because part of the class is spent for socializing, painting, eating, and posting to the ‘gram.
You’re taught just enough information for one project but not enough to help you paint at home, purchase supplies, or create coordinating color palettes…
How do I know? Because I’ve taught a few myself.
The classes are fun, but they’re designed with a 20/80 split in mind (20% of the time to education and 80% of the time for friends). There’s more priority given to learning in Watercolor Foundations, so when the opportunity comes to socialize, your painting becomes the example for others to follow.
Attend a paint & sip or co-learning event
We want to trust store attendants… but did they go to college for art—specifically fine art? Can they tell you from experience why a round brush is better for your floral paintings, an angled brush for your architectural subject matter, or a flat brush is best for sky scenes?
Unlikely. Unless you find the magical unicorn clerk, they won’t be able to help you bring that moment-in-time sunrise over the Bue Ridge mountains to life.
Watercolor Foundations has charts, demonstrations, reasoning, and answers to your equipment questions.
Ask a shop attendant to help with supplies
It’s fun to learn from someone in person and have her at your beck and call… but what have you exchanged for that private tutor?
Your schedule and energy. Unless you’re a time-altering wizard, we both have 24 hours in a day. I don’t know what your schedule looks like, but after 6 p.m. most nights, I’m done. I’m done commuting, cleaning, thinking, emailing, designing, showering, eating, cooking … just plain done.
I’ve tried mid-week book groups and Bible studies, and inevitably, after two weeks I think “Why did I commit to this? I’m exhausted.” And by week four, I’m texting everyone that I have the virus-that-must-not-be-named because I want some introvert time at home.
With Watercolor Foundations, you learn and paint at your own pace on your schedule without filling your car’s gas tank.
All the videos are available in the resource library, and you can take your workbook with you wherever you paint.
Hire a tutor
These classes are fun, exciting, and limited. The instructor has a limited amount of time to teach you because part of the class is spent for socializing, painting, eating, and posting to the ‘gram.
You’re taught just enough information for one project but not enough to help you paint at home, purchase supplies, or create coordinating color palettes…
How do I know? Because I’ve taught a few myself.
The classes are fun, but they’re designed with a 20/80 split in mind (20% of the time to education and 80% of the time for friends). There’s more priority given to learning in Watercolor Foundations, so when the opportunity comes to socialize, your painting becomes the example for others to follow.
Attend a paint & sip or co-learning event
Everything included in
Watercolor Foundations
Total of everything: $1,655
- → 6-Module course with video demonstrations VALUED AT $325
- → Paint-a-Print VALUED AT $600
- → Color palettes VALUED AT $100
- → 7-day wreath VALUED AT $250
- → Workbook VALUED AT $65
- → Bonus: 1 free month of Palette of the Month VALUED AT $45
- → Bonus: Art chat VALUED AT $200
- → Bonus: The Artist’s Pack VALUED AT $160
The digital course that empowers you with knowledge of the tools, process, and techniques of watercolor painting in a logical approach, so you can confidently purchase supplies and start creating artwork that truly reflects your creativity.
- → 6-Module course with video demonstrations VALUED AT $325
- → Paint-a-Print VALUED AT $600
- → Color palettes VALUED AT $100
- → 7-day wreath VALUED AT $250
- → Workbook VALUED AT $65
- → Bonus: 1 free month of Palette of the Month VALUED AT $45
- → Bonus: Art chat VALUED AT $200
- → Bonus: The Artist’s Pack VALUED AT $160
That’s why I’ve designed Watercolor Foundations to be affordable—giving you the same in-depth learning experience you’d get from auditing a college course, but at a fraction of the cost.
I’m passionate about making sure you have a solid foundation in watercolor
without breaking the bank.
without breaking the bank.
choose between two course options:
I’m passionate about making sure you have a solid foundation in watercolor
without breaking the bank.
without breaking the bank.
for those seeking curated supplies, painting projects, and personalized guidance
Budget friendly
Best option
Yes, I want the videos for $97
The Essentials
All-Inclusive
$97
- → 6-Module course with video demonstrations VALUED AT $325
- → Workbook VALUED AT $65
for those with their own supplies and just looking for tutorials.
- → 6-Module course with video demonstrations VALUED AT $325
- → Paint-a-Print VALUED AT $600
- → Color palettes VALUED AT $100
- → 7-day wreath VALUED AT $250
- → Workbook VALUED AT $65
- → Bonus: 1 free month of Palette of the Month VALUED AT $45
- → Bonus: Art chat VALUED AT $200
- → Bonus: The Artist’s Pack
- VALUED AT $160
I want the full course experience
$295
All yours for
All yours for
- → 6-Module course with video demonstrations VALUED AT $325
- → Paint-a-Print VALUED AT $600
- → Color palettes VALUED AT $100
- → 7-day wreath VALUED AT $250
- → Workbook VALUED AT $65
- → Bonus: 1 free month of Palette of the Month VALUED AT $45
- → Bonus: Art chat VALUED AT $200
- → Bonus: The Artist’s Pack
- VALUED AT $160
- → 6-Module course with video demonstrations VALUED AT $325
- → Workbook VALUED AT $65
“I started painting at home, and you were totally right—I was using too cheap of products.
I switched papers based on your recommendation, and it made a huge difference!”
—Watercolor Foundations Student
You deserve a learning experience that feels as supportive as it is informative. That’s why I’m personally available to answer any question you have—no matter how small or detailed—with 100% NO judgment.
Whether you're stuck on a technique, unsure about a tool, or just need a bit of encouragement, I'm here for you. You’ll never be made to feel silly or inadequate for asking anything. Think of me as your watercolor coach, cheering you on every step of the way.
My inbox is ready for your questions.
Need more help?
Type any question you have in the video chat box or send an email to rachel@mercycreates.com.
I'm the painter and designer behind the Mercy Creates, and the teacher of Watercolor Foundations. I’m inspired by the big and bold truths found in the Bible, and I love hearing how women use that artwork to have Christ-centered conversations in their homes and offices.
With a background in fine art, drawing, painting, graphic design, and photography, you can say I’ve got a thing for the arts… 😏 In fact, I love it so much that I work full-time as a graphic designer at a non-profit and then decided to open a business of my watercolor creations. I don’t know a career outside of art!
If we haven't yet met...
I'm Rachel
The videos, modules, projects, and workbook are answers to all the frequently asked questions from classes, emails, and messages.
I love painting with watercolors, but I unfortunately can't be
everywhere
teaching the differences between a round and flat brush.
Which is exactly why i created watercolor foundations.
Watercolor Foundations isn't just a course—it's also a library of answers for any of your future watercolor painting questions.
Join Watercolor Foundations
It might not work if...
It's a great fit if...
Is Watercolor Foundations right for you?
YOU’RE READY TO TRY A NEW ART MEDIUM *knowing* you won’t have an immediate Monet waterlily at the end of Module 6. You have to understand it won’t be perfect at the beginning but with practice, you’ll get better over time.
YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A PRINTER. I know, I know, in the year of our Lord 2024, home printers are just as rare as a pager… But you WILL want to print out the workbook and keep it handy because it’s your go-to textbook. You’ll inevitably take notes, and the tips in the workbook are valuable to you as you paint.
YOU’RE WILLING TO PURCHASE THE NOT-SO-BUDGET-FRIENDLY SUPPLIES. Cheap tools = frustration, wasted effort, and lost time. The supplies I recommend to you for this course are $–$$$ in cost *because* they truly affect the process. Your hairstylist isn’t trimming your hair with safety scissors, and I don’t want you to paint with a 10/$8 brush pack.
YOU WANT TO START SELLING YOUR PRINTS AS SOON AS YOU FINISH THE COURSE. Watercolor Foundations will help you paint better, but it will not teach you how to start selling your artwork.
YOU WANT TO FOLLOW ALONG AND PAINT EXACTLY WHAT I’M PAINTING. This is not like a “Paint and sip” event where I show you what to do, step-by-step. Watercolor Foundations helps you understand of paper, brushes, and paints; so your creativity can flourish.
YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PAINT PEONIES, HOMES, PEOPLE, LETTERS, ETC. This course is an aerial view to watercolor painting, so we won't discuss how to paint specific items or subjects.
More Questions?
I've got answers
What if I need more one-on-one help?
I've got a specific folder in my inbox just for Watercolor Foundations students, so your question won't be forgotten! There is also a video chat box in the course, check-ins after every module, and the opportunity to schedule more 1-on-1 sessions.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever and ever. This is a one-time payment, and you'll have access to the course for as long as you need it—plus if there are any updates, they'll be automatically added to your course for free!
I want to paint peonies… will you teach me that?
No. This course isn't teaching you how to paint or draw specific projects—florals, animals, houses, people, lettering, etc. Watercolor Foundations is an aerial view of the tools and techniques for painting with watercolors, so it is not project-heavy.
If I realize I want the projects and supplies… can I upgrade my course level?
Yes! You can upgrade at any time. The initial payment will be deducted from the new amount, and once the invoice is paid, you will receive access to the full course.
I like to *see* how things work... How will this work for me?
Same! That's why there are ## videos in the course that demonstrate all the questions I've received online and from teaching this class in-person.
How long does it take to go through the modules?
This is completely up to you—you can go at your own pace and work through your modules as quickly or slowly as you wish. Most students can go through the course within 1–2 weeks or 6 hours in one day.
What if I need more one-on-one help?
I've got a specific folder in my inbox just for Watercolor Foundations students, so your question won't be forgotten! There is also a video chat box in the course, check-ins after every module, and the opportunity to schedule more 1-on-1 sessions.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever and ever. This is a one-time payment, and you'll have access to the course for as long as you need it—plus if there are any updates, they'll be automatically added to your course for free!
I want to paint peonies… will you teach me that?
No. This course isn't teaching you how to paint or draw specific projects—florals, animals, houses, people, lettering, etc. Watercolor Foundations is an aerial view of the tools and techniques for painting with watercolors, so it is not project-heavy.
Remember:
No question is too big or too small!
Email me at rachel@mercycreates.com if you're wondering if this course is right for you.
If I realize I want the projects and supplies… can I upgrade my course level?
Yes! You can upgrade at any time. The initial payment will be deducted from the new amount, and once the invoice is paid, you will receive access to the full course.
I like to *see* how things work... How will this work for me?
Same! That's why there are ## videos in the course that demonstrate all the questions I've received online and from teaching this class in-person.
How long does it take to go through the modules?
This is completely up to you—you can go at your own pace and work through your modules as quickly or slowly as you wish. Most students can go through the course within 1–2 weeks or 6 hours in one day.
You don’t have to be a professional artist or spend a fortune to make great art.
With practice and guidance, you can channel that creativity and strength into something beautiful.
Watercolor Foundations is designed to wipe away the guesswork and confusion—by answering questions hundreds have asked before you with videos and demonstrations.
- → “What’s the best brush for lettering?”
- → “When do I know when it’s time to change my water?”
- → “How long should I wait for a layer to dry before painting again?”
- → “How much water should I put on the paper?”
I know it’s intimidating to try something new… especially when you hear “You can’t erase” or “Once it’s there, there’s no going back!”
But, Friend, please listen to me when I say you’re bigger than a brush. You’ve accomplished more than swishing a brush on paper. You’re stronger than the paper.
Join Watercolor Foundations
I literally just watched the whole last part of that video with my mouth open. The way you softened that edge and made the [leaf] veins was literally the most amazing, yet simple thing I've ever seen!
In all the watercolor videos I've ever watched, nobody has ever talked about that!”
—Ruth*,
on "Module 6: Techniques"
“MY MIND IS BLOWN!