Free Painting Reference Resources
Every Artist Can Use
If you’ve ever sat down to paint and thought, “I don’t know what to paint,” you’re not alone.
Having the right reference can instantly remove hesitation, spark ideas, and make painting feel approachable - especially for beginners.
How to Choose the Right Reference (Beginner Tip)
If you’re a beginner watercolor artist, one of the biggest struggles isn’t technique—it’s knowing what to paint and which reference to choose.
A good painting reference can make watercolor feel calm and enjoyable. The wrong one can make you feel stuck before you even begin.
If you're starting your watercolor journey, the supply lists online can feel… a lot. Endless brushes, 20 kinds of paper, palettes that look like science labs. Let’s keep it simple. Here are the supplies I personally use as a watercolor artist and instructor — and the ones I recommend for my students in the Watercolor Oceans & Lakes Mini Course.
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