Looking to Start an Artistic Hobby? Try These Resources!

Are you worn out from tapping away at a computer all day? Frustrated when you find yourself scrolling in every spare minute? Tired of staring at a screen for both work and pleasure?

Friend, we've been there! And it sounds like you need a tactile, real-world, screen-free hobby 😉

This goal-oriented community of women is often very good at achieving meaningful goals and spending their time productively, but sometimes less good at spending relaxed time on something that brings them joy, with no expectation of reward or achievement beyond the experience of the thing itself.

That's the beauty of a hobby. It doesn't make you money. You don't have to be an expert to participate. It's simply a way to fill your time that brings you joy and makes you feel like a favorite version of yourself. 

While the options for life-giving hobbies are many, today we wanted to zero in on three artistic hobbies—pursuits that will take you away from a screen, place a tool in your hand, and help you to create a piece of art you can feel proud of. We're focusing on learning to watercolor, needlepoint, and hand letter. If you're not sure where to start with an art hobby, we hope this helps! 

(And psst—if you want a deep dive into how to choose the right hobby and how to incorporate a new hobby into your life, this post is for you!)

How to learn to watercolor

What is watercolor?

Watercolor painting is an art medium where colorful pigment is suspended in a water-based solution, allowing light to penetrate and reflect off the paper. Finished pieces have a recognizably translucent, luminous, and unique textured effect.

Beginners interested in painting often start with watercolor because it requires only a few simple supplies (some of which you may already have at home!) and its loose, expressive style is forgiving for those just starting out. 

What supplies will I need?

As with all hobbies, the list of potential supplies for watercolor is lengthy—but you can get started with just a few basics!

• Watercolor paper | Cold press paper is most popular. 140 lb is thick enough for most uses with no warping when wet.
• Watercolor paint | A simple palette will do to start. As you progress, artist-grade tubes of paint will allow you to mix and match tones to your heart's content. Experts recommend six tubes: a warm and cool tone of the three primary colors, like this starter kit from Daniel Smith.
• Brushes | Start with a large round brush, a wash brush (for painting big areas of color, like skies), and a small round brush (for detail work).
• A palette | While there are fancy artist versions, a solid white plate will work here, as well! Your palette is for mixing colors and testing swatches.
• A container for water
• Paper towels

For more on watercolor supplies, check out this extensive guide!

How can I get started?

Having gotten into watercolor recently myself, I can share a few things that have worked for me!

• Emily Lex is a well-known modern watercolor artist. She sells watercolor workbooks that include sketched illustrations, simple instructions, and finished examples. With a spiral binding and a portable size, they're the perfect place to start for beginners.
• Emily Lex also offers a beginner watercolor technique class. It walks you through how to choose the best supplies, mix colors, the basics of mark making, and more!
• For a free option, consider Let's Make Art's Watercolor Beginner series on YouTube. Lessons include color theory, techniques, and textures.
• If you're interested in landscapes, take a look at Rosalie Haizlett's online class. She's collaborated with the likes of the National Park Service and the Audubon Society, and I'm excited to learn from her soon!

How to learn to needlepoint

What is needlepoint?

Needlepoint has been described as "paint by numbers with thread." Needlepointers stitch on top of rigid, pre-painted canvases to create custom works of fiber art. Many Cultivators find it to be a relaxing, hands-on, portable, and easy-to-learn craft and use it to create fun pillows, wallhangings, ornaments, and gifts for loved ones.

What supplies will I need?

• A canvas | Choose something that sparks joy! While the granddaddy Needlepoint.com has just about every pattern under the sun, specialty shops like Lycette, Pip & Roo, Thorn Alexander, Morgan Julia, and Penny Linn cater to the current demand for colorful, cheeky designs.
• Fibers | This is the thread you'll stitch with. If you're just starting out, try heading to a needlepoint shop in person and asking them for help with selection, or purchase a kit that includes a canvas and thread. If neither of those is an option, many experts recommend starting with DMC Perle Cotton.
• Needles | Your needle should match the mesh size of your canvas. Common needle sizes are size 20 for #13 mesh and size 22 for #18 mesh. 
• A set of stretcher bars | While not a requirement, these can help keep your canvas from stretching and give you an easier handhold while stitching. Snag an assorted set to accommodate different sized canvases.
• Sharp scissors | Look for a set with a carrying case to avoid poking a hole in a bag or poking yourself!
• A place to keep it all together | A Carry All pouch will keep all your supplies and works-in-progress in one happy spot.

How can I get started?

Once you have your supplies in hand, this video from Needlepoint.com is a perfect place to start learning to needlepoint! The directions are clear and the visual is easy to follow. Cultivators also recommend the Needlepoint Nation Facebook group, a friendly place to ask questions and get inspired by others' projects.

For more answers to FAQ's, Carly's beginner's needlepoint guide is a great resource.

How to learn to hand-letter

What is hand-lettering?

Ready to take your basic print or cursive to the next level? You might love hand-lettering! It's a visual art form where letters are drawn and/or illustrated by hand in every style under the sun. 

What supplies will I need?

• Paper! | Every shade, weight, and texture is up for grabs here.
• Tracing paper | Tracing paper will allow you to trace over examples and experiment with flourishes and shapes before landing on a final design.
• Pens and markers | Everything from Sharpies to the skinniest of pens have been wielded beautifully by hand letterers. We love Crayola Super Tips, Sharpies of all widths, Sakura Micron pens, Tombow brush pens, and Mildliners for adding a wash of color.

How can I get started?

In addition to the supplies listed above, a hand-lettering workbook is a perfect place to start learning uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and flourishes. We love the options from Hand-Lettered Design and Chalkfulloflove. Our friend Maghon also teaches an online class (and in-person classes!) featuring her signature loopy, happy style.

Of course, for hand-lettering, needlepoint, watercolor, and every other artistic pursuit you can imagine, online marketplaces like Skillshare, Skillpop, and MasterClass are extensive resources of classes and instructors.

We'd love to hear: do you have an art-based hobby? Are you inspired to pick one up? Please share in the comments!