First Washes
Guide 01 · Watercolour basics
Your first watercolours, without the frustration.
A beginner’s guide to the basics of watercolour: the few materials you need, how water and pigment behave, and the core washes every painting is built on.
- A short materials list Which paper, paints and brushes matter — and which can wait.
- Water and pigment How much water to use, and why colours bloom or go muddy.
- The core washes Flat, graded and wet-in-wet, practised one at a time.
- Your first small paintings Simple exercises that turn washes into pictures.
What you get
- First Washes — a digital eBook
- Eight chapters, from materials to first paintings
- Written for complete beginners
- Digital download
- Nothing is shipped
- Delivered electronically after purchase
Sold by SANOFIL LTD, a company registered in England and Wales (no. 17404749).
Why this guide
Watercolour is easier once you understand the water.
Most beginners struggle because nobody explains how much water to use or why paint behaves the way it does. This guide starts there, so every exercise makes sense before you pick up the brush.
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Start with a short list
The few materials worth buying first, and what can wait until you are sure you enjoy it.
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Learn the core washes
Flat, graded and wet-in-wet washes, practised one at a time until they feel natural.
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Turn practice into pictures
Small, simple paintings that use exactly the techniques you have just learned.
What you receive
First Washes
Eight chapters covering materials, how water and pigment behave, brush control, flat and graded washes, wet-in-wet, simple colour mixing, your first small paintings, and common problems.
Questions
Before you buy
Straight answers about what this is, who it suits and how you receive it.
What exactly is included?
First Washes as a digital eBook. Eight chapters covering materials, how water and pigment behave, brush control, flat and graded washes, wet-in-wet, simple colour mixing, your first small paintings, and common problems. There is no physical item.
Who is this guide for?
Anyone who has never painted with watercolour, or has tried and found it unpredictable. A small set of paints, two brushes and some watercolour paper are enough.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. It assumes no painting experience at all.
Do I need the other Sanofil guides?
No. This guide stands on its own. If you later want to paint leaves, flowers and landscapes, Painting Nature in Watercolour picks up from here.
How do I receive my eBook?
Your eBook is delivered electronically after purchase, so there is nothing to wait for in the post. If you have any trouble accessing your download, contact our support team and we will help.
Is this a physical book?
No. This is a digital product only. No printed book or other physical goods will be shipped.
Which paints and paper do I need?
The guide explains what each material does, so you can use widely available student-grade paints and paper. Results vary with materials, paper and practice, and the guide shows you how to adjust.
What is the refund policy?
Refunds for digital products are handled according to our Refund Policy. Please read it before you order, and contact us if anything is unclear.
Inside the guide
8 chapters, in the order you will use them.
No filler and no detours. Each chapter covers one decision or one job, then hands you on to the next.
- What You Need A short, sensible materials list
- Water and Pigment Why paint behaves the way it does
- Brush Control Lines, edges and pressure
- Flat and Graded Washes Even colour, then fading colour
- Wet-in-Wet Soft edges and blooms on purpose
- Mixing Your First Colours A small palette, many colours
- Your First Small Paintings Simple subjects, step by step
- When It Goes Wrong Muddy colours, hard edges, buckled paper
How it works in practice
From first stroke to first painting
The guide builds in four stages, so each new skill rests on the one before it.
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Stage 1
Set up
Tape your paper, wet your paints, load the brush.
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Stage 2
Washes
Flat, graded and wet-in-wet, one at a time.
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Stage 3
Colour
Mix a small palette into many colours.
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Stage 4
Paint
Put it together in small finished pictures.
An honest fit check
Is this the right guide for you?
A good fit if…
- You have never painted with watercolour, or found it unpredictable
- You want to understand why, not just copy a demo
- You want to start with a small, inexpensive set of materials
Probably not if…
- You already paint confidently in watercolour
- You want to paint leaves, flowers and landscapes — see guide 02
The Sanofil guides
Three guides, one path.
Each guide stands on its own. Together they take you from your first wash to a full year of painting.
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Guide 01 · Watercolour basics
First Washes
The basics of watercolour, step by step.
Guide 02 · Painting nature
Painting Nature in Watercolour
Leaves, flowers and simple landscapes.
Guide 03 · The whole year
A Year in Watercolour
The complete guide, with a 52-week sketchbook plan.
Ready when you are
One afternoon is enough to begin.
First Washes is a digital guide you can start reading as soon as you have it — nothing to wait for in the post.
- Digital eBook, delivered electronically after purchase
- No physical goods are shipped
- Sold by SANOFIL LTD, registered in England and Wales
Takes you to the purchase button at the top of this page.
Sanofil guides are provided for general educational and informational purposes. Painting results vary with materials, practice and individual skill, and no particular outcome is guaranteed.