For the curious beginner & long time learner
Let's learn to paint better, together.
Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking for fresh inspiration, find the foundations and encouragement you need to create with confidence.
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An Invitation to Begin
Trading Perfection for Play
I know how it feels to stare at a blank page and feel the weight of expectation. For so many of us, picking up a brush comes with a quiet pressure to be 'good,' to be accurate, or to produce something worthy of a frame right away.
But I’ve learned that the real magic of watercolor isn’t found in a perfect result—it’s found in the joy of being curious.
I created Paint With Me as a place to set that pressure aside. This is a space where we value the process over the outcome, and where 'making a mess' is actually part of the plan. You don’t need to be an expert to start; you just need to give yourself permission to try.
Whether you are holding a brush for the first time or returning to a long-lost passion, you have a spot at our table. Let’s stop worrying about being 'artistic enough' and simply enjoy the process of learning to paint.
Everything you need to grow your practice.
Master the Foundations
If you're picking up a brush for the first time (or the first time in years), start here. This structured path is designed to help you master water control, color mixing, and basic brushwork so you can paint with confidence from the very beginning.
Find Your Creative Flow
Keep your practice fresh by joining our monthly studies. From seasonal florals to loose landscapes, we dive into a new theme each month, complete with live Paint & Chat sessions and community Show & Share calls.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Dive into our library of over 50 on-demand watercolor lessons. Whether you have fifteen minutes or two hours, you can choose a subject that inspires you and learn exactly what you want, when you want.
No matter where you are in your journey, there is a place for you to begin today.
THIS MONTH'S PRACTICE
Ink & Wash October
This month, we're exploring ink & wash — pairing confident ink linework with loose, playful watercolor washes! Each week brings a brand-new seasonal subject, so we'll practice the same rhythm over and over: sketch it, ink it, then let go and loosen up with color.
Member Gallery
The joy of painting, shared.
There is a special kind of magic that happens when we share our progress. Beyond the video lessons, you'll find a warm, encouraging space to celebrate your breakthroughs and find inspiration in the work of others.
Ann H.
Gayle A.
Emma M.
Ellen B.
Vanesa S.
Mary Louise S.
"A generous community where I can develop my creativity and artistry."
ELLEN B.
Hi, I’m Susan!
For a long time, I lived in a world of straight lines and precise measurements. As an architect, I learned that every line on a drawing has a reason to be there—that thoughtfulness can make the difference between feeling cramped or feeling comfortable.
But when I began watercoloring during a season of illness, I discovered a different kind of thoughtfulness. I found that painting wasn't about the pressure of a perfect "blueprint"; it was a way to find peace, simple joy, and a sense of healing when my world felt small.
You don’t need a fancy studio or a degree in art. You just need a spot at your table and the permission to make a mess. Whether you’re holding a brush for the first time or returning to an old passion, this is a space where we value the process over the result, every time we paint.
Stories from the Studio
This time around I am loving the medium.
After struggling with watercolors in elementary school, I gave up. They were too hard. Now at 84 having grown in either courage or recklessness, I decided to try again. Susan and the group have been wonderfully encouraging and helpful.
The perfect amount of structure I need.
Susan offers challenges, video instruction on a variety of techniques, and a community platform where we share and inspire one another. The Paint With Me community provides me with the perfect amount of structure I need to improve.
Access when it suits, without any pressure or fear of missing out.
Over the past year my painting has been very sporadic with long gaps in between. It is great knowing Paint With Me is there to access when it suits without any pressure or fear of missing out.
Being with the group improves my mood and makes me happy.
Paint With Me is a group of people who are kind and supportive. It gives me a chance to express myself as an artist, and being with the group improves my mood and makes me happy.
Ways to Paint With Me
Pull up a chair. Let's paint.
You don’t have to call yourself an artist to join us at the table. You just need to have curiosity.
Studio Member
Monthly
/ mo
Core Foundations Library
Full Lesson Library
New Monthly Projects
Live Monthly Paint-Alongs
Private Community Forum
Cancel or Pause Anytime
Prefer to pay annually?
Save 2 months with the yearly plan →
"It amazes me that I am really painting with watercolors."
MAE S.
Common Questions
Not ready to join the membership yet?
No problem at all! Start with our free 7 Days to Start mini-course – 7 daily painting lessons, 5–15 minutes each, designed to help you finish your very first painting with zero pressure. Start the free series → When you're ready for more structure and community, we'll be here.
What if I’m not a complete beginner?
You’re in the right place. Many of our members are returning to art after a long break or are looking for a way to stay consistent and inspired. While we have a strong focus on foundations, you’ll find plenty to challenge and engage you—from our Monthly Live Paint-Alongs to our growing Project Library. You can dive into current studies or revisit specific techniques whenever you need a spark of creativity.
I’m a total beginner. Will this be too advanced for me?
Not at all. I’ve designed the community specifically to take the guesswork out of starting. You’ll begin with Watercolor Foundations, a step-by-step series of lessons created to help you build core skills. It’s the perfect place to get comfortable with your brushes and find your rhythm without feeling overwhelmed.
Do I need fancy supplies?
Not at all. Here is a simple supply guide to help you get started without overwhelm. Many members begin with just a few basic tools.
Your Simple Watercolor Starter Kit
You don’t need fancy or expensive supplies to start painting with watercolor. Here’s everything you really need to get started easily:
- Watercolor paper: A small pad of cold-press 140lb paper (about 9x12 inches). This paper handles water and paint well and is perfect for beginners.
- One good brush: A medium-sized round brush (size 8) with synthetic bristles is very versatile and perfect for most strokes.
- One tube of watercolor paint: Any color you like! You only need one to begin practicing — blue or neutral tint works great.
- A white ceramic plate or simple palette: To mix your paint colors.
- A cup of water: To rinse your brush and dilute your paint.
Paper towels or a cloth: For blotting and cleaning your brush.
Why keep it simple?
Starting with just these basics helps you avoid overwhelm and lets you focus on learning the fun part — painting! You can always add more colors, brushes, or special papers later as you grow.
Are the classes live or recorded?
It’s a mix of both to give you the most flexibility.
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Pre-recorded Lessons: All core lessons and project tutorials are pre-recorded, so you can watch them anytime and move at your own pace.
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Live Sessions: We meet twice a month on Zoom for connection and encouragement. Our Paint & Chat sessions are live (with a replay available if you can't make it), and our monthly Show & Share is a casual, live-only gathering to celebrate what we’ve created together.
What if I fall behind or don’t paint every week?
That’s okay! There’s no falling behind here. Everything is designed to be flexible, pressure-free, and supportive. You can paint at your own pace—whether that’s once a month or more often.
Can I cancel anytime?
Absolutely. You’re never locked in.
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For Trial Members: You can cancel at any time during your trial period to avoid being charged the full membership fee. Because the trial provides immediate, deeply discounted access to the Foundations library, trial fees are non-refundable—but you have total freedom to leave whenever you like.
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For Monthly & Annual Members: I want you to feel completely confident. For all full-price memberships, I offer a 30-day "Peace of Mind" guarantee. If you realize the community isn't the right fit within your first month, just let me know and I’ll provide a full refund.
"A wonderful place to be with a teacher who is truly there for you."
JENELLE C.
My Worry Free Guarantee
I want you to feel completely confident joining our community. If you join as a full-price Monthly or Annual member and decide it's not the right fit within your first 30 days, I will happily refund your payment—no questions asked.
Please note: Any introductory trial offers are non-refundable, but can be cancelled at any time to avoid future charges.
Ready to begin watercoloring?
Starting something new — or starting over — is easier when you have a clear path forward. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to reconnect with the essentials, I'll provide the guidance and structure you need to practice with confidence.