What is World Watercolor Month?

World Watercolor Month is held every year in July and is observed worldwide. It is a global celebration of watercolor painting and the artists who use it to express creativity, emotion, and imagination. The event invites people from all backgrounds and skill levels to create and share watercolor paintings throughout the month. Through this open invitation, a worldwide community of artists comes together to support, inspire, and learn from one another. It promotes artistic growth and highlights the value of creative expression in daily life.

Participants are encouraged to paint every day or as often as they like using watercolor as their medium. Many follow official prompt lists to stay inspired, while others use the month to finish personal projects or experiment with new ideas. Sharing work online allows people to connect, exchange feedback, and discover new techniques. The month is about progress rather than perfection, and it welcomes anyone willing to pick up a brush. World Watercolor Month shows that creativity becomes more powerful when it is shared openly.

History and Origin

World Watercolor Month was founded in 2016 by Charlie O’Shields, an American illustrator and creator of the Doodlewash platform. He noticed there was no dedicated global event focused solely on watercolor art. His goal was to bring attention to the beauty of watercolor and to connect artists across borders. What began as a personal initiative quickly gained global attention through social media and online communities. People around the world embraced the idea of a month-long celebration focused on color, fluidity, and expression.

From the start, the month had a secondary purpose: promoting arts education. O’Shields partnered with organizations that provide art supplies and support to underfunded schools. This mission remains central to the event and gives each brushstroke added meaning. Artists are invited not only to participate creatively, but also to support access to arts for children and communities in need. This connection between creativity and generosity makes the event unique among online art challenges.

As the event grew, more organizations began to take part by hosting giveaways, publishing interviews, and curating online galleries. Educational platforms released beginner guides, while artists shared time-lapse videos and step-by-step lessons. The artworks posted during July include landscapes, portraits, abstracts, and everything in between. Each piece reflects the artist’s style and interpretation, whether detailed or experimental. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of experience or background, and the emphasis remains on showing up and creating rather than aiming for perfection.

Who Participates in World Watercolor Month?

• Hobbyists and casual painters: People who enjoy painting as a form of relaxation and personal expression.
• Professional artists: Illustrators, designers, and painters who use the month to promote their work and explore new directions.
• Art teachers and students: Educators who integrate the month into their curriculum or summer programs.
• Art supply brands and businesses: Companies that sponsor challenges, donate materials, or feature participating artists.
• Creative communities: Online forums, social groups, and clubs that encourage shared participation and support.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors:

• Ultramarine blue: A deep, rich color often used to build dramatic skies or ocean scenes.
• Cadmium yellow: A warm tone that brings energy and brightness to watercolor compositions.
• Viridian green: A vivid pigment that represents nature, freshness, and flow.

Symbols:

• Watercolor palette: Reflects the versatility and flexibility of the medium.
• Brushstroke: Represents individuality and the artist’s hand in every work.
• Droplet icon: Highlights the role of water in blending, softening, and transforming pigment.

Patterns:

• Layered washes: Show the buildup of tone and shape through transparent color.
• Color blooms: Create organic, unpredictable effects that reflect spontaneity.
• Soft gradients: Emphasize transitions, depth, and atmosphere in watercolor work.

Most Used Hashtags

• #WorldWatercolorMonth
• #WatercolorArt
• #PaintEveryDay
• #WatercolorCommunity
• #DoodlewashChallenge

How to Celebrate World Watercolor Month

• Paint daily: Use official prompts or your own ideas to create a new watercolor piece each day.
• Share online: Post your work on social media with the event hashtags to join the global conversation.
• Explore new styles: Try different techniques such as wet-on-dry, glazing, or loose washes.
• Support art education: Donate to nonprofits that bring art programs to schools and underserved communities.
• Invite others: Ask friends, students, or family members to join you and paint together.

Why is World Watercolor Month Important?

World Watercolor Month is important because it encourages daily creativity in a world where many people feel disconnected from art. It creates time and space for people to slow down, reflect, and express themselves with simple materials. Painting with watercolor requires patience, control, and openness to surprise. Those who participate often find their skills grow quickly with regular practice. The event provides both inspiration and accountability in a supportive setting.

It also builds a global creative network. Artists who normally work alone can discover peers, mentors, and audiences through their shared posts. Teachers and students connect across borders, and supporters help fund future art education efforts. The month reminds us that art is not limited to museums or professionals. It can be part of everyday life. Through watercolor, World Watercolor Month brings color, imagination, and connection to people everywhere.