Charlie O’Shields, the creator of Doodlewash®, author of Sketching Stuff™ books, founded World Watercolor Month in 2016. His own love of the medium led to the creation of a blog and social artist movement dedicated to promoting and connecting the vast community of watercolor artists all over the world.

After hosting a few early art challenges, celebrating various fun and delightfully obscure holidays, it became apparent that there wasn’t an official celebration of the medium we all love.

Over 18,000 applications are submitted for “official days” each year and only 30 are added to the calendar so it was a long shot, but the registrars agreed with the cause and now it’s official! July is now and forever World Watercolor Month!

It’s a month to inspire people to paint with watercolor (watercolour, aquarelle) while raising awareness for the importance of art and creativity in the world. And anyone can join the celebration from master watercolorists to artists just starting out with watercolor!

Simply tag any art that uses watercolors (or gouache) when you post on social media with #WorldWatercolorMonth during the month of July! Try the ultimate challenge of 31 watercolors in 31 days, or simply post when you can! It’s just about maintaining a regular art practice and having fun!

And, best of all, you’ll be part of raising awareness for art education and helping nurture art and creativity in children across the globe via the International Child Art Foundation!

Join The Fun!

WAYS TO CELEBRATE!

Grab some watercolors and make a watercolor painting or sketch each day during the month (or whenever you can join in), and share your work online for others around the world to enjoy! Use the hashtag #WorldWatercolorMonth when posting your art and use it to meet other watercolor artists around the globe!

TAKE THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE (Optional) : 31 Watercolor Paintings in 31 Days!
It’s even more fun to paint with friends, so plan a picnic or sketch walk in your local city and paint outside together
Haven’t tried watercolor before? Give it try for the first time this month!
Have your kids try watercolor painting (and paint with them, of course!)
Support a watercolor artist you enjoy by purchasing one of their beautiful paintings or products for your home
Share the watercolor work of other artists you love
And please consider making a donation to our charitable partner: International Child Art Foundation!

World Watercolor Month Logos & Badges

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What Artists Say...

“It was an amazing experience for me and really happy that I completed all! I got to learn many new tips & tricks for watercolors. I must mention the prompts were very thoughtful and really challenging. It was exciting to keep thinking of how to present them through the painting!”

“It might be the month that I painted with watercolors more than usual. Good time! Thank you very much!”

“Last year, I sat on the sidelines but this year accepted the challenge. You spurred me on so that I painted at least 31 paintings, maybe more. It was fun and has me constantly thinking and planning my next project. I also bought several items to support the charity. Thank you doesn't seem enough but suffice to say I LOVE DOODLEWASH! ”

“The end is indeed the beginning, honoured to be a part of this Awesome event! Thank you Charlie! So many people receive benefits of your work.”

“Instagram It has been a great month with much inspiration. Thank you Doodlewash!”

“This August, I decided to showcase at my art gallery, in The Distillery District, the abstract watercolor paintings I painted every day for 31 Days during World Watercolor Month July 2018.”

“Didn’t get to complete something every day but definitely picked up the brush daily. Will be continuing for the rest of the year!”

“This month has been so much fun... the community spirit and all the lovely art has been amazing.”

“For the passed 31 days I compiled 31 Watercolour paintings from the month to the World Watercolor Group by Mr Charlie O'Shields as our leader!" thanks to all!”

“Thanks for the challenge, I hope to continue drawing and painting if God allows me to do so. Thank you for giving me one more grain of sand in the knowledge of this beautiful art known as watercolor.”

“Congratulations on another very successful World Watercolor Month! And big congrats to everyone who participated to support the charity! When I completed the challenge in 2016, it was a life-changing experience for me, giving me a new purpose in life and a happy little art career. So thank you, Charlie, and keep up the great work!!”

“Thank you for the inspiration to paint every single day this month. I think I did well and learned some things along the way too. I hope to keep it up. Paint on! Cheers!”

“I didn't get to take part in the challenge as much as I hoped, but I still painted a lot!! And our tomcat, Ben, was with me in my studio, as he has been so often in these past few weeks. I can’t wait to do it again!”

“This was my second year participating in the July challenge of a watercolor a day! I learned some things. Experimented with new techniques. Created some abstract designs with a palette knife and credit card! Played with colors and subjects! Thanks for the challenge!!”

“This challenge has been so productive for me. Thank you for the interesting prompts!!”

“I painted plein air for the first time in my life. My expectations were not very good, I was afraid. But in the end everything went well. I realized that even if you draw unprofessionally, you need to do this. Very good for the soul.”

“I am grateful for so much, looking back on this month. And so very grateful to all of you who followed along and cheered me on. Thanks so much!”

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About World Watercolor Month

Join The Fun!

WAYS TO CELEBRATE!

World Watercolor Month Logos & Badges

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What Artists Say...

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