Wishing Trees & Crayola Courage: A Gentle Watercolor Adventure

There’s a quiet joy in gathering around a table, brushes in hand, sharing the simple act of creation. It’s a feeling that transcends skill level, a connection forged through shared color and intention. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about that – about the heart of what Rogue Artists is meant to be: a space for believers to find one another, not just to scroll another feed, but to *make* something tangible together. Where better to find that than in a guided watercolor session?

This week, we’re diving into Cinnamon Cooney’s “Bella’s Wishing Tree” Watercolor Wednesday tutorial—and it's a wonderful example of that spirit. It’s a project accessible to all ages, a reminder that art isn’t about perfection, it’s about expression and connection. And as Cinnamon so beautifully points out, even Crayola watercolors can unlock a world of possibilities!

For those of us who’ve wrestled with the notion of “good” art supplies, Cinnamon’s reassurance is a balm. It’s a lesson straight from Andrew Tischler's playbook – it’s not about the tools, it's about the hand and the heart wielding them. Don’t feel pressured to have the Raphael Soft Aqua brushes (though they are lovely!). Grab what you have, even if it’s a child’s watercolor set, and embrace the process. Think of it as an Art Angel nudge to find the beauty in the everyday.

The Details: Materials & Mindset

Cinnamon walks you through her materials, including the 16x20 Arches watercolor board (a tip for finding it at Michaels!), and the color palette she's using. But the real takeaway here isn’t the specific brands – it’s the resourcefulness. If you're painting on regular watercolor paper, she encourages taping it down to prevent curling – a simple but essential technique. And later, she mentions drying mounting to foam core for framing – a small detail that elevates the finished piece.

Wishes & Kindness: A Ripple Effect

Beyond the technical instruction, this Watercolor Wednesday carries a beautiful, tender thread: wishes. Cinnamon and John invite viewers to write wishes on the back of their artwork, contributing to a collective atmosphere of hope and positivity. The wishes shared—from relief from depression to the safe return of a beloved cat—highlight the power of art to foster empathy and connection. This beautifully echoes the spirit of the Benny and Rocky Decorating Competitions – creating small, mailable artworks to spread joy and kindness.

Embrace the Imperfect & Explore!

Cinnamon’s approach is refreshingly encouraging. She emphasizes that everyone deserves to experience the joy of art, and that there’s no room for judgment. It’s an invitation to play, to experiment, and to find beauty in the unexpected. If you're feeling hesitant, remember what Marco Bucci often says: 'Just make something.' It doesn't have to be 'good,' it just has to *be*.

Consider using the CrownArt plugin to generate reference images, but don’t let digital tools replace the tactile satisfaction of hand-made art. This is about getting your hands dirty, feeling the paper, and letting the colors flow.

Your Next Step: Join the Community

Don't let this inspiration fade! Find an Art Angel near you for personalized guidance. Book a workshop, list your studio, claim a creator profile, or even decorate a Benny or Rocky – let’s build a vibrant, offline community where creativity thrives. This isn’t about likes and followers; it’s about shared experience and authentic connection. Let’s make art together.