130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery 🚀 | Visit our Auckland bookstore • Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

Watercolor Made Simple

Techniques, Projects, and Encouragement to Get Started Painting and Creating – with traceable designs and QR codes to online tutorials
By Nicki Traikos
0.0 (0 reviews)
4.52 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 92 ratings, 41 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Watercolor Made Simple by Nicki Traikos invites beginners and those enhancing their skills to explore watercolor painting with joy and confidence. The book offers easy tutorials and step-by-step projects covering fundamental techniques, popular subjects like flowers and landscapes, and creative papercrafting ideas. With guidance on materials, colour mixing, and artistic inspiration, it supports a personal and relaxing painting experience.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is perfect for novices seeking to learn watercolor painting as well as hobbyists wanting to expand their skills in a supportive and accessible way.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Watercolor Made Simple gently guides aspiring artists to develop their watercolor skills and create beautiful paintings in a relaxing and enjoyable way.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Learn to paint in watercolour—with joy and confidence—as you explore simple techniques, popular subjects, and simple papercrafting projects. Watercolour is a wonderful medium to explore your creativity, unwind, and have fun. Whether you're new to watercolour painting or looking to expand your skills, Watercolor Made Simple will guide you to connect more personally with your watercolour practice and build your painting skills in a relaxing, welcoming way.

Nicki Traikos, founder of the popular online art school life i design, wants to help you avoid the struggles and frustrations she experienced when learning to paint with watercolours by providing encouraging instruction, easy tutorials, and beautifully illustrated step-by-step projects. Consider this your invitation to the world of watercolour as you:

  • Get familiar with paints, brushes, and papers
  • Learn fundamental watercolour washes and brushstrokes
  • Explore simple colour theory and colour mixing
  • Use a sketchbook to gather inspiration
  • Paint more than 15 popular subjects, such as flowers, leaves, feathers, still lifes, and simple landscapes, step by step

You'll also find:

  • QR codes that link to helpful video tutorials
  • Traceable line drawings that allow you to jump right into painting
  • Charming papercrafting projects to feature your watercolour paintings
  • Tips for storing and displaying your art—and even what to do with paintings you don't love

With gentle encouragement and techniques she has honed through teaching tens of thousands of watercolour students, Nicki will soon have you painting your favourite subjects with ease and enjoyment.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Library Journal calls it "an innovative, highly useful work for beginning watercolorists." The Midwest Book Review describes it as "an ideal and comprehensive introduction to the medium and unreservedly recommended." According to the Portland Book Review, it provides "skillful lessons and warm encouragement radiating through the pages," making it a delightful introductory guide.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780760383193

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 November 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Quarry Books

Illustration: 200+ color photos

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 216.0mm

Height: 279.0mm

Weight: 680g

Pages: 144

Collections

Arts & Culture Arts and Crafts Crafts & Hobbies Nicki Traikos Non-Fiction

About the Author

Nicki Traikos is the founder of the popular online art and creativity school life i design. A self-taught artist who has also worked in the corporate world and as a makeup artist, she has taught more than 50,000 students from around the world in her Watercolors Made Simple courses. Nicki and her work have been featured in a number of magazines, including Where Women Create, In Her Studio, and UPPERCASE magazines Compendium. Nicki has published two books of trace-and-paint images and also teaches monthly live classes on the Michaels website. She lives in Unionville, Ontario, Canada.Website: lifeidesign.comInstagram: @lifeidesignYouTube: Nicki Traikos @lifeidesignFacebook: life i design @lifeidesignPinterest: life i design @nickitraikos

Also by Nicki Traikos

View all
  • Watercolor Made Simple Workbook
    Learn watercolor with confidence-no sketching required! This beginner-friendly workbook includes a watercolor pad with pre-printed line art so you can jump right into painting.Watercolor Made Simple Workbook is the perfect hands-on guide for anyone looking to develop their painting skills in a stress-free and accessible way. Created by watercolor instructor Nicki Traikos, this workbook features 20 all-new projects that introduce...
    By Nicki Traikos
    Paperback
    $4500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

More from Arts & Culture

View all
  • Dylan's Pick
    Bold Types
    A tribute to 32 truly independent bookshops throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, from north of Auckland down to Dunedin, and coast to coast. Jane Ussher's photographs show every bookstore in its unique nature - including behind the counter, smoko rooms, the mess which tells the hardworking story behind the joy of matching books with customers. Jemma Moreira's careful editing has crafted...
    By Jane Ussher
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Signed Copy
    New Release
    Shirl's Pick Shirl's Pick
    Home Again
    Join rock-legend, former Shihad frontman and lead singer of The Adults, Jon Toogood in this unflinching and no-holds-barred memoir Home Again.This is more than a rock story. Toogood looks back on a 37-year career that helped define New Zealand rock music, and the personal cost that came with it. From a music-obsessed childhood in Wellington to the deafening roar of international stages, this...
    By Jon Toogood
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Odyssey
    Composed at the rosy-fingered dawn of world literature almost three millennia ago, The Odyssey is a poem about violence and the aftermath of war; about wealth, poverty and power; about marriage and family; about travellers, hospitality, and the yearning for home. This fresh, authoritative translation captures the beauty of this ancient poem as well as the drama of its narrative....
    By Homer
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3599
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Iliad
    When Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey appeared in 2017—revealing the ancient poem in a contemporary idiom that was "fresh, unpretentious and lean" (Madeline Miller, Washington Post)—critics lauded it as "a revelation" (Susan Chira, New York Times) and "a cultural landmark" (Charlotte Higgins, Guardian) that would forever change how Homer is read in English. Now Wilson has returned with an...
    By Homer
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    Embark on a culinary adventure with Moana of Motunui with Pacific recipes inspired by Moana and Moana 2! After a long day of sailing to see how far you’ll go or keeping the demigod Maui out of trouble with Te Fiti, catch a break with the delicious dishes in Moana: The Official Cookbook! Featuring more than 50 recipes spanning the...
    By Monique Fiso
    Hardback
    $4499
    Elsewhere:
    $5299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Birdlands Birdlands
    New Release
    Birdlands
    A rare, intimate journey into the wild islands where Aotearoa's birds live beyond the reach of most human lives. In the most remote outposts of Aotearoa, our islands are populated not with people, but with birds. From the storm-lashed Subantarctic Islands in the deep south to the scattered volcanic islands of Tikapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf in the north, Birdlands offers a...
    By Edin Whitehead
    Hardback
    $4199
    Elsewhere:
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • This Angry Pen of Mine
    This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...
    By Layne Staley
    Hardback
    $7299
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    I’ll Believe in Anything
    From Jacob Tierney, the creator of Heated Rivalry, in partnership with Brendan Brady and Accent Aigu, comes I’ll Believe in Anything, an official and complete collection of annotated scripts for the biggest cultural sensation of the year, with all new exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Based on Rachel Reid’s blockbuster Game Changers book series, Heated Rivalry premiered on Crave and HBO in late 2025 and immediately took the world by storm. I’ll...
    By Jacob Tierney
    Hardback
    $5499
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • They Bloom Because of You
    Bestselling author and Instagram sensation Jessica Urlichs returns with a new collection of beautifully observed poems about the ever-evolving journey of motherhood - the hard, the magic and the fleeting. ‘A raw and honest read that makes you feel seen and understood in a way that will bring you to tears.’ - Hilary Swank ‘A book to keep close and...
    By Jessica Urlichs
    Paperback
    $3000
    Elsewhere:
    $3600
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Split Enz
    New Release
    Split Enz
    'My favourite band. Ever! And certainly the best dressed.' Sam Neill Split Enz were never designed to fit. Emerging from art school mischief in early-1970s New Zealand, they turned pop into surreal theatre: costume, character and melody colliding in a rock band that refused to behave like one. At the centre of that vision was Noel Crombie—percussionist, performer and the...
    By Michael Dwyer and Noel Crombie
    Hardback
    $5199
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Starside
    Enter the enchanting and deadly world of Starside, where swords have magic and power isn’t inherited – it’s claimed, from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Alex Aster.Hundreds of years ago, a brutal war split a land in two. Starside is the realm of magic and immortals – the descendants of the gods, living in a power-rich paradise. Stormside...
    By Alex Aster
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3899
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Did I Ever Tell You This?
    In this unexpected memoir, written in a creative burst of just a few months in 2022, Sam Neill tells the story of how he became one of the world’s most celebrated actors, who has worked with everyone from Meryl Streep to Isabel Adjani, from Jeff Goldblum to Sean Connery, from Steven Spielberg to Jane Campion. By his own account, his...
    By Sam Neill
    Paperback
    $3799
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Arts & Culture lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all