A Little Time to Paint

I hadn’t painted with watercolors since second grade when I brought home one of Emily Lex’s workbooks to try.

We’d been selling them at Clever Girl, and I wanted to experience one for myself. What began as trying something we carried in the store has turned into a hobby I love. I find it relaxing, I look forward to it, and I’m very glad I picked up that brush.

We’ve carried Emily’s watercolor workbooks for several years now, and they remain a consistent favorite. She keeps adding new subjects, giving those of us who have already started another reason to sit down and paint.

A little help getting started

Emily makes beginning feel manageable. Her workbooks pair a finished watercolor example with instructions and a lightly outlined drawing for you to paint. The spiral binding lets the pages lie flat while you work.

They’re also printed on actual watercolor paper—a detail that matters. Water and pigment behave differently on paper made to receive them, and Emily uses substantial, textured paper designed for the process. The materials are part of what makes the experience enjoyable.

One of my favorite features is the QR code on the back, which takes you to her tutorial. You can learn the basics, see how to mix colors, and have a teacher there to help you get going. If you’ve never picked up a brush, that’s a reassuring place to start.

The woman behind the watercolors

Emily’s own story is part of why I’m so fond of this line.

On her website, she describes praying for direction, asking God what she was meant to do with her life. The answer she felt in her spirit was simple: “be an artist.”

She writes about creativity as a way of paying attention, using our gifts to serve others, and bringing beauty into the world. Her faith is woven into that purpose.

I admire the generosity of that approach. Through the business she has built, she’s helping other people discover the pleasure of creating something, too. Having experienced that myself, I understand why her work resonates with so many people.

Flowers, Christmas, and whatever catches your eye

The floral workbooks have always been particularly popular at Clever Girl. Bouquets remains a favorite, and it’s a lovely place to begin if you enjoy flowers and experimenting with color.

There are seasonal subjects and plenty of interests in between. With the holidays approaching, Classic Christmas is especially inviting: twelve guided illustrations to paint over the course of the season. It would be lovely to bring out on a quiet afternoon or enjoy around the table with family.

These books appeal across generations. You can paint together, work at your own pace, or keep a workbook nearby for a little time to yourself.

The little paint set to go with it

Emily’s compact white paint tin makes a particularly nice companion. Inside are eighteen watercolor colors, mixing trays, and a small round brush. You can use the colors as they come or begin mixing shades of your own.

Pair it with a workbook and you have a thoughtful gift for someone who loves making things—or someone who has been wanting to try. Add water, clear a little space at the table, and you’re ready to begin.

I’m very glad I took that first workbook home. It introduced me to something I now make time for, simply because I enjoy it.

That’s a lovely possibility to give someone. Including yourself.

Explore our Emily Lex watercolor workbooks and paint set at Clever Girl.

Shop Bouquets · Shop Classic Christmas · Shop the 18-color paint set