The artist behind the workouts
About Patrick Visser
Patrick Visser is a watercolour artist based in Sydney, Australia. Having spent his younger years as a musician, Patrick sees rhythm and improvisation as integral to creative expression. He discovered in watercolour a medium that mirrors his love for simplicity, imperfection, and discovery.
His paintings — often atmospheric landscapes and natural scenes — aim to evoke a sense of place through light, shadow, and suggestion rather than fine detail.
Painting Philosophy
Patrick is drawn to the challenge of balancing looseness with structure, combining bold connected shapes with subtle transitions in value and colour. He prefers working in as few layers as possible, allowing the water and pigment to do the work — embracing the happy accidents that make watercolour such a rewarding medium.
About Watercolour Workout
Watercolour Workout is Patrick's approach to learning and teaching watercolour through deliberate practice. Each week, subscribers receive a focused 15-minute exercise designed to build specific skills — from water control and value studies to colour mixing and brush techniques.
His goal is to encourage beginners and hobbyists to paint with confidence, embrace imperfection, and enjoy the lifelong process of learning.
What You'll Find Here
- 84 watercolour exercises — organised by skill level and technique
- Deliberate practice guidance — how to structure your practice for real improvement
- Weekly workouts — new exercises delivered to your inbox via Substack
- Beginner-friendly approach — no pretence, just practical advice that works
Connect
Join the Watercolour Workout community on Substack for weekly exercises, painting tips, and encouragement on your watercolour journey. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or returning after years away, you're welcome here.