Watercolor Challenge: Back to School

September 5, 2025 / Diann Zimmerman

Back-to-school isn’t just for students — it’s a gentle nudge to all of us: to begin again, to learn, to show up with curiosity and courage. Whether you’re dusting off your sketchbook or diving into a new technique, this is your moment. Let’s paint the icons of this season: lunchbox, books, school bus, school supplies, a classroom, etc.  Let’s celebrate the season of learning, growth, and fresh starts — together.

Watercolor challenge:  Back to School

Here are the details:

  • Share your paintings of Back-to-School items 
  • Sponsored by Monique Duran, owner of Brush and Binding
  • Prize for one random winner:    ‘Of Whales and Men’ is a weathered classic turned creative companion, this one-of-a-kind watercolor journal was once a firsthand account of life aboard a whaling vessel. Now, it’s been refitted for quieter journeys – ones that begin with brushstrokes and pigment rather than sail and salt. Bound in the original 1954 cover, it’s a journal for those drawn to deep waters, brave tales, and blank pages full of possibility.  Also includes a brush and pencil pocket (tiny toolbelt)
  • Entries must be posted in the Facebook group: Watercolor – Beginners and Beyond
  • Include topic hashtag in your Facebook post:  #backtoschool
  • You may enter as often as you want
  • Open to all countries
  • Winner is chosen randomly
  • Deadline September 12, 2025, 11:59 pm ET (New York time)
  • Winner announced September 14, 2025
  • Mediums accepted:  watercolor, watercolor pencils, gouache, water soluble graphite, water soluble inks, and mixed media as long as it includes watercolor

What is the prize?   

This week’s challenge is sponsored by Monique Duran, owner of Brush and Binding, creators of one-of-a-kind watercolor journals using vintage book covers and 100% cotton 140 lb. paper.
Check out her site:  https://brushandbinding.com/    I recently bought one of Monique’s journals — it is exciting to add my art to something already steeped in history.  It’s like collaborating with time itself.  It is truly special.
One random winner will receive ‘Of Whales and Men’ Watercolor Journal

Originally published in 1954 and penned by R.B. Robertson, ‘Of Whales and Men’ is a weathered classic turned creative companion, this one-of-a-kind watercolor journal was once a firsthand account of life aboard a whaling vessel. Now, it’s been refitted for quieter journeys – ones that begin with brushstrokes and pigment rather than sail and salt. Bound in the original 1954 cover, it’s a journal for those drawn to deep waters, brave tales, and blank pages full of possibility.

Features:

  • Original antique book cover from 1954
  • 100% cotton, 300 GSM / 140 lb. cold-pressed watercolor paper (acid-free & archival)
  • Hand-torn deckled edges
  • Page from original book featured inside back cover
  • Decorative metal corner protectors
  • Ribbon bookmark & elastic band closure
  • 78 pages (front and back)
  • Measures approx. 8 ¼ x 5 ½ inches

Also includes a Tiny Toolbelt – Brush & Pencil Pocket

The ‘Tiny Toolbelt’ is made from repurposed scraps of antique book pages and cardstock, stitched and fitted with elastic to wrap around your journal’s front cover or entire book. This one is designed to match the winning journal and will hold 3–4 of your favorite brushes, pencils, or pens – because tools deserve a place of honor too.

Back to School, Brush & Binding style:

September doesn’t just mean pencils and paper – it means fresh starts. Whether you’re returning to the classroom, brushing up on your creative habits, or simply ready for a reset, this watercolor journal + Tiny Toolbelt combo is ready to come along for the ride. Consider them your new favorite supplies – equal parts history, artistry, and heart.

To follow Brush and Binding:

How to support Watercolor – Beginners and Beyond?  

When shopping online, please consider using our affiliate links.  This helps to pay for prizes and postage to mail the prizes. We mail prizes all over the world.  As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  #ad

Amazon:  (I will get credit for anything you purchase after using my link to land on the Amazon site)

Art supplies:

Online watercolor courses:

 

Paypal link (if you want to contribute directly to help support the weekly prizes and postage)

Thank you for your support!

 

If you have ideas to share for future challenges, please add your comment to the post –>add challenge recommendation

 

Where else can you find Diann/Watercolor Beginners and Beyond on social media:

 

For a free 7-day trial on my Patreon:  Diann Zimmerman – Patreon.

 

This painting challenge is not endorsed, sponsored, or administered by Facebook or Instagram.

#paintingchallenge   #internationalgiveaway    #weeklypainting  #watercolorchallenge #weeklychallenge #watercolourchallenge #watercolorbeginnersandbeyond #paintingchallenge #artdimazi #backtoschool #brushandbinding

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