Bad Watercolor Class Experience: When a Teacher Ruins Your Painting

When a Watercolor Class Goes Wrong: My Worst Art Class Experience

So… I went back for the second session of that watercolor “class.”

And honestly? Ugh. Another bad experience.

Let’s start with the comments. The “teacher” said things like, “It’s okay if you’re no good — you’re just a beginner.”

Excuse me? Encouragement where?

If you’re teaching a beginner watercolor class, maybe don’t open with an insult disguised as feedback.

The Moment My Painting Was Ruined

But it got worse.

While I was quietly working on my painting, she walked up, grabbed my brush out of my hand, dipped it into water, and spread water all over my painting saying, “More water.”

I told her I had plenty of water.

She ignored me.

Not cool. Not respectful. And definitely not how you treat someone’s artwork.

My painting was completely destroyed.

Two weeks later, I’m still annoyed about it. Artists put time, effort, and emotion into their work — even beginners. Especially beginners.

Why We Quit the Watercolor Class

I had been attending these sessions with my mom, and after two bad experiences, we decided we were done. No more watercolor class.

Instead of going back, we made a better plan.

Friday mornings are now breakfast + painting sessions at my mom’s house.

Better vibes. Better company. Zero brush-grabbing.

Honestly? Huge upgrade.

Turning a Bad Art Experience Into Something Better

You’ll see in the photos how badly that first painting was ruined. After documenting the damage, I tore it to shreds. Dramatic? Maybe. Therapeutic? Absolutely.

Then I started over.

And this time? I love the result.

I added bunnies and little field mice (because obviously everything is better with woodland creatures). The tree turned out especially cool — it’s actually gotten compliments.

So while that watercolor class was a bust, it reminded me of something important:

You don’t need a bad instructor to make good art.
You don’t need criticism that crushes you.
And you definitely don’t need someone hijacking your paintbrush.

Sometimes the best creative growth happens when you take control back.

And sometimes it happens over breakfast with your mom. 🐰🎨