A Tiny Hummingbird, A Month of Inspiration
Returning to watercolor with the July 2026 SketchBox Premium
ne of the things I look forward to every month is opening my latest SketchBox Premium. There is always a sense of excitement as I discover a new collection of art supplies and wonder what I will learn next. Every box encourages me to step outside my comfort zone, experiment with unfamiliar materials, and continue growing as an artist.
This month’s box may be my favorite so far.
The July 2026 SketchBox Premium focused on watercolor painting and included a charming hummingbird project from SketchBox School. As someone who primarily enjoys watercolor, this month’s theme felt as though it had been designed just for me.
A Tiny Hummingbird and a Welcome Return to Watercolor
The July SketchBox paired a thoughtfully selected collection of watercolor supplies with a delicate hummingbird project. I especially enjoyed the compact travel palette, the control of the Willow Wolfe brush, and the subtle shimmer that Daniel Smith Iridescent Electric Blue brought to the hummingbird.
Inside the July SketchBox
Inside the box, I found a wonderful collection of professional-quality supplies:
- SketchBox 12-color travel watercolor palette
- Willow Wolfe Siren No. 5 Round Brush
- Daniel Smith Iridescent Electric Blue watercolor
- Winsor & Newton 0.5 Fineliner
- Rockwell Cold Press Watercolor Paper
- Preprinted hummingbird and rose watercolor project
The compact orange travel palette immediately caught my attention. The selection of colors felt carefully curated, offering everything needed to complete the project while remaining small enough to slip into a travel bag. I can already tell that this palette will become one of my favorites for painting away from the studio.
The included Willow Wolfe Siren No. 5 Round Brush was another pleasant surprise. It has a wonderful point and excellent control, making it easier to paint the tiny feathers and delicate details that hummingbirds require.
Although I wanted to experience the included supplies on their own, I also paired them with two brushes that have quickly become studio favorites. My Silverwhite 1/2-inch Flat Brush made laying in the larger washes simple and enjoyable, while my Biaek No. 16 Cat’s Tongue Brush provided beautiful versatility throughout the painting.
One of the highlights of this month’s box was the small tube of Daniel Smith Iridescent Electric Blue. I had never used this particular color before. The subtle shimmer it added to portions of the hummingbird gave the finished painting a beautiful sparkle without overpowering the watercolor.
Painting the Tiny Hummingbird
SketchBox included another excellent lesson through SketchBox School. The instructor guided the project clearly while still allowing room for me to make the painting my own. I appreciate that these lessons encourage artists to build confidence rather than simply copy every brushstroke.
The hummingbird turned out far better than I expected. There is always room for improvement, of course, but I walked away from the project feeling encouraged and excited to continue painting with these supplies throughout the rest of the month.
You can find the SketchBox School lessons here:
Finding My Way Back to Creating
Perhaps the biggest lesson I took away from this month had very little to do with watercolor.
Over the past several months, life has been filled with change and loss, and I was not entirely sure how easily I would find my way back into creating. Sitting down to paint this hummingbird reminded me that creativity has a quiet way of waiting for us.
Once I picked up my brushes and started painting, the enjoyment returned naturally.
That may be my favorite part of this month’s experience.
Every SketchBox delivery introduces me to products I might never have purchased on my own while encouraging me to continue learning and expanding my watercolor skills. This little hummingbird gave me something more. It reminded me that creativity can help us begin moving forward again, one brushstroke at a time.
Watch the Full Video
In the video, I open the July 2026 SketchBox Premium, explore the included watercolor supplies, complete the SketchBox School hummingbird project, and share my thoughts about the experience.
If you would like to browse the individual SketchBox supplies I use, you can find them here:
I am a member of the SketchBox Social Squad. Thank you to @GetSketchBox for another month of creative inspiration.
The SketchBox links in this entry may be referral or affiliate links. If you purchase or subscribe through one of these links, I may receive credit or a small commission at no additional cost to you.
This Adventure Was Made Possible By
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Discover monthly collections of thoughtfully selected art supplies, creative projects, and lessons designed to encourage experimentation and artistic growth.
Thank you @getSketchBox for another wonderful month of creative inspiration.
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