Hi, I’m Caleb Grimes

I’m a watercolor artist, art coach & preacher. My inspiration comes from light’s power to illuminate! So many clouds go unnoticed, but when light illuminates them we stop and take pictures to capture the beautiful moment and feeling.

I’m dedicated to helping you learn and master watercolor. But it wasn’t always like that…

Look at this beautifully proportional butterfly!
👇

This was one of the last times I used watercolor as a kid.

An art teacher told me, “Avoid watercolors, because you can’t control them and they’re just frustrating.” So I avoided watercolors for 30 years!

Surprised by watercolors

My whole view on watercolors changed when I met an artist who told me,

“If you can master watercolor, you can master anything!”

That phrase rattled around my head for a few years. I told myself watercolors just isn’t for me, they are unforgiving, uncontrollable, produce unrealistic art and other watercolor myths I used to believe. But my hunger to become the best artist I could be grew to the point, I was finally willing to face my watercolor fears.

I accepted the challenge and picked up where I left off by repainting that beautifully proportional butterfly. 😁

Would you believe it! This whole aqua board is a painting. From the “piece of tape” to the “grain of wood”, this was all painted with watercolor.

Now I love and teach the very thing I tried to avoid for 30 years!

I love seeing students go from, 🫣 “I don’t think I can do that” to 🤯 “Wow! I did it!” 🥳 Just recently one of my students told me that her husband saw her painting, and didn’t realize it was hers, because she had improved so much! I have a wonderful watercolor community with hundreds of students. By the way, if you want to learn watercolor check out my community.

The turning point in my watercolor growth

After a year in a half of learning watercolors by trial and error, I decided to look for a mentor. Under the guidance of professional watercolorist Meeta Dani, my watercolor skills and confidence have grown 📈.

I love painting detailed subjects with blurry backgrounds. Recently my large painting, “Soul Of The Desert” won First Place, Best Of Show and the People’s Choice Award! 😁

Best Friend And Wife Melissa Grimes

I’m so grateful for my #1 supporter, best friend and wife Melissa Grimes. Whether it's watercolors, preaching, or being a good dad, I’ve never had to convince her that I can do it.

I met Melissa in the club (a college Christian club). Her strong faith and love has been a huge source of inspiration. We just celebrated our 18th Anniversary! 🥳

My Hobbies

You can watch me and my good friend David looking for gold in the video below.

👇

My Faith

One of the main reasons, I pursued being a professional watercolorist, is to financially bless my church. My dream, is to make enough off my art, that I can preach for free. I love my church family and have been a full time preacher since 2015. If you’re ever in the area, stop by for Sunday worship.

Fun Facts About Me

You couldn’t pay me to swim with sharks, but they are so sleek and fun to draw. Sharks are bold and curious. Two characteristics I’ve needed to tackle watercolors, which is why I chose the brand name “Watercolor Shark.”

My pencil sketch of sharks

I Was A Lifeguard

I was a swim instructor and lifeguard for six years before becoming a full time preacher. Out of the six years of lifeguarding, I never once had to jump in to save anyone, which is good, but I can’t help but feel a mannequin could have replaced me.

My brother (left) and I

I Have Dyslexia

I have dyslexia. I didn’t learn to read until I was in high school. Thanks to my grandfather, Papa Duane and my mom, I was able to go through an expensive program during my Junior year of high school that was designed to help dyslexics learn to read. I was a slow reader, but I learned.

Caleb (left), Papa Duane (center), brother (right)

Thanks For Stopping By!

If you want to show me your art, or just want me to check out your content, tag me @watercolorshark

I’m on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Lemmon8, Clapper, Youtube, RedNote, and Threads.

Explore my website where you can purchase originals, prints, merchandise and sign up for watercolor workshops.

Thank you!

Caleb Grimes