1. Choose the right paper: Watercolour paper is specially designed to absorb water and pigment, so it's important to choose the right type of paper for your painting.

2. Sketch your design: Start with a light pencil sketch of your subject to plan your composition and ensure the proportions are correct.

3. Wet your paper: Use a clean brush and water to wet the paper before you begin painting. This helps the water and pigment blend more easily.

4. Start with light washes: Begin by applying light washes of colour and gradually build up the intensity of your painting. This allows you to see how the colours are interacting and make adjustments as you go.

5. Practice layering: Watercolour is known for its transparent qualities, so layering is essential to building depth and richness in your painting. Allow each layer to dry before adding the next.

6. Experiment with different techniques: Watercolour offers a wide range of techniques, such as wet-on-wet, dry brush, and splattering, so don't be afraid to experiment and see what works for you.

7. Enjoy the process: Watercolour can be unpredictable, but that's also part of its beauty. Embrace the happy accidents and enjoy the process of creating something unique and beautiful.

8. One tip for overcoming doubt when starting a watercolour painting is to remember that mistakes can be turned into beautiful and unique features of the artwork. 

Remember to have fun and experiment with different techniques and styles as you explore the beautiful and versatile medium of watercolour painting.