Ah, that explains that look you got. It’s best to start with actual watercolors, and not brush pens. These brush pens don’t allow you to use them in a thinner (watery) consistency, which will allow you to build nice-looking layers. By the time you have layed the color on paper, it goes inside the paper and it doesn’t create a nice looking “wash” (spread of the pigment). The brush pens are more interesting to be used in specific kinds of illustrations, rather than traditional watercolor. Also, 200gsm is a bit thin for watercolors.

I’d highly suggest you get 300gsm paper (I’d suggest Meeden 10X7" Cotton Watercolor Paper, $21), watercolor “round” brushes at various sizes ($10 for a set), and a set of good watercolors. I’d suggest the MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set for $21 (best quality for the price). The look you will get from these will be much different than the brush pens, and will be a lot more versatile.

I’d suggest you start with this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDdfPMTX15Y and then continue with these ones: https://www.youtube.com/@Nianiani/videos Feel free to message me or email me directly if you like some more help!