For newcomers to watercolor, these watercolor painting ideas for beginners offer simple lessons, essential starter materials, and printable guides to build self-assurance.
Do you recall a time when global happenings encouraged everyone to remain at home? ;) I cannot recall why this came to mind, but prior to the restrictions, I felt it was vital for my mental well-being to have a daily enjoyable activity.
I selected watercolor painting at my dining room table as my source of daily pleasure.
Upon learning the next day would be a 'shutdown' day requiring us to stay inside, my husband and I visited our downtown grocery store to gather necessary provisions (Fortunately, we already had toilet paper!;)). After loading everything into our vehicle, I asked him to make one more quick stop.
I stopped at Walmart and purchased a pad of watercolor paper along with a children’s set of watercolor paints.
This became my dedicated 'fun activity' for several weeks.
Daily, I set a goal to sit at the dining room table and create a painting; it proved to be very therapeutic.
Watercolor painting is both tranquil and straightforward—I assumed that consistent practice would lead to improvement, correct?
I still possess that collection of artworks, each marked with a date at the bottom, concluding in 2020.
Therefore, if you too wish to start learning watercolor painting—regardless of the current time—I want to share the excellent beginner resources I discovered that remain valuable today!
Materials Required for Watercolor Painting:
Note: This post includes affiliate links for your purchasing ease.
A joy of watercolor painting is that it does not demand a vast quantity of supplies! You only need these fundamental items:
- Watercolor paper (Avoid standard copy paper as it wrinkles severely!) – Strathmore Cold Press Paper
- Watercolor paints – Beginner set (This was my starting point), Sukura. I later transitioned to this magnificent professional watercolor paint set, and its quality is superb! The hues are stunning!
- Brushes- I have been utilizing a size 6 | size 1 | This assortment offers a wonderful range of sizes. *Update: Should you decide to invest in watercolor art, I strongly suggest this lovely brush set—it arrives in a neat case!
- Water container – Alternatively, this collapsible paint pot is very useful for small living areas or when traveling!
- Paper towel
- Watercolor sketch templates (details below) – Or consider these lovely watercolor cards ready for painting. I find them perfect for a beginner!
Beginner Watercolor Painting Ideas: Basic Lessons to Begin
One great aspect of learning watercolor is the abundance of helpful (and free!) online tutorials. Whether you are completely new or merely refreshing your knowledge, these beginner-friendly guides will walk you through simple methods, step-by-step projects, and tips to boost your confidence. I compiled several that I found particularly encouraging and easy to follow when I was first starting!
Beginner Watercolor Painting Ideas: Use Printable Coloring Pages for Adults
As a beginner in watercolor painting, I specifically searched for simple watercolor paintings to replicate. I located some straightforward watercolour painting ideas in the form of free printable watercolor templates featuring line drawings of easy subjects for watercolor practice.
Reasons to Adore Watercolor Templates
Embarking on watercolor painting can seem daunting when you need to create your own patterns. That is precisely why printable watercolor templates serve as an excellent aid for those new to the craft. Here are the reasons they excel for beginners:
- No artistic talent required – Concentrate solely on painting, leaving the sketching behind.
- Begin your journey sooner – Avoid the empty page and jump straight into the enjoyable aspects.
- Develop self-assurance – Take pleasure in minor victories with every completed artwork.
- Refine your method – Concentrate on brushwork, color mixing, and managing water, free from concerns about proportions or layout.
- Limitless creativity – Templates supply fresh concepts when you are uncertain about your next subject.
A Guide to Watercolor Templates
Employing printable watercolor templates is straightforward and a wonderful way to ease into the activity. Here is the process:
- Place it beneath your watercolor sheet – Secure both against a window or utilize a lightbox so the pattern becomes visible.
- Gently sketch the outline – Employ a pencil to transfer the template onto your watercolor paper.
- Commence painting! – Seize your brushes and take pleasure in animating the design with color.
Templates granted me the liberty to master the fundamentals while still producing something lovely—and that motivation assisted me in persisting! Here comprises a selection of adorable watercolor templates you might wish to experiment with as well!
1
Handcrafted Watercolor Dahlia + Printable Template
Photo Credit: bydawnnicole.comIsn't this charming? I believe this printable watercolor floral pattern would serve as a lovely coloring page for markers alongside watercolor painting.
2
Complimentary printable watercolor coloring sheet | Jones Design Company
Photo Credit: jonesdesigncompany.comWell hello there, little cute bird! This straightforward template appears to be an excellent choice for a novice to attempt.
3
Free Watercolor Adult Coloring Book Printable Sheets - Woodland Forest Creatures Part 1 (Fox, Bear, Squirrel, Badger)
Photo Credit: welivedhappilyeverafter.comI came across this treasure trove of fantastic free printable templates for watercolor painting! There are countless pages of adorable woodland creatures...
4
Feathers And Flowers Antler Coloring Book Art Free Adult Coloring Book Watercolor Printable
Photo Credit: welivedhappilyeverafter.comI learned that this website possesses a delightful collection of free printable watercolor coloring pages. They are all gorgeous! Easy watercolor flowers on antlers? How adorable is that?
5
Free Printable Adult Coloring Pages - Hymns & Scripture
Photo Credit: ourhandcraftedlife.comColoring art pages can be utilized for watercolor if they are simple enough. I believe these would function nicely.
6
How to Paint Watercolor Succulents the Simple Method
Photo Credit: gardentherapy.caMaybe not the simplest undertaking, but these succulents really blossomed into something lovely!
7
Aquatic Cactus Sketch + Text Guide – The Postman's Knock
Photo Credit: thepostmansknock.comFlourish from the spot where you take root. I adore this cactus watercolor guide and stencil!
8
Complimentary Printable Watercolor Popsicle Greetings
Photo Credit: persialou.comWatercolor Concepts for Novices: Pre-made coloring volumes for grown-ups
During my investigation, I also located some gorgeous pre-made watercolor volumes. They look fantastic for newcomers – no printing or tracing required! Select the link to view details and buy on Amazon.
- Simply Add Watercolor Blooms: Straightforward Methods and Lovely Designs for Complete Novices
- Simply Add Watercolor Joyful Thoughts
- Burst of Hues Painting and Coloring Volume
