Watercolor Painting Ideas

There are tons of watercolor painting ideas on the internet. However, not all of them are easy to recreate, especially if you are just starting out. That's why it's extremely helpful when artists create tutorials along with their work. Their process is broken down step by step, and most artists share some helpful tips along the way.

These watercolor tutorials are wide ranging and cover a variety of techniques and styles. More importantly, they have clear pictures and easy directions to follow. Best of all, these tutorials are completely free. Grab some paints, pick your favorite, and get started!

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Create Floral Patterns Using Rubber Cement

Persia Lou

Watercolor tends to bleed and it can be difficult to create crisp lines and shapes. There are a few techniques to block off sections of artwork to prevent this bleed from happening or to create shapes in the negative space. This tutorial from Persia Lou will show you how to use rubber cement to create an abstract floral pattern.

Easy Watercolor Art Rubber Cement Resist from Persia Lou
02 of 15

Paint Out a Sentiment Using Watercolors

Damask Love

If you want to learn how to master watercolors and hand lettering, check out this creative project. This watercolor tutorial from Damask Love can be used for greeting cards, wall art, or for additional practice in a bullet journal. Beginners can start with a stencil, but more advanced artists can modify this tutorial using custom lettering that they create.

Simple Watercolor Sentiments from Damask Love
03 of 15

Fill In Your Favorite Emojis

Delineate Your Dwelling

One way to prevent artist burn out is to tackle projects that are fun to create. Try not to take yourself or your work too seriously. This watercolor idea from Delineate Your Dwelling is fun for beginners and more advanced watercolor enthusiasts. Don't worry if your monkey emoji doesn't look exactly like the one on your phone.

Watercolor Monkey Emojis from Delineate Your Dwelling
04 of 15

Wash Color Over a Black and White Photograph

A Beautiful Mess

If you are scared to paint something for fear of it looking bad, try out this DIY project from A Beautiful Mess. It's nearly impossible to mess this one up because it doesn't require complex drawing or shading. Check out the tutorial for more details on how to create similar looking photographs.

Hand Colored Photographs from A Beautiful Mess

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05 of 15

Add Custom Detailing to a Printable

Cherished Bliss

This project is part printable, part painting. Instead of printing off a graphic with watercolor detailing, print off a simple quote and customize the piece with artwork you make yourself. This tutorial from Cherished Bliss will show you how to recreate a similar scene.

Mountain Watercolor Tutorial from Cherished Bliss
06 of 15

Learn How to Paint Watercolor Flowers

A Piece of Rainbow

Painting flowers with watercolors is rewarding, but it can be tricky if you haven't mastered some basic techniques. Before you create a piece of art for your wall, practice various types of flowers in a sketch pad. This tutorial from A Piece of Rainbow will show you how to create forsythias like a pro.

Paint Watercolor Flowers from A Piece of Rainbow
07 of 15

Turn a Photograph into a Piece of Art

Elise Engh Studios

This tutorial is ideal for artists that have basic watercolor shading skills but still have a hard time drawing from a reference. Find out how Elise Engh Studios creates this professional looking watercolor portrait using some clever tricks.

Easy Watercolor Portrait Tutorial from Elise Engh Studios
08 of 15

Find Out How to Paint a Galaxy

Kiley in Kentucky

Watercolor galaxies are fun to create and very forgiving, which makes them perfect for beginner watercolor painters. You can paint a galaxy like you see here or you can use this tutorial as a starting point and customize your galaxy with different colors and shapes.

Watercolor Galaxy Tutorial from Kiley in Kentucky

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09 of 15

Paint All The Herbs in Your Garden

The Postman's Knock

This watercolor tutorial works well when you complete an entire series. Learn how to paint three or six different herbs and then create a gallery wall with the art. This tutorial is best for intermediate to advanced painters.

Herbal Watercolor Tutorial from The Postman's Knock
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Experiment with Abstract Shapes

The Creativity Exchange

The great thing about this watercolor tutorial is that you can create a nice looking piece of art while practicing your brushstrokes at the same time. Creating long, curved brush strokes in varying thicknesses is a great way to improve your overall dexterity. Also, since this is meant to be abstract, the end result isn't meant to look perfect.

DIY Watercolor Abstract Art from The Creativity Exchange
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Customize a Calendar with Watercolor

Fox + Hazel

If you want to create a thoughtful gift for a loved one, consider customizing a calendar with artwork for every month. If that seems daunting, pick one month and start there. This tutorial from Fox + Hazel is filled with tips and tricks to get started. You could even trade out the month for your favorite word and create a piece of wall art instead.

DIY Watercolor Flower Calendar from Fox + Hazel
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Make a Piece of Art Inspired By Your Zodiac Sign

Dawn Nicole

Dawn Nicole features various artists and tutorials on her page. This tutorial is in collaboration with Fox + Hazel and shows readers how to create this eye-catching zodiac inspired watercolor painting. Check out the link below for more details.

Easy Watercolor Zodiac Constellation Tutorial from Dawn Nicole

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13 of 15

Paint a Bunch of Lemons

Elise Engh Studios

This watercolor tutorial from Elish Engh Studios is easy to follow. We love that it includes up close, sharp images that highlight exactly how to shade different parts of the fruit. Beginners can easily recreate this piece in no time because you only need three paint colors.

How to Paint Lemons in Watercolor from Elise Engh Studios
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Practice Some Loose Watercolor Flowers

Blushed Design

Loosely painted watercolor flowers are dreamy and ethereal looking. If you love this style but don't know where to start, check out Blushed Design. Her page is filled with extensive video tutorials that will take you through each flower painting from start to finish.

Loose Watercolor Flowers from Blushed Design
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Use Watercolors on an Unexpected Surface

Lemon Thistle

Watercolor works well on watercolor paper, but don't limit yourself to only that surface. This tutorial from Lemon Thistle uses watercolor paints to customize a raw piece of wood. The end result is even more rustic and blends in well with the surrounding decor.

Foggy Trees Watercolor on Wood from Lemon Thistle