How to Paint Simple Watercolor Landscapes — Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Discover the joy of painting with this beginner-friendly watercolor tutorial. Create your own beautiful landscapes with simple techniques perfect for screen-free family fun.
Quick answer
To make simple watercolor landscapes, you need watercolor paints, brushes, watercolor paper, and water. Start by wetting your paper. This beginner-friendly activity has 10 steps and is perfect for families with children aged 6+.
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What you need
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Lightly sketch a simple horizon line on your watercolor paper with a pencil, dividing the paper into sky and land areas.
- 2
Fill one jar with clean water for rinsing your brush and the other with clean water for mixing paints.
- 3
Dip your larger brush (size 10) into the clean water and then into a light blue watercolor paint. Apply this to the sky area, leaving a small gap near the horizon.
- 4
While the blue is still wet, pick up a bit of white or a very pale yellow and blend it into the sky for a soft gradient effect.
- 5
Rinse your brush thoroughly and dry it slightly on a paper towel.
- 6
Using a brown or green paint, lightly paint the land area below the horizon line. You can add darker shades for hills or mountains.
- 7
While the land is still damp, you can add touches of darker green or brown to create texture and depth.
- 8
Rinse your brush again and pick up a darker blue or grey to paint a simple tree or two on the land, keeping the shapes loose.
- 9
You can add a few small dots of white paint with a small brush for distant stars or clouds if desired.
- 10
Let your watercolor landscape dry completely. Once dry, you can gently erase any visible pencil lines.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- 1Don't be afraid to use plenty of water! Watercolor is all about blending and flow. If your paint looks too intense, add more water.
- 2Experiment with different color combinations for your sky and land. Try purples and oranges for a sunset or soft greys for a misty day.
- 3For a more textured look, try dabbing your brush with a dry paper towel onto the wet paint to lift some color.
- 4If you make a mistake, don't worry! Watercolor can be forgiving. Sometimes a little 'happy accident' can add character to your painting.
- 5Once dry, consider framing your watercolor landscape or using it as a beautiful card front.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paper is best for watercolor painting?
Watercolor paper is essential because it's thicker and designed to absorb water without buckling or tearing. Look for paper that is at least 140lb (300gsm) for best results.
How do I prevent my watercolor paint from looking muddy?
To avoid muddy colors, rinse your brush thoroughly between colors. Also, try not to overwork the paint. Let layers dry if you want distinct colors, or blend them while wet for softer transitions.
Can I use regular paper for watercolor?
While you can technically paint on regular paper, it's not recommended for watercolor. Regular paper will likely warp, tear, or bleed through very quickly due to the water content.
What are the basic watercolor techniques for beginners?
Key beginner techniques include the 'wet-on-wet' method (applying wet paint to wet paper for soft blends) and 'wet-on-dry' (applying wet paint to dry paper for sharper lines). Gradients and washes are also fundamental.
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