Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Dee
If you’re looking for simple watercolor paintings to try, you’re in the right place! Watercolor painting is a relaxing and creative hobby, and you don’t need to be an expert to create beautiful artwork. Whether you’re interested in watercolor drawing, mini paintings, or just need some watercolour inspiration, these easy watercolor art ideas will help you get started.
In this list, you’ll find a mix of cute watercolor paintings, abstract watercolor pieces, and watercolor illustrations that anyone can create with minimal supplies. These ideas are perfect for beginners looking for watercolor paintings for beginners and simple watercolor for beginners.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need: Watercolor Painting Supplies
This is my go-to list of recommended watercolor painting supplies that we use for all our watercolor art, junk journaling, and art journaling!
**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**
- Board: If you’re using watercolor paper from a pad or sheets, you might want to tape your paper down to a board to prevent warping.
- Watercolors: Windsor & Newton is a reputable brand that offers high-quality watercolor paints. You can choose from their range of professional-grade watercolor tubes or pans, depending on your preference.
- Watercolor Paper: Look for cold-pressed, 140lb (300gsm) watercolor paper for the best results. This type of paper is durable and has a nice texture that’s ideal for watercolor painting.
- Brushes: A selection of round and flat brushes in various sizes will give you the versatility you need for different strokes and details. Sable or synthetic brushes designed for watercolor will give you the best performance.
- Palette: A mixing palette with wells for both mixing and holding your paints is essential. It can be a simple plastic one or a porcelain palette for a more luxurious feel.
- Water Container: Any clean jar or container will do, but having two for clean and dirty water can help keep your colors pure.
- Masking Fluid: This is used to cover areas of your painting that you want to keep white. Make sure to apply it with an old brush or a dedicated masking fluid brush, as it can ruin fine bristles.
- Pencils: A soft pencil, like a 2B, is great for sketching your design before painting.
- Eraser: A kneaded eraser is gentle on watercolor paper and can lift pencil lines without damaging the surface.
- Paper Towels or a Rag: These are useful for blotting your brush to control the amount of water and paint.
21 Simple Watercolor Paintings For Beginners
1. Soft Floral Watercolor Drawing
Floral designs are a great way to practice watercolor art. Use light washes to create soft petals and add delicate details with a fine brush.
2. Mini Paintings on Watercolor Paper
Create small, cute watercolor paintings on postcard-sized paper. Mini paintings are easy to complete and perfect for trying out new techniques.
3. Easy Watercolor Blueberry Illustration
Blueberry watercolor paintings are fun to create! Start with soft blue circles, then layer in some darker shades for dimension.
4. Watercolor Landscape for Beginners
A simple landscape watercolor tutorial could include a sky, rolling hills, and a soft sunset. Keep the brushstrokes loose and flowing.
5. Abstract Watercolor Swatches
Abstract painting is an excellent way to explore watercolor inspiration. Try blending colors together for a dreamy, effortless effect.
6. Simple Watercolor Sunset Scene
Use warm colors to paint a watercolor painting for beginners featuring a glowing sunset over the ocean.
🌅 Related: Easy Watercolor Sunset Tutorial
7. Watercolor Art of a Feather
Feathers are great for easy watercolor painting ideas because they allow for soft gradients and texture practice.
8. Watercolor Pencil Sunset
A stunning way to blend both dry and wet media is by painting a sunset using watercolor pencils!
🎨 Related: Watercolor Pencil Sunset Tutorial
9. Cute Watercolor Cactus
For a cute watercolor painting, try a simple cactus in a pot. Use green shades and add fun little spines.
10. Watercolor Art for Beginners: Simple Trees
A simple watercolor for beginners is painting trees with a round brush—use different greens and browns for variety.
11. Whimsical Watercolor Mushrooms
A trending watercolor illustration idea is a collection of colorful mushrooms with little details like dots or lines.
12. Watercolor Mountain Silhouettes
Paint soft mountain ranges in layers using watercolor inspiration from nature. Let each layer dry before adding the next.
13. Fun and Easy Watercolor Clouds
Painting soft, fluffy clouds is a great way to practice blending in watercolor drawing.
14. Simple Watercolor Butterflies
Butterflies make for cute watercolor paintings—use soft colors for the wings and add delicate details.
15. Experimenting with Watercolor Pencils
If you love watercolor but want more control, try using watercolor pencils! They allow you to sketch first and blend later.
🖌️ Related: How to Use Watercolor Pencils
16. Simple Watercolor Patterns
Choosing the right supplies can make all the difference in your painting journey.
✨ Related: Best Watercolor Pencils
17. Easy Watercolor Spring Flowers
Celebrate the season with some spring watercolor ideas for beginners—soft pastels and floral designs are always a great choice.
🌸 Related: Spring Watercolor Ideas
18. Watercolor Birthday Card Designs
Create easy watercolor birthday cards with fun, simple designs like balloons, flowers, or confetti patterns!
🎂 Related: Easy Watercolor Birthday Cards
19. Watercolor Sketchbook Ideas
Keeping a watercolor sketchbook is a great way to improve your skills and explore different art watercolor ideas.
📖 Related: Sketchbook Watercolor Ideas
20. Watercolor Jellyfish Painting
Jellyfish are easy to paint using flowing brushstrokes and abstract watercolor techniques.
21. Simple Watercolor Christmas Card
Try a festive watercolor painting for beginners like a snowy pine tree or a Christmas wreath.
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