Easy Watercolor Painting for Beginners (step by step)

When I first picked up watercolor, I thought the best way to learn was to complete a painting each time I sat down to paint. Whether it was stubbornness or a way to prove to myself I was capable, I just felt like I had to render an entire scene.

What I found over time was I grew the most when I painted small and often.

Sometimes I just focused on one particular area I was trying to improve in. By repeatedly taking the time to paint something like a sky, figures, or trees, I began to see improvement in those areas. This, then, was reflected in my finished paintings.

Watercolor requires such a sense of timing. The more time you spend practicing the basics and focusing on specific techniques, the more improvement you will see.

With this in mind, I recorded a simple demo that touches on a few key skills: painting wet-into-wet, positive and negative painting, and finding connections.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial! Keep coming back to the basics. You’ll be a better painter for it.

Check out my recommended watercolor brush collection.

[donnakelleher]

You are awesome. I am 72 years old and learning so much from you!

[bobfotoples]

Long time water color painter here, but away from it for the past 4 years. I enjoy seeing what I've missed. I've gotten away from true watercolor painting, trying to paint EXACTLY what's there, instead of letting the paint show me the way. (former student of Terry Madden)

[jingzhao]

I am beginner and I followed step by step this video did 3 this painting the same evening, I am sooo happy with the results, you've made it very clear and easy to learn and understand the concept so I can apply them to any other paintings I do. And this gaven me a lot of confidence which is the most valuable take away here, to me! I appreciated it a lot! Thank you 💟

And my friends couldn't believe it was my first boat picture! 😄 I live on an island, sky sea and boats are what I wish to paint more.

[unafemina]

I love the way you teach, so clear instructions! It makes it easy and enjoyable to follow you. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[andrelloyd]

Turning a photo upside down instantly changes the mind from identifying observed objects to identifying shapes of size - value and placement ! Best wishes and happy painting 🙏

[John-mrhk]

You make it look so easy. Thank you Matthew I will keep practicing 👍

[hirenbose]

You make it look so simple. Will try them. Thanks.

[marymathis]

That was lovely, Matthew, thank you!!! Will start on that kind of scene, appreciate the help so much! ❤❤❤

[bevtay]

Thank you for sharing the planning behind the process. Didn't know painting was so demanding. Hope to watch more of your work!

[marjo-riittareinikainen]

One of the bests qualities of You Tube is to fine out different perspectives and manners to do different things!

[maryaltabev]

There’s always something new I pick up from your videos. Thank you!

[shirleykwan]

Thank you so much for the tutorial, love your painting ❤

[melissc]

You are such a calm and reassuring presence while I practice. I just love ya! Thanks Matthew!!

[missviola]

This is so so so good and BEAUTIFUL. Thank you a lot for this helpful demo .

[VanTran-ypek]

Thank you so much for the detail tutorial!!!! I really appreciate it.

[jodyhazlett]

I enjoyed following along with this one! Thanks!

[Hughejazshole]

Thank you VERY much for sharing your talent! This is so great!

[debjanimukherjee]

Thanks for your tips it I will try to follow and improve myself

[jarredwebb]

Just the video I was looking for. I was thinking of painting a scene like this. Thank you for this clear and easy to follow video. I look forward to trying this out!!

[teresamitchell-banks]

You are a terrific teacher. Thank you for your clear step by step instructions 🇨🇦