Watercolor Shimmery Ocean Reflection | 10-Day Challenge, Day 9

Painting watercolor seascapes has never been more doable – yes, even for you! In my new 10-day challenge, we’ll explore step-by-step techniques for creating beautiful watercolor ocean, lake, and river scenes with watercolor (and occasionally, white gouache). Day Eight is “Shimmery Palm” and I can’t wait to get started!

Want a chance to win a copy of my book? Comment below (any comment will do!) by May 6. I’ll randomly select the winner that day.

Playing catch-up?

Need a refresher on watercolor basics?

Interested in learning more about creative mindset and overcoming your inner critic?

Looking for my Painting the Wilderness Challenge supplies overview?

Music: “Liberating”, by Megan Wofford -- license through Epidemic Sound

Supplies in this video (may contain affiliate links):

[robinjpowell]

I fully agree that space helps! I love doing your tutorials. I get frustrated because mine don't look as good as yours but if I walk away and come back I love how mine look because they are mine. Your videos are great. I'm learning so much and it's very fun. Thank you

[jeaninejurado]

Instead of feeling doubt and anxiety I felt excited about painting this shimmery palm. The clouds, waves, colors, layers, and reflections creates drama and movement. A great tutorial.

[licwkjm]

I often find when I get dismayed with the direction a piece is going I make myself stop and come back to it later. Then when I see it with new eyes I often realize it's not the "hot mess" I initially thought, but much better. Sometimes we get too close too our work and only see the brushstrokes, not the whole painting.

[sj]

I think waiting and taking another look is indeed a good tip! I also look at it from a distance, as well as take a picture of it and look at the picture. These help the eye see "when it's done" or what other little touches it needs.

[eleb]

This was the hardest one yet. I loved the clouds.

[Amberlanewatercolor]

🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️oh no. The tree reflection lost me 😂😂😂that’s ok. I’ll step back and look later like you said.

[marthabarnett]

I love this palm tree at high tide! Fun with vibrant color on this one! 🏝

[inaros]

In this sheet you learn a lot, how to let yourself flow, without forgetting the light and the reflections in the water, how to give movement..

[naning]

Thank you, Kolbie, I enjoyed this one. Each day I look forward to doing one of your paintings. I enjoyed the colors in the water and the reflection.

[irongate]

I'm a few days behind and haven't done this one yet but can't wait. I've learned so much and most of all developed a new passion - watercolor!

[wendymenard]

I love the palm tree, the colors are spectacular! Talk about pushing limits and my own ability!!!

[mbv]

I adored this one! I definitely agree thjough, taking a step back then coming back makes it look so much better!

[lomatemba]

Awww, the reflection. Will need lots of practice.

[darinka]

I love your paintings they're so beautiful and complicate and simple at the same time, tutorials are fantastic ❤️😘😊

[cynthiacate]

I loved the colors in this one and how they blended. Still learning how to control the water in the brush.

[judyholz]

So good to see how to "attack" reflections on moving water. My painting isn't all that good - but I learned a lot. Time to try it again!

[arethusa]

Thank you so much Kolbie for all your tutorials! I'm not a total novice, understand the basics but I'm actually stunned by your teaching skills! Thank you <3

[sadie]

Love todays painting, and needing to practice my shimmery reflections

[me]

Oh wow, so cool! Reflections are so intimidating and yet now you've given me confidence to give it a try. I'm behind in the challenge, but hey that means I get to stretch out the fun, right? Can't wait to see what I'll love and learn with this one.

[ruthlemmen]

I almost always find that I like paintings more after they are dry, I've had some space from them, and am looking from a different angle. Of course I often forget this when I'm making a mess in the middle of painting.