Easy Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners Step by Step Tutorial

Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners & Improvers. Exclusive Tutorials: / karenriceart - includes ad free content, EXCLUSIVE TUTORIALS and sketch outlines etc...
My website: www.karenricea...
Check out my FREE Essential Guide To Watercolour: www.karenricea...
HELPFUL TUTORIALS:
Salt tutorial: • Simple Tricks For SALT...
Spattering tutorial: • How To Spatter or Spla...
Plastic card: • How To Use A Plastic C...
Bokeh: • Simple Watercolour Bac...
Sheep in Winter: • How To Paint Sheep In ...
MATERIALS:
(I use affiliate links and may earn a commission.)
Links to art materials: www.karenricea...
BRUSHES:
Size 10, 8, 6, 4 & 2 round brushes & Large flat brush 1 inch Black Velvet Brush
Hog hair brush.
Toothbrush.
Winsor & Newton Watercolour paper 140lbs Cold Pressed.
Burnt Sienna (Burnt Umber)
Ultramarine (Cobalt Blue)
Cerulean (Turquoise)
Prussian Blue (Phthalo Blue)
Paynes Grey (Black)
Cad Yellow (Lemon Yellow)
Cad Red (Winsor Red)
Quin Gold (Raw Sienna)
Pyrrole Orange (Red & Yellow)
Plastic Card.
Sea salt.
White gouache.
HB pencil.
Trio waterpot.
Paper towel.
Circle stencil.
Natural sponge.
MUSIC:
Frolic E's Jammy Jams
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[@idesemeirl]

I am Frank, I like to paint...and i found the best teacher, called Karen...in the two class, I have learn more than 1 year! I am more emotional...more happy...thank you Karen, from Santiago-Chile

[@KarenRiceArt]

That is so wonderful! I am so pleased! :-)

[@ldouglasbord-pire1683]

Thank you for all you do, creating beautiful art and teaching others how to create beautiful art. Bless you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome

[@emilyoberdorf8758]

I’ve taken many water color classes but I have this fear of failure problem. But I got so excited watching this video. You teach just like my first instructor, breaking all of the steps down and simplifying them. I also like that they are small scenes, not daunting. I’ve subscribed and look forward to trying out your ideas. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful Emily!

[@alinserea4179]

I love ❤️ the amount of information you give in this interesting video. Thank you for the beautiful video you shared with us💓 Thank you for sharing my dear friend stay connected 💖💗 have a nice day a hug, 💗,💖 💗,. 💖 💗.,

[@susanvanschuyver7900]

Gorgeous! The cardinel really made the tree pop.

[@fuzzydragons]

the one with the sheep is wonderful!!

[@lindaking9222]

Lovely little paintings..especially like the sheep

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Linda 😉

[@jacintacesp]

Most creative channel for watercolour on KZbin. These are beautiful. 🙏

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow, thank you Caroline!!

[@margaretvanhull1810]

Love each one but...oh my gotta try the sheep! Many thanks.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@kzbaby2002]

I really love the sheep 🐑🐑🐑 one and I might try it.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy painting the sheep 😊

[@dianemccain3124]

Love the 3 watercolor s. Thanks for painting them.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!

[@lorraineweberg6658]

Your tutorials are so inspiring! I love how you break it down step by step and make everything seem so achievable. Even more, it makes me want to explore new techniques!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@paulinegee4083]

Simply love them all.

[@deannamunro8148]

Love love love your sheep paintings!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Deanna 😊

[@gretelstonebridge2323]

Love the tree techniques. More to try out. All 3 stunning

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@lindakuck5981]

These are beautiful and great for a gift !

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@jennyc1846]

Loved how you used the paper towel to make the circles Karen. I watched a guy do exactly the same thing and he said to buy an airbrush..no way I couldnt afford that, then along comes you with exactly the same result for nothing..clever you thanks for the hint. Love these little xmas ideas.

[@annettefournier9655]

Absolutely beautiful Karen. Thank you for the links to the reference photos. I did the birches 9x11 inches portrait and made it my own . We had the most gorgeous pink sunrise yesterday that I so wanted to paint. So I used it and added a shed across the snowy stream with a pine in front of it. I love how wet into wet just paints things I never could do. Thanks so much Karen.🥰

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Annette! So pleased you painted your own version! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@haghiacmirela6251]

55fttytvkxc vkyrgcgggggjjn c c988😀😃😉😉😊😇🥰😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🙂😗☺☺😚🥲🥲🥲😍😘😏😏🤐🤐‼️🌸㊗️㊗️㊗️🕷🌸‼️㊗️㊗️㊗️⚪🔵⚪㊗️🔵

[@haghiacmirela6251]

@@KarenRiceArt ggc

[@annehebert6959]

What a gorgeous little triptych. These might be fun to try...thank you for sharing.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Anne 😊

[@darleneplant.6284]

Wow! 3 paintings in one tutorial , and sheep too.! thank you, Jane. Theses would make great Christmas cards, orbook marks.if you don't make them too long, you can slip them into a Christmas card.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great ideas! Thank you Darlene!

[@amandastockham6918]

Wow Karen! These really are beautiful. I watch in awe at your fearlessness when you add all those colours for your backgrounds. I really need to be less hung up on the detail at the start and this tutorial has made me want to give these a go. Thank you for sharing 😊x

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased this has inspired you Amanda! I hope you enjoy painting in this style 😊

[@carolrost9245]

Beautiful. Really love the second painting with the unexpected orange and brown shades.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much Carol... I really enjoyed using those colours! 😊

[@dorotheaherron5071]

What beautiful little paintings. I love them.🥰❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Dorothea 😊

[@laurienye7514]

I loved it so much. I thought your art was amazing and the colors were magnificent.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@ritajanousek18]

Love these! As soon as I’m out of the tub ( lol ) I’m going to try them!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@dearbh1736]

What a wonderful tutorial packed full of great ideas and techniques. All three paintings are fab Karen but I think I love the sheep most of all. I have been wanting to do one of your sheep paintings for so long and I think I just have to have a go at this one. Back painting every day after a long break and really enjoying it. Thank you, as always, for everything you do for us 💕💕

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much Dearbhla, really pleased you like the sheep painting... it was so much fun to paint! All that splattering and card work!! 😊

[@lydiawieselthier5802]

Always love your sheep

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Lydia!

[@marielouisedavidson4834]

Wonderful! What great tutorial! Love the sheep!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much!

[@marybell4533]

Absolutely beautiful and the perfect size for Christmas cards!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much!

[@phyllisbanfield1032]

Karen,you are the best,have learned so much from your videos❤

[@wendouse8893]

They’re lovely, thank you. These will be my next project. I’m only just getting back into painting and I find larger format intimidating so these are perfect for building up my confidence. X

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun 😊

[@Sheamarie]

I love them all. Thank you for sharing.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@lyndaday962]

WOW! so "simple," but beautiful!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@danielleb.7055]

So beautiful! Have a great day

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@sarajohnvideo]

I have to tell you, your voice is so warm and soothing, while your tutorial is soo beautifully done and soo inspiring. I was really stressed today and you brought me such encouragement and calm serenity. Thank you for bringing me out of my slump and I am definitely going to attempt this whole tutorial. God bless you and love you for all that you bring us🎨😊❤️🎨💝🙏🏻❤️🎨💝❤️🎨

[@patlatour2465]

❤thankyou so much I’m looking at my 3 paintings and am really happy with them😊 even though it was fast for me I’ve learned a few things along the way and enjoyed the process.😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

That’s great to hear 😊 If you would like to access more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@roselynbaruch3697]

I' m spelbound watching you paint! Your explanation is superb, thank you so much

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@elenasenkina9282]

Amazing. Will do. Thank u for inspiration, Karen.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!

[@suevowles1523]

Loved these paintings, thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@beckyblissart1885]

Thank You Karen. I'm so glad I found you! I've been painting for a while, but needed some ideas for xmas cards. You're a great teacher!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Becky!!

[@helenpreston5455]

Great idea for Xmas cards!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@philipdown3147]

Brilliantly created and explained Karen your talented technique of creating Christmas cards, thanks greatly appreciated stay safe

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Philip! You too!

[@gretelstonebridge2323]

Well I have painted the tree as little mini paintings for cards. I avoided the bird as that looked tricky. Also I painted sheep one as 4 minis. I was very pleased. My sister wants one to frame!

[@KarenRiceArt]

That is wonderful!

[@metinuyan6517]

Sizi hayranlıkla takip ediyorum. Teşekkür ederim, öğretileriniz için

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@donnaaustin2518]

Beautiful art. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@barblarson5354]

I’m just starting with watercolour I’ve watched lots of videos and yours are so much more informative 💖

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Barb 😀

[@samthomart]

Thank you Karen, some lovely inspiration for cards here! 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Sam

[@suebaumann5922]

I love all of your painting demo's -they always inspire me!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Sue 😊

[@patriciaheale6130]

You are a total Inspirational person😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Patricia 😊

[@wendyb7993]

Fantastic tutorial I’m hooked 😍

[@barbaraalexander2005]

Really enjoying your paintings, thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@pattycyr8662]

This is great . I do a lot of Xmas trees but have not yet tried the dry brush, toothbrush, or stippling technique with the bristle brush. I especially love the bristle brush! The birch tree is amazing, and I love the sheep in the 4th one. Wow - what a great bundle of things to paint - loads of techniques to try! Thanks so much.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much Patty! I prefer the bristle brush too! So pleased you like this tutorial 😊

[@franjames4086]

Love these, can't wait to try them!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@elviamunguia8397]

Wow! I love the 3 of them! Very informative and beautiful video❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@galemckiddy5120]

Wonderful! Thanks!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you too!

[@maryneo9815]

Lovely paintings and great tutorial! Thanks for showing all these techniques! Looking forward to trying them out.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@maryneo9815]

@@KarenRiceArt thank you! ❤️

[@canadaverydry]

I like the toothbrush for creating effects!

[@joycewickman3249]

So lovely...thank you!

[@vickigower8125]

so beautiful!

[@reginalooby850]

Love these paintings. I’m glad that I am a Patreon member. Even though I haven’t painted for awhile I enjoy watching your paintings come to life. I will definitely pick up my paintbrush and try these.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Regina! So pleased this has inspired you to pick up a paint brush 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Regina! So pleased this has inspired you to pick up a paint brush 😊

[@laurieh9388]

So beautiful. You're great!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@barbaragemin5117]

These look great fun, thank you Karen. I need to make some xmas cards and these will be nice.

[@KarenRiceArt]

They would make lovely Christmas cards Barbara 🎄

[@lulubell7057]

Beautiful and so many helpful techniques. I will try these today. Love your channel.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@서목그림seomogdrawing]

This is so great for the beginner. Lots of skills and step by step instructions are very useful👍 Thank you for sharing your skills.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@germainwdesjardins6573]

Absolutely beautiful ❤

[@sweethomes674]

Beautiful 😊Thank you 🎨🕊

[@andreapaulis1481]

Thank you for your wonderful tutorials. I have enjoyed Watching and learning over the past year, especially grateful for your sharing your techniques. I wish you a wonderful Holiday Season and a healthy and productive New Year!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Andrea... happy holidays and new year to you too 😊

[@capbin146]

These are great. The sheep one was a great demo of salt. Worked well in this one. Unfortunately looked warmer and more springlike than the photo which looked cold and dismal, just like yesterday! 🙂 Thanks I am doing my five special cards this weekend so will try these.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@stevenwaddington6451]

love 2 and 3 karen they all good tho

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Steven.

[@julieculford5839]

Love them all

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you JULIE 😊

[@marieke.80]

This is exactly what I needed! Couldn't find inspiration lately.. These are gorgeous! Definitely going to try these🤗🌲🍂😍

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! So pleased this has inspired you! Have fun painting them!

[@claudiarichter1766]

Dear Karen, thank you for the ideas for christmascards.🥰 What nice motive!! I wish you a beautiful weekend !💫🌟 Lovely greetings from Claudia.🥰😘

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Claudia! You too 😊

[@najmehpanah8707]

Great job😍😍

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😄

[@lynnhuddleston3199]

Beautiful ❤!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@pauline3379]

These are lovely Karen 😍 thank you for your great videos.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@odeadelmar5636]

Merci de France 🇫🇷😘 très bonnes vidéos : je m’abonne ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Merci 😊

[@chrischurchley7003]

Lovely Karen - that middle one is definitely trickier than it looks! Would make a wonderful concertina greetings card 👍👏😁!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much Chris, yes the birch trees is the trickiest of the 3... great idea for a concertina card! 😊

[@danpost4755]

Nice demonstration! I'm glad I found your channel. I just subscribed and am looking forward to seeing more of your content.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks so much Dan 😊

[@patriciakelly5451]

Love them, thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad you like them 😊

[@johnlang1933]

Very nice work!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@pamelarundle2834]

Your sheep are gorgeous.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you !

[@svetlanaeremenko-wagener3355]

Thank you very much

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are welcome

[@peggyjanovick]

I love your techniques. You are the reason I am trying watercolors. I found that tri water container on Amazon. Your instructions are so clear and easy to understand and follow. Thank you 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@susannestroupe5050]

Love love love! Could you tell me again what you used to scratch in the trees in the beautiful and so peaceful sheep painting? Thank you Karen….you are a blessing to me.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Susanne... I am using a plastic store cut cut up.

[@ЛюдаЛобанова-т9б]

Thank you !

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're welcome!

[@josephcollins6033]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Joseph.

[@arlettevandeperre1016]

Whaw! Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're so welcome 😊

[@juliebooton1360]

Love all the paintings, especially the sheep. Do you ever use white gouache lightly sprayed onto the damp surfaces instead of salt?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yes, that’s also a great alternative 😊

[@user-pp5ri9dq4y]

you made it look so easy! do you think I could do this with water color pencils??

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Tim, and yes I think you could use watercolour pencils to create these scenes, but using very different techniques.

[@irmas-music]

Wonderful

[@itsame9780]

So happy to stumble upon your channel. You have an absolutely lovely voice that calms me. You gave me a lot of new ideas to start painting with. I cannot wait to try this out! Question- where can I find a water caddy like yours? Also, are we also suppose to start with a wet paper before painting? One more - I did swatches yesterday of my paints and noticed the next day my paper was all warped like from being wet. How can I prevent this from happening? Thanks 🤗

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! I bought the water caddy from Jackson’s art supplies. You don’t have to wet the back of the paper. It was just to help with the paper drying too quickly. Sometimes paper warps when it is quite thin. I use 300gsm cotton watercolour paper. Hope this was helpful 😊

[@susannehakanlind2942]

Thank you for this! Beautiful! ❤️

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Susanne 😊

[@glendajorde9062]

thank you. i just subcribed

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ciaomuffet]

Using a card to make light marks is something I have never done..

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad this was helpful

[@joanpringle-canning2834]

❤❤

[@mysticriver9420]

❤️👍

[@AnTran-ni2iz]

♥️

[@wendyschlegel5031]

I very much enjoyed watching you create these 3 paintings. They would make beautiful cards or bookmarks. I have 2 questions. When you say, "damp on damp or wet on damp, etc." I'm not sure what it means but I think it's this. For example, damp on damp means that the paint brush is damp with water and paint and the paper is still wet with water and paint. Is that correct? Also, can you use a fan brush to paint an evergreen tree? The painter, Bob Ross, used a fan brush to paint evergreen trees. I wasn't sure if there was a difference between watercolor and acrylic painting.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you enjoyed watching this tutorial. Thank you for your questions, you may find this tutorial helpful in explaining the damp and wet questions:kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbOq3eFiLCIbJI Yes you can use a fan brush to paint an evergreen tree, check out this tutorial where I show you different methods of painting foliage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYasoGl8o71sgac

[@janewilkinson7386]

Karen, thank you for the lovely tutorial. On a previous one, you used the bokeh effect but you used a stencil brush. Can you tell me what you used on the first painting, as I couldn't see a brush, did you use a sponge or something? Thanks, Jane

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hi Jane, you are right I used a sponge 😊

[@ConchiBelvis]

Lovely, Karen! Do you know the dates for your watercolor retreat in 2025? I would like to attend. I m not able to attend this year’s.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Sorry you can’t attend this years. Unfortunately I don’t have the dates for next years. Will know later on this year. Watch this space 😊

[@amel2784]

nice