Easy Watercolour Painting Ideas For Beginners / Step By Step Tutorial

I show you three inspiring watercolour paintings ideas in this step by step tutorial. Learn more about watercolour: / karenriceart - includes access to longer tutorials, sketch outlines etc... Plastic card tutorial: • How To Use A Plastic C...
Brusho tutorial: • WHAT IS BRUSHO? HOW I ...
MATERIALS:
(I use affiliate links and may earn a commission.)
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Ken Bromley Art Supplies: www.artsupplies.co.uk?referralCode=T2XH2
Watercolour paper 140lbs Hot Pressed Saunder's Waterford (9 x 12 inches).
Greyboard.
Black (Paynes Grey)
Sennelier / French Ochre (Quinacridone Gold)
Orange (Red + Yellow)
Turquoise (Phthalo Blue)
Ultramarine (Cobalt Blue)
Daniel Smith / Moonglow (Paynes Grey + Alizarin Crimson)
Burnt Umber (Burnt Sienna)
Cobalt Teal (Turquoise)
Plastic Palette Card.
Spritzer bottle.
Craft knife.
Black & Light Brown Brusho.
Wax candle/crayon.
Table or sea salt.
White gouache.
Washi tape.
Paper towel.
Music:
Dream Culture by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...
Source: incompetech.com...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Eternal Hope by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Source: incompetech.com...
Artist: incompetech.com/
#AbstractPainting #WatercolorSeascape #PaintingIdeas

[@user-ys6dg4gq1m]

Most definitely can see the face on the third painting. All the paintings are great. Very interesting to watch, thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@cj_kirby]

I love your watercolor abstracts. Like these, they are often so ethereal like walking thru another world in a dream.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@petragunther4439]

Ohhh, the first one, great great great the second soo pretty And the the third so gorgeous Love it, thank you, for sharing

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Petra 😀

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

I loved them all but especially the French ochre and rose of ultramarine

[@aprildudko3981]

Karen, these are beautiful! Now I need brusho crystals.

[@dearbh1736]

Oh Karen. I am so sorry as I have been neglecting you of late - neglecting painting entirely in fact. It is an unfortunate symptom of my ADHD that I have real trouble maintaining long term focus on any particular pursuit which is a shame as I sold all the work I had done. These days I am peddling antique glass and ceramics and my house is in total chaos. All my art supplies are in huge plastic bins piled up in the corner or in presses in the kitchen lying dormant and sad. I took a chance on watching this video and found it so exciting and inspiring and finally saw myself actually looking at those plastic bins with the keys to everything in them instead of pretending they were not there. I still can't afford to renew my patreon but you give a lot for free and I am so grateful for that. I also need to organise myself in order to create a work space which is not going to be easy but I do have a spare room that currently looks like a badly edited version of 'cash in the attic' LOL. You are looking incredible. Your painting is making you look younger every time I see you. Sorry about the long message (ADHD does that to you too - why say one word when you can say ten😂! Anyway, the point really is that just watching this great tutorial - I love all three btw - has me itching to get out my card and stick and brusho and spritzer and moon glow (my fave colour) and just paint anything at all. You are so kind and such an incredible teacher and I will be neglecting you no more. Many, many thanks from your old pal in Ireland 💕💕💕☘☘☘

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great to hear from you Dearbhla! It sounds like you have been very busy!! There are only so many hours in the day and something has to give. I am glad though that this painting has inspired you to paint and maybe to set up a place to paint... we all deserve it!! Thank you to for your kind comments, made my day!! Have fun painting these... take care Karen ☺

[@cathleencavanaugh2113]

Giving permission to play, or experiment, is such a great part of your teaching style.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Cathleen 😀

[@afzalmoghal5081]

This was lovely tutorial. I enjoyed it a lot. Hopefully I have learnt something from it. I have watched this again and again. Thank you very much for this tutorial.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much! Really pleased you enjoyed this tutorial 😀

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

I love that idea to paint 3 at once. It's so much faster and while one is drying you can work on the next. Nice!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! Such a great idea takes the pressure off as well!

[@dech4548]

Im so glad I saw your TikTok so that I could visit your KZbin channel! Brilliant! All your techniques! Paintings are so beautiful!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow! So pleased you found me on TikTok! I hope you continue to enjoy the tutorials that I have created here on KZbin!!!

[@thissunchild]

The beauty of your work literally brings tears to my eyes🥲🙏🏾

[@margaretstewart4058]

These are all so beautiful and inspiring

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Margaret 😀

[@ishrika13]

I hardly blinked my eyes while watching this beauty, let me hug you 🤗 ❤️. Thanks so much for sharing your art, definitely will try these paintings. X

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ishrika13]

@@KarenRiceArt where I show you if I try these paintings.? 😊

[@patriciadupuis9857]

I love your fun techniques and the abstract results! All those strategies stretch creativity and push back boundaries, which are good things to exercise as an artist. Many thanks!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Patricia!

[@Moonbeam5761]

@@KarenRiceArt 😢

[@Moonbeam5761]

So grateful for these tutorials!

[@annemetcalfe6213]

Love watching your tutorials ….very therapeutic as well as inspiring . Thank you for sharing .

[@stelladaigle5235]

Beautiful colors ans technique. Thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I am so pleased that you enjoyed this tutorial. For more exclusive and in-depth tutorials why not think about joining my Patreon membership. www.patreon.com/karenriceart

[@squadiodatamj5998]

Colour me INSPIRED. That was fun and quite exciting. I anticipate a repeat viewing paint-along (with pauses for dry times) for me. Regards

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊 I hope you enjoy painting in this style 😀

[@user-tc1pf8zi8k]

These coulours , radiating and shining and sparkeling are so fresh and vivid, partially probably also because the paintings are close to each other. Beautiful harmony. (andt this doesn't seem to me just a beginner's level (or maybe I am less than beginner, lol ))

[@KarenRiceArt]

I hank you!! Have a go, you may surprise yourself 😀

[@user-tc1pf8zi8k]

@@KarenRiceArt Thank you very much for encouraging kind words!

[@dkstamberose]

This was really fun, thank you for sharing

[@lisamessina5952]

Love them all! I will be trying today.

[@cathyc937]

It's really hard to find an instructor that suits how you want to learn ...so thank you so much,I'm happy I found you😍

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@barbmidairagood4975]

Loved all three paintings but probably wouldn’t have spattered all of them as I feel they were atmospheric enough, thank you for sharing your skills

[@stephenpawlyn1502]

That was super Karen. Thank you.

[@DorisEttlingerStudio]

Thanks, Karen. I watched this at just the right time. I’ve taught watercolors for years. Lately, I’ve been “losing my mojo”. Thanks for getting me jazzed again with the possibilities.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! Really pleased you found this inspiring!

[@pamgibbons2043]

They are so lovely Karen. On the left one it looks like part of a fence in the centre foreground. On the right the light shining on a road or pathway. You never know what will emerge 😀👌

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so right Pam, that’s why I like painting in this style!

[@catheybell2596]

Love Love Love!!!! Can't wait to try these techniques. Thanks so much!

[@brendawalsh8254]

Oooh I love 💕 these

[@fuzzydragons]

really like the colours and lines on the far right one 😀

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@bobbiemenendez4807]

Thanks for the link to the tutorial. I found you this year. Your enthusiasm and passion for watercolour, and I suspect life, is contagious, not to mention the sparkle in your eyes when you teach. A joy. With gratitude, bobbie

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!!

[@annehumphreys57]

Thanks again Karen for an inspiring tutorial and sharing with us, going to have a go at this and hopefully make it into a card for my son.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! I hope you have fun 😀

[@ArtwithAhra]

what a gorgeous loose watercolor! wonderful job!!! good tutorial for watercolor beginners!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@ClairePalfreyman]

Thanks Karen - great inspirational techniques here that have really encouraged me to get back to my watercolours. Great lessons.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@bookartswithloritaylor8362]

You have inspired me to get back to using my watercolors🎉❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful!!

[@kuldas9299]

On the middle one, if you darken the bottom half and painted a fish in there it would look like a cutaway of the water. Really love the abstract nature of the third one. Great stuff as always!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great idea - thank you for sharing 😊

[@JWoodCreativeArts]

Lovely diverse artwork! Thank you for sharing!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@lindyh2009]

Wow! So inspiring, thanks for another great tutorial Karen 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Linda

[@veroklassmann654]

It was the perfect work for a hot day. Easy to do and mine surprisingly nice. Of course different from yours but that was my intention. When I was almost finished I opend the blinds of my window and a sunray ran over the painting. It looked so good, that I decided to fade out the colors through the three paintings for two sunrays. Looks perfect!

[@KarenRiceArt]

That is wonderful! So pleased for you! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@avvaredkaia5311]

Это очень, очень классно, удивительно, стильно и невероятно реалистично! Спасибо за мастер класс!

[@SharonNolfi]

Lovely results from simple experimentation! Definitely going to try these techniques.

[@janerogers5717]

Great tutorial thank you.. love the finished pieces

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Jane 😀

[@KittehNow]

Gorgeous...I'm going to try! Thank you

[@teresajordao6634]

Amazing landscapes! Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you too!

[@donnabirney817]

LOVE THIS TECHNIQUE!!! tHANKS SO MUCH!!!

[@sarahjanewheatley5472]

Thanks so much Karen. I followed along and was really happy with my effort!

[@leannepattullo7187]

Loved this tutorial and want to try these - my granddaughter is coming for a visit and wants to try painting with me so these would be fun to do with her

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! I hope you both have fun 😊

[@lisalarson9836]

I appreciate all of your wonderful tutorials. I find that your techniques are most creative and your tutorials are easy to follow. Love your work!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!

[@MicheleAnnTarot]

You have greatly inspired me. Thank you.

[@maureencberry]

I love these techniques Karen! Thank you! I’m off to seascape!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@RajPereira-tt5ku]

🎉🎉 lovely Colourful touch

[@yunzers]

You’re awesome! Love how you just “go for it” I Love the first painting really nice. The others also but just to be so free. You are amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@Moonbeam5761]

@@KarenRiceArt ❤

[@boyandbelugee]

Amazing!❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! 😄

[@jacquiwilmot7802]

Really enjoyed that demo Karen, it gives me some ideas and approaches I haven't tried. Three beautiful seascapes, thank you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome😊

[@shirleygreaves9650]

I’ve just found you and I’m going to try some of these techniques. I love how you break the rules, so many other artist tutorials tell you never to use white and some say don’t use ready mixed black either. Absolutely beautiful work. Thank you. ❤️

[@raewatson2739]

I have just found you on KZbin. I will definitely be having a go at watercolour painting again. These three are delightful pieces. Thank you

[@KarenRiceArt]

That’s great to hear - thank you 😊

[@matthewhull2343]

Amazing I’ll be trying this out

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@bhavnashah2955]

Thank you! Lots to learn here

[@philipdown3147]

Very enjoyable video again Karen of your seascape scene, this is really exciting to see how you've planned to create a painting with different colours techniques to experiment what you're able to produce. Greatly appreciate you sharing your inspirational talent ,stay safe and healthy

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Philip! This one was fun to paint 😀

[@valeriegehling4358]

Using black on your mid painting surprised me? I admit I’m new to your videos & watched as you again use black, as a beginner I thought black & white should be avoided? The 3 turned out really good! And, so many new methods used. Thanks

[@KarenRiceArt]

I understand why you thought black paint would be a bit unusual. I normally suggest to my students not to use black. However, once you learn all the rules, you can break some of them!

[@delphinemoreau9946]

Thank you, Karen! I really enjoyed this tutorial. First time using the card technique. Love the abstract shapes I can create with all those different techniques and watercolour.

[@fionaharvey2720]

Wow! Thank you so much love this, mind you I love all your videos, they are great at building confidence! I will have a go at this to Moro can’t wait !!☘️☘️☘️

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Fiona 😀

[@MishWoon]

Love 💕 this painting 😍

[@gaylenanut7035]

This technique is just fabulous! I’ve done a couple of paintings using a plastic card following your tutorial on abstract. Very successful! Thank you Karen

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Gayle! So pleased you had a go at using a card with watercolour 😀

[@karriepennington3352]

Thank you, so interesting and informative that it inspires me to try these techniques ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@makingsandmusings]

I adore your artwork! Beautiful paintings as always!

[@evdokaki]

Amazing work. Congratulations 💐💐💐

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Alina 😊

[@paulinegee4083]

You definitely inspired me. Thank you I love them all.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome 😊

[@ebattershill445]

Thanks you so much for sharing this , I feel like it's a win win you use the same amount of paper but have 3 times the fun and 3 times the lessons😊 you have taught me so much already just in the few vids I have seen 😊 thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share these lessons . I was feeling so stuck and felt like I was getting no where now I like what I'm painting 😊😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

That’s so lovely to hear - thank you so much for your kind words 😊

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Loved them all! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@bettelovelace4456]

So much fun watching💜

[@KarenRiceArt]

😅Thank you 😊

[@unamcgurry6875]

Love this thanks Karen. 💕💜

[@amywagreich9042]

Wow that is awesome! I enjoy watching your videos. Great painting

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Amy 😊

[@hilaryvanderwater2839]

Thank you from Niagara Region, Canada. You have inspired me to make time to paint today.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful 🎨

[@sharonling-LetsArtToday]

Beautiful ❤❤❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@sandrafowkes53]

Love your videos! Have been having a go myself 😀 after being inspired by you!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful

[@jewelmorrison5500]

Great tips,thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@tinalilly6532]

This is so cool. Love your videos and instructions! Glad I found you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@patriciakelly5451]

They are fabulous. Definitely going to try this. Xx

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful 😊

[@pauline3379]

These really look great Karen 😁 I really want to try to do more, but my abstracts usually look such a mess, it puts me off trying 😔 I really enjoy watching your videos 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

The secret is less is more 🎨

[@josesantiagodevicentemarti4031]

Thanks a lot...Karen... ("My virtual profesora") 👏👏👏👏👏🎶📽️🖋️📖🐧🖌️🎨

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@sherrigittel4623]

Fabulous ❣️ Freeing 👍 I can't wait to try it. Mahalo

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wonderful! Have fun Sherri 😀

[@cindysouza5017]

Amazing!!!

[@Katrionni]

So amazing! Thank you 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're so welcome!

[@0to100Art]

You are so right, it is really satisfying to watch this:)))Great work:)))

[@cindychurch335]

Hi Karen, what is an alternative for turquoise? That’s the one color I do not have. Just a side note: my little granddaughter is five years old and when she was staying with me, we would watch your tutorials together. She is very impressed with you. So much so that she asks if it’s time to watch the watercolor lady! Maybe a future artist! Thank you for your videos, always inspiring.

[@makingsandmusings]

you can always mix your own turquoise by mixing blue and green and some white to lighten it. you will need quite bright base colours as otherwise your turquoise may get muddy. I love how children get inspired by art 🥰

[@KarenRiceArt]

You could use Phthalocyanine Blue, Prussian or even Cerulean. I think you are right, your granddaughter sounds like a future artist 😀

[@kathrynewray8797]

Really lovely tutorial Karen. I very much enjoyed watching and seeing the final results too. I love all 3 paintings too and as a final piece seeing all 3 side by side really works. Very inspiring! Also Karen do you mind me asking what do you do with all the paintings you create for these wonderful tutorials?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Kathryne. At present I am storing my paintings and may sell them in the future 😀

[@katherinegutz6387]

Loved this tutorial! Thanks so much!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@maplestoryftw12]

YOU ARE AMAZING!

[@user-mh6gl1yz2r]

Hi I’m in a shelter but have been watching your videos if I could afford a watercolor kit I’d love to try the various ones you’ve painted. I’m a new watercolor lover

[@KarenRiceArt]

I do hope you get to try out some watercolours sometime soon 😊

[@janinetapp6482]

Fellow ADHD’r here, you are exactly me! Even how you described your environment!

[@Miauwies]

I love this style, thank you I'm going to try this.❤️ Could I use (oil) pastel or a white pencil for marking?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Kitty and yes you could use oil pastels 😀

[@Miauwies]

@@KarenRiceArt Thank you😀

[@sarahnorthrop9823]

These little paintings are so lovely Karen 😊 I'm a beginner and you are helping me a lot on my journey 💖 I love watercolour painting it's so lively and fluid I just need to get a bit quicker now! What make are your paints please?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Sarah! I use a Variety of brands, mostly W&N and Daniel Smith 😊

[@christinalogan311]

Love this. Thankyou . ✨

[@triciawilliams8797]

Thankyou

[@KarenRiceArt]

You’re welcome 😊

[@helencelerier432]

Amazing. Thank you. I’ll definitely give it go I’m not sure what you mean by water colour pencils and sandpaper - very intrigued. I’ve recently subscribed to your channel and love your work. Any examples of water colour crayons and sandpaper techniques would be much appreciated.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Helen. You may find this tutorial helpful. I show you how to use the watercolour pencils and sandpaper:kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKmWdnqFdrCCeac

[@mariahorvath782]

3 × Supper!!!!!!👍👍👍

[@artwithmamafairybreadd]

💕💕💕💕💕luv it

[@kaygoski]

Absolutely beautiful. This makes me want to return to watercolours. I started off using w/c many years ago but was told I was doing everything wrong - so many rules turned me off. Your way with w/c makes me feel I have discovered a completely new medium. So exiting I can’t wait to try out your techniques. Thank you😍

[@KarenRiceArt]

I’m so pleased. I hope you enjoy returning to watercolour without all the rules!!

[@IMMA383]

Fabulous, love them

[@WinNoren]

All the paint blobs in the pallet appeared to be freshly squeezed from the tubes. Do you squeeze out fresh paint every time to start painting or just when you expect to want to use some right from the tube? I appreciate the tutorials!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hi win, thanks for your question. This is a new palette, so you are right they are freshly squeezed blobs 😀

[@lisapounder1950]

Karen can you tell me,do you use tap water of distilled water,when you paint

[@KarenRiceArt]

I always use tap water 😊

[@bobbiemenendez4807]

Karen, what do you do with the left over paint fresh paint to add to your palettes with no wells? Do you discard it? Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great question. Check out this tutorial where I show you what to do with leftover paint: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ2mdX-urdilp9k 😊

[@bobbiemenendez4807]

And if the paint has already hardened by the next day? Scrape it into a well?