Watercolor Painting Pine Cone Christmas Card - Fun and Easy Watercolor for Beginners

Watercolor painting of a pine cone makes a lovely Christmas card and is a fun and easy learning exercise for beginners. With simple elements and a wet on wet background that always works, anyone can paint this.
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---------------------- ABOUT DEB WATSON ----------------------------------------------------
Deb Watson is a well known artist and teacher in watercolor realism. She loved art from an early age, but her parents thought it a waste of time. Even while working as a nurse and raising a family, Deb still found time to teach herself to paint. As her skills improved, she began teaching. Giving other people the encouragement she never found is very rewarding for Deb. She lives in Lancaster, PA with her husband and dog, Edgar.
Music by Kevin MacLeod.
#DebWatson #WatercolorCard #FreeWatercolorLesson

[@annaryan5701]

It looks so real & that is what caught my eye.I just couldn't resist watching the pinecones come to life! Thanks for a great instructional video Deb! Great work!!!

[@LipsitaArt]

Beautiful and realistic pine cones painting. Thank you very much for sharing. Let's stay connected #LipsitaArt

[@DebWatson]

Thank you so much 😀

[@veronim77]

Love the pine cone. Gorgeous.

[@fotogal54]

💜 Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing your talent!

[@denisestover2416]

Thank you SO VERY MUCH for this tutorial! Thanks for generously sharing your beautiful gift with all of us! God Bless! 😃

[@jeanettedelfino6250]

What a gorgeous picture. Wish I could paint that well, I am not a risk taker, and that’s what inhibits me to be a better artist.

[@DebWatson]

Often people can be free when painting small, like 4 x 6 cards. Many of my lessons have card size outlines as well as larger outlines. Take a deep breath and paint quickly on a card. You might be surprised how nice it turns out.

[@annediserafino2470]

I'm so glad I found you again -- always loved your paintings-I remember your Tulip painting. Thanks for sharing.

[@Larisaizumhcenko]

Превосходно!Шедевральная работа!

[@neil_n_wendykelcey4700]

This was wonderful! I can’t wait to try it! Thank you for posting. I love watching your videos!

[@sophielafayette3333]

Thank you so much for your videos! You are so inspiring, and it's really helpful to see your step-by-step descriptions. ❤️

[@ichselbst6609]

Thank you, Deb. Great tutorial!

[@pamketron]

Love it. Thanks for these great tips.

[@hardshellstitcher]

Great tutorial! Now I HAVE to paint a pinecones or 3 :)

[@denniswatson1830]

Thanks Deb you remind me painting should be fun.

[@elkieswedie3773]

Thank you for sharing this. I love the QoR brand also. I just love Watercolor......

[@elizabethraegambaccini9336]

Gorgeous!

[@luckyhiker3434]

Great instruction Deb!

[@dmfitzpatrick7694]

Thanks Deb, I learned a lot.

[@CajunSunshineCrafts]

Very Cool!! Thank You for sharing and explaining so that we can understand each step! I love it! 💖

[@DaniellaMakingLearningArt]

Hi, Deb. You took the time to give a wonderful and informative lesson. Such a great job on this. Thank you so much

[@Angelwing1705]

It turned out beautifully, Deb! Love your style!

[@deejay2838]

Love this tutorial, I am going to try this, I am new to watercolours! Have a great day! 💗🎨

[@robinshumateart4086]

That was lovely!! Thank you.🦌

[@gerryjohnson294]

I really enjoyed this! Thankyou!

[@loveandlife4222]

Fun video to watch! It turned out beautiful. The qor purple you thought turned into a spider - I thought looked like the veins in the white of the eye. It was crazy how it spread like that. Thanks for a fun video! Please do more.

[@cherie_colours]

Thanks for sharing. I’m a beginner and I think this is a good one for me to try. It looks great.

[@sharmilaogale5312]

Hi Deb ,You are such a great teacher,thank you soo much

[@debbiecowles712]

Thanks for this video. You are so talented and I enjoyed it very much!

[@jefffawver3389]

I love your video's Thank you for sharing your incredible talent.absolutely Beautiful!

[@kamalfinearts007]

Thank you so much for sharing nice knowledge.. well done

[@carollangman1163]

Loved this xx from England

[@brigittejohnson1285]

Very enjoyable, inspiring and informative. Thank you.

[@jeannefritz5807]

Wonderful! Thank you so much!

[@garimaheath]

Beautiful

[@judestur1253]

Enjoyed this very much:)

[@sharronchurch6740]

I love it!!!!

[@DebWatson]

Thank you, Sharron! Hope yours turns out lovely.

[@jandmhampton2006]

It was so fun watching you create this! I'm painting with acrylics now and am interested in watercolors. You taught me a lot with this short video. Thank you! It is just beautiful!! Marilyn

[@KateintheDesert]

So glad you are videoing again. I love your tutorials.

[@DebWatson]

Thank you, Kate! I'm getting in the habit of videos, now, so, if you have requests, don't hesitate to post it in a comment.

[@juliehenderson1672]

Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing.

[@DebWatson]

Thanks, Julie! I had fun making the video and will be doing more this year.

[@debpate9405]

Great video Deb, thank you! and Merry Christmas!

[@victoriagadd6831]

Thanks for such clear instruction and for listing material on screen. Lovely pic too

[@DebWatson]

You're welcome, Victoria! I'll be posting a lot of these instructions in 2020. If you want the entire lesson, it's free on both my sites (outline page and reference photo, etc) debwatson.org or www.patreon.com/watsonwatercolor

[@sharonsands708]

Very beautiful. I love to watch you paint, and see how it all comes together.

[@DebWatson]

Thank you, Sharon! I hope you give it a try - most students were really happy at how theirs turned out. The entire lesson is free at debwatson.org, so invite a friend and paint a pinecone!

[@mariapop779]

Great tutorial!

[@KorysArtCafe]

I’m a rookie watercolor artist. Really great instruction. New sub, thank you. 🎨

[@livinginmexico]

This was the best explanation of doing a background I have ever heard. I will take your tips and use them all - large areas, variation, lead the eye. Thanks so much, Deb.

[@DebWatson]

Nancy Q - thank you! I love teaching. Check out my patreon site - I'll be putting on a free lesson at the beginning of every month.

[@evelinehowells1007]

Wow definitely going to try that method. It is beautiful. Thanks for the lesson. So nice and clear instruction as well.

[@DebWatson]

Thank you so much, Eveline. Most of the classes love their pine cones and each one turns out unique.

[@anulka27111]

excellent technique, thank you Deb !

[@DebWatson]

You are so welcome!

[@ranjanachand9306]

Beautifully done

[@DebWatson]

Thank you!

[@craftykat]

That is really gorgeous; thank you so much for sharing!

[@DebWatson]

Thank you for posting! This can make a lovely card or painting.

[@jeanettecox1960]

I love the pines so a pine cone was right up my alley and mine turned out pretty good. Thank you for your wonderful tutorial!

[@DebWatson]

You're very welcome, Jeanette. I'm glad you're pleased with your pine cone!

[@danakolpin1289]

Great painting

[@DebWatson]

Thanks, Dana. It's surprising how the student pine cones all turned out well, though none looked alike. Go for it

[@SoulscapeFineArt]

Beautiful artwork. Great job. Thanks for sharing your talent.

[@DebWatson]

Thank you! This one was fun.

[@gerridauer9092]

Thank you! That looks like a fun one to try.

[@DebWatson]

Thanks, Gerri, you should try it - they turn out well.

[@creativemindalwaysacrylicp4358]

Beautiful keep it up

[@kellilien1736]

Very nice!

[@DebWatson]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@bagpipes978]

These are truly the most beautiful pinecone paintings I have ever seen!! Stunning!! I'm a new subscriber and can hardly wait to see your next video. Thank you so much for this Brilliant instructional video and for sharing your amazing talent!!

[@DebWatson]

Thank you so much, Jennifer! Next up is scraping rocks, working through some easy watercolor techniques that give great results.

[@ShinyColors]

its bbeautiful !!

[@DebWatson]

Thank you.

[@mariegamber]

Thank your. Wonderful instruction.

[@DebWatson]

You're welcome, Marie! I'm having fun making these videos, too.

[@skerrie1]

Deb, thank you for such a wonderful tutorial, I really learned a lot of great techniques!

[@DebWatson]

You're welcome, Merrie! Watercolor is very doable, and fun if you know the steps. I want more people painting - so check out my other free lessons at debwatson.org. And paint with a friend, it's more fun, too. You can always paint together on zoom.

[@tita6620]

Love it 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖🥰

[@DebWatson]

Thank you, Tita!

[@wendybarrows8422]

My first video by you. Wow! You are an EXCELLENT teacher! I’m definitely going to try this one because I’ve been looking for a pine needle and pine cone tutorial. And I’m also going to go and watch almost all of your videos! LOL

[@DebWatson]

Thanks, this is a lot better than my older videos, so don't expect as much from them. I'm now posting a new video and lesson weekly on my Patron site for a small monthly fee, but I'll still be posting one free lesson a month here and on Patron. patreon.com/watsonwatercolor

[@bethanykolander2498]

I'm so impressed! New to your videos. Your instruction was great, your picture wonderful. I can't wait to try this.

[@DebWatson]

Thank you, Bethany. You can get the instructions and outline page online (see above) free. This turns out well for most students, so I hope you do try it, and then, keep painting!

[@skullingtonfly]

Very nice 👍🏼 excellent

[@DebWatson]

Thank you, Sylvia! I was just at a student's house this morning and she had her pine cone framed and hanging by the Christmas tree. These usually turn out great. If you would like the instructions, the outline page, reference photos and written instructions are available free at debwatson.org or on my patreon site. Happy painting!

[@juliebergacker5680]

Awesome👍. Enjoyed it alot😁👏👏

[@DebWatson]

Thanks, Julie! That video was actually fun to do.

[@sarahjur8141]

Did the pine cone watercolor for a Christmas card about 25 years ago. Still my favorite.

[@DebWatson]

They're beautiful in any painting, I think.

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thank you so much, Deb! Once again, so helpful and your explanations and instructions are clear and easy to follow. Very much appreciated! With best wishes from the UK.

[@DebWatson]

Thanks, Susan. It's so much fun to hear from people across the world. Art brings everyone together!

[@nadyastallings875]

Thank you so much. Your voice/speech is so comfortable to listen and strictly reasonable; and it is important for a teacher to provide a clear instruction. Some people might be very talented artists, but not all great artists are able to be as great teaches. Also the video is very good, too. So, thanks again, Deb!

[@DebWatson]

Thank you so much, Nadya! It was nice of you to post and it made my day.

[@nadyastallings875]

@@DebWatson I love to make people happy, especially those who make happy other people. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Kyomiibrown]

Very nice! I just got some Qor and have been playing, bear in mind that 1) it dries more quickly than average and 2) it doesn’t lift so scrubbing can’t be done. You may be able to lift *some* out when the paper is wet but it stains far more than other watercolours so will always leave a mark. That’s their only drawback.

[@marybirder5663]

It's so nice to see you here again, Deb! I've always enjoyed your work, the free tutorials on your website and all the free reference photos you have posted. Love the pine cone cards, too!

[@DebWatson]

Thanks Mary! I'm having fun with my new site and all the wonderful people out there, like you.

[@LynnePriceStudio]

Deb, this is beautiful. Thanks for sharing that the QoR paints do not lighten as they dry.

[@elflordsjourneys]

I'm new here,that purple looked like a eyeball to me,I've done WC for 20 plus years but always learning more everyday be ca use its so spontaneous which is what I love about it.😀

[@DebWatson]

One painters spider is another's eyeball! Watercolor IS fun and sometimes does whatever it wants. You nailed it with spontaneous.

[@LynnsPookiBear]

Just beautiful! I may even try it myself, but you're a hard act to follow :)

[@DebWatson]

Give it a try, Lynn! Every card turns out unique.

[@annesweeney5552]

Deb , I’m getting a lil better . I’ll keep practicing. Thank You

[@DebWatson]

Hi Anne, I wish I could see your work! I feel lucky that I can do watercolor, and have finally quick worrying about how every painting turns out. Just Practice is mind calming and can even be fun.

[@lyndapierce2333]

❤️❤️❤️

[@elizabethwallace7495]

That's one hell-uv-a Christmas Card! Like $1,000 worth. Can I be your friend?

[@DebWatson]

Absolutely, Mary! The more art friends, the better. This lesson will give you a great card - just follow the step by step at debwatson.org. I haven't seen a bad one done yet - every one is a little different, but they all turn out. I covered the pine cones with peanut butter and rolled them in birdseed after the video. The birds and squirrels like them, too.

[@sjbrueck]

Beautiful.. is the white paint a watercolor?

[@DebWatson]

Yes, it is an opaque white watercolor. It covers better than most and can be lifted up after it dries, just like any other color

[@karenpinard4301]

Is the Qor Purple Dioxonin? Love the spider effect You stated it occurred because of different binders. Have you experienced that spider effect with other colors?

[@DebWatson]

Hi Karen, Yes, it is dioxazine - and I love it for a lot of things. I haven't had much problem with the different binders of Qor and regular paints mixing and I've been mixing them a lot.

[@karenpinard4301]

Thank you ! Will give this color a try!

[@danakolpin1289]

I am a beginner and I loke MGRAHAM watercolor paints

[@DebWatson]

M Graham are good paints, too. I think they sell perylene green as Shadow Green

[@user-pi1jc9uw5d]

!!!

[@shirleywittering9698]

Could you repeat what you used to make the snow? Thankyou.

[@DebWatson]

Shirley, it's an opaque white paint called Pro White by Daler Rowney company. Dr. Martins makes the same white which they call Bleed Proof White but it costs more. These whites cover in one coat - illustrators use them in their work because they're quick and easy to use. Any watercolor or gouache white will work, but often they're wimpy and fade out when they dry.

[@karenmiller8090]

Hi Deb, this looks like a great idea for a beginner like me but I don’t see the traceable download. Has that been taken off?

[@DebWatson]

Hi Karen, the outline, reference photo, etc. are in the free lesson at debwatson.org - I moved that lesson up towards the top so you can find it easier, or click on the free lesson page button and you'll see it in the second row.

[@karenmiller8090]

@@DebWatson many thanks Deb. Got it!

[@kellilien1736]

Was the white a gouache?

[@DebWatson]

Yes, I use Bleed Proof white by Dr. Martin

[@lindamclean8809]

Can you please tell us what paper you use

[@DebWatson]

Hi Linda, Usually I use Arches cold pressed 140 lb. paper, because it takes washes well, I can use both sides and it's strong enough for lifting. This was painted on Arches art board, which they no longer make, which is arches paper on matbaord.

[@robertabymers9258]

Seems every time I really like some colors I get thrown off by not having some of the colors???

[@DebWatson]

Hi Roberta! A light blue, a light yellow, any nice red - for a dark green, you could use hookers or any dark blue + yellow. If your dark green looks too intense of a green, add a bit of your red. That should give you good results, no matter what names are on the colors.

[@shariallen3606]

I am at a loss at what colors to use for the pine cone and dark needles.

[@DebWatson]

Hi Shari, Burnt sienna or almost any brown will work fine. You can mix the brown with a blue (cobalt or ultramarine) for the darker colors in the pine cone. A dark green also looks nice in some of the needles - like hooker's green, peylene green or mix your own with thalo blue and burnt sienna or ultramarine blue and a transparent yellow. Hope that helps.

[@shariallen3606]

Deb Watson thank you so much!

[@dianachophy]

Who's the 33 people that didn't like this video? I mean , why be such a hater! If it's not your style.. Fine.. Just move on to the next. Not necessary to leave a thumbs down...

[@DebWatson]

Great comment! You got a laugh from me and my husband totally agrees with you. Thanks.

[@Pattymelt415]

All of that masking is expensive and unnecessary. You are an excellent painter. You don't need to use masking!

[@DebWatson]

I rarely use masking with my painting, but do use it in videos and lessons. I like lifting out better than masking - it gives me soft edges.