Watercolor Painting Tutorials

16 Step-by-Step Watercolor Tutorials – Free Video Lessons

A client once asked me to add “eye sparkles” to a dog portrait. Not my style. These 16 easy watercolor ideas are drills that build fundamentals without forcing the shine — loose, fun, and beginner-friendly.

Robert Joyner | Garage Studio Artist & Art Educator

12 Aug 2025 — 5 min read

16 step-by-step watercolor projects - without the sparkle

Before we unwrap this gift and expose the free watercolor step-by-step projects I've put together, I wanted to share this story you. A client once asked me to paint his dog. After two rounds of changes, he wanted me to add 'eye sparkles.' That's where I drew the line - I'm a loose, expressive artist. If you get sparkle, you're lucky, but I'm not going to force it. Take it or leave it.

Same principle applies to these 16 watercolor projects. They're loose, they're free, there are no sparkles guaranteed. If you want to paint expressively and have fun without getting tight, we'll get along fine.

If you’re brand new to watercolor, check out my Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor Painting first — it covers the basic tools, techniques, and tips every artist should know.

16 watercolor projects - step boy step video

1. Easy Watercolor Ice Cream Cone

Loose scoops, let gravity do the blending.
Skill focus: Wet-in-wet + fusion

Easy watercolor painting of an ice cream cone using wet-in-wet technique for beginners.

2. Watercolor Metal Pots

One color, all shine. Tonal control over tricks.
Skill focus: Monotone washes

Beginner watercolor project painting metal pots in monotone wash.

3. Slotted Metal Spoons & Spatulas

Drop in darks, let ‘em bleed.
Skill focus: Charging color

Easy beginner watercolor painting of metal spoons and spatulas using charging technique.

4. Lipstick & Make-Up Bottle

Loose underwash, tight finish.
Skill focus: Layering wet-on-dry

Beginner watercolor painting of lipstick and makeup bottle with layering technique.

5. Tea Cup – Version 1

Soft wash, fine liner.
Skill focus: Wet-in-wet + detail brush

Beginner watercolor painting of a tea cup using liner brush details.

6. Tea Cup – Version 2

Looser, celebrate the “oops.”
Skill focus: Wet-on-dry + accidents

Easy watercolor painting of a tea cup using wet-on-dry technique for beginners.

7. Contemporary Galloping Horse

One hue, all motion.
Skill focus: Monochrome + mixed washes

Monochrome watercolor painting of galloping horses for beginners.

8. Expressive Horses

One hue, all motion.
Skill focus: Monochrome + mixed washes

Beginner watercolor painting of horses using negative space and splatter technique.

9. Stacked Fish

Paint the space inside, let gravity help, then splatter it wild.
Skill focus: Positive space + splatter

Easy watercolor painting of stacked fish using wet-in-wet and wet-on-dry technique.

10. Coke Bottle

Glass curves with a single wash.
Skill focus: Wet-in-wet + highlights (ok, maybe a sparkle once in a while is ok)

11. Sprite Bottle

Subtle shifts, less palette, more control.
Skill focus: Layered washes

Easy watercolor painting of a Sprite bottle using wash techniques.

12. Vine Tomatoes

Reds that pop, greens that blend.
Skill focus: Wet-in-wet + value play

Beginner watercolor painting of vine tomatoes with multiple technique

13. Clementines

Orange orbs with texture.
Skill focus: Color variation + gouache pops

Easy watercolor painting of clementines with color variation.

14. Complex Still Life with Vessels

Pile of vessels, simple strokes.
Skill focus: Multiple objects + washes

Beginner watercolor painting of a still life with vessels using multiple techniques.

Another beginner watercolor painting of a still life with vessels

15. Complex Still Life with Vessels

Warmer hues, negative space.
Skill focus: Broad strokes + grouping

Beginner watercolor still life painting with vessels using advanced techniques.

16. Bonus Still Life Challenge

Flip it upside down, paint loose.
Skill focus: Mixed techniques + mindset

Easy watercolor still life painting for beginners using mixed techniques.

Why These Easy Watercolor Projects Work for Beginners

Build Core Skills – Practice key watercolor techniques in fun, low-pressure projects.
Variety of Subjects – From food to animals to objects, you’ll explore different styles.
Confidence Boosting – Each project gives you a finished piece to be proud of.

Continue Learning

👉 Next stop: check out my Free Watercolor Painting Course or browse the Watercolor Tutorials Hub to keep building your skills.
👉 Follow me on Pinterest for daily watercolor inspiration!

If you enjoy these kinds of raw insights and loose watercolor demos, you’ll feel right at home here. Subscribe to Crafted by Robert and follow along as I share painting inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories straight from my garage studio. 👉 Subscribe to Crafted by Robert

My Watercolor Toolbox

I only buy from Blick Art but feel free to shop where you prefer.

Recommended Watercolor Materials

Holbein Professional Watercolor Paints – 8 Essential Hues
Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light, Neutral Tint, Burnt Sienna
Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper – 140lb Cold Press
Buy full sheets and cut into quarter sheets for best value
Silver Jumbo Wash Brush
Great coverage, excellent quality for the price
Princeton Neptune Point Rounds (No. 12 & 6)
Reliable and affordable detail & wash brushes
Princeton Neptune Dagger (1/2")
Versatile size for lines, edges, and detail work
Masterson Aqua Pro Palette
Durable, with deep wells for generous mixing space
Gator Board
Lightweight, long-lasting painting support board
Holbein White Gouache
Optional for highlights and fine details
Miscellaneous: plastic water containers, paper towels, masking tape

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