If you’re looking for fun things to watercolor, you’ll find endless inspiration in everyday life, nature, imaginative scenes, and creative exercises. Watercolor painting is a versatile and accessible art form that lets you explore a wide range of subjects, from landscapes and animals to abstract designs and whimsical patterns.
Why Watercolor Painting Is So Enjoyable
Watercolor is loved for its luminous, transparent quality and the way colors blend and flow on paper. Unlike oils or acrylics, watercolors are quick to set up and clean up, making them ideal for spontaneous creativity. The unpredictability of water and pigment mixing encourages experimentation, happy accidents, and personal expression, which makes the process enjoyable for beginners and experienced artists alike.
Classic Subjects That Are Always Fun
Many watercolorists start with traditional subjects because they offer opportunities to practice key skills and produce visually pleasing results. Here are some popular classic themes:
- Landscapes: Mountains, forests, beaches, lakes, and cityscapes. The soft edges and blending effects of watercolor are perfect for skies, water, and atmospheric perspective.
- Florals: Roses, sunflowers, wildflowers, and botanical studies. Watercolor’s ability to create delicate washes captures the translucency of petals and leaves beautifully.
- Animals: Birds, fish, pets, and wildlife. Loose washes can suggest fur or feathers, while detailed work can bring out expressive eyes or unique markings.
- Still Life: Fruit, glassware, teacups, and everyday objects. These studies help develop observation skills and control over light and shadow.
- Portraits: People, faces, and figures. Watercolor portraits can be realistic or stylized, capturing mood with subtle color shifts and expressive brushwork.
Imaginative and Whimsical Ideas
Watercolor is not limited to realistic subjects. Many artists use it to explore more playful or imaginative themes, such as:
- Fantasy Scenes: Dragons, fairies, enchanted forests, and magical creatures. The ethereal quality of watercolor enhances mystical subjects.
- Cartoon Characters: Original or fan art of favorite animated figures, using bold outlines and bright washes.
- Abstract Patterns: Geometric shapes, color fields, or freeform doodles. Experimenting with color mixing and layering can yield surprising results.
- Illustrated Quotes: Pairing hand-lettered text with decorative borders or motifs.
- Food Art: Desserts, coffee cups, or elaborate meals. Watercolor’s soft gradients are perfect for rendering shiny icing, frothy drinks, or juicy fruit.
Quick and Simple Watercolor Activities
If you want something low-pressure or need a creative warmup, try these quick watercolor exercises:
- Color Swatch Charts: Make a grid of different color mixes to see how pigments interact.
- Washi Tape Resist: Lay tape on paper in patterns, paint over it, and peel when dry for crisp designs.
- Wet-on-Wet Experiments: Drop wet color into a wet area and watch blooms form.
- Silhouette Painting: Paint a colorful background, let dry, then overlay a simple silhouette in black or a dark color.
- Daily Sketches: Paint a small object from your desk or home each day, such as a mug, key, or plant.
Tips for Choosing What to Paint
If you’re unsure what to watercolor, consider these strategies:
- Start with What You Love: Paint subjects that interest or inspire you, whether that’s your cat, your favorite snack, or a place you dream of visiting.
- Look Around You: Everyday scenes, objects, and people can be surprisingly compelling when viewed as potential art.
- Explore Seasonal Themes: Paint autumn leaves, spring blossoms, or holiday scenes for timely inspiration.
- Join Challenges: Online art communities often host monthly prompts or daily painting challenges (like #WorldWatercolorMonth) to spark ideas and connect you with others.
- Use Reference Photos: Browse free online photo libraries or take your own reference shots for practice.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Watercolor can be unpredictable, but many common pitfalls can be avoided with a bit of planning and practice:
- Overworking: Adding too many layers can muddy colors. Try to plan your painting in stages and allow layers to dry.
- Paper Buckling: Using thin or non-watercolor paper can cause warping. Use heavier watercolor paper (140 lb/300 gsm or higher) and tape down the edges if needed.
- Unwanted Bleeding: Watercolors spread on wet paper. Use less water for sharper edges, or wait until areas are dry before adding details.
- Color Fading: Use artist-grade, lightfast paints if you want your paintings to last; student or craft paints may fade over time.
- Brush Control: Practice brushstrokes and water-to-paint ratios on scrap paper to gain confidence.
Comparing Watercolor to Other Painting Media
Watercolor differs from acrylics and oils in several key ways:
- Transparency: Watercolors are transparent, so layering creates depth and luminosity, while acrylics and oils are more opaque.
- Drying Time: Watercolors dry quickly, which allows for rapid progress but less time to blend or rework areas.
- Cleanup: Watercolors clean up easily with water, while acrylics and oils require soap or solvents.
- Surface: Watercolor is typically done on paper, while acrylics and oils are often used on canvas or board.
Cost and Accessibility
Watercolor is relatively affordable to start. A basic beginner setup typically includes:
- A set of student-grade watercolor paints (tubes or pans)
- One or two round brushes
- Watercolor paper (140 lb/300 gsm is a common choice)
- A palette for mixing, a cup for water, and paper towels
Many starter kits are available at art and hobby stores, and you can expand your supplies as you gain experience. High-end materials (artist-grade paints, specialty brushes, archival paper) cost more but aren’t necessary for fun experimentation.
Safety and Cleanup
Watercolor paints are generally safe for adults and children, as they are water-based and do not require harsh chemicals. However, it’s wise to:
- Check if paints are labeled non-toxic, especially when painting with children.
- Avoid eating or drinking while painting to prevent accidental ingestion of pigments.
- Wash hands after painting, particularly before eating.
- Dispose of paint water down the drain only if the paints are non-toxic; some artist-grade pigments contain trace metals, so check the label.
Alternatives and Mixed Media Approaches
If you enjoy watercolor but want to expand your creative options, consider combining it with other media:
- Ink: Add pen outlines or details to watercolor washes for an illustrative effect.
- Colored Pencils: Layer pencil over dry watercolor for texture and precision.
- Gouache: Use opaque gouache alongside watercolor for highlights or corrections.
- Collage: Incorporate cut paper or found materials for a mixed-media look.
- Digital Editing: Scan your watercolor art and enhance or combine it digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some easy things to watercolor for beginners?
Simple florals, fruits, leaves, or abstract washes are great for beginners. These subjects don’t require precise drawing skills and allow you to focus on color mixing and brush control. - How do I prevent my watercolors from looking muddy?
Let each layer dry before adding more paint, and avoid mixing too many colors together at once. Use clean water and brushes, and plan light-to-dark washes. - Can I use regular paper for watercolor painting?
Regular printer paper isn’t designed for watercolor and will often buckle or tear. Use watercolor paper, which is thicker and sized to handle water. - How do I choose what colors to buy first?
A basic palette with primary colors (red, yellow, blue), plus a warm and cool version of each, along with black and brown, allows you to mix a wide range of hues. Many starter sets are curated for versatility. - Is watercolor safe for kids?
Most student-grade watercolors are non-toxic and safe for children, but always check the packaging. Supervise young children to ensure they don’t ingest paint or paint water. - What if I make a mistake while painting?
Watercolor is somewhat forgiving: you can blot up wet paint with a tissue, or lift some dried color with a damp brush. Embrace imperfections as part of the process!
Conclusion: Let Your Imagination Guide You
There are countless fun things to watercolor, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist. From classic landscapes and florals to abstract designs and playful scenes, the possibilities are limited only by your curiosity. Watercolor’s forgiving, expressive nature makes every painting session an opportunity to learn, relax, and create something uniquely yours. So gather your paints, pick a subject that excites you, and let your creativity flow!