Nature has always been a muse for artists all around the world. The beautiful landscapes, the colors of the sky, the fauna and flora - there’s so much to explore and capture on paper. Watercolor painting is a medium that beautifully captures the essence of nature. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can experience the beauty of nature through outdoor watercolor painting as a beginner.

The Basics of Watercolor Painting 🎨

Watercolor painting is a form of painting that uses pigments mixed with water and then applied to paper. One of the most important things to consider while painting with watercolors is the paper you’re using. Watercolor paper is designed to hold water and color and comes in different textures like rough, cold-pressed, and hot-pressed. It’s important to pick the right brush too. Watercolor brushes come in a variety of sizes and shapes that can be used for different techniques.

A hand holding a watercolor palette and brush

Choosing The Right Location 🏞️🎨

Finding the right location is crucial to experiencing the true beauty of nature. Finding a location that inspires you and makes you want to paint will improve your experience. Some great locations to find inspiration are parks, gardens, beaches, and lakes.

Beautiful landscape of a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Observing Nature 🌿👀

Before painting, it’s essential to observe your surroundings. Notice how light hits the leaves, how colors blend, and how shadows are formed. Take time to experiment with your surroundings and find inspiration. The more closely you observe nature, the better your painting will be.

A person sitting and observing a tree with a sketchpad on their lap

Sketching and Outlining 🎨✏️

Before diving into painting, sketch out the outlines of your painting. Start with a pencil and light pressure, so it’s easier to erase later. Use simple shapes like circles, triangles, and lines to create a rough sketch of your painting. A good way to get the correct proportions and placement is to use a viewfinder. They’ll help you frame the scene and find the perfect composition.

A hand holding a pencil and drawing an outline of a landscape

Painting Techniques 🌈🎨

There are various techniques you can use with watercolors to create different effects. One such technique is called a wet-on-wet technique. Wet the paper thoroughly and then apply the paint. This helps to create a more natural and fluid effect. Dry brush is another technique where you use minimal water on the brush to create bold, sharp strokes. Experimenting with different techniques will help you find your unique style.

Watercolor painting of a tree using a wet-on-wet technique

Having Fun and Enjoying Nature 🤩🌳

The best part of outdoor watercolor painting is that it’s an enjoyable way to experience nature. Don’t worry about perfection; instead, focus on capturing your experience. Let the painting flow naturally instead of stressing and worrying about every detail. Relax and enjoy the process.

A person painting and smiling next to a beautiful garden full of flowers

Conclusion 📝🎨

Watercolor painting and nature go hand in hand, and the more you experience it, the better you’ll get at capturing the essence of nature in your paintings. Remember to take in your surroundings before painting, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, have fun!

A beautiful illustration of a landscape with mountains, trees, and a lake, all painted with watercolors