10 illustrated projects to make at your own pace. Choose a project below, open its step-by-step guide, and tap the image to view or save it at full size.
← Browse all tutorial collections
- Autumn Lake Reflections in Acrylics or Watercolor
- Watercolor Gratitude Cards
- Salt-Textured Watercolor Winter Trees
- Paint an Autumn Forest Bear
- Handmade Watercolor Valentine Cards
- Watercolor Desert Sunrise
- Paint a Winter Desert Sunset
- Watercolor Hanukkah Star Cards
- Watercolor Christmas Tree Cards
- Watercolor Harvest Pumpkins
Autumn Lake Reflections in Acrylics or Watercolor
When to make it: September · October · November
Inspired by a photo Erin’s dad took in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Paint the sky and autumn forest, mirror the trees in the lake, then add ripples and foreground grasses.
Open the step-by-step guide
Watercolor Gratitude Cards
When to make it: October · November
Paint an autumn leaf border, leave the center open, and write a personal thank-you after the paint dries.
Open the step-by-step guide
Salt-Textured Watercolor Winter Trees
When to make it: November · December · January
Paint a soft sky and pine trees, sprinkle a little salt onto damp paint and test the effect. Let the page dry completely before gently removing the salt.
Open the step-by-step guide
Paint an Autumn Forest Bear
When to make it: September · October · November
Sketch a bear silhouette, paint a sunset wash and distant hills, then layer pine trees and deepen the silhouette for a glowing forest scene.
Watch the watercolor bear painting process (31 seconds) — beginning and ending with the finished framed painting.
Open the step-by-step guide
Handmade Watercolor Valentine Cards
When to make it: January · February
Paint soft hearts and botanicals on folded watercolor cards, let layers dry, then add a handwritten message.
Open the step-by-step guide
Watercolor Desert Sunrise
When to make it: January · Year-round
Paint a soft sunrise wash, let it dry, then layer distant hills, cactus shapes and a simple foreground.
Open the step-by-step guide
Paint a Winter Desert Sunset
When to make it: December · January
Build a pale warm sky, layer low hills once dry and finish with dark cactus silhouettes.
Open the step-by-step guide
Watercolor Hanukkah Star Cards
When to make it: November · December · Hanukkah
Sketch overlapping triangles, layer blue watercolor washes and add silver details and a greeting after drying.
Open the step-by-step guide
Watercolor Christmas Tree Cards
When to make it: November · December
Mark a triangle, paint loose green branches, add a trunk and small decorations, then finish with a holiday greeting.
Open the step-by-step guide
Watercolor Harvest Pumpkins
When to make it: October · November
Sketch several pumpkins, paint pale washes, deepen the shadows in dry layers, and finish with stems and a soft ground shadow.
Open the step-by-step guide
Supplies & a little more inspiration
Browse my creative supply lists and social pages. Supply links include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply