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6 Easy Watercolour Doodles for Beginners to Practise

Watercolour painting can seem daunting at first, especially for beginners. However, doodling offers a relaxed way to engage with this beautiful medium, allowing you to experiment with colour and technique without the pressure of creating a ‘perfect’ artwork. Here, we will explore six easy watercolour doodles that are perfect for those just starting their artistic journey. Grab your brushes, some paper, and your watercolours, and let’s get started!

1. Playful Flowers

Creating whimsical flowers is a fantastic way for beginners to practise watercolour techniques. Begin by wetting your brush and loading it with your chosen colour. Start with the petals – a simple circular or oval shape will do. Experiment with different colours, blending them together for a gradient effect. Once you’ve completed a few petals, add a centre using a contrasting colour. Finally, use a fine brush to doodle thin stems and leaves, adding a touch of detail.

2. Fun Geometric Shapes

Geometric doodles are not only easy to create but also allow you to explore various watercolour techniques. Start by drawing simple shapes like triangles, circles, and squares in pencil. Once you’re happy with your design, use your watercolours to fill in each shape with vibrant colours. Try out different techniques, such as wet-on-wet for softer edges or wet-on-dry for sharper lines. The outcome will be a visually striking piece that showcases your newfound skills.

3. Abstract Waves

Watercolour is perfect for creating flowing, abstract patterns, and waves are a great starting point. Use a wet brush and some water to create a wash on your paper, letting it flow freely. While the paper is still damp, drop in different colours to mimic the movement of water. You can use your brush to create wave-like patterns, letting the colours blend. This exercise allows you to embrace spontaneity and learn how pigment behaves on paper.

4. Cute Animals

Doodling simple animal shapes can be both fun and rewarding. Start with basic outlines of animals such as cats, dogs, or birds. Once you have the silhouette down, use your watercolours to add colour. Experiment with layering; apply a light wash first and then add deeper colours for shadows and highlights. Don’t worry about being too detailed; the charm of doodles lies in their simplicity!

5. Inspirational Quotes

Combine your love for words with your doodling efforts by creating watercolour backgrounds for your favourite quotes. Start by writing your chosen quote lightly in pencil on your paper. Then, using a wet brush, create a colourful wash that complements the text. Make sure to let the background dry completely before going over the text with a fine brush or a pen. This practice allows you to experiment with calligraphy and watercolour while providing a motivational piece of art for your space.

6. Lovely Landscapes

Creating simple landscapes can be a delightful way to explore watercolour techniques. Capture the essence of a serene horizon by painting a gradient sky using lighter shades at the horizon and deeper tones at the top. Once the sky is dry, add basic silhouettes of hills, trees, or mountains underneath. This exercise will help you to understand colour blending and layering while providing a calming scene to admire.

Conclusion

Doodling with watercolours is a wonderful way to ignite your creativity and build your confidence as an artist. The beauty of these exercises is in their simplicity and the freedom they allow you to express yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes – after all, that’s part of the learning process! With these six easy watercolour doodles, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of watercolour painting while having fun along the way. Enjoy the journey, and watch as your skills blossom with each stroke!