DISCOVER SIMPLE WATERCOLOUR TECHNIQUES THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY TOGETHER.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Wet-on-wet
One of the easiest and most magical techniques.
Wet the paper with clean water.
Drop different paint colours onto the wet surface.
Watch the colours blend and bloom naturally.
Great for: Skies, oceans, flowers and abstract art.
Wet-on-dry
Paint directly onto dry paper for crisp edges and more control.
Use different brush sizes.
Layer colours once the first layer has dried.
Great for: Animals, landscapes and lettering.
Salt textures
Create starburst patterns.
Paint an area while it’s still wet.
Sprinkle table salt over the paint.
Let it dry completely before brushing the salt away.
Great for: Galaxies, snowy scenes and underwater paintings.
Wax resist
A favourite with kids.
Draw with a white crayon or candle first.
Paint over the top with watercolours.
The wax resists the paint, revealing the hidden design.
Try: Secret messages, snowflakes or underwater bubbles.
Cling wrap texture
Create beautiful crystal-like effects.
Paint a section generously.
Lay scrunched-up cling wrap over the wet paint.
Leave until dry before removing.
Perfect for rocks, tree bark and fantasy backgrounds.
Splatter painting
A little messy but lots of fun.
Load your brush with paint.
Tap it against another brush or your finger.
Create stars, rain, confetti or flowers.
Use newspaper or an old tablecloth underneath.
Gradient wash
Learn how colours fade smoothly.
Start with a strong colour.
Gradually add more water as you paint across the page.
Great for sunsets and backgrounds.
Watercolour and black marker
Paint first, let it dry, then outline with a waterproof black marker.
This makes simple paintings really pop.
Nature printing
Collect leaves, ferns or flowers.
Paint one side.
Press onto paper.
Lift carefully to reveal a print.
A lovely outdoor activity.
Bubble painting
Mix watercolour with a little dish soap.
Blow bubbles through a straw into the mixture.
Place paper on top of the bubbles to create prints.
Always blow out through the straw, not in.
Family challenge ideas
Paint the same landscape using different colours.
Create a collaborative mural where everyone paints one section.
Paint your favourite animal in rainbow colours.
Make greeting cards for friends or grandparents.
Have a “paint to music” session where everyone paints what the music makes them feel.
Supplies you’ll need
Watercolour paints
Watercolour paper (or thick paper)
Brushes (a few sizes)
Water containers
Paper towels
White crayon
Table salt
Cling wrap
Black waterproof marker
Masking tape (optional, for neat borders).
These techniques are simple enough for young children, but can also be expanded into more detailed artwork for teens and adults, making them ideal for a family art afternoon.
5°C