Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
► Outline sketch is available for free here: patreon.com/posts/simple-relaxing-154787802
This week, I’m sharing a simple and relaxing watercolor desert scene that’s perfect for beginners, or for anyone looking for a fun, low-pressure project to stay consistent with their practice.
In this tutorial, we’ll gently practice our water and brush control, as well as a few foundational techniques like flat and variegated washes, tilting your board for smoother blends, and layering to build depth.
I’ve included links to additional color theory resources in the Recommended Resources section below. And if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. I’m always happy to help. 💛
► Access my Drawing Mini-Course for the Total Beginner for Free here:
erikalancasterartist.kit.com/2a06aa492f
► Recommended Resources:
Color Theory 101: Everything Beginners Should Know youtu.be/sp5EivHJNv8
Watercolor Paint Consistencies Explained youtu.be/1Adb6c-ZL5Y
Wash Practice Session: Flat, Graded, and Variegated youtu.be/ihx1gvqRrXY
Watercolor for Beginners: Basic Brush Strokes and 3 Washes youtu.be/Apf8ZHBZmzA
Watercolor Skies Series- Ep. 1- Bright/Day Sky youtu.be/wvidc8-4-Co
Watercolor Skies Series- Ep. 2- Evening Sky youtu.be/_1tfFawFm9Y
Watercolor Skies Series- Ep. 3- Sunset Sky youtu.be/yHgdPnMT1Y8
Watercolor Nature Scene Beginner-Friendly Tutorial youtu.be/rCmdi_zId0A
Watercolor Palette Set Up Using Split Primaries + Affordable Paint youtu.be/Lkogu8pzyRQ
► Supplies:
-Baohong Cold Press 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper amzn.to/4tyRtp3
-Strathmore Tracing Paper 9x12” amzn.to/3F1Qf24
-Princeton Neptune Mop (6) amzn.to/3MJ6X9V
-Royal&Langnickel Zen Round (14) amzn.to/44I3QoR
-Winsor & Newton Cotman 111 Rounds (6) amzn.to/477dXo5
-Daniel Smith Watercolor Tubes amzn.to/3NQQAsB
-Winsor&Newton Professional Watercolor Tubes amzn.to/4bBB3EO
*Colors: New Gamboge, Pyrrol Scarlet, Carbazole Violet, Payne’s Gray
-Faber-Castell 9000 Series Graphite Pencils (HB, 4B) amzn.to/3y9q9Xm
-Blue Scott Absorbent Towels amzn.to/3ObA0QO
-1” Artist Tape amzn.to/3VWTTjJ
-General’s Eraser Pack (3) amzn.to/4b0e1sE
-Mr. Pen Kneaded Eraser amzn.to/4cWkcfP
► Gear + Art Business Tools:
-Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
amzn.to/4caJ99g
-Manfrotto 196B-2 143BKT 2-Section Single Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket (Black) amzn.to/2l7HJ8j
-Yeti Microphone amzn.to/3PtzE9G
-LED Desk Light with Arm Mount amzn.to/4kft2cK
-MacBook Pro 16 inch amzn.to/3sFavQe
► Music:
Today Remains Sweet by Lish Grooves
*Courtesy of YouTube's Free Audio Library
*Disclaimer: This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. It is also a participant of Share-a-Sale, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
#easywatercolortutorial #easywatercolorpaintingforbeginners
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Color Swatching
01:04 Pencil Sketch
03:08 Painting the Sky
12:00 Mountains and Plants
► Outline sketch is available for free here: patreon.com/posts/simple-relaxing-154787802
This week, I’m sharing a simple and relaxing watercolor desert scene that’s perfect for beginners, or for anyone looking for a fun, low-pressure project to stay consistent with their practice.
In this tutorial, we’ll gently practice our water and brush control, as well as a few foundational techniques like flat and variegated washes, tilting your board for smoother blends, and layering to build depth.
I’ve included links to additional color theory resources in the Recommended Resources section below. And if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. I’m always happy to help. 💛
► Access my Drawing Mini-Course for the Total Beginner for Free here:
erikalancasterartist.kit.com/2a06aa492f
► Recommended Resources:
Color Theory 101: Everything Beginners Should Know youtu.be/sp5EivHJNv8
Watercolor Paint Consistencies Explained youtu.be/1Adb6c-ZL5Y
Wash Practice Session: Flat, Graded, and Variegated youtu.be/ihx1gvqRrXY
Watercolor for Beginners: Basic Brush Strokes and 3 Washes youtu.be/Apf8ZHBZmzA
Watercolor Skies Series- Ep. 1- Bright/Day Sky youtu.be/wvidc8-4-Co
Watercolor Skies Series- Ep. 2- Evening Sky youtu.be/_1tfFawFm9Y
Watercolor Skies Series- Ep. 3- Sunset Sky youtu.be/yHgdPnMT1Y8
Watercolor Nature Scene Beginner-Friendly Tutorial youtu.be/rCmdi_zId0A
Watercolor Palette Set Up Using Split Primaries + Affordable Paint youtu.be/Lkogu8pzyRQ
► Supplies:
-Baohong Cold Press 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper amzn.to/4tyRtp3
-Strathmore Tracing Paper 9x12” amzn.to/3F1Qf24
-Princeton Neptune Mop (6) amzn.to/3MJ6X9V
-Royal&Langnickel Zen Round (14) amzn.to/44I3QoR
-Winsor & Newton Cotman 111 Rounds (6) amzn.to/477dXo5
-Daniel Smith Watercolor Tubes amzn.to/3NQQAsB
-Winsor&Newton Professional Watercolor Tubes amzn.to/4bBB3EO
*Colors: New Gamboge, Pyrrol Scarlet, Carbazole Violet, Payne’s Gray
-Faber-Castell 9000 Series Graphite Pencils (HB, 4B) amzn.to/3y9q9Xm
-Blue Scott Absorbent Towels amzn.to/3ObA0QO
-1” Artist Tape amzn.to/3VWTTjJ
-General’s Eraser Pack (3) amzn.to/4b0e1sE
-Mr. Pen Kneaded Eraser amzn.to/4cWkcfP
► Gear + Art Business Tools:
-Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
amzn.to/4caJ99g
-Manfrotto 196B-2 143BKT 2-Section Single Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket (Black) amzn.to/2l7HJ8j
-Yeti Microphone amzn.to/3PtzE9G
-LED Desk Light with Arm Mount amzn.to/4kft2cK
-MacBook Pro 16 inch amzn.to/3sFavQe
► Music:
Today Remains Sweet by Lish Grooves
*Courtesy of YouTube's Free Audio Library
*Disclaimer: This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. It is also a participant of Share-a-Sale, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
#easywatercolortutorial #easywatercolorpaintingforbeginners
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Color Swatching
01:04 Pencil Sketch
03:08 Painting the Sky
12:00 Mountains and Plants
