Watercolor Techniques for Kids: 10 Beginner Skills

Getting Started: Supplies ($15)

• Student-grade watercolor set (12 colors, like Cotman or Sakura Koi)
• Watercolor paper pad (140 lb/300 gsm cold press — this weight prevents buckling)
• 2 round brushes: size 6 and size 10
• 2 water containers (one for rinsing, one for clean water)
• Paper towels and masking tape

10 Techniques

1. Flat Wash

Tape paper to board. Load brush with diluted paint. Paint horizontal strokes from top to bottom, each stroke slightly overlapping the previous. Goal: even color with no streaks. Practice: paint a sunset sky.

2. Wet-on-Wet

Wet the entire paper with clean water first. Then drop in different colors. Watch them bleed and blend naturally into each other. This creates dreamy, soft backgrounds. Practice: paint an underwater scene.

3. Dry Brush

Load brush with concentrated paint, then blot on paper towel until almost dry. Drag across textured paper for scratchy, rough effects. Perfect for tree bark, rocks, or animal fur. Practice: paint a forest floor.

4. Salt Texture

Paint a wet wash. While still wet, sprinkle table salt or kosher salt. The salt absorbs water and pushes pigment away, creating star-burst patterns. Let dry completely, then brush off salt. Practice: paint a starry night sky.

Technique Progression