How To Paint A Beach Landscape - Watercolor Painting For Beginners
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Watercolor Painting for Beginners:
If you’ve ever dreamed of painting a peaceful beach scene but felt overwhelmed by the process—this tutorial is for you. Designed with simplicity in mind, this step-by-step guide is the perfect introduction to watercolor for beginners. Whether you're brand new to watercolor or looking for a relaxing project, this minimalist beach landscape is a great place to start.
In this post, you’ll learn about the supplies you need, the process of painting the scene, and tips to help you stay relaxed and creative along the way.
Why Beach Scenes Are Great For Beginner Artists
Beach scenes are an excellent subject to explore when you're just starting out. With wide open skies, simple horizons, and soft water blending, they’re ideal for practicing foundational techniques like washes, gradients, and color transitions.
This beach project keeps things loose and low-pressure, allowing you to enjoy the process while learning. That’s what makes it such a great example of watercolor for beginners—you’ll get great results even if you’re just picking up a brush for the first time.
Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to have ready before you begin:
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Watercolor Paper: 140 lb cold-press or heavier for best results - Here's The One I Use
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Paints: Winsor Blue, Turquoise, Yellow Ochre, and Cobalt Blue - A Handy Little Starter Set
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Brushes:
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Round brushes (sizes 12, 6, and 2)
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Flat brush (¼ inch)
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Clean water (two jars if possible)
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Paper towels
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Painter’s tape (optional for clean edges and to help stop the paper from buckling.
Here is a link to my "Recommended Watercolor Supplies"—perfect for watercolor painting for beginners.
Let’s Paint: Step-by-Step Overview
🎥 Watch the Full Tutorial → HERE
Follow along with the video as we paint a calm, coastal landscape together. Don’t stress about perfection—this is about expression and enjoyment.
Step 1: Tape Your Paper
Secure your paper with painter’s tape to avoid warping and create a crisp border.
Step 2: Paint the Sky
Using your flat or large round brush, apply a soft wash of blue tones for the sky. Keep it light and airy—less is more.
Step 3: Create the Horizon
Mix Turquoise with a touch of Yellow Ochre and paint a soft line across the horizon to define the sea in the distance.
Step 4: Paint the Beach
Use Yellow Ochre with water to wash in the sandy foreground. Let it blend naturally with the water above.
Step 5: Add Details
Use a smaller round brush to add wave lines, textures, or gentle highlights. Feel free to add a shell, a tiny figure, or keep it minimal.
This scene is one of the easiest and most rewarding projects in watercolor for beginners—and it’s so versatile. You can adapt it to sunrise, sunset, or even a misty morning.
Helpful Tips
💡 Let the water do the work
Don’t overwork your brush. Let your colors blend naturally on the page.
💡 Dry between layers
When adding details, wait for your washes to dry so you don’t create muddy colors.
💡 Relax and experiment
One of the best parts of watercolor for beginners is the freedom to try new things. Change the color palette or try adding light shadows for a more dramatic effect.
Share Your Painting
Did you try this tutorial? I’d love to see your version!
📸 Tag me on Instagram @LetsPaintWatercolors or comment on the video. Sharing your work encourages other artists who are exploring watercolor for beginners, too.