Not sure what to paint? Here are hundreds of watercolour painting ideas, from simple abstracts to subjects from the plant, animal and natural worlds, and even some science fiction examples too!
Abstract shapes and colours
Your paintings don’t have to have a subject! These are just some of my favourite abstract watercolour ideas.
- Simple lines
- Glazing effect
- Circles
- Triangles
- Abstract mark making
- Blown watercolour
Read my detailed guide for more abstract watercolour painting ideas.
Everyday items
Paint what you can see! Take inspiration from the world around you and grab something nearby to paint.
- Cup of coffee
- Your house
- A door
- Houseplants
- Stack of books
- Sandwich
- Your paints, brushes and palette
- View from your window
- Your bedroom (it’s good enough for Van Gogh!)
Basic watercolour flowers
Painting flowers is still my favourite subject. Grab a bouquet, head out into the garden or search for inspiration on Pinterest.
- Basic five petal flower
- Anemone
- Daffodil
- Daisy
- Easy bouquet
- Rose
Check out my watercolour tutorials for even more flower ideas.
In the garden
Head outside for some sunshine and inspiration from mother nature.
- Dandelions
- Ladybird
- Butterfly
- Garden shed
- Potted plants
- Gardening gloves
Fruit painting ideas
Raid the fruit bowl for bright colours, simple shapes and juicy painting ideas.
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Figs
- Lemons
Want more fruit ideas? Take my class on painting watercolour fruits.
Vegetables
Or poke around in your vegetable drawer for more earthy tones.
- Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Chilli peppers
- Carrots
- Aubergine
Skies and galaxies
Look up for inspiration, or find pictures of tropical sunsets and stormy skies.
- Sunset
- Sunrise
- Northern lights
- Colourful galaxy
- Sky with clouds
- Lightning strike
Space travel
- The moon
- Planets
- Rocket/spaceship
- Aliens
Essential landscapes
There are endless types of landscapes – here are some classic painting ideas to get started.
- Mountain range
- Desert with cacti
- Beach
- Tuscany hills
- Harbour with boats
- City skyline
- Forest path
- Garden gate
Take my beginner watercolour class to paint this simple mountain landscape, as well as a beautiful sunset!
Summer holiday
Remind yourself of a holiday memory with these cute icons.
- Pool flamingo
- Ice cream
- Swimming costume
- Flip flops
- Sunglasses
- Parasol
Seaside
Paint all the items you might usually pick up at the beach.
- Shells
- Seaweed
- Pebbles
- Sandcastle
- Bucket and spade
- Beach towel
Sea life
Sea creatures are so fun to paint, and great for a watery wet-on-wet technique.
- Shark
- Whale
- Fish
- Crab
- Jellyfish
- Seahorse
Tropical
Jungle plants and animals are vibrant, fun and full of colour!
- Jungle view
- Orchid
- Monstera leaf
- Bird of paradise flower
- Monkey
- Toucan/parrot
Halloween
Bring out your spooky side and the black paint.
- Pumpkins
- Spider and web
- Skulls – day of the dead
- Ghosts
- Witch
- Bats
- Cat
- Dracula
Festive painting ideas
Get yourself in a Christmas mood with these holiday painting ideas, great for cards too.
- Snowflake
- Baubles and tree ornaments
- Stars
- Holly and berries
- Mistletoe
- Presents
- Christmas tree
- Poinsettia
- Snowman (or woman!)
People
- Faces
- Head and shoulders portrait
- Holding hands
- Eyes
- Mouth
- Hair/back of the head
- Different skin tones
Colour schemes
Experiment with the same subject in different colour schemes!
- Colour swatches
- Monotone
- Two-tone composition
- Harmonious colours
- Contrasting colours
- Black and white
- Negative painting
Textures
- Brick wall
- Dry brush
- Salt on watercolour
- Wax resist
I hope all these painting ideas can spark your inspiration, no matter what you’re in the mood for!
More painting advice
Download my free watercolour supply guide
Feeling overwhelmed and confused by watercolour paints, papers and brushes? Download my free guide filled with insider info, including a list of good supplies for every budget, and my complete supply list!