If you're anything like me, you’ve stared at a blank page, wondering what to paint next. It happens to all of us. But every time I feel stuck or uninspired, there’s one place I know will spark my creativity again—the outdoors. Nature painting has a way of breathing life into watercolor art. The natural world is full of endless inspiration (and bonus: it’s free).

From tiny wildflowers to towering trees, every corner of nature holds colors, shapes, and stories waiting to land on your page. Today, I want to share how nature painting has helped me reconnect with my own creativity, and how you can bring that same magic into your watercolor landscape work.

The Power of Nature to Reconnect You With Your Art

There’s something grounding about being outside. The breeze, the birds singing, the earthy smells. It all pulls me into the present moment. When I bring my watercolor painting ideas outdoors, I instantly feel more connected, both to my surroundings and to the creative process.

Sometimes we get caught up in what we think art should be. We worry if it’s “good enough,” if the composition works, if our colors are correct. But nature doesn’t worry about perfection (thank goodness). A wildflower doesn’t stress over whether its petals match. A mountain doesn’t obsess over its symmetry. They simply exist, and that’s what makes them beautiful.

When I practice nature painting, I’m reminded to approach watercolor art with that same freedom. It’s not about controlling every detail. It’s about observing, responding, and letting the natural world guide my brush.

And let’s be real, painting outside also gets me away from my endless to-do lists and screen time. Double win.

For more ways to refresh your creative flow, check out my blog where I share 5 simple ways to shake up your creative routine and spark new inspiration. 

Why Painting Outdoors Feels So Different

You might be wondering: why not just paint nature from a photo?

Of course, reference photos can be helpful. But there’s something completely different about sitting outside with your sketchbook (psst: here’s mine!), seeing the light shift in real time, and feeling the temperature of the air. You start to notice details you’d miss in a photo. The subtle movement of leaves, the way clouds change shape, the dance of shadows on the ground.

These small observations bring life and energy to your watercolor landscape. Instead of copying an image, you’re translating a living, breathing moment into your art.

When I first started nature painting outdoors, I was surprised by how much more intuitive my brushstrokes felt. Without the pressure of creating a “perfect” piece, I could simply respond to what I saw. Spoiler: some of my favorite watercolor art pieces have come from these spontaneous outdoor sessions.

If you’ve never tried painting outside, I highly recommend giving it a go—even if it’s just your backyard or a nearby park. The shift in perspective is incredibly refreshing.

Simple Tools for Nature Painting in the Wild

Now, before you imagine yourself lugging a giant art studio into the woods (been there, regretted that), let me reassure you: you don’t need much to get started with nature painting outdoors. In fact, keeping it simple is part of the charm.

Here’s my go-to travel setup:

Paints

I like to bring my favorite 20 Maimeri colors squeezed to dry in my travel palette. You’ll be surprised how many watercolor landscapes you can paint with just a few well-chosen shades. And hey, limited palettes actually help with color harmony. Win-win.

Palette

A compact mixing palette is key. I’ve used the same plastic travel palette for years. Some artists bring a small plastic or metal palette with extra wells. Either works, just make sure it fits easily into your bag.

Paper

Choose a watercolor block or a sketchbook with high-quality watercolor paper. I love bringing my watercolor sketchbook along with cold press blocks because they don’t require taping, and the pages stay flat even with lots of water. A size around 5×7 or 8×10 feels portable but still gives you room to play.

Brushes

Keep your brush selection simple. I usually pack one or two Princeton brushes. A flat brush can also be helpful for big washes. Look for travel brushes with caps to protect the bristles.

Brush Case

Trust me, you’ll want a brush case. It keeps your brushes safe and prevents that moment of horror when you find your favorite brush crushed at the bottom of your bag (yikes!). 

I share more about my outdoor setup in this quick Instagram Reel if you want a peek inside my travel kit.

And if you want to see exactly how I set up and paint on location, I recently filmed a plein air session perched on a cliff above crashing waves. Check it out!

Let Nature Surprise You (+ A Painting Prompt)

One of my favorite parts of nature painting is the surprise factor. You never quite know what you’ll stumble upon. A curious bird, a cluster of mushrooms, a patch of wildflowers you didn’t expect to see.

Instead of planning every detail ahead of time, I like to walk for a bit and let my subject find me. Sometimes I’ll sit and sketch the scene as a whole. Other times, I’ll zoom in on a single element, like the texture of tree bark or the shape of a leaf. These little studies often turn into bigger watercolor painting ideas later.

Quick Tip: take a few reference photos before you leave, especially if lighting changes fast. They’re super helpful when you want to finish a piece back at home.

If you want a simple prompt on your next nature painting outing, here’s one to try:

Prompt: Find three natural objects within arm’s reach. Paint quick, loose studies of each one. Focus on shape and color, not perfection.

This exercise helps train your observation skills and warms you up for bigger watercolor landscape pieces. Plus, it’s a great way to gather watercolor inspiration for future paintings.

The Art Within: Nurturing Your Creative Spirit

If nature painting has taught me anything, it’s this: creativity thrives when we slow down and reconnect—with the world around us, and with ourselves. That’s exactly what inspired me to create The Art Within. It’s a guided art and mindfulness experience where I walk you through essential skills like drawing, perspective, color theory, composition, and developing your personal style. Whether you’re sketching nature scenes or exploring entirely new subjects, this course helps you strengthen your foundation and build confidence in your creative process.

You can learn more about it here.

Ready to Take Your Nature Painting Further?

If today’s post has you itching to grab your paints and head outside (and I hope it does!), you might love some of the resources I’ve created. My best-selling how-to books are packed with watercolor inspiration and step-by-step lessons. Everyday Watercolor Seashores is one of my personal favorites for simple, approachable projects inspired by nature. 

If you want to keep the watercolor art vibes going even when you're not holding a brush, I’ve also created the Everyday Watercolor Postcards: Seashores and Ocean Life. And of course, you’re always welcome inside my Art Community, where we share ideas, cheer each other on, and grow together on this creative path.

At the end of the day, nature painting isn’t just about the art you create, it’s about how the process makes you feel. Inspired, grounded, curious. And that, to me, is the real magic of watercolor art.

Now, pack up your brushes, step outside, and let the outdoors be your muse.