If you’ve ever stared at a blank piece of watercolor paper, wondering where to start (or maybe feeling just a little intimidated by all the supplies and techniques), you’re not alone! I’ve been there too. The good news? There’s no shortage of amazing YouTube watercolor painting tutorials that can help you learn step by step, whether you're a total beginner or looking to refine your skills.

And let’s be real—sometimes, we just need a little extra guidance to feel confident putting that first brushstroke down. That’s why I’ve rounded up the best YouTube watercolor tutorials to cover everything from essential supplies to full paintings and detailed techniques. 

Watercolor Supplies (What You Actually Need!)

Before we even dip our brushes into paint, let’s talk about watercolor supplies. I know how overwhelming it can be (so. many. choices.), but trust me—you don’t need a million things to start painting with watercolor. And they don’t have to be expensive! In fact, you only need a handful of quality basics, and this tutorial breaks it all down for you:

Watercolor Fundamentals

Before you can paint a landscape or a flower, you’re going to want to take a minute to understand the fundamentals—the way colors flow, blend, and interact on the page. Otherwise, without a strong foundation, it’s easy to feel frustrated when things don’t turn out the way you imagined. 

Below, I’m going to share three YouTube watercolor painting tutorials that will give you the skills and confidence to build that foundation, so you can stop second-guessing and start truly enjoying the process!

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor

If you’re new to watercolor, this is the perfect place to start. In this tutorial, I walk you through everything—how to hold your brush, mix colors, and create beautiful washes (without weird streaks or harsh edges). It’s like a mini watercolor boot camp, (in the best way).

Three Simple Watercolor Paintings to Learn Three Essential Techniques

Next on the list, you get to paint something! This tutorial focuses on three essential watercolor techniques—by guiding you through three simple paintings. Instead of just explaining the concepts, I give you a chance to practice as you go, making the learning process feel natural and fun. I hope you pick up some new skills along the way, but more than anything, I hope you enjoy your time painting (because that’s what it’s all about!)

SIMPLE Watercolor Practice to Improve Fast

Lastly, this next tutorial is perfect if you’re feeling stuck and want to improve quickly without the pressure of perfection. In just 20 minutes, we will paint three simple pieces, each focused on watercolor techniques that will help you build confidence and muscle memory.

Full Youtube Watercolor Paintings

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to paint an actual piece (because that’s the fun part, right?). These step-by-step YouTube watercolor tutorials will guide you through complete paintings, so you don’t have to guess what to do next.

Here are a few of my personal favorites:

• There’s something so calming about painting the ocean, and this tutorial makes it easy—even if you’ve never painted water before. You’ll learn how to blend colors seamlessly to create a peaceful seascape (plus, it’s a great way to practice wet-on-wet techniques!).
• Short on time? This quick tutorial is perfect if you want to create something beautiful in just 10 minutes. (Yes, really!) You’ll learn how to layer light washes for a soft, dreamy winter scene.
• Sunsets and watercolor are a match made in heaven. This tutorial will show you how to capture those glowing colors and soft blends without overworking your painting. (And trust me, it’s easier than it looks!)
• If you’ve ever dreamed of painting those classic, sunlit Italian landscapes, this next tutorial is a must-watch. You’ll learn how to layer colors and create depth to make your painting feel warm and inviting.

Youtube Tutorial for Watercolor Details

Once you’re comfortable with full paintings, adding details can make a huge difference. Whether it’s fine lines, textures, or small elements like trees and figures, these YouTube watercolor painting tutorials will show you how to add those finishing touches.

Or, for more specific YouTube watercolor painting tutorials, check out one of these three!

1. Flowers are one of my favorite things to paint, but getting those delicate petals just right can be tricky. In this video, I break it down step by step, so you can paint soft, realistic florals without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Trees can be frustrating (hello, weird blobs of green), but this tutorial shows a simple method for creating natural-looking foliage. Perfect for landscapes!
3. Adding human figures to a painting instantly makes it more dynamic. This video teaches an easy way to suggest figures without needing to paint every detail (because we’re not all portrait artists, and that’s okay!).

Take Your Watercolor Skills Even Further!

Ready to dive deeper into watercolor and build even more confidence with your painting? I’ve got two things to help you on your journey. 

If you’re looking for a clear, step-by-step breakdown of watercolor techniques, The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor eBook is packed with everything you need. From brush control to color mixing, this guide will help you master the fundamentals and feel more at ease with your paints.

For those who want hands-on practice with daily exercises, The Everyday Watercolor Companion Course is the perfect way to build your skills in a fun, structured way. With guided lessons and practical exercises, you’ll learn to paint with more confidence and creativity. Check them out and start making watercolor a part of your everyday life!

Create Your Own Masterpiece With These YouTube Watercolor Painting Tutorials

Watercolor can feel intimidating at first, but the key is just to start. (Seriously, don’t wait until you “feel ready” because that moment will probably never come!). The beauty of watercolor is that it teaches us to embrace imperfection—colors bleed, edges soften, and happy accidents happen. That’s all part of the magic. 

These YouTube watercolor painting tutorials will help you build confidence and skill, one brushstroke at a time. Whether you’re learning the fundamentals, following along with a complete painting, or refining details to bring your artwork to life, each tutorial is a step toward feeling more at ease with your paints. And the more you practice, the more you’ll start to develop your own artistic style!

So, pick a video that excites you (you can find even more on my YouTube channel), grab your supplies, and start painting!