There’s something about winter that just… makes me breathe slower. Maybe it’s the cold air, or the shorter days, or how everything outside feels quieter. Whatever it is, my painting rhythm totally changes in this season (and I kind of love it).

I’m not cranking out big, loud pieces. I’m curling up, sipping something warm, and letting myself paint small, cozy scenes that feel gentle. More present. Less pressured.

So I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things to paint in winter, the go-tos I always return to when I need that creative reset. Each one brings a little lesson too. A reminder to slow down, notice more, and just enjoy the act of creating.

Snowy Trees & Forest Scenes

If I had to pick the ultimate winter watercolor vibe, it’s this: misty trees disappearing into snowy skies. I’m a sucker for a soft landscape. It’s honestly one of the easiest things to paint in winter if you want something calming and beginner-friendly. 

I keep the palette super limited. Indigo, Payne’s Gray, maybe a dusty pink near the horizon if I’m feeling fancy. I let things blur. I don’t worry if my trees are lopsided or if the branches fade into nothing. That’s kind of the point.

Painting scenes like this teaches me how to let go. Let go of perfection, of control, of needing everything to be “right.” Just soft washes, quiet shapes, and a few snowy specks to tie it together.

Tutorials to Try

Cozy Interiors: Mugs, Mittens, Fireplaces

Things to paint in winter don’t always have to come from outside. Sometimes, my favorite subjects are the ones found inside. A steaming mug, a soft scarf, or a flickering fireplace. These cozy interior scenes make me feel grateful for little comforts.

Even better? These subjects are perfect for quick painting sessions. A tiny mug here, a cozy sock there. No pressure, just play.

Tutorials to Try

Winter Florals, Berries and Leaves

Florals aren’t just for spring. Winter gives us beautiful botanical moments too. Pine, eucalyptus, berries, poinsettias. These are some of the prettiest things to paint in winter, if you ask me.

I use muted greens, touches of deep red, and soft browns. I like to let leaves overlap and flow, building texture slowly.

It’s a grounding practice. One that reminds me that beauty doesn’t disappear in the cold, it just changes form.

Tutorials to Try

1. Watercolor Winter Florals Tutorial 

This one's perfect if you want something floral for winter without going full holiday mode. You'll learn how to paint a wild, V-shaped arrangement with soft peaches, moody dark leaves, gold accents, and smoky eucalyptus. It’s all about contrast, color mixing, and creating a piece that feels wintry but fresh. Great for parties, decor, or just a cozy afternoon paint session.

2. Winter Wreath Watercolor Tutorial

This wreath is soft, wintery, and refreshingly not too Christmas-y. The focus is on blues, pale pinks, and soft greens, with just a touch of wine red for contrast. You’ll start with a simple pencil circle and build out loose florals, berries, and leaves that follow the curve. Perfect for winter decor, cards, or just practicing composition and balance.

Night Skies & Moonscapes

Some of my absolute favorite things to paint in winter are night skies. The skies get this deep, inky blue you can’t really find in any other season. And those clear, starry nights? Ugh. So good.

I love painting moonlit scenes when I want to feel dreamy. It’s all about blending gradients, layering dark shapes, and adding just a few flicks of white for stars. (Bonus: the salt trick makes it even better.)

There’s no “right” way to paint a night sky. Just go with your gut and let the colors lead. It’s one of the best winter watercolor painting exercises for tapping into that quiet, mysterious energy.

Tutorials to Try

Other Fun Winter Ideas

Not every project has to feel slow and serene. Sometimes I just want to have fun, and winter is a perfect excuse for painting something whimsical.

Holiday gnomes? Snowflakes? Gift tags with personality? Yes, please.  These are some of the most cheerful things to paint in winter when you need a little creative pick-me-up.

Tutorials to Try 

1. Holiday Gnomes Watercolor Tutorial
   Paint three different gnomes with floppy hats and bushy beards. They’re simple, adorable, and seriously cute.

2. Painting Watercolor Snowflakes

This one walks you through painting a snowflake design using cool blues and a wet-on-wet technique. Spoiler: the bleeds make it extra magical.

What Winter Has Taught Me as an Artist

Winter taught me to paint slower. To observe more. To find beauty in less. Each of these winter watercolor painting ideas brings me back to presence, whether I’m splashing Indigo across a snowy sky or adding pink blush to a cozy mug.

These themes invite me to soften. To reflect. To paint without pressure. I hope they do the same for you.

Want More Cozy Painting Prompts?

If you’re craving more seasonal inspiration, I’d love for you to join me on Patreon. I share exclusive things to paint in winter, printable references, cozy challenges, and more. It’s a warm little creative corner where we slow down and make art together.

Let’s paint our way through winter with softness, joy, and zero pressure.