Winter is just around the corner, and I can already feel the cozy vibes coming in! And what better way to welcome the chilly season than with some cozy winter watercolor painting ideas? As someone who’s been in the game for well over a decade, I know firsthand how watercolor (or any creative outlet for that matter!) can be a warm, inviting and therapeutic escape. Especially when it’s cold outside! So, whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your skills, I'm here to help you tune into your inner creative voice and guide you through some beginner watercolor exercises that are perfect for this time of year!

First, Choose the Right Materials

Before we jump into the fun part, let’s make sure you have the right tools in hand. Trust me, the right materials can make all the difference in your work! Whether that is a beautiful winter landscape or a delicate floral print watercolor design. 

Here's what I recommend:

• Paper: Your watercolor paper is like the canvas for your creativity. It needs to be durable enough to handle washes and layering techniques without warping or buckling. If you're unsure about which paper to choose, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the best watercolor paper to help you find the perfect fit.
• Paint: Similarly, the quality of your paint can affect how vibrant and long-lasting your artwork will be. I’ve learned over the years that investing in good paints is worth it—your colors will pop, and your blending will be smoother. For a deep dive into finding the right paints for you, check out my ultimate guide to watercolor paint.
• Brushes: Lastly, you need brushes. The right brush can help you create everything from the tiniest details in a winter wreath to broad strokes in a snowy landscape. If you’re looking for some brush recommendations, you can see my picks in the ultimate guide to the best watercolor brushes.

If you’re curious about the exact materials I use in my own projects, you can find them all here (or watch the video below!). These are the tools that help me bring my ideas to life (and that I turn to time and time again).

Let’s Get Cozy and in the Winter Mood!

Now that you've gathered your supplies, it’s time to set the mood. One of my favorite things about painting during winter is the sense of coziness it brings. Grab a cup of tea or hot cocoa, play some soft music, and let the winter inspiration flow. Creating this vibe can make a huge difference in your painting process—take your time to make sure you’re getting into that relaxed, creative headspace.

Get Started With My Winter Watercolor Tutorials

To get you started, here are some of my favorite winter-themed watercolor painting tutorials I’ve created throughout the years! Each of these are designed to help you create something special, whether it's a simple winter landscape, a winter floral print watercolor design or a more detailed scene like a Christmas village.

Watercolor Christmas Village

In this tutorial, I guide you through painting a charming little Christmas village. I’ll walk you through each step, using techniques like salt and gouache to create a snowy effect (which, confession time, was my arch-nemesis for a long time!). But don't worry—I’ve broken it down into easy steps for you!

Easy Winter Landscape

If you’re looking for something quick and easy, this winter watercolor painting landscape tutorial is for you. We’ll use simple techniques like salt and white gouache to create a beautiful, snowy scene. Perfect for beginners who want to learn more about watercolor painting landscapes!

Winter Wreath Watercolor Tutorial

This one is a fresh take on a winter wreath—it’s not overly Christmas-y but still features lovely greens, reds, and light blues. It’s great if you’re into floral print watercolor designs with a winter twist.

Watercolor Winter Florals Tutorial

If you’re into floral print watercolor designs, you’ll love this one. I teach you how to create winter florals that are elegant and seasonal. We’ll cover composition, color mixing, and the little details that make these florals really stand out.

Christmas Morning Living Room Scene

With this one, we paint a cozy Christmas morning living room! This scene would make a perfect holiday card or a unique home decor gift for someone special. It’s all about capturing that warm, homey feeling.

Meditation Meets Art – Advent Series

One of the things I love most about watercolor painting is how it can be like a form of meditation. That’s why I put together a special series that combines two of my great loves: painting and meditation. This four-part series is all about finding moments of calm and reflection while creating beautiful winter watercolor landscapes. Each video in this series focuses on a different theme of Advent—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

• Finding HOPE: This first tutorial kicks off my advent series, we start by painting a serene winter landscape while meditating on the idea of hope. This session is designed to help you relax and reflect as you paint.
• Finding PEACE: Next, in the second tutorial we move into a peaceful snowy scene. Painting this while meditating on peace will hopefully bring a sense of tranquility to your busy holiday season.
• Finding JOY: In the third tutorial, we create a misty mountain forest while meditating on joy. It’s a perfect reminder to find happiness in the small moments.
• Finding LOVE: The final video of the series focuses on love. As we paint, we’ll reflect on love and gratitude, tying together everything we’ve learned in the previous tutorials.

You can just listen to the meditation if you want, but I encourage you to try painting along while listening to the meditation. It’s a unique experience that blends creativity and mindfulness—something that I am passionate about and has helped me in my own journey as an artist and entrepreneur.

Experiment, Explore, and Make It Your Own!

Remember, these tutorials are just a starting point. I always say, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them to make them your own! Try different colors, play with compositions, and let your creativity guide you.  That’s how you truly find your own creative voice. The beauty of watercolor is that it’s a forgiving medium—mistakes often lead to the most beautiful discoveries.

If you’re looking for more techniques or inspiration, I’ve got a ton of other videos on my YouTube channel, from beginner watercolor exercises to more advanced techniques. My goal is to help you build a strong foundation in watercolor and find your unique style.

Perfect for Gifts and Seasonal Decor

Quick reminder: these winter watercolor pieces aren’t just fun to create—they make amazing gifts and decorations too! Nothing beats giving a handmade card or a framed painting to someone special this season. A hand-painted wreath or winter watercolor landscape can be a heartfelt gift that shows you put time and creativity into making something special.

AHEM.. speaking of gifts, Christmas is right around the corner! If you're looking to spoil the creatives in your life (or maybe treat yourself a little!), check out these gift ideas for creatives that'll make holiday shopping a breeze. Let's get ahead of the game this year!

Excited to Try These Cozy Winter Watercolor Painting Ideas?

I hope this helped you feel inspired and excited to try out these winter watercolor painting ideas. Remember, it’s all about having fun, experimenting, and finding that cozy feeling in your creative process. As always, I’m here cheering you on, every step of the way, let’s make some beautiful winter art together!

If you’re ready to dive even deeper into watercolor, grab my FREE eBook, The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor for some extra tips and tricks! If you’re serious about developing your skills, check out The Art Within, my course where we go through the basics of watercolor painting, from color mixing to finding your unique style as an artist.

And, of course, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more watercolor inspiration, behind-the-scenes peeks, and tips. I’d love to see what you create, so make sure to tag me in your posts!