Last Updated on November 5, 2025 by Dee
Exploring watercolor painting as a beginner can be easier with ready-to-use templates designed for practice and creativity. These 23 free printable watercolor templates give beginners a practical way to start painting immediately, helping them focus on learning techniques without worrying about sketching outlines. The templates include a range of simple shapes, nature scenes, and floral motifs, offering plenty of variety for any new artist. Download the full printable pdf at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
With these printables, anyone interested in watercolor can dive in and start creating at their own pace. Each template serves as a helpful guide, empowering users to practice brushwork, color mixing, and composition with confidence. This collection makes starting a watercolor journey more approachable, providing helpful structure and inspiration.
What Are Watercolor Templates?
Watercolor templates are pre-drawn outlines or designs printed on paper, designed to guide beginners through painting projects. These templates reduce the stress of sketching, allowing new artists to focus on practicing their watercolor techniques and color choices.
What’s the Purpose of Watercolor Templates?
Watercolor templates serve as helpful guides for those new to painting. These 21 Free Printable Watercolor Templates for Beginners provide a clear structure that artists can paint within, which removes the challenge of drawing accurate shapes and proportions. This allows the painter to learn brush control, color blending, layering, and other watercolor basics without worrying about composition.
Teachers and workshop hosts often use these templates in classes to help beginners complete projects more confidently. Using them can also save time, making painting sessions more productive and less intimidating. Templates are particularly useful for practice, experimenting with different styles, and building fundamental skills.
Printable templates are accessible and can be used multiple times. They are a key resource for homeschoolers, art clubs, and anyone looking for step-by-step guidance as they learn.
Watch my Sunflower Watercolor Tutorial below 👇🏻 to get tips on how to use your watercolor templates!
Types of Printable Watercolor Templates
Printable watercolor templates come in several formats. The most common type is a simple black-and-white outline that users print onto watercolor paper. These outlines can vary in complexity, ranging from very basic shapes to more detailed line drawings.
Some templates are intended for tracing, providing a lighter outline so the finished painting has a cleaner appearance. Others include shaded areas to indicate suggested color placement or values. Digital files may be available in PDF or JPEG formats, ensuring easy accessibility and compatibility with standard printers.
Templates also come in themed collections, such as seasonal sets, floral packs, or holiday designs. Many artists and educators offer downloadable sets, often with accompanying instructions, making it easy for beginners to select templates that align with their interests and skill level.
Common Subjects in Beginner Templates
Beginner watercolor templates typically focus on simple, familiar subjects that are easy to paint. Popular themes include flowers, leaves, and plants—these are ideal for practicing gradients and washes. Animals, such as birds or butterflies, often feature minimal details, helping new painters focus on large shapes and color blending.
Other common subjects include geometric patterns, landscape scenes, and food items like fruit. These subjects introduce basic watercolor techniques like wet-on-wet and layered washes in an approachable way. Templates designed for holidays or special occasions, such as pumpkins for autumn or hearts for Valentine’s Day, offer themed practice opportunities.
The following table provides a quick overview of common beginner subjects:
| Subject Type | Example Templates |
|---|---|
| Florals | Daisies, roses, leaves |
| Animals | Birds, butterflies, fish |
| Objects | Fruit, cups, ornaments |
| Patterns | Mandalas, geometric shapes |
| Scenes | Mountains, skies, oceans |
Benefits of Using Free Printable Watercolor Templates
Free printable watercolor templates encourage practice by offering clear outlines and starter ideas for beginners. They can reduce anxiety about making mistakes and help artists try different techniques in a guided way.
Building Foundational Painting Skills
Printable watercolor templates provide guidelines that beginners can follow while learning to use watercolors. Consistent practice on these templates helps users understand brush strokes, control color flow, and manage blending techniques. Having set shapes and forms lets new painters focus more on learning paint handling rather than trying to sketch perfect outlines.
For beginners, repeating common shapes—like flowers or geometric patterns—helps develop muscle memory. This speeds up the learning process. Using templates also introduces basic principles such as composition and layering, which are important as skill improves.
Instructors often recommend printable templates for practice because they allow for troubleshooting specific watercolor challenges. When learners see immediate results from following templates, it builds confidence in foundational techniques.
Reducing Artistic Pressure for Beginners
Templates reduce the stress that many beginners feel when facing a blank page. With pre-drawn outlines, the fear of making early mistakes is minimized. This allows creativity to come forward without worrying about drawing skills or designing from scratch.
Using structured templates helps shift focus onto mixing colors and experimenting with washes. This is especially helpful for individuals who are new to painting and want to concentrate on technique rather than initial drawing accuracy.
Templates can also provide a sense of accomplishment, especially after completing a piece that looks polished and intentional. This positive experience motivates beginners to continue practicing and developing their skills.
Experimenting With Styles and Techniques
Printable templates give users the chance to try out various watercolor effects and methods on consistent shapes. Beginners can use one template multiple times, each attempt testing different color combinations, wet-on-wet effects, or dry brush methods. This hands-on exploration can reveal what approaches and styles suit their preferences.
Comparing results side-by-side helps artists learn how subtle changes in technique influence the final outcome. Templates may include a range of subjects—from florals to abstract forms—helping users see how watercolors behave on different shapes.
By reusing templates, artists save time and materials, allowing for repeated practice of specific techniques without creating new outlines each time. This encourages experimentation and growth in both style and confidence.
23 Free Printable Watercolor Templates for Beginners (Get the full PDF at the end of this post!)
I created these free printable watercolor templates to help beginners start painting without needing to draw designs from scratch! These templates cover subjects like flowers, geometric shapes, and landscapes while focusing on user-friendly outlines and clarity.
How Templates Are Selected and Curated
Templates are specifically chosen for their simplicity and approachability. Each design features clear lines and ample open spaces to allow for easy color washes. Common themes include florals, ocean scenes, animals, and abstract shapes.
Curators look for art that balances guidance with creative freedom. Designs are typically limited in complexity to avoid overwhelming beginners. Feedback from users is often considered to refine which templates are offered.
A template may include:
- Basic outlines of popular subjects (e.g., sunflowers, birds)
- Minimal details for easier color blending
- Space to experiment with gradients and layering
All templates are reviewed for print quality to ensure lines remain crisp and clear at home.
Where to Find High-Quality Printable Templates
You can get high quality watercolor templates from Artsydee.com with new sets released regularly!
Step-by-Step Guide to Printing and Preparing Watercolor Templates
Properly printing and prepping watercolor templates ensures crisp outlines and optimal painting results. Paying attention to details like paper type, printer settings, and template handling will help beginners achieve the best outcomes with their free printable designs.
Choosing the Right Paper for Printing
Watercolor paint requires a paper that can handle moisture without buckling or tearing. For best results, choose paper specifically labeled as watercolor paper, ideally 140 lb (300 gsm) or heavier.
There are two common surfaces:
- Cold Press: Slightly textured, suitable for most techniques
- Hot Press: Smooth texture, great for detailed work
Many home printers have trouble feeding thick watercolor paper. If so, select a lighter-weight version compatible with your machine, or use a workaround described below. Avoid plain copy paper, as it will warp and break apart when painted.
Recommended Printer Settings
Set the printer to its highest print quality for sharp lines and clear outlines. Use the “best” or “photo” setting in the printer menu where possible. Select the correct media type to “heavy paper” or “cardstock” for better paper handling.
Use pigment-based black ink if available, as it resists water and prevents bleeding when painting. Avoid generic dye-based inks, which may smear once wet. Before printing on expensive watercolor paper, run a test print on standard paper to adjust the fit and darkness of the template.
Some printers have a rear-feed tray. This works best for thick or specialty papers, reducing the risk of jams. If your printer struggles, print on regular paper, then transfer the design instead of printing directly on watercolor paper.
Transferring Templates to Watercolor Paper
If direct printing is not possible, transfer the template using one of these steps:
- Graphite Transfer: Rub a soft graphite pencil on the back of the printed template along the outline. Place the template graphite-side down on your watercolor paper and trace over the lines with a ballpoint pen to transfer the design.
- Lightbox/Window: Tape the template and watercolor paper to a window or lightbox, then use a pencil to lightly trace the template onto the watercolor paper.
Use a light touch to avoid scoring the paper, as deep lines will show through the paint. Make sure lines are visible but not too dark, so they don’t dominate the finished painting.
Protecting Your Templates for Reuse
Handling templates gently keeps them usable for multiple projects or group activities. For durability, print on a heavier cardstock or laminate the template sheets before transferring to watercolor paper.
Store templates in a folder or envelope to prevent wrinkles or tearing. Consider labeling each template for quick reference. If templates are laminated, use a dry-erase marker for instructions or notes that can be wiped away after each use. This approach helps keep supplies organized and ready for future practice or sharing.
Creative Techniques for Painting With Templates
Using printable watercolor templates simplifies the process for beginners and provides structure for practicing essential skills. With focused techniques, even starters can achieve striking results and learn the basics of watercolor control, color behavior, and creative expression.
Wet-on-Wet Watercolor Technique
The wet-on-wet technique allows colors to blend and flow organically. To use this method, painters first apply clean water to the inside of the template’s outlined area using a soft brush. While the paper remains damp, color is introduced, creating soft, diffuse effects and natural gradients.
Experimenting with pigment strength helps manage the vibrancy of each section. Light touch and timing are important—if the paper is too dry, edges will appear harsh; too wet, colors could become muddy. This technique works especially well for skies, floral petals, and simple backgrounds.
Tips for best results:
- Use cold-pressed watercolor paper for better absorption.
- Work in small areas to prevent uncontrolled spreading.
- Layer colors gradually for subtle shifts in hue.
Layering and Blending Colors
Effective layering builds depth and makes artwork more dynamic. With templates, painters allow one area to dry completely before adding another layer of color. This approach lets them create shadows, highlights, and rich color intensity.
Blending involves gently overlapping wet or damp layers with a brush. The brush should be damp but not soaked to avoid unsettling the lower layer. Artists often use transparent colors to prevent muddiness and maintain a luminous effect.
Simple layering steps:
- Paint the base color and let it dry.
- Add details or deeper tones gradually on top.
- Continue until the desired depth is reached.
Adding Personal Touches and Details
Print templates are a starting point, but individual creativity is essential. Once the main colors dry, painters can add fine lines, patterns, or mixed media such as colored pencils or ink. Adjusting line thickness or incorporating unique marks will make artwork distinct.
Personalization ideas include:
- Outlining shapes with a thin black pen for contrast
- Applying metallic watercolor highlights
- Adding small textures with a dry brush technique
It is important to let each layer dry fully before adding details, ensuring clean results and avoiding unwanted blending. Experimenting with additional accents can make each template feel original and tailored to the painter’s style.
Tips for Beginners Using Watercolor Templates
Beginners using watercolor templates benefit from understanding foundational techniques that allow for successful painting. Paying attention to water control, brush handling, and color mixing leads to stronger results and a smoother learning process.
Managing Common Watercolor Challenges
Watercolor painting often presents early challenges such as uneven color, unwanted bleeding, and paper buckling. These can be managed by recognizing how much water to use with both paint and brush.
Using good-quality watercolor paper reduces buckling and helps paints blend as intended. Beginners should tape down their paper’s edges or use a watercolor block to prevent warping when layers get wet.
When colors unintentionally bleed together, it’s usually because the paper is too wet. Allow layers to dry between applications by gently using a hairdryer or simply waiting. Test paint consistency on a scrap piece before applying it to the main template. Understanding how much pigment to use helps create consistent washes without harsh edges.
Practicing Brush Control
Developing brush control is essential for tracing, outlining, and filling in shapes on watercolor templates. Beginners should experiment with various brush sizes to find what works best for outlines versus broad washes.
List of foundational brush exercises:
- Practice steady strokes: Short and long lines help learn pressure control.
- Fill shapes evenly: Try to keep the color and water balance smooth across template spaces.
- Use the brush tip for thin lines and the side for broader areas.
It also helps to rinse and blot the brush regularly to avoid muddy colors or excessive water. Templates allow repetition and tracing, which reinforces muscle memory. Proper grip and relaxed wrist movement prevent fatigue and allow for more natural, fluid strokes.
Mixing Colors for Vibrancy
Mixing vibrant colors is important for achieving depth and interest in watercolor projects. Beginners should start with a limited palette—such as primary colors—and mix secondary hues to understand how colors interact.
Table: Example Basic Color Mixes
| Base Colors | Resulting Color |
|---|---|
| Red + Yellow | Orange |
| Blue + Yellow | Green |
| Red + Blue | Purple |
Adding more water to the mix produces lighter, more transparent washes, while adding more pigment creates bolder, saturated colors. Test color mixes on scratch paper first before applying them to the template.
Avoid over-mixing colors, as this can result in dull, muddy shades. Clean the palette and brush thoroughly before switching colors to keep hues clean and bright. Beginners gain confidence and consistency as they learn to control color intensity and transparency.
Sharing and Displaying Your Finished Watercolor Art
Properly showcasing watercolor artwork can enhance its visual appeal and help others appreciate the effort put into each piece. Physical display and digital sharing both offer accessible ways for artists to reach their intended audience.
Presenting Your Artwork at Home
Displaying watercolor art at home requires careful consideration of lighting and protection. Frames with acid-free mats and UV-protective glass are recommended to prevent damage from light and humidity.
Art can be arranged in a dedicated gallery wall, grouped by theme or color. Small paintings look good in tabletop stands or clipped to string lights for an informal look. Shelves, mantels, or cork boards also create flexible display options.
For gifting, an artist may choose to mount pieces on blank cards or package them in portfolios. Rotating art seasonally keeps the display feeling fresh without overexposing any single piece.
Digitizing and Sharing Online
Digitizing watercolor paintings makes it easier to share them with a broad audience. Scanning is the preferred method for capturing detail and color accuracy, but high-quality photography with good lighting is an alternative.
After digitizing, minor adjustments with image editing software can correct brightness and crop for clarity. Artists often post their work on social media platforms, personal websites, or online art communities such as Instagram, Pinterest, or DeviantArt.
For privacy or copyright concerns, adding a small watermark can help protect originals. Consistent presentation and clear file naming also help viewers identify the artist’s style and series.
Expanding Your Skills Beyond Templates
After building confidence with printable watercolor templates, beginners may want to try new ways to challenge themselves. Moving beyond templates helps artists understand water control, brushwork, and color blending.
Practice Ideas to Try Without Templates:
- Paint simple still life objects like a cup or fruit.
- Explore abstract shapes and color gradients.
- Try capturing nature scenes from life or photos.
Experimenting with different brush types or paper textures can lead to new effects. Switching between wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques expands versatility.
A simple exercise is to create a color mixing chart:
| Color 1 | Color 2 | Mixed Result |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Yellow | Green |
| Red | Blue | Purple |
| Yellow | Red | Orange |
Developing personal sketches before painting helps with composition. Sketching lightly in pencil gives a flexible starting point.
Artists may also benefit from joining local classes or online workshops. These resources provide structured feedback and introduce new techniques.
Regular practice without a template fosters creativity and problem-solving. Mistakes become part of the learning process, helping beginners grow their skillset.
Grab the Free Printable Watercolor Templates HERE (below👇🏻)!
Every freebie and tutorial on Artsydee is made with love (and plenty of coffee!) ☕ If you’d like to say thanks, you can buy me a coffee here → ko-fi.com/artsydee
To access the free in-post printables for this post, you’ll just need to create a free account or log in with the Grow.me tool. Then, confirm by email and refresh the page, and ALL my free printables will automatically unlock in every post!
Love These Watercolor Templates? Get Even More Exclusive Creative Goodies in the Artsydee Creation Watercolor Club! 🎨
If you’re enjoying these free printables, why not join my Artsydee Creation Club? As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive watercolor lessons, and tons of printables like this one, which are delivered to you every week. Plus, you’ll get sneak peeks at upcoming projects and have a say in what content I create next. ✨
Join today and unlock premium resources to take your creativity to the next level!
Artsydee Creation Studio Templates & Printables (plus hundreds more)…
More resources you may enjoy…
The 11 Best Watercolor Pencils + 7 Easy Techniques To Use Them!
Watercolor Sunset Wonders: 30 Inspirations to Paint the Sky
45+ Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners: Fun and Easy Techniques to Get Started
Watercolor Markers: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing and Using Them