Last Updated on July 21, 2025 by Dee
Using Procreate to plan watercolor paintings before jumping in with real paints has totally changed the way I create. It’s helped me feel less anxious about the outcome, waste less paper, and paint more confidently. In this post, I’m sharing my simple 3-step digital planning process that helps me get clarity before I pick up my brush. You’ll also find a free Watercolor Planning Cheatsheet you can download to try it yourself!
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Why Plan Digitally Before You Paint?
Watercolor is beautiful… but also unpredictable! I’ve had plenty of painting sessions where the colors bled too much or my composition just didn’t work. That’s why planning in Procreate has become my go-to strategy.
This digital-first approach helps you test things out—without the mess. It’s a lovely blend of traditional and digital creativity. And if you want to learn more about creating layers and structure in your artwork, have a look at this guide on How to Use Clipping Masks in Procreate.
My 3-Step Digital Planning Process
- Sketch Your Composition
I open a new canvas and do a quick pencil sketch. I’m not aiming for perfect lines—just getting the idea out. You could even use some inspiration from this Watercolor Sketchbook post if you’re feeling stuck. - Test Your Colors
I love trying out color palettes on separate layers. I tap through a few combinations until something feels just right. (If you’re new to this, you might also enjoy Simple Watercolor Paintings for Beginners.) - Play With Layouts
Procreate makes it super easy to duplicate your sketch and move elements around. I test out versions with more negative space, some with closer crops—until one just clicks.
It’s such a helpful process. Plus, I sometimes annotate where light is coming from or where I want deeper shadows. That helps so much when I sit down to actually paint.
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Grab Your Free 🎨 Watercolor Planning Cheatsheet HERE!
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I share exclusive Procreate brushes, full painting walkthroughs, and more behind-the-scenes creative stuff over on my Patreon. If you enjoyed this tutorial, you’ll love what’s happening there! Join Patreon 👉 HERE !