Last Updated on July 19, 2026 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.
Planning your paintings digitally? My Patreon has the full painting walkthroughs that pick up where this cheatsheet leaves off.
Peek inside Patreon →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!
Join My Creative Community on Patreon
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 !
Related Posts You Might Love
- How to Use Clipping Masks in Procreate
- Watercolor Sketchbook
- Simple Watercolor Paintings for Beginners
Planning solves the composition worry — colour is usually next. On Patreon I share full painting walkthroughs and premium watercolour reference sets with colour-recipe cards, so you sit down knowing exactly which paints to mix — from £14 (~$18).
Browse the reference sets →Planning Watercolor Paintings in Procreate: FAQ
Can you plan a watercolor painting in Procreate?
Yes, and it’s one of the most useful things you can do with an iPad as a traditional painter. Sketching the composition, testing colours and trying layouts digitally lets you work out the painting before a drop of real paint touches paper.
What are the three steps to planning a painting digitally?
Sketch your composition roughly on a new canvas, test colour palettes on separate layers, then play with layouts by duplicating the sketch and moving elements around. Each step takes minutes and saves you from discovering a problem halfway through a real painting.
Why plan a watercolor painting before you start?
Watercolour is unpredictable — colours bleed and compositions fail. Planning first means less anxiety about the outcome, far less wasted paper, and much more confidence when you finally pick up the brush, because you already know the painting works.
Do I need to be good at Procreate to plan paintings this way?
No. The sketch is a rough pencil drawing, not a finished piece — you’re just getting the idea out. If you can make a new canvas, draw on a layer and pick a colour, you know enough for this whole process.
How do I test colour palettes in Procreate?
Put each colour combination on its own layer, then tap through them one at a time until something feels right. Because layers toggle instantly, you can compare five palettes in the time it would take to mix one on a real palette.
What is the free Watercolor Planning Cheatsheet?
It’s a free download shared in this post that walks you through the same three-step planning process. Pop your email into the form and it arrives in your inbox, ready to use next time you sit down to plan a painting.