Step by Step tutorial

Every great piece of art begins with a single brushstroke. In this tutorial, I walk you through my complete process of creating a vibrant watercolor illustration using Schmincke professional paints — from the initial sketch to the final details.

The key to layering watercolors is patience. I start with the lightest washes and gradually build up depth and saturation. Schmincke pigments are incredibly rich, which means you can achieve stunning luminosity even with diluted washes.

In the final stage, I add fine details with a size 2 round brush and punch up the deepest shadows. The result is a piece that feels alive, with warm glowing highlights and rich, velvety darks.