Planning watercolor paintings used to feel overwhelming—what if the composition’s off? What if I waste a whole sheet of good paper on something that doesn’t work? That all changed when I started using Procreate to pre-plan my layouts, colors, and ideas before I touched a brush.
In this post, I’m sharing the exact 3-step method I use to digitally sketch out watercolor compositions, choose colors, and simplify the whole process. I’ve also put together a free Watercolor Planning Cheatsheet that you can download and try for yourself!
🖼️ Why I Start in Procreate (Before Painting in Real Life)
Watercolor is expressive—but it doesn’t give you a Ctrl+Z. I’ve found that a bit of prep using digital tools makes me a lot more confident when I go to paint.
Procreate lets me:
- Quickly test out compositions
- Try multiple color palettes
- Move elements around without redrawing
- Add light/shadow notes for painting later
And most importantly, it helps me paint more freely—because I already know where I’m headed.
✏️ Here’s How I Plan My Paintings in 3 Quick Steps:
1. Rough Sketch
I start by opening a blank canvas and doing a loose pencil sketch. Nothing fancy—just shapes and layout. This helps me figure out flow, balance, and focal points.
2. Color Trials
Next, I use a separate layer (or a few!) to drop in colors. Sometimes I use my saved palettes, sometimes I try something new. It’s such a fun way to explore options without any pressure.
3. Layout Variations
Once I’m happy with the basic composition, I’ll duplicate the layer and play around—shift elements, crop closer, or adjust spacing. It helps me spot better options I didn’t think of at first.
📝 Bonus: I’ll often jot quick notes on lighting direction or shadow placement so I don’t forget when painting.
You can watch my video tutorial here 👉 How I plan my Watercolor Paintings in Procreate
đź“Ą Want My Free Watercolor Planning Cheatsheet?
I made a simple one-page guide you can print or keep open in Procreate as a reference while you plan your own paintings.
👉 Download the Free Cheatsheet Here
đź’Ś Want More Tutorials, Brushes & Creative Tools?
If you’re into this kind of creative process, I share:
- Procreate brush sets
- Digital watercolor tools
- Painting walkthroughs
- Behind-the-scenes tips
🎨 You can explore all of that over on my Patreon or inside the Artsydee Creation Club for junk journal and printable resources.