Gather watercolor paper, watercolor paints, brushes, water, palette, and paper towels
Stretch or tape down the paper if needed
Lightly sketch the subject with a pencil
Mix the desired colors with water on a palette
Start with light washes and build up darker layers gradually
Apply paint from light to dark
Keep areas white by leaving the paper unpainted or using masking fluid
Use wet-on-wet for soft blends and wet-on-dry for sharper edges
Rinse brushes between colors to keep mixtures clean
Control water amount to adjust transparency and flow
Let each layer dry before adding the next if needed
Add details with smaller brushes and less water
Lift paint with a damp brush or tissue if corrections are needed
Finish with final dark accents and fine details
Let the painting dry completely before handling