Painting a Watercolor Still Life

Before I started teaching watercolor, I spent my nights shucking scallops on a 100-foot boat at 2 a.m., working alongside tough deckhands. Surprisingly, those chaotic early mornings taught me everything I know about confident, loose watercolor techniques that actually work.

Michael Turner

Margin note

Step-by-Step Watercolor Still Life Tutorial

Before we jump into creating a loose watercolor still life, here’s a fun fact: I used to work in commercial fishing. Imagine me on the back deck of a 100-foot scallop boat, surrounded by rough-and-tumble sailors, the only one with a full set of teeth, shucking scallops in the middle of the night. Those wild nights on the water taught me a lot—handling unpredictable seas and learning to go with the flow translates perfectly to watercolor painting.

The biggest lesson? When nothing is under your control, you learn to work with the conditions instead of fighting them. That same principle applies to painting loose and intuitive watercolors.

Recommended Watercolor Supplies

Holbein Professional Watercolor Paints – 8 Core Colors

Yellow Ochre

Cadmium Lemon Yellow

Ultramarine Blue

Cerulean Blue

Alizarin Crimson

Cadmium Red Light

Neutral Tint

Burnt Sienna

Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper – 140lb Cold Press

Buy full sheets and cut into quarters for best value

Silver Jumbo Wash Brush

Excellent coverage and quality at a reasonable price

Princeton Neptune Point Rounds (Sizes 12 & 6)

Reliable for both washes and detailed work

Princeton Neptune Dagger Brush (1/2")

Perfect for lines, edges, and smaller details

Masterson Aqua Pro Palette

Sturdy with deep wells, ideal for mixing generously

Gator Board

Lightweight, durable support for your paintings

Holbein White Gouache

Optional, but great for highlights and fine details

Extras

Plastic water containers

Paper towels

Masking tape

Note: Some links above are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Top 11 Health Benefits of Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit are small, plum-sized berries with fuzzy brown skin, bright green (or less common golden) flesh, and tiny black seeds, produced by woody vines of the Actinidia species. While most people only eat the flesh, the edible skin is growing in popularity for its extra nutritional value. These vibrant fruits pack a powerful punch of nutrients and phytochemicals, making them a standout addition to a healthy diet—whether enjoyed on their own, in smoothies, or as part of savory and sweet recipes.

Famous Sunflower Paintings by Celebrated Artists

Sunflowers have long held a cherished place in the art realm, standing as enduring symbols of joy, vitality, and nature’s effortless beauty. Across centuries, countless master artists have been enchanted by the flower’s radiant allure, producing timeless works that continue to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most iconic sunflower paintings by renowned creators, highlighting their artistic genius and the everlasting charm of these golden blooms.

SUV Buying Guide

Let’s begin with the basics: SUV stands for “sport utility vehicle.” The term first appeared in 1974 in marketing for the Jeep Cherokee. By the 1980s, “SUV” had expanded to describe vehicles designed for off-road capability and generous cargo space. Today, SUVs represent one of the fastest-growing and most popular segments in the automotive world, available in a wide variety of sizes and specifications.

The Pinnacle of Speed: 10 Fastest Cars in 2023

Since the dawn of time, humanity has been captivated by the allure of speed. From the earliest invention of the wheel to the thunderous roar of supersonic aircraft, the ability to move swiftly has held a magnetic fascination. Speed not only empowers us to achieve more in less time but also imparts a sense of superiority over those constrained to slower modes of transportation.

Blue Desert Skies

There’s a unique quality to the light in the desert, a particular clarity that feels both ancient and immediate. The landscape of the South Okanagan in British Columbia, often described as Canada's "pocket desert," is a place of stark, beautiful contrasts. It’s a world of sagebrush, rattlesnakes, and ponderosa pines standing against a sky of impossible blue.