Have you ever wondered if you truly need strong drawing skills to succeed in watercolour painting?

It’s a common question among aspiring artists, especially those who feel held back by their drawing abilities. Maybe you’re afraid to start because your sketches don’t turn out as planned, or perhaps you’ve been frustrated when your painting doesn’t capture the essence of what you intended.

The truth is, while drawing can be an important foundation, it’s not the only path to creating beautiful watercolour art.

In this post, we’ll explore how to overcome these common fears and find joy in painting—whether or not you consider yourself a skilled sketcher.

The Common Struggles of Beginner Watercolour Painters

What is it that makes you hesitate before starting a new painting?

For many, it’s the fear of that blank canvas, staring back at you with all its potential—and all its pressure. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, worrying that your drawing skills might not be “good enough” to start a painting. This is especially true if you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “If I can’t draw it, how can I hope to paint it?”

The frustration doesn’t stop there. Perhaps you’ve experienced the disappointment when your painting doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned. Maybe the lines aren’t as clean, the proportions are off, or the overall composition just doesn’t seem to work. These struggles can lead to a lot of self-doubt, making you question whether you’re cut out for watercolour painting at all.

But here’s the thing: you’re not alone in these feelings. Many artists, even those with years of experience, have faced the same challenges. The good news is that there are ways to move past these hurdles, and you don’t have to be a master sketcher to do it.

Embracing Imperfection in Watercolour Painting

One of the first steps in overcoming the fear of not being “good enough” is to embrace imperfection. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that your work needs to be flawless, but that’s not what art is about. Even the most celebrated artists made mistakes— we all remember Bob Ross and his famous “happy little accidents.” These moments of imperfection can actually become the most beautiful and unique aspects of your work.

When it comes to watercolour, less can often be more. You don’t need to draw every detail of your subject to create a compelling painting. Sometimes, the suggestion of a shape or form is enough to convey the essence of what you’re trying to depict. This is where embracing imperfection can actually work in your favor. Allowing your drawing to be loose and expressive can add a sense of movement and life to your painting that a more rigid, detailed approach might miss.

Instead of focusing on getting everything “right,” try to enjoy the process of creating.

Let your mistakes guide you to new ideas and possibilities. You might be surprised at how a stray brushstroke or an unexpected colour blend can lead to something truly special.

Build Your Drawing Skills for Watercolour Painting

So, do you need to be a skilled at drawing to succeed in watercolour painting?

The short answer is no, but having a basic understanding of drawing can certainly help. The good news is that drawing is a skill that can be learned and improved over time. It’s not about natural talent; it’s about practice, patience, and finding the techniques that work for you.

For those who feel intimidated by drawing, there are many ways to simplify the process. For example, using reference photos or even tracing can be a great way to build confidence. Some might worry that tracing is “cheating,” but the truth is, many professional artists use these methods to lay a foundation for their work.

I hear that a lot from my students so I wrote a separate post all about it.

Click here if you’ve ever felt bad about tracing to start your watercolour painting👈

Tracing can help you get a feel for proportions and shapes without the pressure of starting from scratch. And over time, as you practice and become more comfortable, you may find yourself relying less on these aids.

If you want to go beyond tracing and develop some drawing skills of your own I can help! There are 12 simple techniques that I use to make drawing more approachable. I share them ALL in my course, Drawing for Watercolour Painters.

These techniques are designed to break down the process into manageable steps, so you can build your skills at your own pace. Whether you’re using a pencil, a brush, or both, the key is to practice regularly and be patient with yourself. Before you know it, you’ll be able to sketch out your ideas with confidence and ease.

Expressive Techniques in Watercolour

One of the wonderful things about watercolour is that it’s a medium that thrives on expression and spontaneity. Drawing and painting aren’t separate skills; they’re part of the same creative process. Once you’ve sketched out your idea, the fun begins—adding color, texture, and emotion to bring your vision to life.

In watercolour, it’s not just about replicating what you see; it’s about interpreting it.

This is where you can let loose with expressive techniques.

Play with color to evoke a mood, or use bold, sweeping brushstrokes to create movement and energy. Watercolour’s fluid nature allows you to experiment with blending, layering, and mixing colors in ways that can surprise and delight you.

By integrating drawing and painting, you can create a seamless flow from concept to final piece. The key is to remember that your drawing doesn’t have to be perfect before you start painting. Instead, think of it as a guide—a starting point that will evolve as you add layers of colour and texture.

Finding Joy in the Drawing and Painting Process

At the heart of all art, whether it’s drawing, painting, or something else entirely, is the joy of creation. It’s easy to get caught up in the end result, but the process itself can be incredibly rewarding. When you approach your art with a sense of mindfulness, staying present in each moment, you can find a deep sense of satisfaction in your work.

Celebrate the small victories—whether it’s mastering a new technique, completing a painting that makes you smile, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon spent creating. Each of these moments is a step forward in your artistic journey, and they all contribute to your growth as an artist.

Remember, every artist is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to approach your art. The techniques that resonate with you might be different from those that work for someone else, and that’s perfectly okay. The important thing is to find what brings you joy and to build on that. Over time, you’ll develop your own style and approach, and your confidence will grow.

Building Confidence in Your Drawing Ability

Confidence doesn’t come from being perfect; it comes from experience. The more you create, the more you learn about your own strengths, preferences, and style. And with each piece you complete, you’ll gain a little more confidence in your abilities.

One of the best ways to build this confidence is to actually apply the techniques you’re learning. Watching tutorials or reading about drawing and painting is a great start, but it’s in the doing that the real magic happens.

In Drawing for Watercolour Painters, we don’t just learn techniques in isolation. We put them into practice by creating real drawings and turning them into finished paintings. This hands-on approach helps you internalise what you’ve learned and see tangible results.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing your idea come to life—from a simple sketch to a complete painting.

And the best part?

You don’t have to trace or copy someone else’s work to get there.

With practice, you’ll find that you’re able to draw and paint with confidence, creating art that’s uniquely your own.

So, do you need drawing skills for watercolour painting?

While it can certainly help, it’s not a strict requirement.

What’s most important is your willingness to learn, experiment, and find joy in the creative process. If you’re ready to start this journey, come and join us in Drawing for Watercolour Painters. 🤗

You’ll not only learn valuable skills but also gain the confidence to express yourself freely in your art.