Tutorial: Northern Lights in Watercolor

Learn how to preserve or create white in this this northern lights watercolor tutorial featuring cute polar bears! I've sketched them out already for you if you'd like to print it at home. See link below!

Though the sound quality isn't great, this full-length lesson is still simple and flexible. Follow along slowly, pause as often as you'd like, or move through it at a quicker pace by speeding up the video if you prefer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH6Dlqm5oXI

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Materials

• round watercolor brush

• second brush or pencil to tap for spatter painting

• white artists tape

• pipette water dropper (optional, but you can get them here)

• price tag circle stickers or other small round sticker

• white acrylic paint

• white gel pen (Signo, Gelly Roll, InkJoy)

• white paper towel

• 5x7in watercolor paper 140lb cold press with inkjet printed sketch (download below)

• paint

  • opera pink

  • viridian green

  • Paynes grey (can substitute any dark blue mixed with a touch of black)

You can download and print the sketch directly onto watercolor paper using an inkjet printer. Let the ink fully dry before you begin painting.

If you’re in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or Washington, DC and want more personalized instruction, I also offer private watercolor lessons in person at your home, a local park, or a cozy coffee shop. (these make a great gift!) You can also find my classes at Maryland Hall. Group events are available too. Check out those here.

Grab your paints and enjoy learning how to paint northern lights in watercolor.