Tutorial - Birthday Card

This tutorial explores simple watercolour techniques to create soft, layered circular forms inspired by balloons. It focuses on colour blending, transparency, and composition to produce a calm, finished artwork that can be completed in a short creative session after work.

You will need:

• Watercolour paints (any basic set)

• Watercolour paper (or thick paper/card that can handle water)

• Paintbrush (medium or large)

• Cup of water

• Paper towel or cloth

• Pencil (optional, for light guide circles)

Step-by-step process:

Step 1: Prepare your page

Lightly sketch a few overlapping circles using a pencil, or work freehand if you prefer a more organic result.

Step 2: Mix your colours

Choose 2–4 colours from your palette. Add water to create different intensities — some light and transparent, others more saturated.

Step 3: Paint your first layer

Begin painting circular shapes, allowing edges to stay soft and slightly uneven. Don’t worry about perfect circles — focus on flow.

Step 4: Build layers

Once the first layer is slightly dry, add more circles on top. Let colours overlap naturally to create depth and variation.

Step 5: Add final details

Use darker tones or stronger pigment in small areas to create contrast and definition. Let some shapes bleed into each other for a softer effect.

Top tips:

• Don’t overwork each shape — let water do some of the work

• Layer gradually rather than rushing

• Use more water for softer, atmospheric effects

• Keep shapes simple to avoid overcomplication

• Embrace slight imperfections in edges and blending