A step-by-step Tuscan sketchbook scene in loose watercolour

Last month I spent a week teaching a small group in Tuscany, and the landscape was nothing short of magical. Autumn had arrived in full colour—the brightest ochres, russets, and deep greens I’ve ever seen—and the light swung between soft, golden sunshine and a hazy glow drifting from cosy fires, sometimes with storm clouds rolling in behind the hills. For a watercolour artist, it was a dream.

The region is endlessly inspiring and incredibly sketchable. We had five full days dedicated to painting, and although that sounds like a long time, the hours absolutely flew past. Sketchbooks filled quickly, and I came home with a long list of scenes I still want to paint. Today’s step-by-step lesson is one of those: the view from our bedroom window.

Why this Tuscan scene makes the perfect sketchbook study

I’ve chosen to work on this as a loose sketch rather than a polished studio painting—the same approach I’d use if I were painting on location. This style has energy, movement, and just enough detail to tell the story without overworking anything.

Even though it’s “just a sketch,” there’s a lot to explore:

• Capturing warm autumn light
• Painting different types of trees and bushes
• Suggesting distant hills with soft transitions
• Using simple marks to convey the foreground textures
• Adding character to the old stone building

It’s a compact scene packed with teaching opportunities, perfect for learning how to simplify a landscape while keeping it atmospheric and lively.

What you’ll learn in this step-by-step lesson

Throughout this lesson, I guide you through:

• How to create depth using warm and cool shifts in the hills
• Tips for painting loose foliage without getting lost in detail
• How to vary your brushwork and colours to describe different kinds of trees
• How to suggest stone texture quickly with minimal marks
• Where to place your strongest contrasts to keep the sketch readable
• How to keep your colours fresh and glowing—even in quick work

The goal is to show you how much character and beauty you can capture in a simple, fast watercolour sketch.

If you enjoy loose, expressive landscapes or want to build confidence painting quickly outdoors, you’ll love this step-by-step project.

Find the full step-by-step on Patreon or Renee's Studio.