paint a winter snow scene in watercolour

December already… yikes! But that also means it’s officially acceptable to bring a little winter magic into the studio. For this week’s watercolour tutorial, we’re painting our very first snow scene of the season – and it’s such a lovely one to start with.

Even though this landscape is completely imaginary (straight from my head), it’s full of beautiful techniques that work for all skill levels. Think: soft misty backgrounds in late-autumn colours, stylised trees, and an icy road or stream with delicate reflections. It’s almost abstract, which gives you plenty of freedom to play.

Beginner-friendly tutorial...

This snow scene is simple enough for beginners and perfect if you’re just dusting off your brushes after a break. There’s no complicated drawing required, and the painting relies on gentle washes, soft edges, and simple shapes.

If you’re a more experienced painter, this is a great jumping-off point. You can take the idea much further: add richer textures, more intricate branches, or build depth in the background trees to make the landscape your own.

What we’ll explore

In this winter watercolour lesson, you’ll learn how to:

• Create a misty, atmospheric background using soft wet-in-wet washes
• Use warm and cool colours together to suggest late-autumn light
• Paint simple, stylised tree shapes that still feel natural
• Add reflections to an icy road or stream without overworking them
• Keep the scene loose, fresh, and slightly abstract

These skills are wonderful to revisit as you shift into winter painting mode. And they also build confidence if you’re new to watercolour or returning after a break.

A perfect idea for handmade christmas cards

If you're still sorting out your Christmas cards, this little winter scene makes a beautiful one. Its simplicity means you can paint it quickly, but it still has that magical, snowy atmosphere that feels festive without being overly decorative.

Ready to paint?

I hope you enjoy this week’s winter watercolour tutorial as much as I enjoyed creating it. There’s something so calming about painting snow scenes – the soft colours, gentle shapes, and quiet atmosphere are such a peaceful way to start the season.

Let’s dive in and bring a little winter to the studio. Full video tutorial on Patreon and Renee's Studio this week.