Watercolor Relaxing Doodles

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Today, I want to share one of the simplest watercolor exercises I always come back to, and one of the most satisfying too.

Just one brush. One color. We are going to doodle with repeating lines and shapes that slowly come together, layer by layer.

I start by using masking tape to divide my page into six tiny squares, each one is about 5 by 5 centimeters. Since this exercise uses a lot of layering, working across several squares helps me stay in the flow. Instead of waiting around for paint to dry, I can just move on to the next one.

For the first layer, I’m simply covering each square with a very light wash of blue, just a soft base to build on later. It’s almost invisible now, but it quietly sets the border. You’ll see it once we peel off the masking tape at the end.

Now it’s time to define the pattern in each little square. I simply add a bit more paint into the water to get a slightly darker tone.

Let’s start with just a simple line, like gentle waves. And softly fill up the rest of the space with color. That’s it, the first layer is done. Let’s move to the next square.

To stay in the flow, I like to finish this light layer on all six squares before moving on.

Once everything is completely dry, we’ll come back and repeat the same process. Adding a new layer to deepen the patterns.

The patterns might not be so visible yet , but you’ll see how this simple process slowly transforms them into something a little bit magical. So stay with me till the end… and let me know which one turns out to be your favorite!

I’m choosing more curved lines and shapes to keep everything looking soft and smooth.

But you can definitely try more angled patterns too, like triangles or sharp lines. I guess that would give it more of a sci-fi or digital kind of feel!

For the next steps, I just add a little more paint to deepen the color each time — and repeat the same process to build up the patterns.

We just need to make sure the previous layer is completely dry before we start the next one. That way, each layer stays crisp and clear, and you avoid unwanted blending.

It’s totally normal that everything looks a bit abstract and pale at first. Just trust the process. Each layer will slowly bring more depth and clarity.

Now you can start to see the shapes showing through. It’s always satisfying when things begin to come together like this. There’s something really soothing about repeating the same pattern over and over… 

When I first tried this exercise, I was so focused on getting the shapes right that I forgot to breathe. Now, I try to match my movement with my breathing.

This kind of painting is such a good way to check in with yourself. Sometimes I paint a little slower on purpose, just to give myself time to feel in between each stroke.

Every time I do this, the result is a little different. I love how even with just one color, there’s still so much variety. It’s such a quiet process, but it’s never boring.

Every brushstroke adds something new. Each square has its own little mood. I like that.

Your lines don’t have to match mine. Let your brush wander, even a little. You can paint dots, lines, waves or circles, whatever you feel like. It’s a moment to pause, so try not to overthink it.

You can see how the new shape starts to blend and spread into the previous layer. But that’s okay, it creates a softer look.

If you want to bring the border back, just use a clean, dry brush to gently lift the paint.

It’s a nice little trick to bring those crisp edges back

Now I’ll paint the last layer.

To make the color more intense, I’m removing some water from my plate and adding more paint to the mix.

This is the darkest layer, the one that anchors everything down. It creates the final contrast… and somehow, it also brings in the light.

Now for my favorite part: peeling off the tape. It’s always so satisfying to see the clean borders appear. 

But… a little accident may happen…that’s okay, we can still enjoy this moment! I tried to rescue the torn part with water… but it didn’t really work. Let’s just leave it.

Here’s how the full page turned out! Six tiny paintings, all with just one brush and one color. 

My favorite one might be this mountain-like shape in the middle… It kind of reminds me of a sand dune… or maybe an ice cream?

Watercolor in tiny format can be really simple… and so soothing. I hope this little painting moment brought you some calm and maybe inspired you to create your own.

If you want to explore watercolor in a simple and playful way like I do, check out my online miniature watercolor course for beginners.