There’s something deeply calming about miniature watercolor landscapes. These tiny windows into the natural world can evoke serenity, wonder, and even nostalgia—especially when they’re painted with soft washes, gentle strokes, and intention.
Few artists capture this magic as poetically as Ondine de Peretti. Known for her minimalist, emotion-rich style, Ondine’s watercolors speak in quiet gestures, inspired by the landscapes of France and fueled by the beauty of color itself.
If you’re looking to start your own collection of mini landscape paintings—whether for daily practice, handmade cards, or meditative sketchbook moments—here are 45+ inspiring ideas to spark your creativity, many influenced by Ondine’s thoughtful approach.
🎨 Meet the Artist: Ondine de Peretti
“My name is Ondine de Peretti and I’m a watercolourist.
I paint minimalist landscapes, putting gesture and colour at the heart of my creations.”
Living and painting in France, Ondine finds endless inspiration in her surroundings—from calm coastlines and sweeping fields to misty mountains. Her watercolors are a study in simplicity: she begins with refined compositions, uses a limited but striking color palette, and works with bold, confident brushstrokes to give her pieces life and atmosphere.
Ondine’s work doesn’t aim to replicate nature exactly—it captures a feeling. A quiet moment. A memory. An emotion. And through her masterful use of color and minimalism, her art creates space for the viewer to breathe and feel.
Lets gather our supplies:
You don’t need a lot to get started, just always it is better to be prepared. These are my honest recommendations that I love and use.
- Watercolor brushes: get a medium brush (size 5 or 8),small size(1,2,4), and a flat brush. They will be used to create different effects when painting. Sable brushes are the best, if you want to create a professional looking piece of art.
- Watercolor paper: Paper will make a big difference in the outcome. It doesnt matter if you want hot or cold pressed paper. I recommend Strathmore or Winsor & Newton for beginners, but if you want to splurge then Arches paper is the best.
- Best Watercolor Paints:The ones that I use and love is the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set. They have so many colors to pick from, perfect for landscapes. But if you are just a beginner you can get smaller colors range Winsor & Newton Cotman 24 Whole Pans Set.
- Pencil: Best to use H, or 2H, making sure you do not have any bright lines. I love this set from Staedtler Mars. Water jug: This can be anything, even an old cup or a jar from pickles.
- Tissue paper: Grab your kitchen roll.
- Eraser: Make sure that it is white and does not leave any marks. I use either normal one or a kneaded eraser to just get a lighter shade of the piece.
45+ Painting Ideas:
✏️ Tips for Painting Mini Landscapes
- Start with small paper: Use squares or rectangles around 2×2” or 3×4”. The limited size keeps it playful and manageable.
- Use a limited palette: Like Ondine, choose just a few colors and focus on how they interact—let them tell the story.
- Focus on mood, not detail: Mini paintings don’t need realism—they need feeling. A few confident strokes can evoke more than a detailed sketch.
- Let your brush speak: Gesture, movement, and flow are everything. Trust your hand.
- Work in a series: Try painting the same scene under different lights or seasons—it’s a wonderful way to grow.
Let Atmosphere Lead the Way
Mini landscape painting is an invitation to slow down, observe, and feel. Whether you’re inspired by the fog of a forest, the calm of a coast, or the quiet rhythm of the countryside, let your brush express what words can’t.
And if you’re looking for a gentle, authentic guide into this world—let Ondine de Peretti lead you.
🖌️ Class: Take her online watercolor course »
📘 Book: Get Tout peindre à l’aquarelle »
📺 YouTube: Watch tutorials »
🌐 Website: ondinedeperetti.com
📸 Instagram: @ondinedeperetti