How to paint a cat in watercolor for beginners

If you’ve ever wanted to paint a cat using watercolors but didn’t know where to start, you’re in the right place! 

Watercolor painting is a fantastic way to capture the charm and personality of cats, whether you’re a total beginner or have some experience. In this guide, we’ve put together a collection of 10 super helpful YouTube tutorials that will show you different ways to paint cats.

From easy, step-by-step lessons to quick and fun methods, these videos will help you learn the basics, experiment with different styles, and most importantly, have fun with your painting. So grab your brushes and let’s start creating some adorable watercolor cats!

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. 

How to paint a cat in watercolor for beginners 1
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  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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 flowers. But if you are just a beginner you can get smaller colors range Winsor & Newton Cotman 24 Whole Pans Set. 
  4. Pencil: Best to use H, or 2H, making sure you do not have any bright lines. I love this set from Staedtler Mars. 
  5. Water jug: This can be anything, even an old cup or a jar from pickles. 
  6. Tissue paper: Grab your kitchen roll. 
  7. 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. 

1: Easiest Cat Watercolor Painting Tutorial

This tutorial provides a simple and easy-to-follow approach for beginners to create a beautiful watercolor cat. It covers basic techniques, making it perfect for those just starting out.

2: Paint a Cat in 4 Easy Steps

Discover how to paint a realistic cat in just four steps with this straightforward tutorial. Ideal for beginners and intermediate artists, it simplifies the painting process into manageable stages.

3: How to Paint Fur in Watercolor

This video focuses on the details of painting realistic cat fur, teaching techniques to create the texture and depth that make your watercolor cat look lifelike.

4: Wet on Wet Watercolor Cat Tutorial

Learn how to use the wet-on-wet technique to create a soft, dreamy effect in your cat paintings. This tutorial is perfect for experimenting with the fluidity and blending of watercolors

5: Fun and Easy Way to Paint a Cat

This tutorial offers a playful approach to painting cats, encouraging creativity and fun. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy the process and explore different styles.

6: Easy Loose Watercolor Cat Tutorial

This video guides you through painting a loose, impressionistic cat using quick, expressive brush strokes. It’s ideal for artists who enjoy a more relaxed and spontaneous painting style.

7: Gorgeous Black Cat Watercolor Tutorial

Focused on painting a stunning black cat, this tutorial provides tips for capturing the rich, deep colors and highlights that make a black cat’s fur stand out.

8: 5 Minute Watercolor Easy Cat Tutorial

Perfect for those short on time, this quick tutorial shows you how to paint a simple and effective cat in just five minutes, using easy techniques and minimal materials.

9: Paint 3 Different Cats in Watercolor

Explore variety with this tutorial that teaches you how to paint three distinct cat styles. It’s a great way to learn different approaches and broaden your watercolor skills.

10: Simple Watercolor Blob Cats Tutorial

This fun and lighthearted tutorial demonstrates how to create adorable cat figures using basic blobs of watercolor. It’s a relaxing and entertaining project for all skill levels.

Painting cats in watercolor is not only a great way to improve your artistic skills but also a fun and relaxing hobby. With the variety of tutorials we’ve shared, you have plenty of inspiration and techniques to try out.

Whether you’re aiming for a realistic look, experimenting with textures, or going for a more playful and abstract style, there’s something here for everyone. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and let your creativity shine. So keep practicing, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and soon you’ll be painting beautiful watercolor cats with confidence!