Deck the Halls with Watercolour - Five Festive Painting Ideas for the Holidays

Tis the season to deck the halls with watercolour magic! So let’s look at some festive painting ideas that will add a touch of holiday spirit to your artwork. Whether you're creating Christmas cards or festive decorations, these tips will help you infuse your paintings with the joy and warmth of the season.

1. Festive Colour Palette

Start by selecting a vibrant and festive colour palette for your holiday-themed paintings. Reds, greens, golds, and whites are classic choices that evoke the spirit of Christmas. Experiment with different shades and combinations to find the perfect palette for your festive creations.

2. Whimsical Holiday Ornaments

A realistic green vintage Christmas ornament made of glass.

Check out my Instagram @sophneu to see a quick tutorial of this ornament.

Painting holiday ornaments allows for creativity and personalization. Experiment with various shapes, patterns, and sizes. Metallic accents like gold and silver can add a touch of elegance to your ornaments. Maybe you even want to create a series of ornament paintings that can be displayed as a set or given as unique holiday gifts?

3. Joyful Wreaths and Garlands

Wreaths and garlands are timeless symbols of holiday cheer - and also one of the most popular watercolour painting subjects, regardless of the season. Dive into painting lush, green wreaths adorned with festive ribbons and ornaments. Experiment with different foliage shapes and textures to create a dynamic and visually appealing composition.

4. Cozy Fireplace Scenes

Capture the warmth and coziness of the holiday season by painting fireplace scenes. Use warm tones to depict crackling flames and soft glows. Add stockings, candles, and holiday decorations to infuse a sense of nostalgia and comfort into your artwork.

5. Festive Animal Friends

Introduce adorable holiday animal characters into your paintings. Consider painting festive animals like reindeer, snowmen, or even a whimsical holiday owl. These charming additions can bring a playful and heartwarming touch to your holiday-themed artwork.


Whether you're creating holiday cards, decorations, or personal artworks, infuse each piece with the joy and magic of the season. Wishing you a festive and art-filled holiday season!

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