Have you tried painting hens using only watercolor, without drawing a single line? In her tutorial on Prema Watercolor, Prema shares a simple way to paint hens using a loose watercolor technique. No sketching, no stress—just pure fun.
She even adds a clever trick to bring texture and life to the feathers. Let’s explore her step-by-step process and learn this easy watercolor hen painting together.
Contents
Materials You’ll Need
Before painting, Prema sets a friendly and calm pace. She reminds beginners that watercolor can be spontaneous and fun.
She doesn’t begin with a pencil sketch. Instead, she goes straight to painting. This approach makes the process relaxed and natural. The loose painting technique lets the brush move freely, helping beginners gain confidence without worrying about outlines.
Prema keeps her tools simple. Here’s what she uses:
- Watercolor paper
- Brushes
- Pigments: Burnt Umber, Indigo, Vermilion Hue, Permanent Orange
- Table salt
- Clean water and tissue
She explains that warm and cool tones, like Burnt Umber and Indigo, create harmony and depth in her hens.
Step 1: Painting the First Hen
Prema begins her first hen with confidence and simplicity. She starts by painting a D-shaped body using Burnt Umber. This shape acts as the base of the hen.
She then makes two small projections: one near the head and another near the thighs. These simple strokes define the bird’s form.
While the body is still wet, Prema uses Indigo to paint the tail. She adds more Indigo near the belly and head area, giving the bird natural shadows.
Then, she paints a small projection for the head.
Next comes her special trick. She sprinkles table salt on the wet Burnt Umber area. The salt absorbs the pigment and forms lovely feather-like textures.
Then, she paints:
- The beak with Burnt Umber
- The comb and waddles with Vermilion Hue
- The legs and claws with Burnt Umber
The hen begins to look lively and full of character.
Step 2: Painting the Second Hen
After completing the first hen, Prema moves smoothly to the next one. She keeps the same method but changes the angle for variety.
The D shape for the second hen tilts slightly to the right. This small change makes the posture look different. She again adds tiny projections for the head and thighs, keeping her brush loose and confident.
For the tail, she mixes Indigo with Vermilion Hue. This blend creates a deep, rich tone. She paints the tail with smooth strokes and adds a small head projection using Burnt Umber.
Prema continues with the details:
- Beak, shank, and claws with Burnt Umber
- Comb and waddles with Vermilion Hue
- While the body is still wet, she sprinkles salt again to repeat the lovely texture. The slight tilt of the hen makes the painting dynamic and full of movement.
Step 3: Painting the Third Hen
Prema keeps the same joyful rhythm as she starts the third hen. She forms another D shape, this time at a slightly different angle.
A small projection at the top becomes the head. She adds a tail using Indigo and paints the thighs with the same color. Then, she uses Burnt Umber for the shank, claws, and beak.
To complete it, she adds the comb and waddles with Vermilion Hue. When the body is still wet, she sprinkles salt again.
The three hens now form a lovely group.
Step 4: Adding Shadows and Small Details
To make the painting look complete, Prema adds finishing touches. She paints the shadows beneath the hens using Indigo.
She starts with a dark value and gently moves toward a lighter tone. This method keeps the effect soft and natural. Don’t forget to add the eyes.
Prema decides to make the scene even more charming by adding a few chicks. She uses a light value of Burnt Umber for their small bodies. Then, with Permanent Orange, she paints their beaks and feet.
Finally, she adds tiny shadows under the chicks using a light Indigo wash. These extra details make the painting warmer and more playful.
The Bottom Line
Isn’t it amazing how simple shapes and a sprinkle of salt can create such life-like hens? Prema’s loose watercolor style shows that painting doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful.
So grab your brush, mix your colors, and let your creativity flow. Try painting your own hens today, and see how this easy trick transforms your watercolor art.