What’s better than sending a postcard with your artwork? MarenaART loves creating cute watercolor postcards that are simple, fun, and perfect for any occasion.
In this guide, the artist demonstrates step by step how to paint birds, rabbits, butterflies, and even a funny little cat. Readers are invited to pick up their brushes and follow along—the process is easier and more enjoyable than they might think!
Contents
Preparing the Tools and Materials
Let’s get ready to paint some cute and simple watercolor postcards together. The artist walks the viewer through everything the artist uses so the viewer can follow along easily.
To start, the artist uses Etchr watercolor postcard paper. It’s 230gsm, 100% cotton, and cold-pressed. This paper holds water well and works great for these little projects.
For paints, the artist uses White Nights watercolors in the following shades:
- Yellow ochre
- Raw sienna
- Burnt sienna
- Burnt umber
- Sepia
- Azure
- Olive green
- Green
- Carmine
- A touch of turquoise green
For brushes, the artist sticks with two:
- Raphaël round brush, size 10
- Altenew detail round brush, size 3
The artist also uses a Micron ink pen, size 05, for outlining. It’s waterproof, which is crucial since the artist paints over the ink later.
Now that the materials are ready, let’s start sketching the first postcard!
Postcard 1: Two Cute Birds
Let’s start with the first postcard! The artist draws two adorable birds using just an ink pen and watercolor. The viewer can follow exactly or add their own twist—either way, it’ll be fun and straightforward.
Sketching and Inking the Birds
The artist begins directly with inking. If the viewer feels more comfortable sketching first, a pencil can be used, then traced over with an ink pen. But for the artist, the artist just wings it!
The artist draws the first bird with an egg-shaped body and big eyes. Perfection is not required—little mistakes can be fixed by adding wings, which blend nicely.
Next, the beak is made using a triangle shape, then a tail with teardrop shapes and some little hairs.
Now, for the second bird, the artist again starts with an egg shape. This time, the eyes are drawn inside the shape, still big and cute.
Two triangle shapes make the beak look open. The artist decides this bird is a girl, so eyelashes are added.
Again, teardrop shapes are used for her tail, swirls for feathers and top hairs, and simple wings are sketched. She also gets a simple leg.
To make both birds more fun, the artist thickens some ink lines in a few places. Additional details are added to the eyes, tails, and branch.
Quick note: The Micron pen is waterproof, so the artist inks before painting. If a pen isn’t waterproof, watercolor should be applied first, then ink added after drying.
Painting the Birds with Watercolor
The artist also uses yellow ochre for a light wash on the eyes.
- A little olive green
- Turquoise blue
- Some green
The artist also uses yellow ochre for a light wash on the eyes.
To soften the paint, the artist lifts some color with a slightly damp brush—not too wet. The artist always dabs the brush on a paper towel first.
For the second bird (the girl), the artist uses:
- Yellow ochre for the body
- Carmine, for the cheeks and tail
Her eyes get a bit of turquoise blue, and again, the artist uses a nearly dry brush to move the color softly.
Then, the artist returns to the first bird. Sepia is added to deepen the eyes and light carmine for the tail, blending the colors softly.
Next, the artist uses:
- A light wash of burnt umber and sepia for the branch
- Turquoise blue for a few paint splatters
- Carmine for more splashes and wing details
Adding Final Touches
The artist likes to finish the card with a short message. The viewer can write anything they like, depending on who the card is for. For this one, the artist writes: “Life is more fun with you.”
The artist draws a border around the card using sepia to finish it off. Borders give postcards a neat, finished look.
And that’s it! The first postcard is done and looking super cute.
Postcard 2: A Curious Rabbit
Time for the second card! This time, the artist paints a curious little rabbit, making him look like he’s peeking from behind something.
It doesn’t matter what that is—it’s all about the expression and fun.
Drawing the Rabbit
The artist begins with the paws first. Then, an oval shape is drawn for the head. Next come the mouth, nose, and eyes—just the shapes the artist prefers.
His ears are the star of the show—very big, oversized, and filled with extra details.
Whiskers are added. The viewer may sketch first with pencil and ink later, or ink immediately, like the artist.
After finishing the inking, it’s time to paint.
Painting the Rabbit
For watercolor, the artist uses:
- Rose sienna for the head, paws, and ears
- Then burnt sienna is added to:
- The cheeks
- The paws
- The ears
- A few spots on top of the head
More color is layered on the cheeks to make them pop.
Next, turquoise blue is used to paint whatever the rabbit is hiding behind. Even without defining it, the blue adds fun contrast.
Then, burnt sienna splatters are added.
Next steps:
- Azure and sepia for light touches to the base
- Sepia for shadows—around the eyes, nose, and ears
- Burnt sienna and sepia splatters
- A burnt sienna and sepia border around the edge
Final Details and Message
The artist picks a smaller detail brush to add fine lines and definition—enhancing certain parts of the rabbit.
Once everything is dry, the artist writes the message: “You are the best thing about you.”
Of course, the viewer may write any text that suits their card.
More texture and detail are added to the edge.
And that’s it—this little rabbit postcard is complete!
Postcard 3: Butterflies and Flowers
Now onto the third card—super simple and quick! Two butterflies and some tiny flowers.
Sketching the Design
The artist starts with a basic sketch. For each butterfly:
- A small oval shape for the body
- Then, wings shaped like a number 3
A few simple flowers are placed around them. Everything stays on the left side, leaving space on the right for the message.
A few extra lines embellish the loose, cute sketch.
Painting the Elements
Time for color! The artist uses:
- Rose sienna for the flowers (coloring loosely, not staying inside lines)
- Turquoise blue for the butterflies’ top wings
- Green for the grass
- Azure to enhance the butterfly wings
- Sepia for the bodies of the butterflies (if the paint is too damp, excess is removed with a paper towel)
One butterfly turns out dark, but still lovely. A few blue splatters are added.
Edges are finished with sepia.
Adding the Message
Once the paint is dry, the artist writes: “You place the ground under my feet.” That’s it—this card is done! Simple, sweet, and meaningful.
That’s all done for our third postcard!
Postcard 4: A Cute, Funny Little Cat
Let’s wrap up with something extra fun! For this last card, the artist paints a silly, adorable little cat.
Sketching the Cat
The artist begins with the basic shapes:
- A round head
- Two oversized eyes
- A tiny heart-shaped nose
- Small ears
- A triangle-shaped body
- Two front paws, back feet, and a big, fluffy tail
Once the sketch is done, the artist adds details to embellish it and bring the cat to life.
Adding the Watercolors
Now it’s time to paint! The artist uses:
- Raw sienna to start coloring the body
- Then the artist mixes turquoise blue with azure and drops that in while the yellow is still wet—this gives a beautiful blend
- The artist also adds more blue to the cat’s head
- The artist paints the tail with turquoise, then layers burnt sienna on the ears, paws, body, and tail using a small brush
- The artist also highlights the eyes for more expression
The artist blends a touch of blue and brown for the ground.
And turquoise splatters are added all around.
Finally, the artist paints in the borders.
Don’t forget to add the text.
The result? A super cute, quirky little cat postcard that’s full of charm!
Wrapping Up
Now that the viewer has seen how simple and fun it is to create watercolor postcards, why not try making some?
These cute designs are perfect for sharing with friends or brightening someone’s day.
The artist hopes this step-by-step guide inspires the viewer to explore their creativity and enjoy the relaxing process of painting little works of art.
Keep practicing and have fun!