If you’ve ever wanted to create a colorful piece of art, a DIY abstract watercolor painting is the perfect project to try! It’s simple, fun, and you don’t need any fancy materials to get started. Today, I’ll walk you through the easy steps to make your own stunning DIY artwork.

Step 1:
Start by printing out a digital design you love. (Psst… I’m currently offering a 99-cent sale on my Etsy store, and I also create custom prints!) For this DIY abstract watercolor painting, I used two of my favorite quotes: “Be The Reason” and “Good Things Take Time.”
Step 2:
Take a Ziploc bag and place it directly over your printed image. Now, let your creativity flow — doodle, scribble, and add color all over the bag with your favorite markers. This is where you can have the most fun and make your DIY abstract watercolor painting truly one-of-a-kind.
Step 3:
Here’s where you’ll want to be a little careful. Lightly spray the bag with either water or rubbing alcohol — just enough to wet the colors. (Tip: The first time I tried this, I sprayed too much and things got a little messy!)
Step 4:
Quickly flip the wet bag onto your printed design. Gently rub your hands over the bag to spread the colors onto the paper, ensuring the entire image is covered. This step is where the magic happens and your DIY abstract watercolor painting starts to come to life!
Step 5:
Slowly peel away the bag to reveal your finished masterpiece! You’ll see a gorgeous watercolor effect that looks both artsy and effortless.

Here’s a look at my first attempt — I used a little too much water, but I learned and adjusted the second time around. I also plan to experiment with another method I saw: painting water directly onto the paper before transferring the marker colors without spraying. I’ll be sure to update you once I try it!
Bonus:
Have a quote idea you’d love to see in a digital print? Drop it in the comments! If I choose yours, you’ll receive a free custom design.
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