How to Paint Watercolor Macarons
Practice light washes and small shadows with a stack of colorful macarons.
What You Need
- Watercolor paints: Your choice of pastel colors, plus a darker mix for shadows.
- Watercolor paper and a brush with a fine tip.
- A palette or mixing tray, clean water, a water container and a cloth or paper towel.
- Optional: a pencil for a light outline.
Use the supplies you already have. If you are starting from scratch, the kit below brings paints, paper and brushes together.
Step 1: Choose a small palette
Pick two or three colors for the macaron shells. Mix a pale wash of each on your palette and test it on a scrap of watercolor paper.
You can follow the colors in the reference or use your own combination. Keep a slightly stronger mix ready for the shadows.
Step 2: Paint the light base washes
Fill the macaron shapes with a light layer of color. Leave small areas of white paper where you want the light to catch the shells.
Let these washes dry before adding sharp shadows between the macarons.
Step 3: Build the shadows
Use a stronger version of your base color to deepen the gaps between the macarons and the underside of each shell.
Keep the dark marks small so the pale washes still show through.
Step 4: Finish with small details
Use the tip of your brush to add short marks along the textured edges and filling. The reference adds warm orange-yellow accents and touches of gray.
Stop while the details still feel light. A few marks can suggest the texture without outlining every edge.
Watch the Tutorial
Follow the demonstration, then pause between steps to paint at your own pace.
A Small Tip Before You Paint Again
Keep the first wash light. You can deepen a shadow later, but a pale highlight is easier to keep than to recover.
For help with soft edges and blending, read our wet-on-wet watercolor guide.
Make Room for Your Next Painting
Keep a page and a few colors close by. If you need paints, paper and brushes for your next study, take a look at the STUDIO Beginner Kit.
See the Kit and What’s Included
