How to Get Your Creativity Flowing with Watercolor and Sharpie Art

Looking for a simple, relaxing way to spark your creativity? At The Artists Playground, we love sharing techniques that help anyone—no matter their skill level—tap into their creative side. One of our favorite creative exercises is working with watercolors and sharpies. It’s fun, it’s easy, and best of all, you can’t do it wrong.

A Simple Art Exercise That Inspires Imagination

This technique is a fantastic way to unlock creative thinking without pressure. Using light watercolor washes and a bold marker like a Sharpie, you can create imaginative shapes and characters that are both personal and expressive. This particular method was inspired by the creative characters from the amazing Carla Sonheim, whose playful art style encourages freedom and fun. You can even turn them into cards, gifts, or keep them as inspiration for future projects.

Step-by-Step Watercolor Inspiration

Here’s how to get started:

• Begin with small sheets of paper—5x7 or 6x9 work well.

• Use watercolors no darker than a 1.5 value to build a soft background.

• Save deeper values (2 and up) for the final accents.

• Once dry, go in with a marker to add details, outlines, or create fun shapes.

This is actually the method I used to begin developing the whimsical creatures I now create (as of June 2025). Adding crowns to some of them has really helped bring the pieces to life!

Why This Creative Process Works

This creative art activity not only gets your creative juices flowing, it also:

• Encourages imaginative thinking

• Offers stress relief through a meditative process

• Leaves you with something you can share or gift

And the best part? There are no mistakes. Just have fun with it.

Sign Up for Adult Art Classes in Newburyport

If you’re looking for more ways to explore your creativity, check out the art classes we offer in Newburyport, MA. At The Artists Playground, we welcome artists of all levels to learn, play, and express themselves in new and exciting ways.

Thanks to Wendy True for designing this creative exercise poster for us in 2014—her contribution continues to inspire our community!