10 Simple Art Techniques Everyone Can Do (Even If You’re Just Starting!)

If you've ever stared at a blank page and wondered, “Where do I start?” —this blog is for you.

You don’t need to be an expert to make beautiful art. Whether you’re picking up an alcohol marker for the first time or returning to a watercoloring project after a long break, these 10 simple art techniques are perfect for beginners who want to explore, relax, and make something they’re proud of.

And here’s a secret: you only need a few tools. With alcohol markers, pencils, and watercolors, you can achieve rich, vivid effects, smooth blends, and expressive designs—even with zero formal training. 

Discover Color Blending with Alcohol Markers

10 Simple Art Techniques Everyone Can Do!

Art doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating. Whether you're coloring to relax or trying new techniques with alcohol markers, here are 10 simple art ideas that anyone can enjoy—no advanced skills required.

These tips are especially perfect if you're exploring the world of alcohol marker art. From blending to doodling, these will help you build confidence and discover what makes your art style unique.

1. Simple Blending with Two Colors

Start by picking two shades in the same color family. Apply the lighter color first, then layer the darker one where you want shadows. Use the lighter alcohol marker again to blend the transition. It's a foolproof way to add depth to drawings or stamped images.

2. Gradient Backgrounds

Create a smooth ombré effect by layering three or more shades in horizontal or vertical strokes. Blend between each layer for a soft transition. It’s a great backdrop for quotes, florals, or minimalist line art. While this would look amazing as a DIY alcohol marker art, you can also do this with watercolors.

How to do gradient backgrounds:

• Choose three alcohol markers from the same color family. Not tooting our own horn, but Altenew’s Artist Alcohol Markers have made this easier for you! All our marker sets come in four shades from the same color family. 
• Create horizontal stripes, fading the pressure as you go.
• Use a blender for an extra-smooth finish.

3. Dot Shading (Pointillism)

Instead of filling areas with solid color, use small dots to build up value. The closer the dots, the darker the area. This technique adds texture and can turn even a simple flower sketch into a detailed masterpiece. You can use literally ANY medium for this art technique - pencils, alcohol markers, or watercolor brush pens!

How to do dot shading:

• Use a light hand to apply dots where you'd normally shade.
• Cluster the dots closer for darker areas and space them out for lighter ones.
• Try this on flowers, faces, or abstract shapes—it’s surprisingly addictive.

4. Outline and Swipe

Draw or stamp a simple outline, then swipe broad strokes of color across it using your brush tip. This loose technique adds energy and color without needing precise details so it’s perfect for abstract or expressive art styles.

5. Pencil Shading

This fun and simple art technique doesn’t require much experience or tools! You can do some sketches or stamp an outline image (a floral image works well, but feel free to choose other images) and start coloring with a pencil. 

Tip: To increase the intensity of the shading, just press the pencil a bit hard on paper. To add light shading, work with a very light hand

6. Wet-on-Wet Watercolor

Wet your paper with clean water, then drop in watercolor paint and watch it spread like magic. The colors blend beautifully on their own, creating dreamy, organic effects with zero pressure to stay inside the lines. The best thing about this simple art technique is that you can literally go with the flow. Let the watercolor do its thing! 

8 Best Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners to Try

7. Colored Pencil Layering

Start light and build up layers gradually. Layering different colors—like yellow and blue to create green—can help you understand color mixing while improving control. Use a white pencil or blending tool to smooth it out for a polished finish.

8. Gouache Blocking

Gouache (an opaque paint) is great for flat color areas. Try blocking out simple shapes—circles, flowers, clouds—using bright colors and bold lines. Think children’s book illustrations or playful modern art! In the sample card above, Laurie simply swiped rainbow colors onto her panel and popped up a sentiment!

9. Watercolor Splatter Technique

Dip your brush in watercolor and flick it gently over your page to create a splatter effect. Use one or more colors for a random, textured background that feels spontaneous and fun. Let it dry and draw over it with pens or markers.

In her card above, Therese used a floral stencil to create the “outline” image with light watercoloring. Then she completed the look using the watercolor splatter technique. 

10. Doodle Borders

Small additions can make your artwork stand out. Great for bullet journal pages, personalized notes, or standalone art prints.

Use your markers to draw playful borders around your designs. Here are a few examples of what you can draw:

• Zigzags
• Swirls
• Hearts or stars
• Faux stitching

Bonus Tip: Mix & Match

Try combining these simple art techniques! For example, add gouache shapes over a watercolor background, or use alcohol markers to color a pencil sketch. There’s no rulebook and that’s what makes art fun!

Start Your Art Journey With These Simple Marker Techniques!

You don’t need to be a professional or have years of experience to create something beautiful. All you need is a little curiosity, a few coloring mediums, and the courage to start. Maybe your lines won’t be perfect at first, and that’s okay. Every artist, no matter their level, starts by simply putting pen to paper.

Grab your favorite alcohol markers or watercolors, pick a technique that excites you, and give yourself permission to play. Let your creativity wander. Smudge a little. Blend a lot. Most of all, enjoy the process. The more you explore, the more confident you’ll feel and before you know it, you’ll be creating artwork you never thought possible.

For more simple art techniques you can easily try, visit The Creative Corner!