How to Paint a Peacock in Loose Watercolor with Bold Texture

Capturing the Majesty of a Peacock in Watercolor

Peacocks are a perfect subject for watercolor—bold, vibrant, and full of movement. In this tutorial, I take you through my process of painting a peacock from a photo I took at the Woodland Park Zoo, using expressive techniques and bold, dynamic textures. With no preliminary sketch, I embrace spontaneity, focusing on color harmony and the magic of watermarks and granulation.

Establishing the Background First

I always like to start with a background wash, setting the mood for the painting. For this piece, I applied Magic Wizard by Rockwell Canada in the corners to create warmth and movement. A splash of Amazonite Genuine helped unify the background with the peacock’s future form. To add intrigue, I sprinkled kosher salt on the drying wash, creating natural texture that would enhance the final piece.

Laying Down the Peacock’s Form Without a Sketch

Working loosely, I began blocking in the tail with wet-into-wet splashes, letting the colors diffuse organically. This approach keeps the painting feeling free and spontaneous while ensuring a natural flow of movement. Using Sap Greenand Phthalo Blue Red Shade, I built the peacock’s form gradually, being mindful of values and proportions.

Creating Texture and Feather Effects

Instead of meticulously painting each feather, I used dry brush techniques, watermarks, and granulation fluid to suggest texture. A key part of this process was using a rigger brush to paint delicate wing feathers and a mop brush to soften and blur sections for a dreamy effect.

Pushing the Painting Further

Midway through, I found myself feeling disconnected from the piece—it lacked the energy I wanted. So, I took a bold approach: splattering, dripping, and even physically tapping my paper against the desk to encourage paint movement. This spontaneous decision reinvigorated the painting and reminded me why I love watercolor—it thrives on playfulness and surprise.

Adding the Final Touches

To refine the piece, I introduced Daniel Smith Buff Titanium watercolor ground to adjust shapes and add a bit more structure. As a finishing touch, I used a shimmer watercolor (a Christmas gift from my sister) to enhance the eye-like feather patterns—because if any bird deserves sparkle, it’s a peacock!