6 Watercolor Techniques for Falling Snow

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What is the best way to add falling snow to watercolor winter scenes? What are some techniques you can use to make winter or holiday scenes more magical?


There are many techniques we can use to add the illusion of falling snow in watercolor winter scenes, each of which provides a slightly different effect. 

In the video below, I share six techniques that will help you elevate your art, while adding an ethereal vibe that's perfect for seasonal pieces. Along the way, I provide many must-know tips for success. 

I'd recommend experimenting with all of them so that you can find your favorite(s).

​*In these examples, I’m using Indigo for my blue washes to create a rich, wintery atmosphere.

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6 Watercolor snow techniques: Top left to bottom right (splattering with water, splattering with gouache, masking fluid, salting, wax resist, lifting)

1. Splattering with Water

This method is perfect for creating soft, subtle snow effects.

Start by painting a wet wash. While the paint is still wet, splatter clean water across the surface using a stiff(er)-bristled brush.

​The water droplets push the pigment away, creating random lighter spots resembling snowflakes.
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Tips for Success:

• Work quickly, as the technique only works on wet paint.
• Test on a separate sheet before splattering on your painting to control the size and intensity of the droplets.​​​​

Recommended Supplies:

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Princeton Neptune Watercolor Brushes

Winsor & Newton Colorless Masking Fluid

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White Prismacolor Colored Pencil (Wax-Based)

Arches Cold Press 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper

Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paint Tubes

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Winsor & Newton Designer's Gouache Permanent White

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2. Splattering with White Gouache

For sharp, opaque snowflakes, splatter white gouache after the wash has dried.
If you're looking for softer, blurred effects, you can splatter the gouache onto your watercolor, while it's still wet. 

Mix the gouache with a small amount of water until it’s fluid but still opaque, and use a toothbrush or stiff-bristled brush to create random specks with lots of variety. 

Pro tip: Use Permanent White or Titanium White gouache for visible, vibrant snow effects.

Tips for Success:

• Experiment with brush sizes to vary the snowflake dimensions.
• Protect areas where you don’t want snow by covering them with scrap paper.

3. Masking Fluid

Masking fluid creates crisp, negative-space snowflakes. Before applying paint, splatter masking fluid on clean paper using a toothbrush. Let it dry completely before painting over it with your wash.

Once the wash is dry, gently rub off the masking fluid to reveal clean white spots.

Tips for Success:

• Use an old toothbrush or cheaper brush to apply the masking fluid, as it can ruin watercolor brushes.
• Ensure the masking fluid is fully dry before painting to avoid smudging.
• Avoid drying masking fluid with a heat tool, as it can harden and adhere more strongly. ​

4. Salt Technique

Sprinkling salt over wet paint creates a textured effect that mimics scattered snow. The salt absorbs the pigment as it dries, leaving unique snow-like patterns behind.

This technique can be especially helpful when painting windy snow scenes or blizzards.

Tips for Success:

• Use coarse salt for larger flakes or table salt for finer effects.
• Allow the painting to dry completely before brushing off the salt to preserve the effect and avoid smudging. 
• Make sure you completely dust off any remaining salt, especially if you'll continue painting. 

5. Wax Resist

This technique involves using a wax-based medium, like a white crayon or Prismacolor pencil, to create snow patterns on clean watercolor paper.

Draw snowflake shapes or random dots with a white crayon or wax-based pencil on your paper before painting your blue wash.

The wax repels the watercolor, preserving the white of the paper underneath.


Tips for Success:

• Press firmly with your wax tool to ensure a strong resist effect.
• Test this technique beforehand, as lighter wax marks may not show up well.
• For a layered snow look, repeat the process by adding more wax marks and washes.

6. Lifting 

This method allows you to "lift" or absorb paint off the paper to create snow effects.

After painting your wash, use a Q-tip, tissue, or rolled-up paper towel to dab at the wet paint, creating lighter areas.
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Tips for Success:

• Dab gently to avoid tearing the paper.
• Shape your lifting tool for precise marks.
• This technique works best with non-staining colors, as they’re easier to lift.

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Each of these techniques brings a unique touch to your watercolor paintings, from subtle falling snow to dramatic, bold blizzards.

You might find some work better for specific scenes and you might even find a combination of techniques that you enjoy the look of.

Happy painting!
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