How to Draw Landscapes for Kids Step by Step So Every Little Artist Can Create Stunning Scenic Art

You want an easy, joyful way to teach little hands to draw scenic art. Learning how to draw landscapes for kids doesn't have to be messy or complicated — it can be a one-afternoon project with fast wins. Whether your child traces horizons or paints soft washes, you’ll give them the confidence to create landscapes again and again.

Start with kid-friendly supplies to cut frustration. A washable watercolor set and a 140 lb watercolor pad make color layering forgiving and quick to dry. Try this kid watercolor set and a reliable watercolor paper pad 140 lb so paint won’t buckle.

By the end you'll know a simple, repeatable process for drawing horizons, adding depth, and finishing with color. Follow the steps below and pin this guide for your next craft afternoon.

Gather and Prep: beginner-friendly workspace and supplies

Set up a clear workspace so your child can focus. Use a graphite pencil set for light sketching and a kneaded eraser to lift marks without tearing paper. A kid-sized art smock keeps sleeves clean and makes the activity feel official.

Tips:

• Tape the edges of 9×12 inch paper with low-tack tape to prevent curling.
• Set a timer for 30–45 minutes to keep it a fun, focused session.
• Keep water, tissues, and a clear zip pouch for storing half-used supplies.

Sketch the scene: simple shapes for big results (easy, beginner-friendly)

Start with three zones: foreground, middle ground, background — a trick that makes landscapes readable.

1. Draw a light horizontal horizon line about one-third from the top.
2. Block shapes with simple forms: ovals for hills, rectangles for houses, triangles for trees.
3. Add a pathway or river curving from foreground to the horizon to suggest depth.

Quick tips:

• Keep lines light so they don’t show through paint.
• Use a ruler for straight horizons on seaside or city scenes.
• Teach kids to say the scene out loud (e.g., “big hill, little house”) — it helps composition.

Add color & texture: watercolor washes and colored pencil details (one-afternoon)

Watercolor is forgiving and dries fast — expect thin washes to be touch-dry in 10–20 minutes and fully dry in 30–60 minutes depending on humidity.

How to:

• Wet the paper lightly for soft skies; use a round watercolor brush set with a medium #6 brush for washes.
• Layer colors: let each wash dry 10–15 minutes before adding the next for better control.
• Add crisp details with a colored pencil set once paint is dry.

Pro tips:

• Use a washable marker set for outlines before painting for kids who prefer bolder edges.
• Mix small amounts of paint on a palette to avoid waste — a common challenge is using too much water.

Finish, display, and store: show off their scenic art (pin-worthy)

Let pieces dry flat for 30–60 minutes before moving. Frame or prop finished work on a small wooden easel for an instant gallery wall. Store extras flat in a drawer or slide them into a clear zip pouch grouped by child and date.

Quick display ideas:

• Create a seasonal rotation on a small easel.
• Make a postcard series from smaller 5×7 sheets for gifts.
• Use a craft organizer tray to keep pencils and brushes ready for the next session.

You just taught a child how to draw landscapes for kids with simple, repeatable steps. Celebrate the finished scenes and save this guide for another easy afternoon. Pin this post and grab a watercolor paper pad 140 lb if you want paint that behaves beautifully every time. Which landscape will your little artist try first?