Learn how to paint this cute Santa Claus Christmas card using either watercolors or acrylics. I will walk you step-by-step through the painting process in the video tutorial so you can paint right alongside me.
You can scroll to the bottom of the post to watch the video but I share instructions, tips, a supply list, a color swatch, and the pattern in the post so it's worth the read!
I hope you enjoy learning to paint this Santa Claus to frame and hang on your wall or to share as Christmas greeting cards. To make greeting cards, either hand-paint individual cards or paint one and have color copies made on cardstock. Fold the card, add a holiday greeting, and send it to your family and friends.
I will teach this free online video lesson using watercolors but you can use acrylic paints using the same techniques. If you are an acrylic painter and have never used watercolor techniques with acrylic paints, you may want to take my beginner Pink Wildflower painting class where I show you how to paint some of the flower petals using watercolors and the others using acrylics. The look is identical and the technique is easy for acrylic painters.
If you enjoy this free lesson, be sure to check out my Nativity Scene painting class and my Snowman Landscape painting class too.
“CHRISTMAS SANTA” by Louise Jackson M.D.A.
Pattern
Download this line drawing - Santa Claus Christmas Card Line Drawing
You'll need to print the drawing in color because I painted the leaves, berries, and eyes so you can start painting the other parts of Santa. If you prefer, just print it in grayscale and paint over those features.
You can also choose to use the line drawing as a pattern and trace it onto watercolor paper.
Supply List
Below, I share some Amazon sales links (purple text) to supplies you will need to paint this cute Santa Claus. I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the links at no extra cost to you.
Brushes:
Use a #6 and #16 round brush.
Paper:
You can print the greeting card out onto 80 lb. cardstock or trace it onto 90-pound watercolor paper using wax-free graphite paper.
If you use cardstock, then you'll want to cover the inner page of your greeting card with a plastic sleeve. You can find the plastic page covers at the office supply store.
Watercolor paint options:
If you do not have these specific paint colors, just try to match the color using what you have on hand.
- Bright Opera
- Permanent Yellow Light
- Permanent Rose
- Mijello Blue
- Cobalt Blue
- Prism Tempra White or white acrylic paint
Acrylic Paint Options
- If you choose to paint using acrylic paints, look at the color swatch above and use it as a guide. Choose colors that are similar to those in the color swatch.
Instructions
Here are some basic instructions. Scroll to the bottom of the post to watch the video.
- Make a mix of Bright Rose and a little Yellow Lt. Apply a thin wash on the face. While this is drying paint Bright Opera on the berries. Paint leaves with a mix of Cobalt Blue and Yellow for some. Add a little Mijello Blue to make a darker mix for others.
- Paint a Bright Rose on the hat. Lift a little color in the center with a damp brush. Paint this on the jacket and pull stokes into the edge of the whiskers.
- Paint Cobalt Blue shading on the beard under the mustache, on the top of it, at the outside edges, and on the hair. This will have white painted over later.
- Add Cobalt B. to the flesh mix and apply a little down the left of Santa’s face as you face it. Let this dry, Dampen a cheek area. Paint a little Bright Rose on one cheek, and blend the edges to fade. Repeat on the other cheek. Add some on the bottom of the nose the same way.
- Use White to paint the beard. This will soften the blue color.
- Paint Dark blue to the belt or leave it white. It is your choice.
- All printers produce slightly different results. If you copy the Santa in color, it may have enough color on the berries and leaves. If you want to strengthen the color of the berries, paint them with your brightest red.
- When this is dry add a white sparkle for a highlight. You may use green for the leaves. If you need to brighten the color use Winsor Green or Viridian. If you want to paint them completely, simply make a green with a mix of Blue and yellow.
Tips
Card stock can be flattened by ironing it. Do not use steam. You may also place wax paper on top and bottom, then iron flat.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas,
Louise
Learn to paint with Louise Jackson, M.D.A.
If you love this technique and want to learn more about painting beautiful florals, landscapes, or still lifes with Louise, you can purchase individual painting classes below. Click on the images to see a large image of the full painting along with a picture of the free bonus painting packet.
