Charming Coastal Grandma Sketchbook Ideas with Watercolor & Ink

Step into a scene straight from a seaside cottage—sun-bleached linens, baskets of fresh flowers, homemade jam, and the occasional backyard chicken wandering through the garden. This tutorial is by Shayda Campbell.

This whimsical sketchbook spread celebrates the ever-charming coastal grandma aesthetic, blending cozy vintage style with crisp coastal energy.

This beginner-friendly tutorial captures that unique vibe with a playful mix of watercolor, ink, and colored pencil.

Each tiny drawing tells a story: a slice of fresh bread on a cutting board, a straw tote overflowing with flowers, lemons from the garden, and a stylish granny in a blue skirt tending to her plants.

Shayda Campbell (@shaydacampbell)

What Makes Coastal Grandma So Paintable?

There’s a reason this aesthetic has taken over everything from home decor to TikTok. It’s warm, relaxed, nostalgic—and full of character.

Translating that into artwork means focusing on small, detailed illustrations that reflect daily life by the coast: gardening, baking, sipping tea, and enjoying the quiet joy of slow living.

This sketchbook spread is a patchwork of moments that feel both personal and universal. Each item—whether it’s a ceramic teacup or a bunch of cherry tomatoes—brings a pop of color and personality to the page.

A Fun Way to Practice Watercolor and Ink

One of the strengths of this style is how it combines loose, expressive watercolor with crisp ink outlines. That contrast between fluid color and precise linework is part of what makes these drawings so inviting.

You'll work with:

• Layered watercolor washes to add depth and texture

• Fine-tip pens to define shapes and add charming detail

• Colored pencils or markers for extra highlights and warmth

The final result is full of personality without requiring advanced techniques—perfect for beginners or anyone looking to create a relaxing art session without pressure.

Adding Personality to Simple Subjects

What really brings these drawings to life is their playful, storybook style. The character at the center—a curly-haired woman in a wide-brimmed hat—isn’t just a figure, she’s a vibe.

She holds a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers and is surrounded by everyday beauty: shells, jam jars, sunglasses, homegrown vegetables.

Each subject has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect a cozy, seasonal rhythm—the kind of summer day where nothing much happens, but everything feels perfect.

This style encourages you to infuse each element with a little personality. The teacup might have a classic blue pattern. The chicken could be mid-strut. Even the lemon branch leans toward the light.

Shayda Campbell (@shaydacampbell)

Designing a Page That Feels Complete

Even though each drawing stands alone, together they form a cohesive visual story. This layout invites the eye to wander from object to object, with organic placement and repeated color themes tying everything together.

The addition of simple florals and hand-lettered titles like “eclectic coastal granny” gives the page a handmade, scrapbook-like feel. It’s more than just a collection of images—it’s a mood board in watercolor form.

Great for Journals, Greeting Cards, or Framing

This kind of art isn’t just fun to make—it’s also incredibly versatile. Once finished, your sketchbook page can inspire:

• Prints and postcards

• Custom stickers or journal spreads

• Gifts or framed art for kitchen or garden spaces

Because it blends nostalgia and charm, this artwork fits anywhere that needs a bit of softness and sunshine.

Shayda Campbell (@shaydacampbell)

Final Thoughts: A Feel-Good Painting Session

Painting this page feels like a breath of sea air—light, calming, and joyful. The coastal grandma aesthetic invites us to slow down and savor life’s small pleasures, and this artwork captures that spirit perfectly.

With just a few supplies and a relaxed mindset, you can create a page that feels both personal and timeless. So pour a cup of tea, grab your brushes, and let your creativity stroll barefoot through the garden.

We thank Shayda Campbell for the images.

Enjoy this Video Tutorial on Coastal Granny Doodles You’ll Want to Paint Immediately . CLICK HERE TO WATCH! <<

Source: Shayda Campbell

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Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API