Welcome to your Mermaid Paint Club step-by-step guide for painting Honey the Highlander! Below you’ll find the supply list and easy instructions to help you create your very own Highland cow masterpiece.
I can’t wait to see your Honey the Highlander! 🐮🎨 Post your painting and tag us @mermaidpaintclub #mermaidpaintclub
Supplies You’ll Need
- Canvas
- Brushes – Use short brushstrokes to create a fur-like texture for Honey’s coat
- Flat Brush
- Round Brush
- Liner Brush
- Paint Colours:
- White
- Black
- Dark Brown
- Tan Brown
- Red Brown
- Yellow
- Green
- Paper Plate – Mix your paints on your paper plate to explore fun new shades.
- Surface Protection – Use the plastic wrapping that your kit came in for this.
- Add a Cup of Water
Get Ready to Create
Before you start painting, take a little time to create a cosy, creative space for yourself. Painting isn’t only about the finished piece—it’s also about nurturing your wellbeing while you create.
- Light a candle or play some music (see me playlist below)
- Lay out your supplies so everything is within reach
- Protect your space – cover your table with newspaper or an old cloth.
- Keep water & snacks handy – stay refreshed while you paint.
Before you dip your brush in paint, take a pause for yourself:
- Breathe deeply – Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 2, then exhale through your mouth for 6 counts. Repeat a few times to settle your mind.
- Gentle stretch – Roll your shoulders, circle your wrists, or stretch your arms overhead to release any tension.
- Notice your posture – Sit comfortably, feet flat on the floor, and let your body feel supported.
- Set an intention – Whether it’s to relax, to play, or to simply enjoy the colors, give yourself permission to just be in the moment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before we dive into the steps, remember don’t stress about perfection, every painting has its own personality. Embrace those “happy accidents,” because unexpected brushstrokes can add charm and character. Most of all, enjoy the process—your Honey the Highlander will be completely unique, and that’s what makes it so special!
Step 1 – Background
Mix white with a touch of caramel and paint the background using your 1″ brush. Add a little water to help the paint flow.
Step 2 – Cow’s Body
Make the mix a little darker with more caramel. Fill in the body, layering short downward strokes with mustard yellow and caramel for fur texture. Add cinnamon brown under her head and dark brown accents.
Step 3 – Face & Ears
Paint with caramel + white, then blend white in the middle of the face (upside-down V). Add short strokes with mustard yellow and cinnamon brown.
Step 4 – Eyes
Fill in with black, then add two tiny white dots for highlights.
Step 5 – Muzzle, Nose & Horns
Mix white + cinnamon for the muzzle, paint the nose cinnamon. Horns are white with cinnamon shading along the bottom. Outline mouth and nostrils in black.
Step 6 – Flowers
Centers: dark brown. Petals: caramel + yellow, with touches of white for highlights.
Step 7 – Flower Texture
Use caramel, white, and black to add texture to the flower centers (you can even use your paintbrush handle as a stamp!).
Step 8 – Leaves
Paint some with cinnamon, others with green.
Step 9 – Fence Post
Dark brown with a little white, outline in black. Add barbed wire and white highlights.
Step 10 – Final Touches
Add white highlights to flowers, leaves, and Honey the Highlander herself.
✨ Great job – you’ve painted your very own Highland cow!
Honey the Highlander Gallery
Mermaid Paint Club 