Painting Ideas For Beginners And Advanced Artists
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Every artist you admire has started exactly where you are right now. The artists who have paintings displayed in galleries and homes have taken the time to enhance their painting skills. The amount of time they invested in learning how to paint takes patience, drive, and self-motivation.
Watching the progress, you make as time goes by is motivating. We recommend that every artist keep a digital image of every painting completed and the completion date. Looking back at early paintings will show you your progress over time. You can look back and see how your painting technique has evolved.
Artist’s Challenges
Many artists encounter a roadblock after purchasing their first set of acrylic paints, watercolor paints, or even oil paints, deciding what they should paint.
You were inspired by someone or something to try watercolor painting or use acrylic paint to create art on canvas.
But where do you start?
What are some different ideas to paint that will be easy to compose?
We all want to create a painting like Mona Lisa when we first pick up a paintbrush, but that is unrealistic. You want to start with easy paintings to develop good painting skills when starting.
NFAM has created a list of painting ideas to prevent you from staring at a blank canvas. The list of painting ideas will keep you busy, inspired to paint, and enhance your creative skills.
When reviewing the different painting ideas, consider what will be a fun painting idea to get started. Some painting prompts will be easy painting ideas, while others will be more challenging. It is perfectly fine to challenge yourself, but it is another thing to pick a subject well beyond your skill level.
Try working on an easy canvas project to enhance specific techniques like a tree or abstract painting as you go along. Maybe you are interested in easy acrylic painting ideas like still-life or rock painting.
The list below is a great starting point and aims to prevent you from having painter’s block so you can learn different techniques.
Ideas Of What To Paint
Still-life is a beautiful subject for people interested in developing their painting skills. This type of subject drawing and painting encourages careful observation because it typically shows objects in great detail and close to one another.
Additionally, it can be an excellent way for artists to practice and refine the use of value and perspective in their work. Because still-life allows for such a high level of control, it is ideal for those looking to learn how to paint and experiment with new techniques or create bold paintings.
Whether you are an amateur or a professional artist, still-life painting is well worth exploring if you want to explore your artistic potential.
Here are some simple still-life painting ideas to get you started. This list is also an excellent resource for kids’ art ideas.
- Apple
- Banana
- Cherries
- Pear
- Orange
- Grapefruit
- Pineapple
- Lemon
- Lime
- Watermelon
- Strawberry
- Grapes
These easy-to-paint prompts help you learn different brush techniques and mix colors.
Using still-life prompts like fruit is a great way to learn how to paint, but they are also trendy wall art in homes.
Once you feel comfortable painting one piece of fruit, try staging multiple pieces for fruit. The fruit can be in a bowl or staged on a table. Sketch your ideas on paper, then choose the best design to paint. This practice tip will turn you from a beginner to an advanced artist. Painting an apple might seem like an easy painting project, but you can take the painting as far as you wish. Challenge yourself and try to make your painting as realistic as you can.
Still-life prompts are also great painting ideas for kids to enhance their creativity.
Painting tip:
- Study the color of each fruit and the subtle value changes that make the fruit look three-dimensional.
- Identify the light source and study how the light reacts differently when bouncing off different textures.
- If you are working with acrylics or oils, practice mixing the colors.
Keep painting these prompts until you feel confident with your color choices and brush strokes. This might seem daunting, but it is an integral part of learning. Soon you will discover your unique painting style, and people will start to admire your art collection.
Painting Tutorial:
Acrylic lesson – Red Grape – Still life
More Still Life Prompts
There will be a time when you need some inspiration to continue to paint. The above list is to help you enhance your painting skills. Now that you feel confident painting with watercolor or acrylic paint, it is time to try more challenging ideas.
Here are some new painting ideas to work on next.
- Drinking glass
- Wine glass
- Wine bottle
- Bowls
- Books
- Chair
- Table
- Cabinet
- Lamp
These ideas are everyday items found in your home. You will continue to learn different techniques with the subjects, including proportion and various textures.
Try a 7-day challenge and paint a different wine bottle or bowl with different paint patterns. After completing that challenge, start a new 7-day challenge and place a piece of fruit next to the new prompts, like grapes next to a wine glass or bottle.
The 21 different beginner painting prompts are easy and fun for adults and kids, but you can take your paintings to the next level and start composing beautiful wall art that everyone would want to display in their home.
Try using black acrylic paint to enhance the colors and texture of the subject you want to highlight. The most astonishing painting ideas come from everyday objects.
Painting Tutorial:
Advanced Still Life Painting: Paint Your Own Expressive Art
Painting Trees
There can be a lot of pressure for beginning painters to create beautiful work immediately. This often leads to frustration and disappointment as inexperienced artists struggle to master painting fundamentals.
One approach that has proven effective in helping younger painters develop their skills is the practice of painting trees.
By focusing on a specific subject matter, painters can hone their understanding of light, shade, perspective, color, etc.
Furthermore, by sketching out shapes and structures first before adding details, artists can free themselves from the worry of creating perfect images.
Painting trees are also beneficial for learning about proportions and scale–essential skills for anyone looking to become a professional artist someday.
You can also experiment with cotton swabs, a fan brush, and even a palette knife to create unique textures.
So if you are passionate about becoming a painter yourself, why not start by picking up your brush and trying painting trees? The results will be worth it.
These easy painting ideas inspired by nature will be fun to work on.
- Pine
- Red Maple
- Sugar maple
- White oak
- Douglas fir
- Eastern red cedar
- Sweetgum
- Silver maple
- Pawpaw
- Bigleaf maple
- American beech
- Boxelder maple
- White ash
These are just a few fun painting species common in America. They all have unique textures and colors during different seasons. New England has some breathtaking colors during the foliage season. If you are looking for a project with vivid colors, visit New England in the fall or look at some pictures on Pixabay.
Painting Tutorial:
Landscape Painting 101: How to Paint Trees in Acrylics
Nature Canvas Painting Ideas
By now, you have turned from a beginner to an advanced painter, and it is time for some fun but challenging painting ideas.
Many people have a collection of nature art displayed in their homes. You will also find nature paintings in offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
Painting nature is a good idea for people learning how to paint for several reasons.
First, nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration with an endless variety of subject matter.
Second, painting from nature helps artists learn to see and understand the world around them in new ways.
Third, painting outdoors allows one to practice one’s craft in various lighting and weather conditions.
And fourth, the challenge of painting quickly and directly from life can help to hone one’s skills and develop one’s own unique style.
For all these reasons, painting nature is an excellent way for people to learn how to paint, develop their skills, and explore their creative potential.
Even though painting nature is more advance, kids will also enjoy learning how to paint mountains, fields, and the ocean.
- Mountains
- Rivers
- Fields
- Ocean
- Wildflowers
- Woods
- Clouds
- Sunset
- Sunrise
- Grand Canyon
Look outside if you are looking for diverse canvas or watercolor painting ideas.
Painting Tutorial:
Startup Project: Nature in Watercolor
Wildlife Painting Ideas
Once you feel confident with your painting skills, you might want to consider painting domestic animals and wildlife.
A great place to start is with your favorite pet you love.
Keep enhancing your unique style of painting domestic animals and focus on the fine details of the fur. Before you know it, everyone will be hiring you to paint their true love.
- Dog
- Cat
- Cardinal
- Bluejay
- Robin
- Eagle
- Deer
- Moose
- Big cats
Look at other wildlife art for inspiration. Most people love animals, and many artists make a living painting domestic animals and wildlife.
Many artists dream of making a living by painting beautiful, imaginative portraits of domestic animals. While this may seem like an impossibly lofty goal, there are several strategies that artists can use to achieve it.
The first step is to build a strong portfolio demonstrating your talent and versatility as an artist. This can often be done by pitching your work to animal magazines and publications or entering art fairs and contests hosted by animal organizations.
Additionally, you can seek gallery representation for your work or even consider selling your pieces directly through online platforms such as Etsy or ArtFire.
Ultimately, artists can carve out a career in painting domestic animals with patience and determination.
For Wildlife images you can paint and sell, visit Wildlife Reference Photos For Artists
Painting Tutorial:
Painting Wildlife: Acrylic & Mixed Media
Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Sidewalk chalk paint can be an excellent way for children to enhance their art skills. The bright colors and easy-to-use format can help children create beautiful artwork. And, best of all, sidewalk chalk paint is easily washable, so there’s no need to worry about messes.
Here are a few tips on how to use sidewalk chalk paint to help children create stunning artwork:
1. Use a variety of colors. Mix and match colors to create exciting effects.
2. Experiment with different techniques. Try using different strokes and patterns to create unique designs.
3. Encourage creativity. Let children be as creative as they want, and don’t worry about mistakes – they can always be fixed with a little bit of elbow grease.
With these tips, children will be able to create beautiful artwork that they can be proud of. So grab some sidewalk chalk paint and let the creativity flow.
Abstract Paintings
Abstract paintings don’t attempt to depict a scene or subject accurately. Instead, abstract art uses color combinations, shapes, and lines to create an impression or feeling. Many abstract paintings also incorporate elements of the artist’s emotions or ideas.
Abstract art has its origins in early 20th-century Europe, where artists were exploring new ways of expressing themselves. Abstract art is often seen as a reaction to the strict rules of academic painting. These artists wanted to create something more expressive and personal.
Today, abstract art is still very popular with both artists and collectors. It can be a very rewarding style of painting to explore, as it allows for a great deal of creativity and self-expression. If you’re interested in trying your hand at an abstract painting, you should keep a few things in mind.
First, don’t worry about making perfect shapes or lines – the beauty of abstract art is in imperfections. Second, use bold colors and plenty of contrast to create an engaging composition.
And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment – abstract painting has no rules, so have fun and see where your creativity takes you.
Dot Painting
Dot painting is Aboriginal Australian art that uses dots to create patterns and designs. The Pintupi people of central Australia first used the technique, but other Aboriginal groups have since adopted it.
Dot paintings can be created on various surfaces, including canvas, wood, and human bodies. The designs are usually geometric in nature and often represent stories or sacred objects.
Dot painting is a meditative and relaxing process that can be very therapeutic. Creating dots can help to still the mind and focus the thoughts. For many Aboriginal artists, dot painting is more than just an art form; it is a way of connecting with their culture and their heritage.
Art Supplies
There are numerous supplies available for watercolor and acrylic paint.
Read these articles to become familiar with the available supplies.
- Acrylic Paint Supplies: Complete Guide
- Oil Painting Supplies: What All Beginning Oil Painters Need
- Oil Paints Or Acrylic Paints Which Is Better
Selling Prints Of Watercolor Paintings
Many artists sell prints of their work to make money. Watercolor prints are a popular type of print because they are relatively inexpensive to produce and have a distinct look that many people enjoy.
There are a few different ways that artists can go about selling prints of their watercolor paintings.
One option is to sell the prints outright. This means that the artist keeps all of the profits from the sale.
Another option is to sell the prints on consignment. This means that the artist agrees to let the buyer keep a portion of the profits from the sale. The artist typically gets a higher percentage of the profits when selling on consignment, but it requires more work on the artist’s part.
Whichever route you choose, selling prints of your watercolor paintings can be a great way to make money as an artist.
Final Thoughts On Painting Ideas That Will Inspire You To Paint
We have developed over 50 painting ideas, from kids to beginners and advanced.
You can use any medium with these painting ideas, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, and even drawing mediums.
There is sure to be something on the list you will love painting.
Start with fun ideas to paint to enhance your skills.
Then continue with more challenging prompts to turn you from a beginner to a professional painter.
If you struggle with some techniques, try the painting tutorial mentioned above.
Whether you want to paint clouds or hydrangeas with vibrant colors, painting is a fun art activity everyone can enjoy.
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