Deciding what to paint when you’re just starting out with canvas painting can be a daunting task. With so many options, subjects, and mediums to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The key is starting simple and not putting too much pressure on yourself. Look for easy canvas painting ideas that allow you to practice basic techniques without getting too caught up on creating a masterpiece. Here are some of the best easy painting ideas for beginners to get you started!
Simple Landscape Paintings
Landscapes are one of the most accessible subjects for beginner canvas painters. You don’t need much drawing skill to depict basic elements like skies, hills, trees, and water. Focus on using large brushstrokes and simple shapes. Try out different techniques like blending, stippling, and scumbling to create texture. Some easy landscape ideas include:
- A sunset over the ocean or a field
- Silhouetted trees on a hillside
- A mountain scene
- A beachscape
Floral Paintings
Flowers are a classic choice for easy canvas art. They allow you to practice different brushstrokes for petals, leaves, and stems. You can paint flowers realistically or in a more abstract, impressionistic style. Some simple floral ideas include:
- A bouquet of wildflowers
- A potted plant
- A close-up of a large blossom
- A vase of tulips or daisies
Painted Geometric Shapes
For a twist on basic canvas painting, try using simple shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and lines to create abstract geometric art. This type of painting is all about playing with color, patterns, and composition. You don’t need strong drawing skills. Some geometric ideas include:
- Concentric or overlapping circles
- Rows or grids of dots
- Zigzag or criss-cross lines
- Organic abstract shapes
Texture Paintings
Focusing on texture is another way to keep your canvas art simple. Use thick paint and different application techniques to depict a range of surfaces like weathered wood, rusted metal, stone, sand, water, fur, feathers, and more. Some texture painting ideas include:
- A tree bark textured background
- A watercolor feather
- An impasto ocean wave
- A acrylic stone textured canvas
Silhouette Paintings
Painting silhouettes and shadows allow you to skip detailed drawing and focus more on composition and color. All you need to do is paint basic shapes and outlines. Some easy silhouette ideas include:
- Tree silhouettes
- Mountains or hills against a sky
- A person or animal profile
- Overlapping organic shapes
Easy Art Prints and Sketches
Recreate easy art prints and sketches like Van Gogh’s Starry Night or Monet’s Water Lilies. Focus on nailing their distinctive brushstrokes and colors rather than copying precisely. Some ideas include:
- Starry Night or Sunflowers by Van Gogh
- Water Lilies by Monet
- The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai
- Portraits or still life sketches by Rembrandt
Paint by Numbers
Paint by number kits are designed for beginning painters to simply fill in the colors. You don’t need to worry about composition or shading. While less creative, they can help you get comfortable with handling a brush and mixing paint.
Best Canvas Types for Beginners
From stretched canvas to canvas boards, beginners have a few good options:
Canvas Type | Description | Best For |
---|---|---|
Stretched canvas | Canvas stretched over and secured to a wooden frame. Comes in many sizes from mini to large. | Most painting techniques and subjects. |
Canvas panels or boards | Canvas adhered to cardboard backing. Good for practice and smaller paintings. | Smaller paintings to start out. |
Canvas pads | Sheets of canvas bound together in a pad. | Practicing techniques, studies, sketches. |
Best Painting Supplies for Beginner Canvas Art
You don’t need fancy paints and brushes to get started. Some good basics include:
- Acrylic paint – Acrylics are easy to use, budget-friendly, and good for beginners. Liquitex Basics or Craft Smart acrylics are recommended.
- Brushes – Synthetic nylon or taklon bristle brushes are best for acrylics. Aim for a set with small, medium, and large round brushes.
- Palette knife – Used for mixing paints and creating textures.
- Painting surface – Use canvas, canvas paper, or canvas boards.
- Cups for water – For cleaning brushes as you paint.
- Paper towels or rags – For drying brushes, blotting, and mess clean-up.
- Easel – To hold your painting surface while you work. Get a basic tabletop easel.
Beginner Canvas Painting Techniques to Try
As a beginner, focus on understanding and practicing some basic painting techniques:
- Washes – Apply a thin layer of diluted paint to canvas.
- Blending – Smoothly mix colors together with brushstrokes.
- Stippling – Apply small dots of paint to build color.
- Scumbling – Create texture by brushing thin veils of paint over another layer.
- Impasto – Use thick paint to create texture and bold brushstrokes.
- Glazing – Brush a transparent paint layer over another dry layer.
Conclusion
The best canvas paintings to start with as a beginner are simple subjects that allow you to get comfortable with the materials and focus on basic techniques. Try fun ideas like easy landscapes, abstract shapes, silhouettes, textures, sketches, and more. Use affordable acrylic paints and starter brush sets. Most importantly, don’t put pressure on yourself to create perfect artwork. Enjoy the creative process and you’ll be on your way to painting like a pro.