7 Winter Painting Ideas & Techniques for Beginners

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

7. Create Holiday Themed Artworks

Winter brings with it a unique palette of colors and textures that can inspire stunning works of art. Even if you're a beginner, you can create beautiful winter-themed paintings with ease. This blog will provide you with seven easy winter painting ideas and techniques that you can try. From picking the right paint to painting winter landscapes, these ideas will help you create your own winter wonderland on canvas. So, grab your brushes, let's get started!

1. Pick the Right Paint

The first step in any painting project is choosing the right paint. For beginners, acrylic paints are often the best choice. They're easy to use, quick-drying and versatile. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors, which means you can capture the unique hues of winter with ease.

Quality Matters: While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it's important to invest in good quality paint. Higher quality paints have more pigment and less filler, which means they'll provide richer colors and better coverage. Brands like Golden and Liquitex offer excellent acrylic paints that are perfect for beginners.
Winter Colors: When it comes to painting winter scenes, you'll need a range of blues, whites, grays, and even purples. A good acrylic paint set should include these colors. Also, don’t shy away from adding a pop of color like bright red or orange for contrast.
Practice Makes Perfect: Before you start your actual painting, spend some time practicing on a spare canvas or paper. This will help you get the feel of your paint and brush, and understand how the colors mix.

Remember, the key to successful painting is patience and practice. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and don't be too hard on yourself if things don't turn out perfect the first time. After all, every great artist started as a beginner. Happy painting!

2. Choose Your Canvas

After you've picked your paint, the next step is to choose your canvas. The canvas you choose can significantly impact your finished painting. So, let's look at some factors to consider when choosing your canvas:

Size Matters: If you're just starting out, it might be a good idea to start with a smaller canvas. They're less intimidating, quicker to complete, and less expensive. You can move on to larger canvases as you gain confidence and improve your skills.
Type of Canvas: There are different types of canvases available, including stretched canvas, canvas panels, and canvas paper. Stretched canvases are great for larger paintings and can be hung directly on the wall. Canvas panels are thinner and more rigid, making them a good choice for smaller paintings. Canvas paper is perfect for practice and experimentation.
Surface Texture: Canvases come in different textures, from very smooth to rough. If you're painting a detailed winter scene, you might prefer a smoother canvas. If you want to create a painting with lots of texture, a rougher canvas might be a better choice.

Ultimately, the best canvas for you will depend on your personal preference, painting style, and the specific winter scene you want to paint. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different canvas types and sizes until you find what works best for you. After all, part of the fun of painting is trying new things and finding your own unique style.

3. Embrace Winter Colors

Now that you've chosen your canvas, it's time to embrace winter colors. Winter brings its own unique color palette, quite different from the vibrant hues of summer or the warm tones of autumn. To capture the essence of winter in your painting, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the colors of the season. Here are a few tips:

White is Key: First off, remember that not all whites are created equal—and winter is all about the whites! Snow isn't just plain white; it reflects the colors around it. So, feel free to experiment with different shades of white. Mix in a little blue for a cool shadow, or a touch of yellow for a sunlit effect.
Play with Cool Tones: Winter is dominated by cool tones. Think of the blue of a winter sky, the gray of bare trees, and the deep green of evergreen trees. These are the colors that will give your winter painting its characteristic wintery feel.
Don't Forget the Warmth: It's not all cool and crisp in winter. Think about the warm glow of a fireplace or the golden light of a setting sun. A touch of warm color can create a striking contrast against the cool winter palette and bring depth to your painting.

These are just a few easy winter painting ideas to get you started on your color journey. Experiment with different shades and tones until you find what feels right for your winter scene. Remember, you're the artist, so feel free to break the rules and make your winter painting as unique as you are!

4. Try Snowflake Designs

When it comes to easy winter painting ideas, there's nothing quite like the beauty of a snowflake. Each one is unique, offering endless inspiration for your winter artwork. Here's how you can incorporate snowflake designs into your painting:

Study Real Snowflakes: Before you start painting, take a close look at real snowflakes. Use a magnifying glass if you have one, or look at photographs online. Notice the intricate patterns and symmetry in each one.
Start Simple: Don't be daunted by the complexity of a snowflake. Start with a simple design—six lines radiating from a central point works well. Then, add small lines or shapes to each branch to create the intricate look of a snowflake.
Experiment with Size and Density: Not all snowflakes need to be the same size or density. Try painting some large, detailed snowflakes, and scatter smaller, simpler ones in the background. This creates a sense of depth and interest in your painting.

Remember, nature doesn't demand perfection, and neither should your artwork. Even if your snowflakes don't look exactly like the real thing, they'll still convey the magical feel of winter. So, grab your paintbrush and start creating your snow-filled winter wonderland!

5. Experiment with Textures

One of the great aspects of painting, especially when it comes to easy winter painting ideas, is the ability to play with textures. This can add a whole new dimension to your artwork and can make even a simple winter scene come alive. Here's how you can add texture to your winter paintings:

Use Thick Paint: One of the simplest ways to add texture is to use paint straight from the tube without thinning it. This technique, known as impasto, can give your painting a three-dimensional look and feel. Try it when painting a fluffy snowbank or a rugged mountain peak.
Experiment with Tools: Brushes aren't the only tools you can use to apply paint. Try using a palette knife to create interesting textures. You can also use unconventional items like sponges, crumpled paper, or even your fingers to dab, smear, or scrape paint onto the canvas.
Add Materials: Another way to add texture is to mix your paint with materials like sand, salt, or small pebbles. This can create a gritty texture that's great for painting icy roads or snow-covered trees.

Remember, the goal is to have fun and create a painting that you love. So don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. You never know—you might just stumble upon a new technique that takes your winter paintings to a whole new level!

6. Paint Winter Landscapes

Nothing quite captures the beauty of winter like a well-painted landscape. It's one of the most loved easy winter painting ideas. Whether it's a snow-covered forest, a frosty cityscape, or a tranquil frozen lake, winter landscapes can be both fun and rewarding to paint. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Start with a Sketch: Before you even pick up your paintbrush, start by sketching out your landscape. This doesn't have to be detailed—a basic outline of the main elements will do. This will give you a roadmap to follow and prevent you from making mistakes later on.
Choose Your Colors Wisely: Winter landscapes typically involve a lot of whites and blues, but don't forget about other colors. A hint of pink in the sky, a touch of brown on the trees, or a speck of green on the evergreens can add depth and realism to your painting.
Pay Attention to Light and Shadow: The interplay of light and shadow can make or break your winter landscape. Pay attention to the direction of the light and how it creates shadows, especially on the snow. A well-placed shadow can give your painting a sense of depth and dimension.

Painting winter landscapes can pose a challenge, but it's also a great way to improve your skills. So grab your paintbrush and let's get started—your winter wonderland awaits!

7. Create Holiday Themed Artworks

If you're in a festive mood and looking for easy winter painting ideas, why not try creating holiday-themed artworks? From twinkling Christmas trees to jovial snowmen, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few tips to guide you:

Find Your Inspiration: When it comes to holiday-themed artwork, you can find inspiration everywhere. Maybe it's the decorations on your Christmas tree, the pattern on your holiday sweater, or your favorite scene from a classic holiday movie. Use these as a starting point for your painting.
Use a Variety of Colors: The holidays are a time of vibrant colors, so don't shy away from using a variety of hues in your painting. Reds, greens, golds, and silvers can all add a festive touch to your artwork.
Add Details: Details can really bring your holiday-themed artwork to life. Whether it's the texture of the snow on a snowman, the sparkle of the decorations on a Christmas tree, or the glow of a candle, small details can make a big difference.

Remember, the goal is to have fun and express your creativity. So, don't worry about making your painting perfect—just enjoy the process. Who knows, your holiday-themed artwork might just become a new holiday tradition!

If you've enjoyed exploring winter painting ideas and techniques, you'll definitely love the workshop 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. This workshop will teach you creative ways to make unique abstract paintings using items you can easily find around your home. It's a fun and innovative way to broaden your artistic horizons and experiment with new techniques!