Easy and Practical Painting Ideas for Beginner Artists

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 6 min read

Are you an aspiring artist looking for painting ideas for beginners? Look no further: this blog post is here to help you get started with acrylic, watercolor, and oil painting. We'll cover the basics, materials, and techniques that you need to know, along with finding inspiration and shopping for art supplies. So, let's dive into the world of paint!

Acrylic Painting Basics

Acrylic painting is an excellent starting point for beginners, as it's versatile, easy to work with, and dries quickly. In this section, we'll explore how to choose the right paints, gather materials, and apply various techniques to create beautiful acrylic artworks.

Choosing Acrylic Paints

When selecting acrylic paints, consider the following:

Quality: Opt for artist-grade paints if you can, as they have a higher pigment concentration and better color vibrancy.
Colors: Start with a basic set of primary colors (red, blue, yellow), plus black and white. You can mix these to create a variety of shades and hues.
Consistency: Acrylic paints come in different consistencies, from fluid to heavy body. Choose the one that suits your painting style and desired texture.

Acrylic Painting Materials

Here's a list of essential materials for acrylic painting:

Canvases or acrylic paper
Paintbrushes in various sizes and shapes
Palette for mixing colors
Cup of water for rinsing brushes
Rags or paper towels for cleaning

Acrylic Painting Techniques

Experiment with these acrylic painting techniques to create unique textures and effects:

Wet-on-wet: Apply wet paint on top of a wet surface to create smooth gradients and blends.
Dry brushing: Use a dry brush with minimal paint to create rough, textured strokes.
Glazing: Apply a thin, transparent layer of paint over a dried layer to change the color and tone subtly.
Impasto: Use thick layers of paint to create a raised, textured surface that adds depth to your work.

With these acrylic painting basics in mind, you're well on your way to exploring endless painting ideas for beginners!

Watercolor Painting for Beginners

Watercolor painting is a fantastic way to explore color and create delicate, translucent effects. It's perfect for beginners looking for a more fluid and expressive medium. Let's discover how to choose watercolor paints, gather materials, and try different techniques to bring your watercolor visions to life.

Choosing Watercolor Paints

When selecting watercolor paints, keep these factors in mind:

Quality: Artist-grade watercolors offer richer pigments and better color performance than student-grade paints.
Colors: Start with a basic set of primary colors, along with a few secondary colors and earth tones. You can mix these to create a wide range of shades.
Format: Watercolor paints are available in pans (solid cakes) or tubes (wet paint). Choose the format that best fits your needs and preferences.

Watercolor Painting Materials

Here are the essential materials for watercolor painting:

Watercolor paper (preferably cold-pressed and 140lb or heavier)
Paintbrushes in various sizes (round and flat brushes are versatile choices)
Palette for mixing colors
Cup of water for rinsing brushes
Paper towels for blotting and lifting color

Watercolor Painting Techniques

Experiment with these watercolor painting techniques to create diverse effects and textures:

Wet-on-wet: Apply wet paint to a wet surface for soft, diffused edges and smooth color transitions.
Wet-on-dry: Apply wet paint to a dry surface for crisp, defined edges and controlled color application.
Glazing: Layer transparent washes of color over dried areas to build depth and intensity.
Dry brushing: Use a mostly dry brush to create textured strokes and broken lines.

Armed with these watercolor painting tips, you're ready to dive into a world of vibrant and fluid painting ideas for beginners!

Oil Painting Essentials

Oil painting is a classic medium known for its rich, buttery texture and long drying time. This makes it ideal for blending and creating subtle color transitions. In this section, we'll explore how to choose oil paints, gather materials, and experiment with oil painting techniques to expand your artistic horizons.

Choosing Oil Paints

When shopping for oil paints, consider these factors:

Quality: Artist-grade oil paints contain higher pigment concentrations and more consistent binders than student-grade alternatives.
Colors: Start with a basic set of colors, including primary colors, secondary colors, and earth tones. This palette will allow you to mix a wide variety of hues.
Opacity: Oil paints can be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. Pay attention to the opacity of each color when selecting your paints.

Oil Painting Materials

Here are the essential materials for oil painting:

Canvas or canvas board (pre-primed with gesso)
Paintbrushes in various shapes and sizes (bristle brushes work well with oil paint)
Palette for mixing colors
Palette knife for mixing and applying paint
Turpentine or odorless mineral spirits for cleaning brushes
Linseed oil or other medium to thin paint and improve flow
Rags or paper towels for wiping brushes and cleaning up spills

Oil Painting Techniques

Try out these oil painting techniques to master the medium and develop your own style:

Blending: Use a soft brush to mix colors directly on the canvas for smooth, seamless transitions.
Glazing: Apply thin, transparent layers of paint over dried areas to create depth and luminosity.
Scumbling: Drag a dry brush over the surface to create broken, textured effects.
Impasto: Apply thick layers of paint with a palette knife or brush for a sculptural, three-dimensional appearance.

With these oil painting essentials in mind, you're well-prepared to tackle an array of painting ideas for beginners and discover your unique artistic voice.

Finding Art Inspiration

As a beginner artist, one of the most important aspects of painting is finding inspiration. Your surroundings, experiences, and imagination can all spark ideas for your paintings. Let's explore some common sources of inspiration for painting ideas for beginners.

Nature as Inspiration

Nature offers endless possibilities for painting ideas. Consider these subjects for your next project:

Landscape: Capture the beauty of forests, mountains, or beaches in your paintings.
Flora: Flowers, plants, and trees can inspire colorful and detailed compositions.
Fauna: Animals, birds, and insects make for interesting and lively subjects.
Weather: Depict the changing seasons, storms, or serene skies to convey different moods.

Urban Landscapes

Urban environments provide a wealth of painting ideas for beginners. Consider these subjects:

Cityscapes: Paint the hustle and bustle of city streets, iconic buildings, or aerial views of the city.
Street Scenes: Capture the energy of busy markets, cafes, and parks.
Architecture: Focus on the details of interesting buildings, bridges, or monuments.
Graffiti: Use street art as inspiration for vibrant, dynamic compositions.

Abstract Art Ideas

Abstract art allows you to explore colors, shapes, and emotions without being restricted to realistic representations. Here are some ideas to inspire your abstract paintings:

Color Theory: Experiment with color relationships, like complementary or analogous colors, to create visually appealing paintings.
Textures: Use various techniques and materials to create interesting textures and patterns on your canvas.
Emotions: Express your feelings through color, line, and shape, letting your intuition guide your painting process.
Non-representational Shapes: Explore geometric or organic forms in your compositions, playing with scale and repetition.

With these diverse sources of inspiration, you'll never run out of painting ideas for beginners to explore and develop your artistic skills.

Art Supply Shopping

Having the right tools and materials can make the painting process smoother and more enjoyable for beginners. Here are some popular art supply stores to help you find the best products for your needs:

Blick Art Materials

Blick Art Materials is a well-known store for artists of all levels, offering a wide range of art supplies, including paints, brushes, and canvases. Their website also features helpful resources, such as video tutorials and project ideas, to support your artistic journey.

Michaels

Michaels is a popular arts and crafts store that carries various painting supplies for beginners, such as acrylics, watercolors, and oil paints. They also offer affordable canvases, brushes, and other essentials. Keep an eye out for their frequent sales and coupons to save on your art supplies.

Jerry's Artarama

Jerry's Artarama is another favorite art supply store among artists, offering a vast selection of painting materials at competitive prices. Their knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right products for your needs, and they also offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

By exploring these art supply stores and stocking up on quality materials, you'll be well-prepared to bring your painting ideas for beginners to life.

If you're looking to enhance your acrylic painting abilities, don't miss the workshop 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos. This workshop offers valuable tips and techniques to help you take your acrylic artwork to new heights.