Halloween Painting Ideas: Tips for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

Halloween is around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by creating your own cute Halloween paintings? This guide is designed to help beginners turn their Halloween inspirations into adorable works of art. So, let's grab those paintbrushes and let the spooky creativity flow.

1. Choose Your Paints

Choosing the right paints is the first step towards creating your cute Halloween paintings. The type of paint you select can significantly impact the final look of your painting, so it's important to make an informed decision based on your desired outcome. Let's break down the three most common types of paints and their characteristics.

Acrylics for Beginners

Acrylics are a great starting point for beginners due to their easy-to-handle nature. They dry quickly, allowing you to add layers without waiting for long periods, and they're easy to clean up with just soap and water. Plus, acrylic paints are versatile—they work well on most surfaces, from canvas to wood. For a cute Halloween painting, you might consider painting a friendly ghost or a grinning pumpkin with acrylics—they'll come out bright and bold, just like the holiday spirit!

Oil Paints for Durability

If you're seeking a painting that lasts and has a rich, glossy finish, oil paints are your go-to. These paints take longer to dry, which allows for more flexibility in blending colors and creating smooth gradients. Imagine a spooky moonlit night backdrop for your cute Halloween paintings—oil paints can make it happen. However, keep in mind that oil paints require a bit more care; they need to be cleaned with a special solvent.

Watercolors for Soft Looks

For those aspiring to create cute Halloween paintings with a softer, dreamy vibe, watercolors might be the perfect choice. They allow for light, transparent layers that can create a lovely, ethereal effect. Picture a whimsical watercolor painting of witches flying against a pastel-colored Halloween sunset—beautiful, right? But remember, watercolor techniques can be a bit tricky to master and require patience; the key is to let each layer dry completely before applying the next.

2. Select Your Brushes

After choosing your paints, it's time to pick the right brushes. The brushes you use can significantly influence the level of detail and texture in your cute Halloween paintings. Different brushes serve different purposes, so let's look at three types you should consider.

Round Brushes for Line Work

Round brushes are your best friends when it comes to line work. With their pointed tip and round body, they're perfect for sketching, outlining, and detailed work. Trying to paint a tiny black cat sitting on a broomstick? A round brush will help you outline the cat with precision.

Flat Brushes for Filling

Flat brushes have a squared-off end, making them ideal for filling large areas with paint quickly. If you're painting a big orange pumpkin in the center of your cute Halloween painting, a flat brush will make the job a lot easier. Plus, they're great for creating sharp edges—think of the clean lines of a haunted house against a night sky.

Fan Brushes for Texture

If you want to add texture to your painting, fan brushes are your go-to. Their bristles are spread out like a fan, hence the name. They're perfect for creating effects like fur on a werewolf or the leafy texture on a Halloween pumpkin. Remember, in painting, sometimes it's the little details that make a big difference!

3. Pick Your Canvas

Now that you have your paints and brushes, it's time to decide where your cute Halloween painting will come to life - your canvas. The right canvas can be as important as the paints or brushes you choose. Here are three options to consider depending on the type of paint you're using.

Paper for Watercolors

If you've decided to go with watercolors for your cute Halloween paintings, paper is your best bet. But not just any paper, you'll want watercolor paper. It's designed to handle the water, helping your paints spread smoothly without warping the paper. Imagine painting a spooky, foggy night - watercolor paper will let your colors blend naturally, creating that ghostly effect you're after.

Wood for Oil Paints

Planning on using oil paints? Consider wood as your canvas. It's sturdy and won't get soggy or warp like paper might with oils. Plus, it can add a nice, rustic touch to your cute Halloween paintings. Picture a grinning jack-o'-lantern on a piece of reclaimed wood - the texture of the wood can add a unique, weathered look to your painting.

Canvas for Acrylics

If you're an acrylics fan, canvas is a great choice. It's the classic painting surface for a reason - it's durable, versatile, and readily available. Whether you're painting a charming witch on a broomstick or a cute ghost, canvas can handle the bold, fast-drying nature of acrylic paints.

4. Sketch Your Design

Alright, you've got your paints, brushes, and canvas. Now for the fun part — deciding what to paint! When it comes to cute Halloween paintings, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Ghosts and Goblins

Nothing screams Halloween like ghosts and goblins! But who said they have to be scary? Sketch a friendly ghost waving hello or a mischievous goblin with a cheeky grin. Remember, it's all in the details — a cute bow tie on your ghost or a pair of fuzzy slippers on your goblin can add a playful twist. And the best part? These cute Halloween painting ideas are perfect for beginners.

Witches and Wizards

If you're up for a wee bit more of a challenge, why not try painting a cute witch or a wizard? Picture a witch with a wide-brimmed hat, her black cat perched on her shoulder. Or a young wizard with a twinkling wand and a magical aura. Remember to play around with colors — a vibrant purple robe or a sparkling blue wand can make your painting pop.

Pumpkins and Scenery

Of course, Halloween wouldn't be complete without pumpkins. You could paint a whole pumpkin patch under the moonlight, or focus on a single, glowing jack-o'-lantern. Want to add some scenery? How about a haunted house in the distance, or a leafless tree with an owl? With these cute Halloween painting ideas, you're sure to create a piece that's festive and fun!

5. Start Painting

Now that you've sketched your design, it's time to bring your cute Halloween painting to life. Let's dive into the painting process with these simple steps.

Begin with Background

Starting with the background helps set the stage for your Halloween scene. Maybe it's a foggy night sky or a field of pumpkins under the twilight. Remember, your background doesn't have to be overly detailed. Sometimes, a simple gradient or a wash of color can be just as effective. The key is to create a backdrop that complements your main subjects, rather than overwhelming them.

Add in Details

Next, it's time to fill in the details of your main subjects. Whether it's the stripes on a witch's socks or the smile on a friendly ghost, this is where your painting really starts to take shape. Take your time and don't rush — remember, art is more about the journey than the destination. As you fill in the details, you'll see your cute Halloween painting come to life.

Finish with Highlights

Last but not least, add some highlights to your painting. Highlights help add depth and dimension, making your painting pop. Maybe it's the gleam in a goblin's eye or the glow of a jack-o'-lantern. A little bit of white paint can go a long way in giving your cute Halloween painting that extra sparkle.

6. Cleaning Up

Once you've put the final touches on your cute Halloween painting, it's time for the less glamorous — but equally important — part of the process: cleaning up. Here's how to do it effectively and responsibly.

Brush Maintenance

First off, let's talk about brush maintenance. After a long painting session, your brushes may look like they've seen better days. But with a bit of care, you can keep them in top shape for your next masterpiece. Rinse your brushes thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Reshape the bristles and let your brushes air dry. Never leave them soaking in water overnight — it can damage the bristles and loosen the glue holding the brush together.

Paint Disposal

Next, let's tackle paint disposal. If you've got leftover paint on your palette, don't just wash it down the drain. Many paints, especially oils, contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Instead, wipe off as much paint as you can with a paper towel and dispose of it in the trash. For watercolors and acrylics, you can let the paint dry out and then throw the palette paper away.

Canvas Storage

Finally, let's discuss canvas storage. If you're not displaying your cute Halloween painting right away, you'll want to store it safely. Find a dry, cool place where the canvas won't be exposed to direct sunlight or moisture. If you're stacking canvases, place a piece of clean paper or cloth between each one to prevent any paint from rubbing off.

7. Show Off Your Work

Now that your workspace is sparkling clean, it's time for the best part — showing off your cute Halloween painting! There are plenty of ways to share your artwork with the world, from social media to local art shows.

First stop: social media. It's a fantastic platform for artists to showcase their work and reach a global audience. Instagram, in particular, is a hotspot for visual content like cute Halloween paintings. Use relevant hashtags like #HalloweenArt, #CuteHalloweenPaintings, or even #SpookyArt to attract like-minded art enthusiasts. Just remember to watermark your work to protect it from being used without your permission.

Local Art Shows in New York

Next, consider participating in local art shows. If you're based in New York, you're in luck! The city is known for its vibrant art scene and hosts numerous art shows throughout the year. These events are a great way to get feedback on your work, network with other artists, and even sell your paintings. Research local galleries and art festivals that accept submissions from emerging artists.

Family and Friends

Last but not least, don't forget to share your cute Halloween paintings with your family and friends. They've likely supported you in your artistic journey and will be thrilled to see your latest creation. Plus, who wouldn't want a cute, hand-painted Halloween decoration to spruce up their space during the spooky season?

If you enjoyed our blog on Halloween painting ideas and want to dive deeper into creating adorable characters for your artwork, don't miss the workshop 'How to Create CUTE Character Design' by Alba. This workshop will teach you the secrets to designing lovable characters that will make your Halloween paintings stand out and capture the hearts of your audience.