You’ve gathered your materials. A variety of artist-grade acrylic paint and untouched brushes are at your fingertips. A blank canvas is at the ready, but you simply don’t know where to start.
If you’re experiencing a creative block as a new artist, you’ve come to the right place.
For many new and experienced creatives alike, putting brush to canvas is the hardest step. With so many subjects and painting techniques to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to decide what to paint.
Join us as we provide some easy painting ideas on canvas for beginners that are a great place to start your journey.
Easy Canvas Painting Ideas for Beginners
Acrylic painting on canvas is a great way to create original works of art. However, there is some preparation involved to ensure your art is set up for success. This includes priming the canvas with gesso to give the surface more "tooth" for your paints to cling to.
With your materials on hand and your surface primed, you’re ready to try some of these easy acrylic painting ideas for beginners on canvas.
1. Artful Abstract
One of the best ideas to paint on canvas for beginners isn’t an actual thing at all. Abstract painting is a great way for beginners to start experimenting with a wide range of abstract art techniques that can cover an expansive canvas.
Colorful swirls, splatters, and shapes come together to create a truly one-of-a-kind painting that you can proudly display. Pick colors that harmonize or contrast, pick out brushes in different sizes and materials, and see how far you can stretch each stroke. There’s no step-by-step tutorial needed for this DIY canvas painting since you should let your imagination guide you.
2. Sunrise or Sunset
For something more structured, consider a sunrise or sunset painting. This canvas painting idea for beginners encourages you to practice blending colors and creating gradients. Focus your attention on the way shadows cast long in the early morning, late day or even over a body of water. The warm and vibrant colors are a joy to work with and the final product can easily be incorporated into your home decor.
3. Flower Bouquet
Flowers are another great muse for budding artists. Start painting your favorite blooms, or get creative with funky blossoms. You can make things more abstract or realistic depending on your preference.
No matter the direction you take, flowers are an opportunity to practice shapes, shading, and color mixing to find that perfect shade.
4. Ocean Waves
The ocean is a perfect large canvas painting idea for beginners who want to fill a large space. You can try your hand at painting a calm ocean or perhaps a churning sea. You can even capture waves crashing on the shore.
This simple acrylic painting empowers you to experiment with different cool shades to capture the depths and movement of water. Using intentional brush strokes and a thick type of paint like acrylic creates texture.
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5. Serene Landscape
Many painting tutorials can make landscape painting with acrylics seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Understanding the basics of landscape painting is great for beginners. From there, you can begin capturing your favorite scenery or create a striking silhouette landscape with a dramatic sky.
6. Geometric Patterns
If you want something more defined as your first piece of art, work with masking tape to create stunning geometric shapes. This is a great way to work on precision and symmetry.
7. Personal Portrait
Acrylic portrait painting for beginners can also be fun. It’s a chance to begin working on realism or define your own style. Choose a muse such as your furry friend, a family member, or even yourself!
8. Whimsical Trees
Tree paintings are also included in this list of easy canvas painting ideas for beginners. A whimsical forest with vibrant and unusual colors for the trees can be eye-catching and fun. This painting idea ensures you’re practicing layering a background and working on fluid brush strokes while exploring your creativity.
9. Dark Galaxy
A starry night sky is a great painting idea on canvas for beginners. Simply fill the background of a large canvas with a dreamy background. Perhaps you want to create a stunning deep black and dark blues, or you can create depth and swirls with a paint-pouring technique.
Once that is dry, it’s time to get to work creating a magical galaxy. Different techniques, such as paint splattering, can help create a sky full of stars.
10. Holiday Cheer
Finally, don’t overlook how inspiring the holidays can be! From a plump pumpkin to a simple snowman, these make for great painting ideas on canvas for beginners and double as holiday decor.
Ready to get started with some of these easy canvas painting ideas for beginners? Stock up on artist-grade paint from Nova Color today.
