Start Painting Today: 40+ Easy Ideas for Absolute Beginners

These easy things to paint are perfect for the beginning artist! Try one of over 40 ideas that will teach you how to paint with ease.

Skills Required: None. If you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before, these projects will be a great place to start. They are all canvases and leave a lot of room for error (ie., they will still look good).

When I was in second grade, I started taking painting classes (thank you mom!). I remember one of the first things I painted, and I was excited: my Cabbage Patch Kid named Sarah.

I remember sitting back from my first canvas and thinking, “that doesn’t like the doll at all.” I was 8. I was disappointed.

I’m pretty hard on myself when I start a new craft or hobby, and I bet a lot of you are too. So before we even get started, I want to encourage you not to do that.

That’s why we’re starting with easy ideas . . . because you’re more than likely new to it. It’s more than okay to not like what you make, and to let the canvas dry and then paint right over it.

Sure, we all want to be successful the first time. But sometimes we’re not.

So just keep that in mind as you move along in your journey. Don’t give up, don’t be hard on yourself, and allow yourself room to make mistakes. Do it for me!

Essential Painting Tips

Before we dive into the projects, let me answer a few questions I always get about painting. If you’re ready to go to the ideas, just scroll past them. But perhaps the answers below will help you too, and give you confidence!

What paint should I use?

If you’re asking for my advice, I definitely recommend craft paint for beginner artists. It’s inexpensive, it’s easy to use, and there’s just about every color of the rainbow available. My favorite brands are FolkArt or Martha Stewart.

Watercolor paint, chalk paint, or tempera paint will also work (I’ve been asked about these). Just remember that different types require

You can graduate to the fine art section/acrylics and oil based paints later. Start in the craft section and you won’t worry as much about blowing your budget on supplies.

What objects can I paint on?

My philosophy is that anything is a canvas: paper, stone, metal, glass, wood, fabric, and of course actual canvas. If you’re not sure, do a test. Just a dab in an inconspicuous area. You’ll know relatively quickly if it’s going to work or not, trust me.

What to paint when you don’t know what to paint?

Don’t stress out too much about this. Flowers are easy, as are abstract designs. Honestly, that’s where I’d begin. Sometimes you just need to start, and then you get more inspired as you go.

I’ve also got a huge list for you below! These are relatively easy painting ideas for kids AND adults, so I think you’re going to be pretty pleased with the choices.

What should a beginner painter buy?

There’s no need to go crazy out of the gate. I would start with decent brushes from Michaels, a palette, and a water basin. You can add to your supplies as you get more comfortable with your new hobby.

If you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before, practice painting on a piece of paper before you do anything else. Get used to holding a brush, paint some shapes, practice.

I’m going to leave you with a final thought, and I really hope you take this to heart. Please don’t judge yourself during this process and go into it with high expectations you can never meet.

Paint to be creative. Paint to have fun. But don’t paint to be Van Gogh. Remember, he lost an ear anyway?

Let that be your mantra! Save an ear, and don’t be hard on yourself.

Are you ready to see the super fun canvas painting ideas? Scroll down! Then let me know what you think in the comments.

Ashley Sturgill

DIY Abstract Art Canvas

Ashley shows you exactly how to blend the colors to achieve this abstract painting that anyone can make. The addition of gold takes it over the edge!