Start Painting Today: 40+ Easy Ideas for Absolute Beginners (2024)

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).

Start Painting Today: 40+ Easy Ideas for Absolute Beginners (1)

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.

Easy Things to Paint

Ready to get started with painting? Here are over 40 easy painting ideas for beginners on a canvas. You're going to love these simple projects!

DIY Abstract Art Canvas

Photo Credit:Ashley Sturgill

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!

Gray Skies Paint Chip Canvas

Photo Credit:plaidonline.com

I love the look of paint chips, and this trendy canvas incorporates the look! The hues of blues and gray is my fave.

DIY Birch Tree Art

Photo Credit:Alexis Middleton

Making your own beautiful DIY birch tree art is easy with this step by step tutorial. No special artistic skills or painting experience required!

Simple Paint Scrape Art

Photo Credit:Holly Wade

This canvas art is so easy it's almost not even fair. You don't even need a paintbrush! All you need is a scraper. I'd try scraping, letting it dry, and then doing it again several times in the same design.

White Cherry Blossom Tree

Photo Credit:Amanda Formaro

This is one of those projects where you get to use sponges to help you with the painting and fading. Amanda walks you completely through the process to layer your way to this tree on canvas.

Desert Golden Hour

Photo Credit:Tracie Kiernan

Learn to paint a simple sunset background with three different cacti in this landscape painting.This is a very beginner friendly project!

How To Paint Clouds the Easy Way

Photo Credit:Jasmine Khinda

In this tutorial you'll learn how to paint clouds without a single paintbrush! This fool-proof technique uses cotton swabs and is relaxing to paint. Video included for visual learners.

A Painted Bird's Nest

Photo Credit:plaidonline.com

Learn how to create a simple, easy-to-paint bird’s nest and egg! The background looks complicated but guess what - it's Mod Podged.

Ombre Color Shift Drip Art

Photo Credit:Amy Latta

You can make this color shift art on canvas, wood, or just about anything. You'll love the metallic look with the gloss finish.

Create Painted Canvas

Photo Credit:Mandy Beyeler

I'll be honest - using vinyl as a stencil is one of the easiest ways to paint a canvas. And I'm completely in. You'll have fun with the brushstrokes on the edges of this project.

Bird and Birdhouse Dimensional Canvas

Photo Credit:plaidonline.com

Sweet birds (made with a pattern) perch around a painted birdhouse with added dimension. The use of a decorative metal accent makes it interesting.

DIY Pixel Painting

Photo Credit:www.theboldabode.com

Feel like you can't paint something realistically? Why not try painting it in pixels? This is a great idea that can be scaled to wall art large and small.

Paint Chip from a Canvas

If you want to make sure you have a unique canvas project as part of your decor, check out this easy paint chip art made withMod Podge.

DIY Pour Painting

Photo Credit:Kimberly Coffin

This project is just about foolproof. You'll use pour paint from JoAnn and a little creativity to get some very unique artwork.

Modern Number Art

Photo Credit:Anu

The simplicity of this art as well as the size make it a pretty cool customer. Pick a date, and colors, that jive with your decor.

Make Canvas Wall Art with Glue

Photo Credit:Pretty Life Girls

This is the easiest canvas wall art project you’ll ever make. All you
need is some glue and your favorite paint color. Customize with any
saying you like!

DIY Herringbone Art

Photo Credit:Lexi

What if I told you that you could decorate a canvas by peeling painter's tape? You can, and it's probably one of the coolest effects I've seen for something so easy to paint.

Easy DIY Wall Art Painted Canvas

Photo Credit:Cristina Riches

If you want something big, abstract, and eye catching to hang as a focal point - this brushstroke technique is undeniably cool. I love thinking about this in a palette of blues for yours truly.

A Modern Sunflower

Photo Credit:plaidonline.com

An easy-to-create graduated color background is a perfect backdrop for modern painted sunflowers.

DIY Acrylic Pouring Wall Art

Photo Credit:Stephanie Abbott

In this project you get to use a hair dryer to make a really cool effect, and there's no right or wrong with the results. This would be an awesome abstract piece for a living room or bedroom.

Easy Watercolor Flowers

Photo Credit:Linda Smith

Ever wanted to learn how to make watercolor flowers? It’s easy! This video tutorial will show you how to make easy and gorgeous watercolor flowers.

Fall Canvas Stenciled with Leaves

Photo Credit:Jessica Anderson

I love unique autumn crafts, and this fall canvas project definitely
qualifies! Use spray paint and leaves to make fun, seasonal wall art.

'LOVE' Lit Canvas Sign

Photo Credit:Lindsay Viker

Guess what looks good with a painted canvas? Lighting the little bigger up! This is a fun way to add some pizzazz to a cool painting technique.

How to Paint a Butterfly

Photo Credit:Andreja Vučajnk

Learn how to paint an abstract butterfly on canvas with this step by stephow to paint a butterfly acrylic painting lesson for kids, beginners and first time painters.

Paint by Numbers From a Photo

Photo Credit:Lindsay Ponta

Learn how to create a custom paint by number template and transfer it to canvas to make your own DIY paint by numbers wall art — special app not required!

DIY Ombre Canvas Art

Photo Credit:Joanne Loh

A cool project for a blank canvas! Using basic craft supplies, you can create this ombre, faded look with geometric cut-outs. Great for kids’ rooms.

Paint a Galaxy Night Sky

Photo Credit:Jasmine Khinda

This tutorial (including a full length video) will show you, step-by-step, how to paint an easy galaxy night sky – zero painting skills required! And the secret is in a simple tool that Jasmine shares with you in the post.

Canvas Silhouettes the Easy Way

Photo Credit:Christina Williams

One thing that's always fun to create is silhouettes using a variety of colors. Christina has the way to do it while keeping those crisp edges on your lines.

Sunset with Hot Air Balloons

Photo Credit:Tracie Kiernan

Learn how to paint a sunset with hot air balloon silhouettes afloat in the sky over a tree line.

String Art on Canvas

Photo Credit:Angela Paris

If you like string art projects, you’ll love this creative twist for making a string art on canvas wall hanging.

Lavender in Acrylics

Photo Credit:Jasmine Khinda

Learn how to paint lavender using basic acrylic paints and cotton swabs! The background is especially easy peasy.

Stenciled Botanicals on Canvas

Photo Credit:Amanda Formaro

Add some pretty botanicals to your wall with this easy stenciled botanicals on canvas project! Use whichever colors you'd like to fit your decor.

Simple Flower Jar

Photo Credit:Cinnamon Cooney

This colorful canvas art is perfect for spring, and I love the loose nature of the mason jar and flowers.

Easy Spring Flowers on Canvas

Photo Credit:Cinnamon Cooney

Learn how to use a variety of brushes in this free art project from The Art Sherpa. I love the simple painted background, and creating the flowers is a matter of brushstrokes.

Heart Wall Art Made with Tiles

Photo Credit:Pretty Life Girls

Create this unique heart wall art with basic hexagon tiles found at the
hardware store. Make any design with your favorite colors. So easy!

A Pinwheel Painting

Photo Credit:Elisa Blaha

Sometimes the best way to get started painting is with a lot of color. This wall art reminds me of the circus but in the best way. Great for white walls, too.

Abstract Painted Hearts

Photo Credit:Sam Sarles

Precision is overrated in my humble opinion. Painted hearts on canvas and wood in a colorful, abstract manner make me happy - and they're always in style.

Simple Geometric Canvas

Photo Credit:Sherry Petersik

Can you use a yardstick and pencil to draw lines? Can you then paint inside those lines? You're ready for this simple artwork from Sherry. Grab the palette of your choice.

Easy Sunset Wall Art

Photo Credit:Marjorie Lacombe

Can you use spray paint to create wall art? But of course! In fact, it's a great way to use that unused spray paint from other projects. AND you can paint and Mod Podge over the top of it, too.

Pretty Painted Wall Art DIY

Photo Credit:Kelly Huibregtse

You can print letters or do the same with large letters purchased from the craft store. Either way, this is great for beginners. Even if you've never picked up a paintbrush before.

DIY Christmas Canvas Art Tutorial

Photo Credit:Krystyn Hall

Let's not leave the holidays out of these painting projects! This is a great idea for those favorite song lyrics, quotes, and verses for Christmas decor and beyond.

Easy Watercolor Resist

Photo Credit:Alexis Middleton

This simple rubber cement resist technique is a fun way to make easy watercolor art. Create beautiful pieces with just a few supplies. It’s simple, fun, and gives great results. Let’s paint!

Beautiful Canvas Art in an Hour

Photo Credit:Lindi Vanderschaaf

This canvas was created for a modern industrial style bedroom. All you'll need is five paint colors, a large canvas, and a little bit of time to create and have fun.

I hope you enjoy this paint ideas inspiration! I’d love for you to visit these other posts as well:

EASY Mod Podge Projects for Beginners (Over 20!)
Cute Things to Paint That Are Great for Beginners
Rainbow Crafts Every Color Lover Should Try
Painting for Kids: 50 Unique Ideas They’ll Love
Easy Things to Paint for Beginners Web Story