Painting Ideas on Canvas
We are excited to share with you all the ideas you can paint on canvas. From flowers to mountains, pigs and water scenes – you are in great hands to get inspired and be supported.
Get Your Art Supplies
What do you need to start a painting project? We can help.
- canvas, canvas panel, acrylic painting paper
- Acrylic paint colors: black, white, blue, red, and yellow is a great place to start.
- A set of brushes – small to large sizes will give you flexibility based on the painting idea you choose.
Mountains and Forests - Easy Painting Ideas
Here are several ideas and details to consider for mountain and forest scenes: day time or night time, think about the layering in your art work composition. Using acrylic paints they dry quickly, so you can easily add a couple of layers of mountains to add depth to your artwork.
Position and Scale – do you want the trees or mountains in the distance? If so, consider painting the object smaller in size, if it is farther away. If the object is closer, you would use your brush and paint the idea closer.
Quantity of Items – You can add 1 tree varietal or 2. Also think about the number of items. You could paint 2 mushrooms or 10. Anything goes. As the artist you get to make those choices, which is the best part of painting.
Lakes and Oceans - Ideas for Painting Art
Many artists start a project with an easy idea in mind they love. A project ( like a lake or ocean ) can easily get started by using a tutorial or another source of inspiration.
You Choose The Colors – Painting water is something kids and adults both love because of the flexibility with colors and abstract approach to a simple way of starting the painting.
Horizon Line in Paintings – In almost all of my art classes – we make a horizon line that separates the land / water from the sky. This helps the art ground the composition and gives a clear source for where the water will be located.
We highly recommend painting a lake or ocean scene. It is calming, simple, easy for all skill levels.
You can use any paint colors that you enjoy the most.
Garden / Flowers - Paintings for all ages
As a painter and teacher, I love flower scenes because they are so beautiful and inspiring. The acrylic paintings above started with a simple approach of an idea and a thought of ‘what am I inspired to paint in this art project. Consider painting an abstract window box with your flowers undefined. Another piece of art could have many pots with very details flowers.
Think of what inspires you.
Quantity – Would you paint a single flower or many flowers?
Scale – How large or small would you make the object on the canvas?
Color Theme – Choose a simple color theme and define the source, before you paint. That way all your colors will match and be consistent throughout the process. Kids and adults both alike will love this art painting idea.
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Abstract Painting Ideas
I have always loved the idea of abstract art paintings. One thinks, I can paint anything, with no structure and any colors. Painting abstract you don’t follow a tutorial, but there a guidelines you have to set for yourself. Here are a few tips for your abstract painting consideration:
- Start with 2-3 Colors Only
- Practice with Scribbles
- Consider – if you have a plan or composition in mind
- Consider placement of colors and forms
- Don’t overthink it
- Be in the moment – embrace an idea and follow your intuition
- Be mindful – pause and reflect on your artwork as you go.
- Switch brushes or tools to alternate the texture on the canvas
Painting Animals on Canvas
Painting animals is a lot of fun but can also be one of the most difficult tutorials to follow or paint on your own canvas. Take a deep breathe – you got this!
What do beginners need to get started?
Beginners don’t need a lot of supplies or have a firm source to get started. We have led hundreds of paint classes and love jumping into pieces with little to no plan.
Reflecting on beginners and what is most important, we have included a few helpful painting tips below:
- Try following a tutorial that walks you through a painting step by step. Sometimes beginners may not know what to do or how to do it. By buying a paint kit and following a video tutorial will make it easy for you to jump into the process and boost your confidence.
- Art supplies you will need:
– a canvas, a canvas panel, acrylic paper – 9″ x 12″ or 11″ x 14″ is a great source / size to start. You can buy a canvas nearly anywhere. I personally like using canvas panels for my classes and paint kits because they store easily.
– an array of paint brushes – you want small to large sizes like in the picture. Small brushes allow you to create easy details and the large brushes help with acrylic painting coverage in the background.
– acrylic paints – colors: black, white, red, blue and yellow. If you want to buy a set of paints with more colors you can. In our classes, we teach you how to use the primary colors to blend your own shades and tones.
That’s all you need to get started painting. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to support you and your creative journey.
Looking for more painting ideas? Check out our inspiration board.
If you are looking for a video tutorial, we will create one for you based on a special request. Contact us for more information.
Here are some helpful tips for beginners, as you start to buy paint supplies, a canvas and are choosing acrylic paintings that are easy!
- Simple Composition – Pick something that you love, and you can break it down by layer. Maybe there is a solid background and simple flowers on top. As you review different ideas, come up with a plan beforehand on how you may paint it. That will get you organized and boost your confidence.
- Use 2-4 Colors Only
- Experiment with your paint brushes
- Take Your Time – with art, there is no rush. Whether you are painting something easy or a little difficult, take your time.
- Mistakes happen – you can paint over something if necessary – don’t worry.
- Slow down and enjoy the painting process.
Easy Painting Ideas and Tips for Kids
Kids love paint, blending colors and create just like mom and dad. Here are some helpful tips to support kids in the creative process.
- A Kid-Friendly Space
The best place for a kid to paint is somewhere that can get messy, and you can clean up that space quickly—a table, kitchen floor, etc. If you have a plastic tablecloth, using that clean-up will be much easier. - A Kid Friendly Paint
Acrylic paint on our website is not meant for kids because it can stain their clothes. The best paint for kids is Tempura or washable Crayola paint. If your kiddo is a little older and doesn’t need to be supervised the acrylic paint in most craft stores ( and that we sell ) is absolutely fine. - Painting Brushes
You don’t need fancy brushes for this activity. Essential acrylic craft paintbrushes work well for kids and adults. Anything goes here—little kids 2-5 – bigger. Brushes will make more of a mess, but they will still enjoy it. For ages 3+, you can give them a more petite size brush to practice their brush strokes, etc. - Canvas or Roll of Paper
Kids can easily paint on a canvas, canvas panel, wood, paper, or a roll, even better. You can tape such a source to the ground or table so it doesn’t slide around. - Clean Up Time
Host Your Own Paint Party
Think of a group of family and friends you can bring together you can share painting ideas and paint on canvas together. We can help you with all the planning and execution. Even better, we can host the class virtually. There are lot of options. It is great way to bring people together that live in different locations. Contact us below for more details.
