10 Easy Things to Paint for Beginner Artists

By
Lauren Thomann
Lauren Thomann
Lauren Thomann
Lauren Thomann is a jewelry and antiques expert, sharing over 15 years of hands-on experience with DIY jewelry, gemstones, heirlooms, as well as home renovation projects. Her businesses, Ageless Heirlooms and Heirlooms at Home, focus on antiques. Lauren has also studied at the Gemological Institute of America.
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Updated on 08/06/24
how to paint a cactus

Elise Engh Studios

If you love art but have trouble coming up with painting ideas, you're not alone. Sometimes it's helpful to have an inspiration piece to follow, especially if you're a beginner.

We've gathered several easy things to paint that you can complete in an afternoon. These painting tutorials are helpful whether you want to paint with your friends for fun or improve your skills on your own.

Scroll through these ideas and find one that you want to replicate for your home. 

  • 01 of 10

    Block Off a Canvas With Painter's Tape

    Watercolor painting with a quote
    Kristina Werner

    This video tutorial from Kristina Werner teaches you how to tape off a sheet of watercolor paper like a pro and recreate this geometric watercolor painting. If you want to start smaller, consider following this video tutorial to make a greeting card.

    Easy DIY Taped Watercolor from Kristina Werner

  • 02 of 10

    Paint Cherry Blossom in the Moonlight

    A painting of a flowering tree by the moon
    A Piece of Rainbow

    This cherry blossom painting technique might look complicated and advanced, but it's quite simple and easy to master with a little practice. Ananda from A Piece of Rainbow shows you how to paint cherry blossoms on black paper to mimic a nighttime scene. Check out her tutorial for more details.

    Paint Cherry Blossoms in Moonlight from A Piece of Rainbow

  • 03 of 10

    Use Lavender as Your Inspiration

    A painting of lavender sprigs next to a small bird sculpture
    The Inspired Hive

    Some of the best beginner painting tutorials are from non-artists. Nicole from The Inspired Hive took part in a blank canvas challenge and claims that she isn't good at drawing or painting. If she can make a painting work, so can you. Check out her blog post to see how she transformed three colors into a farmhouse-inspired piece of artwork.  

    Painted Lavender Canvas from The Inspired Hive

  • 04 of 10

    Throw a Painting Party with Your Friends

    Acrylic heart painting on canvas
    The Creativity Exchange

    If you're looking to have fun painting and aren't trying to advance specific techniques and skills, this is the tutorial for you. Cyndy from The Creativity Exchange explains how you and your friends can throw a painting party and each make an abstract heart painting using acrylics. The painting is easy enough for everyone to complete but pretty enough that you'll want to hang it in your home. 

    DIY Abstract Heart Painting from The Creativity Exchange

    Continue to 5 of 10 below
  • 05 of 10

    Create Art With Your Favorite Quote

    A quote with paint marks all around it hanging on a wall
    A Side of Sweet

    Do you have a blank canvas and don't know what to paint on it? This was the case for Kelly from A Side of Sweet. Not being an artist, it took a couple of months for inspiration to strike. Eventually, she decided to use simple brush strokes and a favorite quote to make the artwork more memorable. Learn how she did it on her page and then paint your own. 

    Pretty Painted Wall Art DIY from A Side of Sweet

  • 06 of 10

    Learn How to Create a Herringbone Pattern

    Herringbone painted canvas hanging on a wall
    Messes to Memories

    This painting tutorial might seem difficult to complete, but it's more time-consuming than challenging. Any beginner artist will be able to recreate this canvas art with a little patience. Lexi shares her method for creating a herringbone pattern on Messes to Memories, so check it out if you want to know how to do it yourself. 

    DIY Herringbone Canvas Art from Messes to Memories

  • 07 of 10

    When in Doubt, Paint Something Abstract

    abstract painting hanging up behind a couch
    The Fox and She

    You can find art inspiration anywhere, from art galleries to local parks. Blair from The Fox and She was inspired to make abstract canvas art after viewing works from abstract artists. There aren't many rules when it comes to abstract art, but there are plenty of tips to make sure the final product looks like something you'd want to hang on your wall. Head over to Blair's blog post for some helpful tips and tricks. 

    DIY Abstract Art from The Fox and She

  • 08 of 10

    Pour Instead of Paint on a Canvas

    acrylic pouring painting hanging on a wall
    The House of Wood

    You may have seen several paint-pouring videos pop up on social media lately. While they're relaxing to watch, the technique is even more fun to do. Jen from The House of Wood has perfected the acrylic pouring technique and shares a helpful tutorial on her blog. The best part about this painting technique is that no two pieces of art will look alike.

    Easy Art With Acrylic Pouring from The House of Wood

    Continue to 9 of 10 below
  • 09 of 10

    Create a Simple and Colorful Galaxy Painting

    Two watercolor galaxy paintings on a white wood background
    The Artisan Life

    Natasha from The Artisan Life is confident that her galaxy tutorial will convince even the most doubtful person that they can paint beautiful things. The on-page tutorial includes helpful pictures, clear steps, and expert tips. If you're still stuck, check out her video tutorial for a visual play-by-play. 

    Mini Watercolor Galaxy Painting Tutorial from The Artisan Life

  • 10 of 10

    Learn How to Paint a Full Moon

    painting a full moon
    Lil Blue Boo

    This painting tutorial might seem advanced, but it's easy to master with a little practice. By painting a full moon, you'll learn several techniques like dry brushing, sponging, and splattering. Ashely from Lil Blue Boo came up with an easy way for beginners to break this project down into sections. Check out her tutorial to see how she completed this painting. 

    How to Paint a Full Moon from Lil Blue Boo