55+ Easy Acrylic Painting Ideas For Beginners Who Want To Be Inspired

Easy painting ideas perfect for beginners

Looking for easy painting ideas? Whether you just started painting or yet to begin, this curated list of painting ideas (for adults and kids!) will inspire you to pickup a paintbrush and add some color to your life.

And create art that you’ll be proud of.

Whether you’re looking for painting ideas for your wall, painting as a hobby, painting with your kids, family and friends, or use as paint night ideas, my wish for you is the enjoy the process of painting- no matter the outcome.

All you need to get started are some paints (of your choice), paintbrush, canvas, and the most important element: an open mind.

So you can create art that you’ll be proud of.

Before jumping into some awesome paint ideas, let’s go over which type of paint to choose, and supplies you’ll need- since many beginners don’t know where & how to start.

Choose Your Paint Type

There are many types of paints you can start out with.

From watercolor, to oil, acrylic and gouache etc. the choices can seem overwhelming.

So what is the easiest paint for beginners?

Basic acrylic paints (check out this Acrylic Painting for Beginners guide to learn more).

Many artists and teachers agree that acrylic paint is the best choice of paint for beginners. It’s cheap, easy to handle and very forgiving among the paint types.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one acrylics for beginner bundle, that’ll answer all your questions, guide you through some easy painting tutorials made for beginners while providing you with support and accountability as a beginner (plus tons of extras) check out this Acrylic For Beginners : A-Z Guide To Your First Acrylic Masterpiece.

That being said, below I’ll give you plenty examples of easy things to paint with acrylics along with a few easy watercolor paintings ideas/tutorials too (since watercolors are quite popular too).

Basic Painting Supplies

If you’re confused with the basic supplies you’ll need to get started, here are some bare essentials I would recommend.

1. Cheap set of brushes (of varying sizes)
2. Basic acrylic paint set or Watercolor paint set
3. Pre-primed canvas (works with acrylics and watercolors)
4. Convertible Easel (optional)

Now that you’re armed with the basics, time to pick your painting!

Here’s some cool and easy painting ideas to inspire your inner (budding) artist…

Easy Painting Ideas For Beginners

Below is the list of over 55 easy painting ideas.Whether you’re just starting with acrylics or in painting rut, the ideas below will sprinkle you with some inspiration.

1. Easy Beach Painting with Sand Texture!

Beach paintings are one of the easiest and fun scenery / landscape type art to start out with.

In this beginners step by step tutorial you’ll learn to paint everything from an easy ocean wave, to sand beach (complete with a nifty texture ingredient you have in your kitchen), a dazzling seafoam pattern (it’s easier than it looks) and a cute starfish on the shoreline.

Swim on over to the tutorial –> Easy beach painting with acrylics on canvas

2. Paint a Mermaid

Paint a mermaid and mermaid tail poking through the water in this “moonlit mermaid & friends” step by step painting tutorial.

This beginner level tutorial will show you how to make this beautiful vibrant painting with only 6 basic paint colors (lesson about how to create skin color paint too!) Paint a mermaid

3.How To Draw and Paint a Butterfly

Check out this easy tutorial (step-by-step tutorial with full length YouTube tutorial included) and learn how easy it can be to not only paint a monarch butterfly AND to actually draw one, free hand .

And don’t worry you don’t need any special drawing skills!

This tutorial is thoughtfully broken down into the easiest possibly steps that everyone can do (including kids!). Flutter on over to the tutorial and paint some gorgeous, vibrant butterflies. How to draw and paint a butterfly.

4. Learn How to Paint Roses – Easy Beginner Tutorial

Even though this might look advanced, this 4 step rose technique is surprisingly easy and made for beginners. The step by step tutorial (with YouTube video) will teach you how to recreate gorgeous looking 3D roses in any color you choose! How to Paint Roses Tutorial

5. Easy Cherry Blossom Tree with Q-Tips

Paint this easy cherry blossom tree, with cotton swabs! This beginner tutorial is a fun way to get into painting while learning some paint mixing basics. And you’ll end up with a stunning piece you can decorate your home with! How To Paint a Cherry Blossom Tree

6. How to Paint a Galaxy Sky for Beginners

Painting a galaxy night sky is a great beginner easy painting idea for adults. In this tutorial (include full length YouTube tutorial) you will learn how to use a simple tool to create color blends (it’s easier than using a brush!).

You’ll also learn an easy way to create realistic looking stars- that doesn’t involve hand painting each one. Check out the tutorial for step by step directions. How to Paint a Galaxy

7. Easy Lavender Flower Painting

I created this easy acrylic flower painting tutorial for beginners in mind. I used some cheap Dollarstore paints, canvas and a nifty painting hack using Q-Tips. If you’ve never painted before, this is an ideal project to start with.

This also makes a fun painting idea for kids.

You’ll also learn how to create a textured background using an ingredient you might have in your kitchen now.

Salt.

Check out the step by step tutorial to find out how to create this easy canvas painting. How To Paint Lavender Flowers

8. How to Paint Hydrangea Flowers with Q-tips

Learn to paint Hydrangeas with this fun and easy beginner technique using simple Q-tips and bubble wrap. Also learn how to make a gorgeous antique chinoise vase within a few easy steps! How to Paint Hydrangeas

9. How to Paint a Pumpkin on Canvas – Fall Painting Idea

Learn how paint a pumpkin the easy way, with a nifty brush technique that you’ll love! You’ll also learn how to make a “faux” wood rustic/vintage background using some paint and a plastic fork! It’s a super fun tutorial that includes video instruction. How To Paint a Pumpkin

10. How to Paint a Sunset with your own City Skyline

Practice learning how to blend colors to make a beautiful sunset sky and finish off your painting with a custom skyline of the city you live in (or your favorite city to visit!). Also, you’ll have fun with some splatter paint techniques to make those magical stars in the sky! How to paint a sunset

11. How To Paint a Sunflower

Sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers to paint- so they are great for beginners to practice with. Check out this step by step tutorial and learn how to paint a bright and sunny sunflower using a basic sketch design ( FREE printable) that you can transfer to your canvas. How to paint a sunflower

12. How to Paint Water bottles / Hydro Flask

Who says you should only paint on canvas? Paint easy beginner flowers on different surfaces, like water bottles. Find out how in this step by step tutorial on how to use acrylic paints to How to paint a Hydro Flask!

13. How to Paint Clouds

Learn how to paint clouds in this easy beginner tutorial. This tutorial uses an easy Q-tips technique to paint perfect clouds every time. The best part of this technique is how relaxing and enjoyable it is. If you’re a beginner, you can’t go wrong with this tutorial. How to paint clouds

14. Rock Painting Ideas- Easy Painting Ideas For Kids

Another non-canvas painting ideas is to use a simple rock or pebble as your canvas! Rock painting has gained huge popularity in recent times, as a craft from kids/teens and adults!

There are also many things you can use your painted rock for like gifting, selling, and even partaking in the Kindness Rocks Project. Learn everything you need to know in this How To Paint Rocks, including 10+ ideas to get you started.

15. Heart Painting Ideas – Family Friendly Activity

Another fun easy painting idea for kids. Make these super easy heart paintings (even a kid can do!) with some simple Dollarstore Canvases, paints and NOT a single paintbrush! These paintings are painted normal household items like saran wrap/cling wrap, cotton swabs (q-tips), and a credit card! How to paint hearts

16. Acrylic birch tree canvas painting

I love how Alexis created this beautiful Birch tree acrylic painting using a Credit card. Brilliant! This technique looks easy enough for beginners. I can’t wait to try this painting technique myself. Also, digging the gold foil heart detail. Gorgeous!

This is a simple and easy painting idea for beginners on canvas. Birch tree painting

17. How to paint daisies in a jar

Daisies are a perfect flower to learn as a beginner painter, since they have pretty uniform/simple shaped petals.

In Tracy’s tutorial you’ll learn how to paint a simple daisy flower that’s arranged in a small bouquet. You’ll also learn how to recreate rustic looking wood panels with acrylic paints- something you can apply to many other paintings in the future.

Check out her awesome step by step tutorial to learn how to recreate this little piece of summer. How To Paint Daisies in a Jar

18. Easy quote canvas art

This is a cool and easy painting idea that shows you how to transfer quotes, text or any pattern from printed paper right onto your canvas (no need for graphite paper). This technique can be used in many mixed media/abstract type paintings or even trendy quote art paintings. AND with items you have at home.

You’ll also learn how to make that cool watercolor background WITHOUT a drop of paint….

Find out how in the step by step tutorial. Tissue Paper Art

19. Abstract butterfly in flight with ocean wave background.

If you want to learn how to make abstract art on canvas, this tutorial will get you started. This beginner abstract painting uses some calming (ocean inspired) blue acrylic hues to create the abstract ocean wave background.

A simple gold leaf pen is used to create the butterflies in flight. An easy abstract painting idea that will infuse your home with some ocean-y calm vibes!

Check out the step by step tutorial. How to paint abstract butterflies

20. Song lyric wall art

If you’re looking for a very basic, super easy painting idea- this is it! Use an old painting, stickers, basic white paint, and your favorite song lyric to create this fun painting.

If you don’t have an old painting to work with, why not practice spreading different colors of paint on a new canvas before adding your quote.

Splatter, pour, brush stroke away- all without worrying what it looks like!

You’ll have fun exploring/experimenting with paint and still end up with a piece you can proudly display in your home (or even give as a gift- Christmas, birthdays , etc).Song Lyric Song Art

21. Easy watercolor cactus tutorial

Sunset paintings are (usually) easy projects to start out with for beginners. This cactus sunset painting looks simple enough for most beginners. The tutorial uses watercolor paints, but this would also be an easy one to do in acrylics. Easy Watercolor Cactus Tutorial

22. Palm tree sunset landscape painting

Checkout another sunset painting- this time it’s a video tutorial. As the title of this video suggests, this tree sunset landscape scene is a good fit for first time painters and beginners. Palm Tree Sunset Painting Tutorial

23. DIY canvas painting for beginners

Make this easy and (professional) looking painting that you can customize to your home decor color palette. Use a small canvas for decor in small rooms like a bathroom, or scale it up a bit on a giant/large canvas to hang above your bed or in the living room.

Either ways everyone will be amazed when they find out you created this masterpiece with some inexpensive paint and some dabbers. DIY canvas painting for beginners

24. Easy Diversity Painting Idea

Make this diversity painting, that’s a suitable project for teens, adults and also for kids. Learn how to mix a skin tone paint swatch with 4 basic colors: red, blue, yellow, and white. Diversity Painting.

25. Easy metallic abstract art

Metallic paints are fun to work with, especially with abstract accent art pieces like these. Use metallics to augment your paintings’ visual interest with their reflective qualities.

Whether they’re used in a paintings details or as the main focus (like these glamorous paintings ), metallics can really transform the look and drama of the art.

But make sure you work with a good quality gold paint to get the best impact. Easy Metallic Abstract Art Tutorial.

26. Abstract fluid painting

Fluid art (a.k.a acrylic pour paintings) has become a very popular acrylic technique in the past few years. It can be a fun and easy way to start exploring acrylics with- as long as you don’t mind the cleanup afterwards!

You can choose colors that complement your home decor so that you can proudly hang it in your living room, family room, home office etc. afterwards. Abstract Fluid Painting Tutorial.

27. Modern geometric large canvas art

If you want to create large scale canvas art, checkout how this blogger uses a large canvas and some simple/cheap painters tape and some bold contrasting colors to make this gorgeous art for her dining room decor.

Looks professionally made. Well done! Modern Geometric Large Canvas Art Tutorial

28. Splatter painting ideas

Splatter painting is a super fun painting method to learn (and you can apply it to so many paintings further down the road).

Use some beautiful complementary colors, like this magenta and orange- to add a splash of color to any room in your home. You’ll have so much fun making this one, you might want to make a few of them! Splatter Art Painting Tutorial

29. Easy texture art

Adding bold texture to a canvas is an easy & fast way to create modern and stylish art – especially if you’re a beginner! This tutorial is a great way to explore adding texture to paintings- which will open doors to what you can create and/or paint or even level up your current paintings.

When you’re done, hang this painting in your living room (like in the picture above), bedrooms, other spaces in your home to enhance your decor with some original (by you) art!Easy Texture Art Tutorial

30. Bright sunflower canvas art

Another bright and cheery sunflower canvas painting to add to your walls. Check out Tracy’s step by step tutorial to learn how easy it is to make this happy piece.

Another great example of easy paint night ideas. Bright Sunflower Tutorial

31. Galaxy paintings (Outer Space)

Learn some nifty paint splatter techniques (using a toothbrush) with this magical galaxy outer space painting.

This would make for some cool decor for a kids rooms / playrooms! OR for an intergalactic themed paint night party! Galaxy Painting Tutorial

32. Tree landscape with American flag sky

Learning how to paint trees with a fan brush is another easy (and valuable) painting technique to learn for beginners. This patriotic “American Flag” in the night sky is a fun art piece, to boot! Super creative! American Flag Sky Tutorial

33. Watercolor flowers art

Jump into watercolors by learning how to paint some pretty and colorful flowers and whimsical leaves.

As a bonus, you can decorate your walls with this on-trend watercolor flower painting. Watercolor Flower Art

34. Easy acrylic pour painting idea for kids

Get your kids to make this easy acrylic pour painting to use in your home decor. They will be super proud their art is on display for all to see- and you might just unleash a budding artist in the midst.

A fun addition to your list of easy painting ideas for kids. Children (big and small) will enjoy getting creatively messy! Pour Painting for Kids

35.How to paint a sunset with hot air balloons

Sunsets is an easy painting idea for beginners to learn. Follow this step by step tutorial and learn how to paint an easy sunset with this popular painting.

I think this would also be a hit at a paint night, especially a late summer one! I love the shadowed hot air balloons , very reminiscent of late summer/early fall.sunset with hot air balloons tutorial

36. Large canvas art

If you’re looking to make large canvas art for your living room, or perhaps a bedroom, then this art piece is a gorgeous one to mimic.

The beauty of the abstract style is that you can start painting without planning too much, letting go of perfection, and just going with the flow. Large Canvas Art Tutorial

37. Unicorn Painting

Learn how to create a super cute unicorn painting with this easy to follow tutorial. Would make a great project for teens and older kids. Unicorn Painting Tutorial

38. Simple and easy pour paintings

Try this easy acrylic pouring paint technique to create these gorgeous art pieces. Mix and match colors and create a few at a time for even more variation. Pour Painting Tutorial

39. Abstract flowers on canvas

This abstract flower painting looks really fun, whether you decide to make it with friends at a “paint and sip” type of party (like suggested in the post) or even on your own (wine optional!).

This painting would also be a great addition to a list of easy paint night ideas. Customized the background or color of flowers for your own twist!Abstract Flower Painting Tutorial

40. Geometric acrylic canvas art

Use a canvas, simple ruler and cheap acrylic craft paint to create this trendy modern geometric abstract art. You can easily swap out the blue tones with different colors. Easy, fun and makes for some fabulous home decor. Geometric Abstract Painting Tutorial.

41. How to paint a large red poppy flower

Learn step-by-step on how to create a large red poppy flower with acrylic paints.

The sky is the limit to what you choose to paint your poppy on. Whether it be on a blank canvas, or a stained wooden boards for a farmhouse look, or even in a art journal.

You can apply these flower painting techniques in many types of project, the sky is the limit! How To Paint a Poppy

42. Easy DIY abstract canvas art (with gold flakes)

Want to make a custom abstract painting as decor in your home? This abstract painting tutorial for beginners will take you through the steps on how to apply gold leaf foil /flakes to any canvas and how to blend paint around it to create this gorgeous piece. DIY Abstract Art Tutorial

43. Easy inspirational quote art

Another cute example of acrylic quote art thats easy to make on canvas. A great way to practice paint blending techniques.

44. Easy Word Canvas Art

Here’s another gorgeous way to make simple word canvas art. Check out Erin’s (at theDIYNuts ) super creative way of using her favorite song’s lyrics to create a special/keepsake DIY art piece for her master bathroom home decor. I love the simplicity of the black and white paint, it would fit many interior color schemes, and is easy to make. Quote Art Tutorial

45. Easy pineapple painting

If you love pineapples, you’re gonna love this one. Learn how to paint an easy pineapple in this step by step tutorial. Would also make an easy painting idea for kids and teens. Easy Pineapple Painting

46. Fall thankful wreath painting

Decorate for fall or thanksgiving in your home with this “Thankful” wreath painting. With a mix of autumn flowers and leaves, this painting teaches you many techniques in one project. Check out the step by step tutorial to learn how to make this gorgeous piece. Fall Thankful Art Painting

47. Vintage Christmas truck painting

Get festive this holiday season and learn how to paint an on-trend vintage Christmas truck carrying a pine tree through the winter streets. Check out the step by step tutorial to find out how. Vintage Christmas Truck Painting.

48. Small canvas “donut worry” art

Another easy painting idea for kids and teens. This super cute “Donut worry” art looks delish. And once they are done, it can be used in the kids room as decor, as a daily reminder of this wise quote!

49. Easy Butterfly Painting for Kids

Kids and Teens will love making this lovely pink and yellow butterfly painting. This would look nice with acrylics or even watercolor paints. A super easy and cool painting idea for kids to get creative with! Easy Butterfly Painting For Kids

50. Easy watermelon canvas art for kids

Another fun and easy painting ideas for kids. This watermelon inspired painting is super cool and oh so fresh/summery looking. Hang it on the wall when your kids are done to give your home a nice splash of summer.Watermelon Art for Kids

51. Acrylic flowers on canvas

Learn an easy way to paint flowers on canvas with this step by step tutorial. Its great for beginners who have never painted flowers and leaves before. Easy Flower Painting

52. Small canvas painting of Flowers

Check out this bloggers video on how she created this small canvas painting of flowers on a wooden canvas. Very nifty! Small Canvas Painting Tutorial

53. Trendy gold chevron painting

Speaking of metallic paint, make this professional looking art using some luscious gold paint and painters tape. This is an easy way to make wall art that will add some style to your home- without spending too much. I think this would look fabulous in any color!Chevron Abstract Art Tutorial

54. Ombre quote wall art

This cute quote art can be customized to any color you want and you can also choose your own special quote. Easy to paint and meaningful. What’s not to love about this project?Ombre Quote Wall Art

55. Watercolor botanical plants

Get your feet wet in some watercolor paints, with this simple and easy beginner painting. You can practice this botanical watercolor project on a canvas, watercolor paper , or even on a simple sheet of white paper. Watercolor Botanical Plant Art

56. Easy landscape for beginners painting

57. Acrylic Ocean for Beginners

58. Easy cherry blossom flowers painting

59. Easy watercolor paintings – 4 ways

Watch this video tutorial for 4 easy watercolor painting ideas. If you’re just beginning with watercolors these ideas look like a great way to practice watercolor techniques.

60. DIY beach scene – easy painting idea

This gorgeous DIY abstract canvas art is perfect for beginners. It uses basic acrylic paints and some texturing medium on canvas to create the beach /ocean scene.

Plus, it can be a great piece to add to your beach house inspired home decor (living room, bedroom, etc..). DIY Beach Scene Painting

Easy Painting Ideas Inspired By Everyday Life

If you’re looking for more easy painting ideas, check the list below. They’re inspired by day to day life, which makes the projects more interesting and hopefully more personally significant.

Enjoy!

• your favorite indoor plant
• your pet
• a cute mug (with or without yummy coffee)
• flowers in a vase
• colorful empty glass/ceramic bottles/dishes
• individual fruit/vegetables in season
• a bowl of fruit
• portrait of your friend/BFF (from a picture)
• a sunset/sunrise
• your garden
• your eye
• big leafy tree
• a bicycle with a basket of flowers
• a monarch butterfly
• a bird on a branch
• your home (from curb view)
• your car
• a small table with your favorite trinkets.
• your favorite bangle/earrings jewellery laying on a table
• your purse
• favorite pair of shoes
• A still scene from any window in your house

I hope you enjoyed this curated collection of easy painting ideas for beginners. I’m so excited for you to start (or continue) on your creative journey. I hope you love every moment exploring the joyful experience of painting.

If you want to checkout some of my painting tutorials head on over to my learn to paint with acrylics page.

Keep rockin’ it my artist friend!

Xoxo

Jasmine

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