Need some inspiration for a painting project?
Here are a few suggestions to get inspiration for a painting project.
The easiest way to get started with a painting project is by painting a portrait. Use watercolour with brushes, crayons, or pencils. Best to use a photo of people as reference because its easier than painting from a real person.
Every person is inspired by something - the environment, feminism, politics and nature so explore your environment and find your passion.
Paint items such as still life (table, fruits basket, lamp, etc.) paint cups in a saucer etc. Choose anything easy to draw.
Abstract paintings do not follow any materialistic ideals in particular with no fixed or specific lines defining an object. Abstract painting is rather a representation of the painter’s mood. This is a great style to bring out emotions to help you relax.
As a beginner, consider these things to paint on a canvas when getting ready for the next painting:
3-D shapes are easy to paint and can create an optical illusion effect on the canvas. Not only it is fun to paint, but if executed properly, it can become an interesting wall hanging. It is important to use vivid colours and various colour choices for each shape.
Painting animals is a good starter for a beginner. Consider painting cute dogs, roaring lion, an elephant, etc. if possible, extend this by adding a nature background.
Paint clear sky with clouds and bright daylight. Try adding flying birds to show off creativity. Moreover, the night sky is another brilliant suggestion. Add colourful stars with varying shades of colour to depict the starry night.
This is an easy subject where one has to paint the objects with a solid colour. Silhouettes are well-painted on paper so opt for paper instead of a canvas.
Quote arts have short quotes with a fun background. Several brush strokes are used to develop the background. Such artwork is extremely easy for beginners.
Patterns can be made of lines, shapes, or a combination of both. These are considered some easy things to paint. The artist can their favourite colours to achieve an attractive set of patterns on the canvas.
Advantages of acrylic paint is that it can be diluted with water to achieve the desired density. It dries quickly, you can add layers of colour and it is more flexible than oil paints - won’t crack easily.
Pigments are toxic. Some qualities use “retarder” to achieve slower drying time.
No possibility to modify the painting once the acrylic colours dry.
Colour darkens upon drying up.
Oil paints dry very late, giving more time to modify the artwork.
No colour shift or colour change once the oil paint dries. Retains the original colour, texture, shine, and gloss.
Wet oil colours do not change when exposed to air.
Canvas requires priming.
Patience is a must.
These paints turn yellow with time. It is a sign of ageing which cannot be avoided.
Below are a few surfaces a beginner can easily paint on.
Canvas comes in different sizes and is perfect for oil painting. It is absorbent, lightweight and portable. Canvas is stretchable but there is a need for a wooden stretcher for that. They usually come in white but other choices of colours may be available.
Paper is an ideal surface for practice painting. Paper supports several types of colours such as watercolour, pencil colours, crayons, sketch pens, etc. for a fun painting. It is also suited for painting with a brush. This surface is preferred since it comes in different colours, thickness and textures.
Cardboard is suited for paintings when the user needs an absorbent surface. It is important to choose acid-free cardboard or else the acid content can ruin the painting.
Glass is ideal for acrylic paints. The crystal clear base further adds to the beauty of the work. Glass paintings can later be framed to make a perfect hanging for walls.
The major advantage for a beginner to getting started is developing an interest and confidence in their domain. Here are some painting idea to get started with.
Try painting cherry blossoms - roses are often the first choice when painting flowers. Other exceptional options include hibiscus, sunflower, etc. The flowers need not be realistic.
Landscape drawing is best suited for beginners. It is a happy painting that usually consists of high mountains and hills with maybe a rising sun behind them, chirping flying birds, a simple hut with a river stream. Add more detail once the basics are drawn.
A perfect subject that can be as easy as painting some items kept on a table. It can be a jug, teapot, cup, plate, fruits, etc. Still life is used to depict the stationary existence of the objects.
If it is hard to paint accurate lines to represent an object, try abstract art. It makes use of several colours to achieve different textures on the canvas. If executed properly, it has then power to change the emotional behaviour of a person.