Where Do We Get Ideas for Painting Art?

It's exciting uncovering new ideas for painting.

One of the first suggestions is to take a look around our environment. Everything around us from everyday objects to the sunset are waiting to be painted.

The colorful hues of autumn, the pristine white of winter, spring flowers, and the greens of summer are all ideas waiting for an artist to portray them.

Landscapes make wonderful paintings.

Landscapes make wonderful paintings.

Easy Painting Ideas for Beginners

Nature has a universal appeal that guarantees its admiration, whether it's your first painting or one of many.

Landscapes, including seascapes are the most popular idea. People like painting them and galleries sell more landscapes than any other subject.

Paint the soft colors of a sunrise.

Do the brilliant colors of a sunset.

Nature provides the most exquisite inspirations. Each landscape or seascape holds unique energy to be expressed through your art.

You may begin with an ocean sunset.

Or a dolphin splashing thru the water.

It's a joy painting a nearby country scene, the grandeur of a mountain range, the serenity of a peaceful valley or the beauty of a tranquil lake.

You can paint warm mountains.

Snow covered mountains are stunning.

Landscape paintings look great when they are painted with oil paint. What would be the best painting medium for you?

Landscapes Include Trees, Plants and Flowers

From the national parks to our gardens, the lush rainforest, the beauty of a delicate flower, or the majesty of an ancient tree are all waiting for the artist.

Trees are often the main feature of a landscape painting.

One tree can make a painting.

Or paint a whole row of trees.

Garden Are Bursting with Painting Ideas

Plants large and small offer endless ideas for artwork.

They may be painted in detailed botanical illustrations or as an abstract blur of colors. It's all up to the preference of the artist.

Focus on painting one detail of a plant instead of the entire thing.

A single flower could spark up the room's decor with a modern touch.

Find Easy Ideas in the Ordinary

Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. 

There's an artistic elegance waiting to be discovered in a cup of coffee or fruit on the kitchen counter.

Common things are waiting to be painted.

Good for eating and painting too.

Look around the house for ideas waiting to be painted. Common things can become the subject of a still life painting.

Paint your treasures from the sea shore.

Still lifes teach us drawing skills.

Once you’ve chosen a subject that inspires you, follow this beginner’s guide to learn how to paint to choose your supplies and begin your first painting.

Animals Are Fascinating to Paint

Animals are our constant companions. Both domestic and wild animals are a rich source of inspiration for our artwork.

Our pets, neighborhood squirrels and birds are great subjects. Dogs, cats, and birds can inspire different colors, styles and sentiments in our artwork.

Paint a portrait of your kitty.

He could be a silhouette painting.

Critters from a wildlife safari or the zoo will make stunning paintings. Majestic lions, graceful deer or playful monkeys can each provide captivating paintings.

All the beauties and wonders of nature are screaming to be painted.

Painted Lady Butterfly

Who can resist a robin or colored butterfly wings flitting across yard.

Choose from the butterfly types.

Blue-throated Hummingbird

Consider capturing the majestic birds of prey or a little hummingbird.

Find a hummingbird to paint.

People Often Make Compelling Artwork

Children are precious painting subjects.

Paint a precious child.

We can paint someone well-known to us, a family member, a neighbor or even a stranger who has caught our attention.

We may choose to paint someone from history or a popular movie actor.

Each portrait presents a unique opportunity to explore personality and character.

The precious faces of children make wonderful paintings.

We can paint our babies, grand-kids or even the neighborhood children.

Learn how to mix the skin colors for your portrait paintings.

Paintings Reveal the Heart of the Artist

Art is not just a reflection of what we see around us. It can represent what the artist is thinking or feeling.

We can paint our emotions, dreams and memories.

My brother designed and built a wooden sloop. Then he sailed it from California, thru the Panama Canal and up to Florida. It was his labor of love and dedication.

This painting is a precious memory of him for he is now sailing in heaven.

Many hours sailing from California to Florida.

Paint Your Memories

It could be a childhood toy, an unforgettable sunset or the family home that's on our heart. Painting these will not just be therapeutic, but will record them forever.

If you love traveling, share your experiences. A bustling marketplace or an architectural marvel could all could be fuel for your next art piece.

What Do You Paint?

The only limit is your creativity and the emotions want to convey through your art.

"Dolphin Freedom" - mixed medium

Abstract art is often about evoking emotion and stimulating the imagination.

Sometimes we can cover the canvas with patterns and forms and then make a painting out of it.

It was fun doing this painting. I splashed colors on the canvas and pulled a dolphin out the splashes.

Mixed media paintings let our imagination run free.

Where Can We Get More Painting Ideas?

We get inspiration from fellow artists. Talking with other artists and seeing their work often stimulates us with new ideas.

Visiting art galleries can give us fresh ideas for our own paintings.

Study the art of the master artists. There is a wealth of information and ideas in such awesome paintings. Here in the United States Albert Bierstadt is admired.  

What is fine art?

Painting is a journey, an intimate journey. Let each canvas reflect you and your thoughts, dreams and passions.

Enjoy the Art of Painting!