25 Easy Painting Ideas for Beginners: Simple Projects to Try Today

Starting your first painting doesn't have to mean tackling a detailed portrait or a complicated landscape. In fact, the best easy painting ideas are often the simplest. They give you room to experiment with colour, brushes and techniques without worrying about getting everything perfect. Whether you're using acrylics, watercolours or gouache, these beginner-friendly projects will help you build confidence one brushstroke at a time.

Why Painting Is a Great Hobby for Beginners

Painting offers something many hobbies don't: there's no single "right" outcome. Two people can use the same colours, the same reference photo and the same materials, yet end up with completely different artworks.

It's also easy to begin at your own pace. A small canvas, a handful of paints and a few basic brushes are enough to explore plenty of painting ideas that are easy, making it a creative hobby that's accessible without a big upfront investment.

Easy Painting Ideas by Theme

Nature & Landscape Ideas

Nature is one of the easiest places to find inspiration because the shapes don't need to be perfectly precise.

Try painting:

• A sunset with layered colours

• Rolling hills and simple trees

• A beach with gentle waves

• Lavender fields

• A mountain silhouette against the sky

• Rainy forest scenes

• Starry night skies

These ideas for easy paintings let you practise blending colours, creating depth and experimenting with different brushstrokes without worrying about fine details.

Abstract & Pattern Ideas

If realistic painting feels intimidating, abstract art offers complete creative freedom. Instead of focusing on accuracy, you can explore colour combinations, texture and movement.

Some beginner-friendly options include:

• Colour-block designs

• Geometric patterns

• Circular mandalas

• Fluid acrylic pours

• Bold brushstroke studies

• Repeating botanical patterns

• Marble-inspired colour swirls

• Simple checkerboard patterns

Many people begin with acrylic painting for beginners because acrylics dry quickly, making it easy to layer colours and adjust your design as you go.

Still Life & Everyday Object Ideas

You don't need spectacular scenery to make interesting art. Everyday objects often become the best subjects because they're always within reach.

Consider painting:

• Coffee mugs

• Houseplants

• Fruit in a bowl

• Books stacked on a table

• Candles

• Favourite shoes or hats

• Succulents in small pots

• Vintage teacups

• Citrus slices

• Simple glass bottles or jars

These familiar subjects encourage careful observation and are ideal things to paint while practising proportions, light and shadow.

What Supplies Do Beginners Need to Get Started?

Keeping your materials simple makes learning much more enjoyable.

A beginner's kit usually includes:

• Acrylic or watercolour paints

• A selection of round and flat brushes

• Canvas, canvas boards or quality painting paper

• A palette for mixing colours

• Water container

• Pencil and eraser for sketching

• Paper towels or a cloth

If you're exploring easy art painting ideas, there's no need to buy every colour available. A small starter set is enough to mix dozens of different shades while you learn.

Tips to Make Your First Paintings Look Great

Improvement comes from regular practice rather than chasing perfection.

A few habits make a noticeable difference:

• Start with smaller canvases so projects feel manageable.

• Sketch your composition lightly before painting.

• Work from large shapes before adding small details.

• Let layers dry before painting over them, especially with acrylics.

• Finish each painting, even if you're not completely happy with it. Every completed piece teaches you something useful.

Many beginners discover that the paintings they enjoy making most aren't always the ones they expected. Trying different subjects is the quickest way to find your own style.

Every artist begins with a blank canvas and a willingness to experiment. The most rewarding easy painting ideas are the ones that keep you curious and encourage you to pick up the brush again tomorrow. 

At Riot Art & Craft, we've been helping Australians explore their creativity for more than 40 years, with paints, brushes, canvases and art supplies for beginners and experienced makers alike. Whether you're trying your first landscape or experimenting with abstract designs, you'll find everything you need to bring your next creative idea to life.

FAQs About Easy Painting Ideas

What is the easiest thing to paint for a beginner?

Simple landscapes, sunsets, abstract colour studies and everyday objects are all excellent starting points. These subjects allow you to focus on learning techniques without needing advanced drawing skills.

What paint is best for beginners, acrylic or watercolour?

For many beginners, acrylic paint is the easiest option because it's forgiving, dries quickly and works on a wide range of surfaces. Watercolour creates beautiful effects too, although controlling water and pigment takes a little more practice.

What supplies do I need for my first painting?

You only need a few essentials: paints, brushes, a painting surface, a palette, water and something to wipe your brushes. Starting with quality basics is often more useful than buying a large collection of materials straight away.