When I was a beginner painter, I discovered that coming up with easy watercolor ideas can be tricky. So I have made a list of 7 good things to paint - just for you.
These are all easy painting ideas that are sure to put a spring in your brush and get you inspired, but I am saving the best (my personal favourite) for last.
Ah yes, there are so many things that we can use to trip ourselves up when we are getting started with painting. Overthinking is a terrific procrastination tool. But let’s eliminate one hurdle by giving you a few easy painting subject ideas to start with.
I think all of these are good things to paint because they are simple enough to not be too intimidating but are still interesting enough to make lovely paintings.
If I am honest, the range of things that you could paint, even as a beginner, is endless. I think that is part of why it is hard to choose and it’s why I forced myself to stick to only 7.
Just pick the first thing that jumps out at you from this list and go with that. Getting started with the actual painting is more important than what you choose to paint.
Fruit and Vegetables
I think it is nice to start off with something that has a rather simple shape. And for complete beginners, my preference is that the simple shape is not too uniform and symmetrical. I highly recommend fruit and vegetables as an easy painting subject.
They are bright bold colours, lovely and glossy and very forgiving. If your pear painting ends up a little lopsided or your capsicum has an extra bump on it - who’s to say that is not the way nature actually produced it? In fact, I love that extra touch of personality.
If painting fruit sounds like your kind of thing and you would like some step by step video lessons, references and a downloadable pdf I have just the tutorial for you… how about these juicy cherries?
The Cherries Tutorial is part of a great value course bundle called The Watercolour Tutorial Starter Bundle - click here to find out more.
If you feel a bit more confident having more of a structured line to work with, here’s another idea that a beginner painter often finds reassuring.
Try an ink and wash technique. Start with a pencil drawing. Go over that with a waterproof pen and then splash in the juicy watercolour - what fun!
See more in this style here.
Flowers
In the same sort of area I think flowers make lovely painting subjects. Especially if you want to have a bit more of a go at the drawing part.
Again, flowers aren’t perfect. Well - they are, but not in a man made precision kind of way. Some petals are slightly faded by the sun, some have been chomped by bugs. So you can relax and let your drawing turn out however it is going to.
If detailed drawing is not your thing, have a go at flowers in vases. Keep it loose and have some fun.
Did you want a real-time video tutorial for flowers in a vase?
Something like this, perhaps..
This Hydrangeas Tutorial is part of a great value course bundle called The Watercolour Tutorial Starter Bundle - click here to find out more.
Potted plants
One of my earliest painting series was plants in pots. When you feel like taking on one of those more symmetrical subjects, a planter pot is a perfect start. And you have the added joy of adding whatever decorations you fancy to that pot.
Birds
Animals are always a good idea when it comes to painting. Easiest in this group I think is birds. (See my whole series of Little Birds paintings here.)
A bird is a nice simple painting subject. Produce a sort of oval shape, add a beak and it is often fairly instantly recognisable as a bird.
And if you like the idea of painting birds, I’m not sure there is anything happier to paint than a jolly rooster.
This link will take you to a post that shows you how to paint a rooster in watercolor and instantly lift your mood! 😉🐓
I had so much fun painting my rooster series that I created a step by step painting project tutorial for beginners. So even if you have never painted before and/or think you can’t draw, this easy project has got you covered!
Little Critters
Apart from birds there are other reasonably simple shapes in the animal kingdom that make easy painting subjects.
Bunnies, guinea pigs and mice for example. You can see the rest of my series of little critters here.
Psst.. by the way.. Are you wishing you had some done for you line drawings that you could get started painting straight away?
I've got some for you, including this little mouse. They are in a free booklet and you can grab yours here.
Wondering if there is a little critter tutorial?
There sure is - it’s a cute and colourful little tree frog!
(And yes, he is also part of the Watercolour Tutorial Starter Bundle)
Simple landscapes
If the whole idea of painting an animal is still a bit scary consider a landscape. A few wavy lines and organic shapes is all it takes to suggest mountains and shrubbery.
You guessed it - There is a real time video tutorial lesson of a landscape in the Watercolour Tutorial Starter Bundle too. This Sunny Sky and Sunflowers…
Hot air Balloons
I have saved my all time favourite beginners painting subject till last. Hot air balloons. Bright joyful colour in a delightful (and easy to draw) shape. I love painting them on their own, or combining them with my previous painting idea (landscapes).
I think of that as a landscape with extra interest. Or is that a hot air balloon with a glorious background….
I love this painting subject so much I created a whole course for watercolour beginners around it.
Not only does this course teach you step by step how to paint hot air balloons, it also includes the critical piece of information about watercolour painting that most beginners are missing.
Click on the button above to check it out.
Happy painting!🤗
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I'm an art enthusiast with a deep understanding of various painting techniques, including watercolor. My experience ranges from being a beginner painter to exploring advanced concepts. I've experimented with different subjects and styles, gaining insights into the challenges and joys of artistic expression.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article you provided:
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Fruit and Vegetables: Starting with simple shapes is crucial for beginners, and the article suggests using bright and bold fruits and vegetables. These subjects offer forgiving elements, allowing for creativity and personality in the paintings.
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Ink and Wash Technique: The article recommends trying an ink and wash technique, combining pencil drawings with waterproof pen outlines and vibrant watercolors. This approach adds structure to the creative process.
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Flowers: Flowers, with their imperfect and diverse shapes, are highlighted as beautiful painting subjects. The suggestion includes trying flowers in vases for a more relaxed and fun approach to detailed drawing.
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Potted Plants: Painting plants in pots is suggested for those who prefer more symmetrical subjects. It allows artists to experiment with both the plant and the decorative elements in the pot.
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Birds: Animals, particularly birds, are mentioned as great subjects for painting. The simplicity of creating an oval shape and adding a beak makes birds instantly recognizable. A jolly rooster is specifically highlighted for its uplifting and enjoyable painting experience.
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Little Critters: The article introduces other simple shapes in the animal kingdom, such as bunnies, guinea pigs, and mice, as easy painting subjects. It also offers done-for-you line drawings for quick painting.
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Simple Landscapes: For those hesitant about painting animals, simple landscapes are suggested. A few wavy lines and organic shapes can suggest mountains and shrubbery, providing a different yet approachable subject.
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Hot Air Balloons: The article concludes with hot air balloons as the author's all-time favorite beginner painting subject. The bright, joyful colors and the easy-to-draw shape make them a delightful and interesting choice for artists.
This overview reflects the article's emphasis on simplicity for beginners, encouraging them to explore a variety of subjects and techniques to find what resonates with their artistic preferences.
