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Lauren Thomann
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Lauren Thomann
Lauren Thomann is a jewelry and antiques expert, sharing over 15 years of hands-on experience with DIY jewelry, gemstones, heirlooms, as well as home renovation projects. Her businesses, Ageless Heirlooms and Heirlooms at Home, focus on antiques. Lauren has also studied at the Gemological Institute of America.
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Updated on 07/10/20
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If you love art but have trouble coming up with painting ideas, you're not alone. Sometimes it's helpful to have an inspiration piece to follow, especially if you're a beginner. We've gathered several easy things to paint that can be completed in an afternoon.
These painting tutorials will be helpful whether you want to paint with your friends for fun or are looking to improve your skills. Scroll on through and find one thatyou want to replicate for your home.
01 of 13
Block Off a Canvas With Painter's Tape
This video tutorial from Kristina Werner will teach you how to tape off a sheet of watercolor paper like a pro and recreate this geometric watercolor painting. If you want to start smaller, consider following this video tutorial to make a greeting card.
02 of 13
Paint Cherry Blossom in the Moonlight
This cherry blossom painting technique might look complicated and advanced, but it is quite simple and easy to master with a little bit of practice. Ananda from A Piece of Rainbow shows you how to paint cherry blossoms onblack paper to mimic a nighttime scene. Check out her tutorial for more details.
03 of 13
Use Lavender as Your Inspiration
Some of the best beginner painting tutorials to follow are from non-artists. Nicole from The Inspired Hive took part in a blank canvas challenge and claims that she isn't good at drawing or painting. If she can make a painting work, so can you. Check out her blog post to see how she transformed three colors into a farmhouse inspired piece of artwork.
04 of 13
Learn Two Ways to Paint a Cactus
A cactus is one of the easier succulents to paint because there isn't much to them. This tutorial from Elise Engh Studios is perfect for beginner watercolor artists. It explains simple watercolor methods that you can apply to other paintings as well. We recommend purchasing a watercolor pad and practicing several cactus before you commit to a painting.
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05 of 13
Use the Entire Paper to Add Depth
This watercolor lesson from Zakkiya at Ink Struck is perfect for aspiring beginner artists. Not only will the post show you how to recreate this winter tree scene, it will also teach you about color values and how to add depth. Don't limit your scene to a horizon line on the middle of the page. Use the entire sheet of paper instead.
06 of 13
Throw a Painting Party with Your Friends
If you are looking to have fun painting and aren't trying to advance specific techniques and skills, this is the tutorial for you. Cyndy from The Creativity Exchange explains how you and your friends can throw a painting party and each make an abstract heart painting using acrylics. The painting is easy enough for everyone to complete but pretty enough that you'll want to hang it in your home.
07 of 13
Recreate Your City Skyline Using Watercolors
Dawn Nicole has a wonderful website that includes all sorts of art tutorials and information. In this post, she has a guest from Fox + Hazel share a simple yet strikingly beautiful watercolor tutorial. There are so many variations of this painting you can try, and a Google search of your city's skyline can help you make this idea even more custom.
08 of 13
Create Art With Your Favorite Quote
Do you have a blank canvas for whatever reason and you don't know what to paint on it? This was the case for Kelly from A Side of Sweet. Not being an artist, it took a couple of months for inspiration to strike. Eventually, she decided to use simple brush strokes and a favorite quote to make the artwork more memorable. Learn how she did it on her page and then paint your own.
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09 of 13
Learn How to Create a Herringbone Pattern
This painting tutorial might seem difficult to complete, but it is more time consuming than it is challenging. Any beginner artist will be able to recreate this canvas art with a little patience. Lexi shares her method for creating a herringbone pattern over on Messes to Memories, so be sure to check it out if you want to know how to do it yourself.
10 of 13
When in Doubt, Paint Something Abstract
Art inspiration can be found anywhere, from art galleries to local parks. Blair from The Fox and She was inspired to make abstract canvas art after viewing works from abstract artists. There aren't many rules when it comes to abstract art, but there are plenty of tips to make sure the final product looks like something you'd want to hang on your wall. Head on over to Blair's blog post for some helpful tips and tricks.
11 of 13
Pour Instead of Paint on a Canvas
You may have seen several paint pouring videos pop up on social media lately. While they are relaxing to watch, the technique is even more fun to do. Jen from The House of Wood has perfected the acrylic pouring technique and has shared a helpful tutorial on her blog. The best part about this painting technique is that no two pieces of art will look alike.
12 of 13
Create a Simple and Colorful Galaxy Painting
Natasha from The Artisan Life is confident that her galaxy tutorial will convince even the most doubtful person that they can paint beautiful things. The on-page tutorial includes helpful pictures, clear steps, and expert tips. If you're still stuck, check out her video tutorial for a visual play-by-play.
Mini Watercolor Galaxy Painting TutorialfromThe Artisan Life
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13 of 13
Learn How to Paint a Full Moon
This painting tutorial might seem advanced, but it's easy to master with a little practice. By painting a full moon, you'll learn several techniques like dry brushing, sponging, and splattering. Ashely from Lil Blue Boo came up with an easy way for beginners to break this project down into sections. Check out her tutorial to see how she completed this painting.
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