40 Easy Acrylic Painting Ideas on Canvas for Beginners - Beautiful Dawn Designs (2024)

I’m sharing a collection of easy acrylic painting ideas on canvas for beginners. Below you’ll find a collection of sunset paintings, flower paintings, mini canvas paintings, and more.

Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be used to create beautiful paintings on canvas.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, acrylic paints provide excellent coverage and vibrant colors that allow your creativity to shine through. These paintings will inspire you to create your own beautiful canvas painting.

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1. Sunset with Moon Painting

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Sunset paintings are great beginner paintings. To learn how to paint your own sunset, check out the YouTube video tutorial Ocean Sunset.

2. Acrylic Bee Painting

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I’m a big fan of the bumblebee, so this acrylic painting really caught my eye. The artist did a great job with the painting, and the color palette is perfect.

3. Care Bear Painting

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It’s hard not to feel a little fuzzy inside when it comes to Care Bears. These colorful, cuddly critters have been spreading love and cheer for decades, and now you can bring that same warm feeling to your life with a cute painting.

4. Cat on Ball Painting

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Show off your love of cats with a playful painting of a black cat on a yellow ball. This modern piece will bring some fun and creativity to your art collection.

5. Mountain Morning Painting

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Capture the beauty of nature with a painting of a mountain morning in the wilderness. You can paint snow-capped peaks or a meadow blanketed in fog.

6. Sunburst Painting

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Let the sunshine in with a fun sun painting. You can achieve this look by using metallic paint in the color gold.

7. Easy Flowers Painting

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I love the simplicity of this sunflower and bee painting. This is the perfect beginner’s painting. The orange, yellow, and green colors go together perfectly.

8. Ferris Wheel at Night

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There’s something magical about a Ferris wheel at night. The way it lights up the sky is simply stunning. I’ve been searching for my next painting idea, and this Ferris wheel painting is calling out to me.

9. Abstract Cat Painting

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Get creative and show off your wild side with an abstract cat painting. This captivating piece has a fun and eye-catching look.

10. Campfire at Night on a Triangle Canvas

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I love how cool the triangle canvas makes this painting look. Using different-shaped canvas is perfect for giving your painting as a gift.

Benefits of Using Acrylic Paints Part One

Wide range of color options – Acrylic paints come in many colors, including bright hues and subtle shades, so you can easily find the perfect colors for your project.

Easy to use – Unlike other types of paint, acrylic paint is easy to apply and requires no special techniques or skills. This makes it ideal for beginners who want to explore their creativity without worrying about complicated painting techniques.

11. Floral Acrylic Painting

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A flower painting like this would make an excellent gift for a loved one, especially for holidays like Mother’s Day. This would also make a great spring seasonal art piece.

12. Colorful Sun Painting

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This painting is so simple and beautiful. I would love to paint something similar using pastel colors. I think that pink and purple would look lovely.

13. Summer Fern Painting

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Instill a sense of calm in your home with a summer fern painting. Nature-themed artwork will bring an outdoor garden inside your home.

14. Yellow Sakura Painting

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I love the yellow and purple color palettes used for this canvas painting. The texture of the leaves and moon make this painting stand out.

15. Woman and Florals Painting

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This could be a challenging and fun project if you’re an adventurous beginner. Make your woman look different than the one shown here to give the painting your own personal touch.

16. Rainforest Painting

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You can achieve a professional look as a beginner with this design. I love the color palette used for this painting.

17. Mini Canvas Painting

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Mini canvases are so fun to create. They make a great addition to your home decor. I love this painting of clouds and a purple night sky.

18. Stacked Stones Painting

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Create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in your home with a stacked stones painting. This type of artwork is perfect for any nature-lover, with its use of muted colors.

19. Lavender Field Painting on Canvas

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Lavender fields have always been beautiful to me. If you’ve never painted flowers from a reference, I recommend giving it a try. It’s a great way to improve your skills.

Benefits of Using Acrylic Paints Part Two

Durable – Acrylic paintings are highly durable and will last many years. This makes them ideal for use in outdoor settings (rock painting, for example, as they can withstand the elements.

Affordable – Compared to other paints, acrylic paint is relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for those on a budget. Whether painting a large canvas or doing small projects around the house, you can get excellent results using acrylic paint without breaking the bank.

If you are looking for an easy-to-use paint that produces vibrant colors and is perfect for both beginners and experienced artists alike, then acrylic paint is the right choice for you.

20. Mountains on a Small Circular Canvas

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If you want to create something unique, consider using a mini circular canvas. You can achieve a gold shimmer appearance by using metallic paint in gold.

21. Snake Plant Painting

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If you’re looking for a plant painting reference, I love this abstract painting of a snake plant. The artist did a wonderful job with this piece.

22. Sky on a Heart-Shaped Canvas

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This heart canvas board helps you create a cute and unique canvas painting. Paint your night sky using your choice of colors.

23. Snowy Cabin Canvas Painting

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During winter, cozy up with a hot drink and your favorite painting tools and be inspired by this lovely winter scene.

24. Mountain Landscape Painting

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If you enjoy painting landscapes, this canvas painting is an excellent reference for beginners.

25. Rainbow Cat Painting

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A cat painting would make a great gift for the cat lover in your life. The colorful background is a great addition to this art.

26. Calm Sunset Landscape

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This beautiful acrylic painting includes a helpful video where the artists show their process for creating this painting. You can watch the YouTube tutorial for Drawing Calm Sunset Landscape.

27. Fun Face Art

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This fun face art painting is simple and will inspire you to paint your cool face. Play around with different colors, shapes, and facial expressions.

Advice for Painting on Canvas Part One

If you’re new to painting on canvas and want to try your hand at acrylic paints, there are a few tips that can help you get the best results, such as keeping the fabric, texture, and priming (you can buy a primed canvas) in mind.

Each of these things will affect the quality of the canvas and what kind of painting is best for the chosen canvas.

28. Purple Sunset Acrylic Painting

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If you like this painting but want to switch things up, you can change the colors to suit your taste. You can find the mini canvas and easel on Amazon.

29. Love Birds Painting

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This is the perfect easy painting for beginners. I actually did something similar to this following the YouTube tutorial How To Paint An Easy Acrylic Painting For Beginners.

30. Sunflowers and Lady Bug Painting

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If you’re looking for a beautiful housewarming gift, consider a handmade painting. This sunflower painting can be purchased from the artist.

31. She is Fierce Painting

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Show off your painting skills with this She is Fierce canvas painting reference. You can make this your own by drawing the woman differently, using different colors, etc.

32. Beach Waves Painting

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Here’s a fantastic painting of the ocean with waves. This painting is part of a series. Check out the artist to see more seaside paintings.

Advice for Painting on Canvas Part Two

Next, take the time to practice your technique by trying out some smaller projects before moving on to larger canvases.

Finally, always protect your work with a layer of varnish once it’s finished to preserve the colors and keep them looking vibrant over time.

With these simple tips, you can create unique paintings with acrylic paint in no time.

33. Pink Trees Painting on Mini Canvas

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If you’ve never painted on mini on canvas, you should try it. It’s so fun looking at the finished product.

34. Flower Painting

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A painting of this size would look great hanging on a wall in your home. I love the abstract design and vibrant colors that were used.

35. Orca Whale Painting

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If you love painting things that live in the sea, I think you’ll love using this Orca whale painting for inspiration.

36. Colorful Hearts Painting

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I love how this simple idea came together perfectly. Add a pop of color to your living space with this painting.

37. Wildflowers Painting

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I love the purple theme used for this floral painting. I also love the circular artboard.

38. Colorful Flower Field Acrylic Painting

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When it comes to acrylic paintings, there’s something about a field full of colorful flowers that catches the eye and captures the heart. Watch the tutorial for the Colorful Flower Field Acrylic painting.

39. Sun and Moon Painting

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These two paintings feature a beautiful sun and moon drawing. The color palettes for both are wonderful, and the artist did a fantastic job with the style of these paintings.

40. Daisies on a Small Canvas

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Daisies are the perfect subject for a beginner-friendly painting. Plus, a small canvas allows you to focus on the intricate details of each flower. You can choose to keep it simple or add more detail.

Painting on canvas is an enjoyable, rewarding experience that helps you to express yourself creatively.

From still lifes and landscapes to abstract designs, the possibilities are endless and waiting to be explored.

Additional Painting Ideas:

  • Paint a coffee mug
  • Paint a still-life composition
  • Paint a landscape
  • Paint a portrait
  • Paint an animal or pet portrait
  • Paint a cityscape
  • Paint a seascape
  • Paint flowers
  • Paint a landscape at sunset
  • Paint an interior scene
  • Paint houses or condos
  • Paint a barn
  • Paint a rural scene
  • Paint a self-portrait

There are endless possibilities for painting with acrylics, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques. And who knows, if you’re new to painting, you may discover your new favorite hobby.

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  • 22 Watercolor Painting Tutorials from DearAnnArt
  • 20 Beautiful Watercolor Butterfly Painting Ideas
  • 17 Oil Pastel Drawings To Inspire Beginners
40 Easy Acrylic Painting Ideas on Canvas for Beginners - Beautiful Dawn Designs (2024)

FAQs

What is the best paint for painting on canvas for beginners? ›

Paints you can use on canvas
  • Oil paint – This robust material is perfect for canvas painting, as it's heaviness will thrive on a stronger surface.
  • Acrylic paint – A popular option for canvas painting, acrylics are the ideal choice.
  • Gouache – With qualities of both acrylic and oil pain, gouache can be used on canvas.
May 18, 2022

What is the easiest style of painting for beginners? ›

Pop art or cartoons are a great choice when you're looking for easy things to paint on a canvas. They can be any shape or style that you like, so it's easy to hide any mistakes that you don't feel confident in painting over. Try recreating some of your favorite characters, or be bold and invent one of your own.

What should I draw on my first canvas? ›

35 Creative and Fun Canvas Painting Ideas
  1. Dog. Animals are beloved painting subjects. ...
  2. The Moon. Put your paints to good use by creating this beautiful blood moon rising over the forest. ...
  3. Pineapple. How about a pineapple for your canvas? ...
  4. Watery Landscape. ...
  5. Mountain Sky. ...
  6. Starscape. ...
  7. Abstract Art. ...
  8. Layered Landscape.
Feb 16, 2021

What doesn't mix with acrylic paint? ›

Oil-based paints don't mix with water-based paints like acrylics, and although watercolors are water-soluble, issues like pH differences can cause instabilities when mixed.

Can you mix acrylic paint with just water? ›

Yes, a little water helps, but use as little as possible. I wouldn't even use as much as 30% to 40% as another answer suggests. Maybe, if you are using the acrylic in a watercolor fashion on watercolor paper, not so much on canvas. More than a little water weakens the paint film.

What do you put on canvas before acrylic painting? ›

Priming is the process of creating a barrier between the canvas and the paint. It's typically done by applying layers of acrylic gesso, clear acrylic medium, or oil primer. Prepping your canvas makes it less absorbent, helps your paint sit better on the surface, and protects your canvas from natural corrosion.

What is the best way to draw on canvas before painting? ›

Sketch your composition lightly in pencil.

It's a good idea to keep your pencil lines light. This will help you get a feel for the overall layout and composition of the piece before committing to any pencil lines. And if you make a mistake, it's easy to erase it and start over!

What makes a good canvas painting? ›

All the best canvases share the same qualities; tightly wrapped, a good solid structure, and in general, they are made with high quality materials. A good canvas will be tight, but will not tear in the corners where it's wrapped. A loosely stretched canvas is the worst!

What should I start painting as a beginner? ›

Here are some of the easiest things for beginner artists to paint.
  • Simple Plants & Trees. There's a reason you see so many plant paintings: plants are easy to paint. ...
  • Abstract Shapes & Designs. ...
  • Your Favorite Landscape. ...
  • Cascading Mountains. ...
  • Insects. ...
  • The Beach. ...
  • Re-create Famous Paintings.
Feb 17, 2021

Where should a beginner start in art? ›

As a beginner artist, there are several things you can do to get started: Start with the basics: Begin by learning the fundamentals of art, such as drawing and shading techniques, color theory, perspective, and composition. You can find many tutorials, books, and online courses that cover these topics.

What is the easiest medium to start painting with? ›

Acrylic is often the best all-round choice as it's beginner-friendly and can be easily adapted once each layer is dry. Watercolors are the cheapest to start with and mistakes can usually be fixed by adding a little water to the paper to lift the paint off.

Should I wet my canvas before acrylic painting? ›

Never. Why would you think this is a good idea? Yes, acrylics are water-soluble, but they aren't watercolors. Water sprayed directly onto stretched canvas is rarely a good idea, because the canvas will react unpredictably, either in slumping, or tautening up for the moment, then slumping later.

Do you paint the background first or last acrylic? ›

START WITH YOUR BACKGROUND!

It can be so tempting to jump into the part of your painting that feels the most exciting. However, your painting experience will go most smoothly if you do your background first, and then work your way to your main subject of your painting, and then put the smallest details on top!

What is the best thing to paint with acrylic paint? ›

Plus you can achieve greater brightness and vividness of colors when you paint with acrylics on canvas or wood. Finally, because canvas and wood are stronger than paper, they can easily handle far more layers of acrylics than paper can.

What is the easiest thing to paint? ›

Easy Things to Paint
  • A Pinwheel Painting. ...
  • Abstract Painted Hearts. ...
  • Simple Geometric Canvas. ...
  • Easy Sunset Wall Art. ...
  • Pretty Painted Wall Art DIY. ...
  • DIY Christmas Canvas Art Tutorial. Photo Credit: Krystyn Hall. ...
  • Easy Watercolor Resist. Photo Credit: Alexis Middleton. ...
  • Beautiful Canvas Art in an Hour. Photo Credit: Lindi Vanderschaaf.
Feb 15, 2024

What is the best thing to paint acrylic on? ›

8 Creative Acrylic Painting Surfaces
  • Canvas. Canvas is commonly used as an acrylic painting surface and offers many advantages: it's absorbent, has a wonderful fabric texture, is lightweight and portable. ...
  • Paper and Cardboard. ...
  • Wood and Composite Panels. ...
  • Patterned Fabric. ...
  • Silk. ...
  • Metal. ...
  • Glass. ...
  • Objects.

What is the easiest material to paint with? ›

Acrylics are widely favored by those just starting out with painting as they are easy to use and do not require any special supplies. The downside is they dry very fast. Acrylics may suit you if: You are a complete beginner and do not want to worry about the complexities of oil and watercolor painting.

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