Black and White Animal Acrylic Painting Ideas

Acrylic painting is a great place to start if you want to flex your creative muscles or try a new hobby that's equal parts fun and relaxing. In this guide, we'll give you tips on choosing paintings that are good for beginners. You'll also find 27 easy, accessible paintings so you can jump in as soon as you're ready. Let's get started!

What To Look For When Choosing an Acrylic Painting Idea as a Beginner

If you're new to the world of acrylic painting, you may be wondering where to start. Before you grab your canvas, brushes, and paints, here's a handy list of things to check for when picking your first few acrylic painting ideas. Look for:

A Simple, Straightforward Color Palette With Minimal Mixing and Blending

Many of us are drawn to paintings with lots of unique shades and complex patterns. It's natural to want to challenge yourself and go all-out on your first acrylic painting, but every beginner has to get the basics down first. You'll need to build up your mixing and blending skills gradually.

So, our first tip is to opt for paintings that have a relatively simple and straightforward color palette. Stick with primary colors and choose paintings that offer the opportunity to ace simple mixing, blending, and other acrylic painting techniques.

Larger Subjects or Simple Geometric Patterns

Beginners who are eager to try acrylic painting for the first time can have heaps of fun with easy geometric patterns and gain confidence by focusing on large subjects. Intricate paintings can be very time-consuming and difficult to get right, while small, finely detailed subjects can also present a challenge to a new painter.

For a creative challenge that is suitable for novices, you could opt for a simple, cool geometric pattern using tape and lines, or go for a close-up of a large object in the foreground. From pieces of fruit to household items you see every day, you can use color and creative flair to bring "simple" objects to life.

Subjects and Scenes That Are More Abstract and Less Photorealistic

Photorealism can be challenging even for the most experienced artists. With abstract painting, there's more room to take creative license and add a personal touch. And there's lots of opportunity to correct imperfections — or use those flaws as inspiration for the next stroke or splash!

By opting for abstract paintings and simplified ideas, beginners can utilize their creativity and develop their skills without the pressure of trying to accurately recreate photographs and images.

Paintings With Tutorial Videos

Tutorial videos are incredibly helpful when you start out with acrylic painting. If it's been years since you picked up a paintbrush, or you've never really painted before, watching a tutorial is a fantastic way to learn, build confidence, and develop skills, all while following along with an experienced artist.

Painting a picture involves a lot more than applying a brush to a piece of paper or canvas. There's a lot to learn, but watching an engaging, easy-to-digest tutorial keeps the early learning process exciting.

Painting to Gogh offers artist-led tutorials with all of their paintings so you can get tips and learn tricks as you go.

Browse our paintings and choose your favorite to get all the supplies and expert guidance you need.

27 Easy Acrylic Painting Ideas Every Beginner Is Sure To Love

Looking for inspiration? Look no further! Below, we've rounded up 27 easy acrylic painting ideas to ease you in. Don't forget to check out our beginner's guide to using acrylic paint for advice on paints, tools, and techniques, as well as painting FAQs.

1. Truckin' Flowers

truckin flowers acrylic painting idea

Fans of flowers, trucks, and retro artwork rejoice! This simple, colorful Truckin' Flowers painting kit features an old-school pickup truck packed to the rafters with beautiful blooms. Ideal for those who love vibrant colors, as well as beginners ready to hone their skills in painting vehicles or flowers, this is an excellent option.