Though there are plenty of options when it comes to painting surfaces, many painters choose to stick with traditional canvas. Canvas painting ideas are endless, plus canvas provides a convenient .way to preserve your work long term.
Whether you’ve painted many a canvas or you’re in need of easy canvas painting ideas for beginners, you’re in the right place!
What Do I Need to Start Painting on Canvas?
In a few simple steps, you’ll have your own studio set up.
In a few simple steps, you’ll have your own studio set up.
To begin your canvas painting journey, you’ll need some DIY canvas painting ideas and a few
supplies.
Paints: Oil and acrylic paint work best on canvas, but acrylic paints are a bit easier to work with. If
you’re new to this medium and working with easy canvas painting ideas, opt for acrylic.
Paintbrushes: Beginners will do well with a curated paintbrush set, which allows you to try different
brushes without making a large initial investment.
Canvases: Canvases come in all different sizes and materials, but basic is better when you’re just
starting out. You don’t need much more than a standard, cotton stretched canvas.
Painting Surface: You will need an easel or painting surface, which can be as simple as a table top
covered with newspaper.
Palette or Squeeze Surface: Pick up a painters’ palette, which you’ll use to mix your paints.
Cleaning Supplies: Have paper towels or a rag nearby for wiping your brushes.
Smock: Don a painters’ smock, or clothing that you don’t mind painting in, to protect your outfit
while you’re working.
35 Creative and Fun Canvas Painting Ideas
Fall Landscape
Create a beautiful fall landscape from a reference photo.
Create a beautiful fall landscape from a reference photo.
This course is a great choice for easy acrylic painting ideas for beginners on canvas—you’ll learn how
to take a reference photo and turn it into a beautiful fall landscape.
2. Mother and Child Mini Canvas
An adorable idea for mini canvas fans!
An adorable idea for mini canvas fans!
Looking for mini canvas painting ideas? Try painting this sweet mother and child with Skillshare
instructor Beatrice Ajayi.
3. Mushroom
Practice your painting skills by creating a woodland mushroom on canvas.
Practice your painting skills by creating a woodland mushroom on canvas.
This woodland mushroom is one of those easy canvas painting ideas that will also help improve your
brush skills.
4. Dog
Animals are beloved painting subjects.
Animals are beloved painting subjects.
If you’re focused on easy canvas painting ideas for beginners, try painting this labrador retriever—or
your own furry friend!
5. Floral Meadow
This fun floral meadow looks beautiful on canvas.
This fun floral meadow looks beautiful on canvas.
On the hunt for wine and canvas painting ideas? Look no further than Denise Hughes’ course. The
whimsical floral meadow is perfect for a Canvas painting relaxing night with art and spirits.
6. Tulips
You can’t go wrong with florals on canvas.
You can’t go wrong with florals on canvas.
In Elle Byers’ course, tailored for beginners, fill your blank canvas with a bouquet of colorful tulips.
7. Pumpkin
This pumpkin painting project is great for fall, or for any time of the year!
This pumpkin painting project is great for fall, or for any time of the year!
This pumpkin is easy to create and beautiful to hang on your wall all year round.
8. Christmas Tree
This festive Christmas tree is a great canvas painting project!
This festive Christmas tree is a great canvas painting project!
If you’re looking for Christmas painting ideas on canvas, this colorful tree fits the bill!
9. The Moon
Put your paints to good use by creating this beautiful blood moon rising over the forest.
Put your paints to good use by creating this beautiful blood moon rising over the forest.
Natural elements, like this blood moon, make for dramatic painting subjects.