3 simple painting ideas that even a beginner can draw
Starting to paint is always a bit scary. Many people think that you need talent or years of practice. But in fact, there are compositions that look very beautiful even when a person paints them for the first time in their life. The main thing is not to be afraid of large strokes, simple shapes and a limited number of colors.
Here are three ideas for paintings that are great for your first experience with acrylic (or gouache/watercolor). They do not require precise drawing of details and allow you to quickly get a good result.
1. Minimalist sunset
This is one of the most popular first paintings - it looks atmospheric, stylish and can be created in literally 30-60 minutes.
What you need:
- Canvas or cardboard 30×40 cm
- Colors: orange, pink, purple, blue, yellow/white
- Brushes: Wide Flat or Flat (sizes 10–14), Round (4–8)
How to draw:
- With Wide Flat, fill the upper part of the canvas with a dark blue or purple color - this is the night sky.
- Below, make a gradient: go to pink, then orange - the strokes can be horizontal or slightly diagonal.
- Leave or draw a thin horizon line (Flat or Round of a smaller size).
- Use a round brush to put the sun - just a bright circle, you can add a slight blur of the edges with white or yellow.
- If desired - a few very simple silhouettes of mountains or thin vertical lines (trees, pillars).
Such a picture looks expensive and modern, especially if you don’t overload it with details.
2. Abstract flowers
This is an ideal option for those who are afraid to draw “correctly”. Abstraction allows you to do everything intuitively.
What you will need:
- One main color + white + a little contrast (for example, pink + white + dark green or blue)
- Brushes: Filbert (6–10), Round (4–8), Fan (6–8)
How to draw:
- Make the background - monochromatic or with a soft gradient (Wide Flat or Flat).
- Draw large petals with Filbert: apply strokes from the center of the flower outward, as if opening the flower.
- Add a few smaller flowers with a round brush.
- Use a Fan brush to create texture in the center of the flowers or around them (core, leaves, grass).
- Optionally, thin stems or veins with a Round or Dagger brush.
This picture looks very modern and can be either monochrome or with several colors.
3. Simple mountains above the lake
A landscape without small details is a classic option for beginners, which always turns out beautifully.
What you will need:
- Colors: blue, green, gray/brown, white, orange (for the sky)
- Brushes: Wide Flat (10–14), Flat (6–10), Round (4–6), Fan (for Christmas trees)
How to draw:
- Use a Wide Flat to make the sky: lighter at the top (orange/pink), darker at the bottom.
- In the middle of the canvas, draw mountains - different shades of gray or brown, large strokes in different directions.
- Lower third - lake: repeat the colors of the sky, add horizontal stripes for reflection.
- With a fan brush, add a few simple fir trees or bushes in the foreground.
- With a round brush, put a few white or light splashes on the water (glare).
Quick tips for the first time
- Use large brushes - they help not to get hung up on the little things
- Don't try to make it perfectly flat - uneven strokes look more natural
- Start with 2-4 colors - it's easier and more harmonious
- The main thing - enjoy the process, not the perfect result
These three paintings are a great way to take your first steps in painting. They look much more complicated than they actually are, and they give quick tangible results.
Which of these ideas will you try first? 😊