What to Paint for Beginners? And Why Not Start with a Banana Wearing Sunglasses?

Embarking on the journey of painting can be both exhilarating and daunting. For beginners, the question of what to paint often looms large, as the blank canvas stares back, demanding inspiration. The key is to start simple, yet engaging, allowing the novice artist to explore techniques without feeling overwhelmed. Here are several ideas and perspectives to consider when deciding what to paint as a beginner.
1. Still Life: The Classic Starting Point
Still life painting is a timeless choice for beginners. It involves arranging everyday objects—like fruits, vases, or books—and capturing their essence on canvas. This genre allows you to focus on fundamental skills such as shading, perspective, and color blending. For instance, painting a bowl of apples can teach you about light sources and how they affect shadows. Plus, if you mess up, it’s just an apple—no pressure!
2. Landscapes: Nature’s Endless Inspiration
Landscapes are another excellent option for beginners. Whether it’s a serene beach, a rolling meadow, or a dramatic mountain range, nature offers an infinite array of subjects. Start with simple scenes, like a sunset or a lone tree, and gradually work your way up to more complex compositions. Landscapes also encourage experimentation with color gradients and textures, helping you develop a keen eye for detail.
3. Abstract Art: Freedom to Explore
If realism feels intimidating, abstract art might be your calling. Abstract painting is all about expressing emotions and ideas through shapes, colors, and forms. There are no rules—just your imagination. Beginners can start by experimenting with bold brushstrokes, geometric patterns, or even splashes of color. The beauty of abstract art lies in its subjectivity; what matters is how it makes you feel.
4. Portraits: Capturing the Human Spirit
While portraits may seem advanced, they can be a rewarding challenge for beginners. Start with simple sketches of faces, focusing on proportions and features. As you gain confidence, you can move on to more detailed portraits, experimenting with skin tones and facial expressions. Remember, even the most famous artists started with imperfect faces—so don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
5. Animals: Bringing Life to the Canvas
Animals are a delightful subject for beginner painters. Whether it’s a beloved pet or a majestic wild creature, painting animals allows you to practice texture and movement. Start with simpler animals like cats or birds, and gradually tackle more complex subjects like horses or lions. The key is to observe their anatomy and capture their unique characteristics.
6. Cityscapes: Urban Beauty
Cityscapes offer a dynamic subject for beginners. From towering skyscrapers to quaint streets, urban environments are rich with detail and character. Start with a simple skyline or a single building, and gradually incorporate more elements like people, cars, and lights. Cityscapes also provide an opportunity to play with perspective and depth.
7. Floral Paintings: A Burst of Color
Flowers are a perennial favorite among painters. Their vibrant colors and varied shapes make them an ideal subject for beginners. Start with a single bloom, like a rose or a sunflower, and focus on capturing its delicate petals and intricate details. As you progress, you can experiment with bouquets or garden scenes, exploring different color palettes and compositions.
8. Fantasy Art: Unleashing Your Imagination
For those with a creative streak, fantasy art offers endless possibilities. From mythical creatures to enchanted landscapes, this genre allows you to let your imagination run wild. Beginners can start by sketching their favorite fantasy characters or creating their own magical worlds. The key is to have fun and not worry about realism.
9. Monochromatic Studies: Mastering Value
Monochromatic paintings, using only one color in varying shades, are an excellent way for beginners to understand value and contrast. By focusing on a single hue, you can concentrate on creating depth and dimension without the distraction of multiple colors. This exercise is particularly useful for improving your shading and highlighting techniques.
10. Copying Masterpieces: Learning from the Greats
Copying famous paintings is a time-honored method for learning. By studying the works of master artists, you can gain insights into their techniques and styles. Choose a painting that resonates with you and try to replicate it as closely as possible. This exercise will help you understand composition, color theory, and brushwork.
11. Seasonal Themes: Embracing the Time of Year
Painting seasonal themes can be both fun and relevant. Whether it’s a snowy winter scene, a blooming spring garden, a sunny summer beach, or a colorful autumn forest, seasonal paintings allow you to connect with the time of year. These themes also provide a natural color palette to work with, making them ideal for beginners.
12. Personal Projects: Painting What You Love
Ultimately, the best subject for a beginner is something that excites and inspires you. Whether it’s a favorite place, a cherished memory, or a dream you’ve had, painting something personal can be incredibly fulfilling. Don’t be afraid to follow your instincts and paint what you love—it’s your journey, after all.
Related Q&A
Q: How do I choose the right colors for my painting? A: Start with a basic color palette and experiment with mixing colors to create new shades. Observe how colors interact in real life and try to replicate those effects on your canvas.
Q: What if I make a mistake while painting? A: Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to paint over them or incorporate them into your work. Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected errors.
Q: How long should I spend on a painting as a beginner? A: There’s no set time limit—it depends on your comfort level and the complexity of the subject. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time as you become more confident.
Q: Do I need expensive materials to start painting? A: Not at all! Begin with basic supplies and upgrade as you progress. The most important thing is to practice and enjoy the process.
Q: Can I paint without any prior drawing skills? A: Absolutely! While drawing skills can be helpful, they’re not a prerequisite for painting. Many beginners start directly with paint and develop their skills over time.