Canvas painting ideas are, for many aspiring artists, the most difficult element they have to contend with.
The technical skill needed to be able to paint can be learned. The inspiration required to begin a work is much more problematic.
Not everyone is gifted with the ability to be creative when faced with a blank canvas. It is only after the subject has been decided upon that the work can begin.
It was Thomas Edison who coined the phrase: “Genius is one per cent inspiration, ninety-nine per cent perspiration.”
Of course he was an inventor, not an artist, but his words can apply to creative work as well. But, before you can have the possibility of becoming a “genius” you have to get started!
The Life Daily team has searched for some canvas painting ideas that can help you do just that.
To simplify the options, we have divided the ideas into groups. Depending upon your preference, and skill level, you can browse through them and make your choice. Within each of these options there are additional sub-groups.
For example, look at the possibilities under the heading “sea.” You can visualize a calm sea with the sun setting, or an angry sea with high rolling waves. There could be surfers, or ships of every size, from the smallest rowboat to an ocean liner.
Our choices for groups, and sub-groups, are below:
Landscapes
This general term really relates to anything that is outside, and includes these categories:
Countryside – farms, fields, hills, lakes, trees, bushes, and flowers
Sea- calm, rough,small boats and large ships,surfing, and fishing
Beach – sand, beach games,sunbeds and shades,
Cities, towns and villages – roads, parks, bridges, traffic, vehicles,and shops
Buildings – cottages,villas,apartments, office blocks, shopping malls,and theaters
Portraits
You can paint real people, or copy photos. Your subjects are almost infinite, from everyone you know, to famous people or celebrities. Some options are:
Family – children, babies and, even yourself – a self-portrait. That way you always have a subject.
Friends – from work or school
Neighbors
Coworkers
Celebrities
Our final grouping is the one that may prove the easiest – because,as the heading suggests, the subjects don’t move. You can use anything as a subject, and we do mean anything!
Still Life
The traditional vase with flowers – of course.
Fruit, vegetables or any other food.
Toys
Ornaments
Furniture
The fact is that, once you set your imagination in motion, the possibilities are endless. However, there are some other decisions you will need to make. Will you work with oil paints, watercolor or acrylic? Do you fancy a particular style of painting, like abstract or impressionist?
Whatever style or materials you decide upon, we hope that our canvas painting ideas have helped to set you on the path to realizing your true creative spirit.
Maybe you have some ideas of your own for suitable subjects. We’d like to hear them, so find a moment to tell us in the comment feed below.
Happy painting!
