Photo: dotshock/123RF

A blank page can be daunting. Even when you're in a creative mood, it can be hard to narrow down what you want to start making. Fortunately, we've put together a helpful list of cartoon drawing ideas that are perfect for anyone wanting to fill in their sketchbook and explore a new style.

Cartoons are essentially simplified versions of real life subjects, usually based on geometric shapes. There are endless ways to draw cartoons, but usually they depend on large eyes and minimalist details.

Our list includes two categories: animals and people. With this simplified list, you can practice sketching everything from cartoon birds and bunnies to princes and basketball players. All you'll need to get started are some basic drawing supplies, like a pencil, eraser, and some paper.

Scroll down for some cartoon drawing ideas to spark your imagination and get you started on your next creative project.

We have 20 cartoon drawing ideas to jumpstart your sketchbook.

Photo: psisa/123RF

Cartoon Animals

Cartoon Dog

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Cat

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Bird

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Rabbit

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Fox

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Elephant

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Sheep

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Unicorn

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Pegasus

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Dragon

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon People

Cartoon Superhero

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Witch

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Knight

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Mad Scientist

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Athlete

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Princess

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Prince

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Vampire

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Fairy

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Cartoon Firefighter

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met

Looking for more ways to learn how to draw? Check out our illustration and drawing courses on My Modern Met Academy.

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READ: 20 Cartoon Drawing Ideas to Sketch Right Now

Photo: Stock Photos from RossHelen/Shutterstock

When it comes to painting, everyone starts out on an even playing field—those that paint well have built their skills over time. Doing so, however, requires patience, and for you to put brush to canvas (or paper) and increase your aptitude stroke by stroke. We’ve seen this happen in a drawing; just a few years of drawing practice can mean the difference between a sketch that’s just okay and one that shows extraordinary talent.

We've put together a list of painting ideas that anyone can try.

Photo: Stock Photos from Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

What type of paint should you choose?

Choosing a type of paint for your work can be quite overwhelming at times given all the varieties out there. Some paint types can be more durable than others or can completely change the look of your final work of art. The right paint choice can be very important in accomplishing your artistic goal, depending on what you are creating. The different paint types vary in style and properties making a big impact on your next painting quest. Some popular types of paint are watercolor, acrylic, oil, and gouache. Read our comprehensive list of types of paint to get a better idea of which one is right for you and your project.

What supplies will you need?

Once you choose the paint type you want to work with, you can focus on other supplies. Outside of your paint set, you will need brushes, possibly a canvas or painting paper, and maybe even an easel if you're feeling fancy. We have recommendations for three of the most popular types of paint. Check out our guides for the best watercolor paint sets, top acrylic paint, and best oil paints that beginners and pros will love. Although these paints are the most popular, you can go beyond a brush and pick up a paint marker. We even have a guide for the best paint markers, too.

Once you’ve got your watercolor, acrylic, or even oil paint, you can get started right away on honing your craft. But even having all the right supplies can’t save you from the dreaded creative block; sometimes, you just can’t think of anything to paint! Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of prompts that are jumping-off points for your work. The easy painting ideas are divided into two lists—one is inspired by life while the other challenges you to use your imagination.

When looking through the list, consider the following: what sounds like fun to paint? What will challenge you to get better? Are there certain techniques you’d like to try? A leafy tree, for instance, gives you the opportunity to experiment with texture, while imagining these subjects in monochrome is a great exercise in understanding tonality, light, and shadow.

Photo: Stock Photos from Kuznetcov_Konstantin/Shutterstock

Easy painting ideas inspired by real life:

Your favorite coffee mug

Photo: olies/Depositphotos

A prickly pear cactus

Photo: AndreYanush/Depositphotos

Your furry friend

Photo: yakimenko/Depositphotos

A tranquil lake scene

Photo: Max5799/Depositphotos

Your eye and eyebrow (try observing from real life)

Photo: Nataliass/Depositphotos

A leafy tree

Photo: borojoint/Depositphotos

Your childhood home

Photo: Max5799/Depositphotos

Someone sitting on a chair

Photo: vad_1/Depositphotos

Fluffy clouds

Photo: cat_arch_angel/Depositphotos

A bouquet of flowers in a vase

Photo: Marinka/Depositphotos

A bird on a branch…

Photo: borojoint/Depositphotos

…or a wise owl

Photo: brita.seifert@googlemail.com/Depositphotos

A curling ocean wave (check out Ray Collins’ wave photographs for inspiration!)

Photo: balaikin/Depositphotos

Copy a masterpiece painting of an artist you admire

Photo: Rawpixel/Depositphotos

A bowl of fruit

Photo: natalia88/Depositphotos

Fish underwater

Photo: VitalikRadko/Depositphotos

A portrait of yourself when you were a kid

Photo: re_bekka/Depositphotos

Your hand or foot

Photo: vad_1/Depositphotos

Your favorite collection of things

Photo: Alexis84/Depositphotos

A building facade you’ve always admired

Photo: segun007/Depositphotos

Someone standing under an umbrella while it’s raining

Photo: Max5799/Depositphotos

A streetlamp illuminating a dark street

Photo: Marsea/Depositphotos

A peacock’s colorful plumage

Photo: DeepGreen/Depositphotos

The Eiffel tower, or any other memorable landmark

Photo: martinm303/Depositphotos

An avocado cut in half

Photo: AntonMatyukha/Depositphotos

Your mode of transportation (car, bike, scooter, skateboard…)

Photo: samot/Depositphotos

A reflective object such as a vase or glass

Photo: Wirestock/Depositphotos

Your favorite insect

Photo: DeepGreen/Depositphotos

A collection of seashells

Photo: Viktoria_Karpunina/Depositphotos

A pair of shoes

Photo: vad_1/Depositphotos

Take your art supplies outdoors and paint a park en plein air

Photo: Afonskaya/Depositphotos

Painting of different athletes

Photo: 7slonov/Depositphotos

Paint the night sky

Photo: KostyaKlimenko/Depositphotos

Mountain landscape

Photo: Elinacious/Depositphotos

The moon

Photo: svetas/Depositphotos

The beach

Photo: itmuryn/Depositphotos

A butterfly

Photo: sun_tiger/Depositphotos

A cherry blossom tree (with q-tips instead of a brush)

Photo: Marinka/Depositphotos

A pumpkin

Photo: shoshina/Depositphotos

The sunset sky

Photo: samillustration/Depositphotos

Paint on rocks instead of on canvas

Photo: Wirestock/Depositphotos

Paint your lunch or dinner

Photo: suslik83/Depositphotos

A shiny balloon

Photo: OlhaArt/Depositphotos

Someone who is doing an everyday activity such as sleeping, cooking, putting on makeup

Photo: Leonid_Eremeychuk/Depositphotos

Go big: show peonies blooming on a giant canvas or piece of paper

Photo: Valenty/Depositphotos

A snowy landscape

Photo: vad_1/Depositphotos

Good painting ideas inspired by the imagination:

A person with flowers growing from their head

Photo:Nongkran_ch/Depositphotos

Create an image inspired by your favorite song

Photo: agsandrew/Depositphotos

A majestic unicorn with a rainbow-colored mane

Photo: milanawork@mail.ru/Depositphotos

Create a self-portrait in a Cubist style (try using a limited color palette)

Juan Gris, “Portrait of Pablo Picasso,” 1912. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Reimagine a scene from your favorite Disney film

Photo: Liuzishan/Depositphotos

Imagine a dog could walk and talk like a human. What would they say and do?

Photo: Gastello/Depositphotos

Create your own repeat pattern…

Photo: Molesko/Depositphotos

… or mandala-inspired design

Photo: outsiderzone/Depositphotos

A cat in a fancy hat

Photo: rm211171/123RF

Your dream home

Photo: luzaazure/123RF

Try painting with your fingers

Photo: golubovy/Depositphotos

The sky imagined in colorful swirls like in van Gogh’s Starry Night

Photo: whatawin/Depositphotos

A scuba diver swimming through a galaxy instead of the ocean

 

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A post shared by ᴄ ᴏ ꜱ ᴍ ɪ ᴄ ✨ ᴀ ʀ ᴛ ɪ ꜱ ᴛ (@lanchendesigns)

A person made out of balloons

Photo: kamenuka/Depositphotos

Tiny people moving throughout a regular-sized world

Photo: Golsa Golchini

Hide a face in a repeating pattern (like Lee Wagstaff)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lee Wagstaff (@lee_wagstaff)

A spooky scene in the woods (try painting it on a wood slice)

Photo: Melpomene Chatzipanagiotou

Animals in the place of humans

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Guillermo Lorca García H. (@guillermolorcagarcia)

Salvador Dali-inspired interior

Living underwater

Paint a fantastical garden of imaginative plants

Photo: nikahgeh/123RF

Merge two of your favorite animals into one

 

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A post shared by Sujay Sanan (@sujaysanan)

Try painting in an Art Deco style, like Tamara de Lempicka

Photo: mayaartworks/Depositphotos

Hide a person's face in an unusual way

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Amy (@amyjuddart)

Imagine that you're that you’re a giant

Photo: PHOTOGRAPHER NAME/123RF

A person whose skin cracks like porcelain

Photo: KseniyaOmega/Depositphotos

Create your own fairytale

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Thanh Nhàn (@xnhan00)

Fuse day and night into a single scene

Photo: maxfilitov/123RF

An easy quote

Photo: rawpixel/123RF

Metallic abstract

Photo: denisined/123RF

Geometric art

Photo: theromb/Depositphotos

Splatter art

Photo: tsyew/123RF

Animals outside of their natural habitat (look to Marina Kusraeva for inspiration)

Photo: Marina Kusraeva

A landscape inspired by an enchanted forest

Photo: altitudevisual/123RF

Life in the future

Photo: alfazetchronicles/123RF

Combine a realistic subject with abstract elements

Create a painting just of loops. What designs can you make with that?

Photo: braindamage/123RF

Something that slithers (doesn't have to be a snake or a slug!)

Personal self-portrait inspired by Frida Kahlo

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Museo De Arte Moderno MX (@museoartemodernomx)

Painting Tutorials

Photo: Joanna Kosinska

If you don't have a vast knowledge of painting, any one of these ideas can be daunting to start putting pigment to canvas. Here are some painting tutorials to try which will teach you how to paint a particular subject while giving you confidence for future works of art.

Dream Your Own Abstract Floral Paintings — In this online course on My Modern Met Academy, artist Nitika Ale will walk you through painting techniques to create luscious acrylic blooms.

Dappled Light: Learn Abstract Paintings With Acrylics — Have you always admired the light as it shines through the trees? In another on-demand class on My Modern Met Academy, artist Megan Elizabeth shows you all you need to know about painting these beautiful scenes.

This Step-by-Step Tutorial Shows You How to “Grow” Watercolor Flowers on Paper — Get a supplies list and a look at all the steps involved in bringing flowers to life on the page.

Learn How to Paint a Colorful Sunset in Easy to Follow Steps — Want to recreate the beauty of the setting sun? Here's another step-by-step painting tutorial that will give you the foundation for it.

Fluid Art: How to Start Acrylic Pouring & Create Psychedelic Abstract Paintings — Pour your way into a masterpiece when you get the proper tools and practice the techniques of fluid art.

15+ YouTube Channels to Teach You How to Paint for Free — As expected, YouTube is chock-full of videos by artists who want to help you learn to paint. Here are 15 of our favorites.

Looking for others who love drawing? Join our Art, Design, Photography, and Drawing Club on Facebook!

Related Articles:

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20 Quirky Gifts Perfect for People Who Love Painting

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10+ Famous Watercolor Artists Who Continue to Influence Painting Today

25+ Mind-Blowing Hyperrealistic Paintings

READ: 80+ Painting Ideas That Will Inspire You To Pick Up a Brush Right Now

Photo: photographee.eu/Depositphotos
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the game, buying a piece of art is easier than ever. Gone are the days of needing to visit galleries, which can often be intimidating. Now, art is at the tip of your fingers thanks to the internet, and buying art online is a breeze.

There are platforms available for all price points and tastes. From original paintings to limited editions, posters, and canvas prints, there is unlimited choice depending on your needs. So where should you start? If you already have a favorite artist, you can always decide to buy directly by contacting them on social media or via their website. Many artists will either sell work directly from their studio or are on some of the platforms we mention below. This makes shopping from the comfort of your own home a breeze and can cut out the middleman.

But what if you don't have a particular artist in mind? That's OK as well. There are plenty of sites that allow you to browse by style or subject matter. Some even let you filter artwork based on where you'd like to hang it. This makes it easier to narrow down the field and even discover new artists that you'd like to support.

The bottom line is that in this day and age, buying art online doesn't have to be difficult. And we're making the process a bit easier by spotlighting some of our favorite places to purchase a canvas, piece of photography, or sculpture for your home. Some sites work directly with independent artists, while others are virtual homes for well-respected art galleries, which means that you don't need to jet off to Paris or New York to get your hands on top-notch art.

If you are worried about your budget, don't be. There truly is something at every price point. You can start out with a print from an up-and-coming artist or really dig deep into your savings for an original piece by an established name in the contemporary art world. It's up to you. Keep scrolling to see our recommendations, and then start building your own art collection from the comfort of your own home.

Here are 10 incredible online platforms for purchasing your next piece of art.

ArtFinder

ArtFinder focuses on selling original and limited edition artwork from independent artists around the world. All artists have their work reviewed prior to going live on the platform. ArtFinder makes it easy to discover art at any price point by helpfully breaking its catalog down into easy pricing categories.

With 5,700 five-star reviews on TrustPilot, ArtFinder is a reliable source for affordable art. Buyers like the uncomplicated, simple purchasing process and appreciate the accurate representation of the artwork on the website. If you aren't satisfied with what you receive, the platform has a 14-day return policy—return shipping costs included.

Photo: Screenshot from Artsy

Artsy

If you are looking for a high-end gallery experience from home, you'll want to check out Artsy. This highly respected platform has over 2 million pieces of art available from galleries around the world. Artsy aims to make collecting art easy and allows art lovers to buy artwork, bid in auctions, and even sell pieces from their collections.

Whether you want to buy a work on paper or an NFT, Artsy will help you. The filtering gets quite specific, so buyers can search based on the rarity of the art piece, where it's located, the artist's nationality, the medium, and the price range. Of course, it's also possible to search directly for the artist or gallery.

Due to the nature of the art on the platform, buyers will be able to either purchase, bid, make an offer, or inquire about pieces. Once you've purchased or made an offer, Artsy gives buyers 24 hours to change their minds, after which all sales are final. All bids at auction are also final, and any transactions made directly with a gallery after the initial inquiry are held to the individual gallery's refund policy.

Etsy

Since its inception in 2005, Etsy has been the go-to online marketplace for handcrafted and vintage items. Its motto, “Shop for anything from creative people anywhere,” sums it up. While many artists have migrated away from the platform as times have changed, there is no denying that there is still great art to be discovered here. Many emerging artists still use the platform, particularly for crafts, illustrations, and handmade pieces.

It can take a discerning eye to wade through the search results at times, and due to unfortunate copycats, it's always good to do due diligence and ensure that the art you are purchasing is from the original artist. Still, given the platform's reach and history, it's an incredible resource for purchasing affordable art.

Photo: Screenshot from Fine Art America

Fine Art America

Fine Art America is the world's largest online art marketplace and print-on-demand technology company. They've been in business selling wall art, tapestries, home decor, apparel, and other products since 2006. The platform is home to hundreds of thousands of artists, photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, and global brands, making it a great resource.

As they mainly focus on framed prints, canvas prints, and posters, prices are rather affordable. You can also search curated thematic collections by high-level brands like Rolling Stone, TIME, Vogue, and National Geographic. These partnerships make Fine Art America a good choice if you are looking for a print of a famous photograph. If you aren't satisfied with what you receive, the platform has a 30-day return policy, with the buyer only responsible for shipping costs.

Photo: Screenshot from LiveAuctioneers

LiveAuctioneers

Whether you are a seasoned auction participant or just want to dip your toe in the water, you'll want to bookmark LiveAuctioneers. The site allows you to search and bid at auctions taking place at over 5,000 auction houses around the globe.

From collectibles to fashion to sculpture and paintings, it's easy to search LiveAuctioneers' database to find objects of interest. You can also follow specific searches so that you'll be informed when new items appear. But if auctions seem intimidating and you don't know where to start, LiveAuctioneers will help you out with their comprehensive guide to how auctions work.

Saatchi Art

If you want to purchase from emerging and mid-career independent artists, Saatchi Art is a great option. One of the most well-known platforms for buying art online, Saatchi has original pieces and art prints ranging from under $500 to over $10,000. With over 60,000 international artists on the platform, there is plenty to choose from. All the classic filtering options are available, but buyers can also work with a Saatchi Art Curator for no additional fee to help select art that suits their needs.

Buying art can sometimes be intimidating, and knowing what you like isn't always easy, so Saatchi also has a helpful guide on how to find the perfect artwork. If you buy something and then change your mind, Saatchi has a 14-day return policy for original artwork where buyers can receive store credit, or a partial or full refund depending on the circumstance. Commissions, open editions, limited editions, and frames are all non-refundable.

Singulart

Singulart is an incredible platform that represents over 12,000 artists. All artists on the platform undergo a review process by Singulart's curatorial team to ensure that their work is top-notch. Not only will buyers find paintings, photography, and drawings on the platform, but there is also space for sculptures, textile art, and digital art. The focus here is on original art, rather than posters or prints, and the prices reflect this.

Based on what's currently available, prices start in the range of $250 and go up to $20,000. A helpful chatbot can help narrow down your choices, or you can use the easy filtering found on the sidebar. There's also a space to commission original artwork and for design professionals to source artwork for their next projects.

Singulart ships worldwide with an average delivery time of 7 to 10 business days. Returns, complete with free shipping, are available for up to one year after you receive your order.

Photo: Screenshot from Tappan Collective

Tappan Collective

The Tappan Collective‘s mission is to make it easy for collectors to buy original art from working artists and to connect artists with collectors around the world. Its curatorial team of art world veterans scouts up-and-coming artists who are making their way in the art world and mid-career artists whose practices have taken an innovative turn.

The carefully curated site has everything from collage and mixed media pieces to photography, sculpture, and paintings. If you aren't sure where to begin, there is a helpful quiz to assist you in narrowing down your options. Art Advisory services are available for individuals and, as of 2023, there is even a physical location in Los Angeles, California, that hosts in-person exhibitions.

UGallery

UGallery wants to make purchasing a work of art as simple as possible and believes that this starts with the careful curation of the artists on their platform. They pick each artist and every piece they exhibit, making all artwork exclusive to UGallery, and they focus on spotlighting emerging and mid-career artists. Buyers can easily search by medium, subject, style, and size and can even commission a bespoke piece of art. They also have a fun quiz that matches you with artwork based on your tastes, and you can search collections based on the room where you intend to hang your art.

UGallery offers free shipping in the United States and a seven-day return period. In the case of a return, shipping is free for artwork under 50 inches on the longest side.

Photo: Screenshot from Widewalls

Widewalls

Established as an online art magazine in 2013, Widewalls has quickly grown into a valuable resource to keep updated on the contemporary art market. They have an extensive database of upcoming auction, as well as past auction results so that you can keep up on current art values.

In terms of purchasing art, Widewalls works with galleries to provide a large range of options. While there are, of course, paintings and drawings, buyers will also find interesting categories like furniture, jewelry, and books. After signing up for a free account, buyers will have the ability to either purchase art instantly, bid on an item, or send a pricing inquiry to a gallery.

Widewalls is particularly strong in street art, with art available from established artists like Invader, Vhils, and Shepard Fairey. Thanks to collaborations with respected, established galleries, there are also finds by the likes of Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and other historically important artists.

Related Articles:

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Top 11 Art Magazine Subscriptions That Celebrate Creativity in Print

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READ: 10 Best Platforms To Buy Art Online Today

Photo: Stock Photos from TorriPhoto/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Watercolor painting is one of the easiest creative activities to pick up. There are only a few supplies that you need—a set of paints, paintbrushes, paper, and water—and there are just a handful of essential techniques to know before you put pigment to paper. This brilliant simplicity means that it’s a breeze to start and finish a watercolor painting in the same day. So, what are you going to paint?

Deciding what you’ll paint can sometimes be the hardest part of the entire creative process. Do you want a subject matter that will challenge your skills? Are you looking to hone how you depict realism, or are you interested in testing the limit of your abstraction? What kinds of watercolor techniques would you like to use in your project? Making these decisions will prove vital to what you decide to paint, but they can feel overwhelming and leave you scratching your head.

If you’re in need of watercolor painting ideas, never fear! We’ve come up with a myriad of concepts that range from easy to challenging, and they all lend themselves to the carefree fluidity that’s indicative of the medium. We recommend picking a few ideas that you like and, if applicable, make a sketch of what you'd like to paint. When you’re happy with the composition, start applying color and watch the watercolor work its magic.

Check out some watercolor painting ideas below.

In need of something to paint? We’ve got 36 watercolor painting ideas you can try today that range from simple to complex concepts.

The great thing about many of these ideas is that the simpler concepts can evolve into more challenging ones. With flowers, for instance, it’s relatively easy to paint a daisy or a tulip. When you’re ready, try adding a rose to your bouquet.

Stock Photos from Ekaterina Iatcenko /Shutterstock

Easy Watercolor Painting Ideas

Experiment! Try different colors and test out a variety of watercolor painting techniques.

Photo: ChrisAt/Depositphotos

Washes that resemble the sky. Try painting the sunset with the wet-on-wet approach.

Photo: ViktoriiaDyachenko/Depositphotos

The starry night sky. Try preserving your white paper with masking fluid.

Photo: Rastan/Depositphotos

Simple landscape with hills or mountains.

Photo: gill@gillcopeland.com/Depositphotos

Put your spin on the iconic rainbow.

Photo: ibogdan/Depositphotos

A decorative pattern. Make sure you start easy and work up to more complex motifs.

Photo: oaurea/Depositphotos

A single piece of fruit such as an apple or an orange. To make your composition more interesting, try slicing it in half.

Photo: Dream79/Depositphotos

Fresh flowers (like daisies, tulips, or sunflowers).

Photo: st-design/Depositphotos

Your favorite Disney or video game character.

Photo: sobin/Depositphotos

A tranquil lake scene or a beach. (Optional: include a boat, animal, or beach umbrella.)

Photo: elenathewise/Depositphotos

A ladybug on a leaf.

Photo: monner/Depositphotos

Your favorite pairs of shoes.

Photo: drupa79/Depositphotos

An aerial view you’d see from an airplane.

Photo: lyulka.86/Depositphotos

An interesting tree you saw on a recent hike.

Photo: Kannap/Depositphotos

Your morning cup of tea or coffee. Use the fluidity of the watercolor to capture the steam coming off the hot beverage.

Photo: Subbotina/Depositphotos

Balloons and confetti. Learn how to make vibrant hues with the pigment.

Photo: IrenLo/Depositphotos

A fluffy cat or dog using smudgy watercolor washes.

Photo: OlezzoSimona/Depositphotos

Once you've completed all of the easy ideas, you can step up the difficulty level!

Stock Photos from sashafolly/Shutterstock

Challenging Watercolor Painting Ideas

Recreate an old family photograph.

Photo: zurijeta/Depositphotos

A collection of your favorite glass bottles. The more you add, the more challenging the painting will be.

Photo: tsyb.oleg.gmail.com/Depositphotos

A smattering of spoons, knives, and forks. Be sure to pay attention to the reflections in them!

Photo: VadimVasenin/Depositphotos

A bouquet of flowers—roses are some of the most challenging blooms you can paint.

Photo: VadimVasenin/Depositphotos

The plumage on a peacock.

Photo: Hintau_Aliaksey/Depositphotos

Pet portraits—these make great gifts!

Photo: Photoboyko/Depositphotos

A fire-breathing dragon.

Photo: FairytaleDesign/Depositphotos

Go outside! Sketch a building on location. Can you capture the people around there, too?

Photo: VIAVAL/Depositphotos

A beetle with an iridescent shell. Try to recreate all of the gorgeous colors you see.

Photo: bornin54/Depositphotos

Part of the human body. An entire face is the hardest to paint. For something a little easier (but still challenging), try rendering the hands or feet.

Photo: NatashaFedorova/Depositphotos

Your favorite room in your home.

Photo: iofoto/Depositphotos

What you see from your bedroom window.

Photo: romantiche/Depositphotos

Paint the monsters living under a bed.

Photo: innovatedcaptures/Depositphotos

Crashing waves on a shore.

Photo: irisphoto11/Depositphotos

A magical unicorn.

Photo: CoreyFord/Depositphotos

Venture into Surrealism by merging two things into one—such as a bird with leaves in place of its feathers.

Photo: cranach2/Depositphotos

Your main mode of transportation, whether that is a bike, car, scooter, or public transit. Try showing them in an environment.

Photo: anyaivanova@gmail.com/Depositphotos

A bustling underwater scene.

Photo: GraphicsMonarch/Depositphotos

Need more art ideas? Check out our drawing ideas, acrylic painting ideas, and sketchbook ideas.

Once you’re done painting, be sure to share your work in our Art, Design, Photography, and Drawing Club on Facebook!

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READ: 36 Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginning Artists and Seasoned Professionals

Photo: duha127/Depositphotos

Whether you're a concert fan or know someone who is, there's an online archive where music lovers can enjoy thousands of performances from different bands. The Live Music Archive is part of the Internet Archive and boasts over 250,000 recordings of live concerts. This incredible collection has been in the works for 20 years and is a collaborative effort between the Internet Archive and countless volunteers.

Within the archive are thousands of bands, ranging from The Grateful Dead to lesser-known bands who are just starting out. “It's a huge victory for the open web,” says Internet Archive founder Brewster Kahle. “Fans have helped build it. Bands have supported it. And the Internet Archive has continued to scale it to be able to meet the demand.” Not only has the project helped preserve music files, but they've helped make them accessible to anyone who loves music.

Over 8,000 musicians have given permission to the Live Music Archive to have their recordings added to the collection. This has helped many grow their fanbase and share their music on a larger platform. “Music is universal—it's cross-cultural and across time,” adds Jonathan Aizen, who helped build the Live Music Archive. “To be able to create access, in a world where everything is so commercialized, and just having music be freely accessible, with no ads—that is also something that's really just special.”

Browse all of the recordings via the Live Music Archive's website.

Internet Archive: Website
h/t: [Open Culture]

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READ: 250,000+ Concert Recordings Are Free to Download Through Live Music Archive

Most creatives, from painters to photographers, will have come across the Rule of Thirds at some point. Anyone who deals in producing visually appealing work will have had this golden guideline pushed on them in order to achieve a balanced composition. But what is the Rule of Thirds? And where does it come from?

What is the Rule of Thirds?

The Rule of Thirds is a general guideline for how to create an interesting composition which states that any image—painting, photograph, graphic design—should be broken into a grid with two vertical and two horizontal lines, creating nine equally proportioned boxes. Important compositional elements should then be placed either on the lines or at their intersections. This results in dynamic, interesting compositions that draw the viewer's eye across the scene.

This technique is often employed in landscape painting and photography, but really can apply to any genre. As one of the beginning rules of composition taught to visual artists, it's a quick and easy way for anyone—from beginner to expert—to improve the visual impact of their work. And while today the Rule of Thirds is most often associated with photography, it should come as no surprise that it originates from painting.

One of many compositional tricks that artists use, the Rule of Thirds was first written down in 1797, when an author quoted English painter Sir Joshua Reynolds. In discussing the balance of light and dark in an artwork, Reynolds refers to the Rule of Thirds, discussing it as a more general principle of balance. It would later be transformed into the grid system we know today.

An easy way to see if artwork—whether your own or by others—follows the Rule of Thirds is to lay a grid over the final image. If you don't feel like making the simple calculations, you can download a grid.

Rule of Thirds in Painting

Photographers aren't the only ones who use the Rule of Thirds. Long before the world's first photographs, famous artists frequently employed the technique in order to achieve harmony and balance in their compositions. Let's look at three different artists across different genres to see how they all applied the Rule of Thirds to great effect.

Johannes Vermeer

‘A Maid Asleep' by Johannes Vermeer (ca. 1656–57). (Photo: The Met, Public domain)

This early painting by Vermeer shows a use of the compositional trick in the manner in which the sleeping maid's head lines up with the upper horizontal line. Interestingly, the top of the jug on the table matches the lower horizontal line, creating a pleasing distance between the foreground and background subject. Even the door cracked open has a compositional purpose. The door itself falls exactly on the right vertical line running through the painting. These choices, combined with Vermeer's use of light and shadow, lend dramatic tension to this seemingly everyday scene.

J.M.W. Turner

‘The Fighting Temeraire' by J.M.W. Turner (1838) (Photo: National Gallery via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

This famous landscape painting by acclaimed English Romantic painter J.M.W. Turner makes great use of the Rule of Thirds. Not only does the horizon fall on the lower horizontal line, but the ships intersect along the first vertical line. Placing the ships slightly off-center gives the piece a sense of dynamic movement that helps make it one of Turner's most acclaimed paintings.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

‘On the Grass' by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1873) (Photo: Barnes Collection, Public domain)

Impressionists may be known as rule breakers, but that doesn't mean they didn't practice the fundamentals of good composition. Renoir‘s 1873 oil painting, now part of the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, shows the careful placement of his main subjects, letting them hit along multiple lines in the grid. Renoir's masterpiece is a good reminder of how the Rule of Thirds can be used to create natural groupings of people within a composition.

Rule of Thirds in Photography

Today, when we think of the Rule of Thirds, photography is the creative field that most commonly comes to mind. Less technical than the golden ratio; it's a nice beginner's rule of thumb. And while it's often associated with landscape photography, the guideline works across any photographic genre. Let's take a look at some examples of how photographers employ the Rule of Thirds in their work to highlight different areas of importance.

Examples of the Rule of Thirds in Landscape and Nature Photography

Whether it's following the peaks of mountains or a cascade of water as it crashes down, balancing the elements of the natural world can be aided by the Rule of Thirds. Of course, it's important not to get too hung up on the rule, but it's a great beginner's trick to help improve your work and take your landscape and nature photography to another level.

By placing the rowboat slightly off-center along the bottom of the first vertical, the photographer has given his image a strong focal point. The viewer's gaze immediately goes to the boat, which then provides a natural compositional guideline up to the mountain. Without this focus, the viewer would have no specific place to focus on the image, which diminishes its impact.

The tree popping up from this field of flowers is perfectly placed to break up the uniformity of the landscape and give a sense of depth to a scene that would otherwise be quite static.

By placing the main subject all the way to one side of the frame, the photographer then uses the negative space in the remaining two-thirds of the photograph to create visual interest. In doing so, the landscape seems more dramatic.

By placing the starburst slightly off-center, the photographer creates visual interest without overpowering the viewer.

This use of the Rule of Thirds in macro photography creates an interesting composition where the flower fills the majority of the frame, but the bee is firmly placed as the main subject.

How the Rule of Thirds Is Used in Portrait Photography

Creating a balanced composition in a portrait—whether or a human or animal—can be tricky, but the Rule of Thirds allows you to be more subtle than you think. Applying the rule doesn't always mean positioning the subject off-center. Creative use of lines, whether through the position of limbs or facial features or drawing on the surroundings, can make for an effective image within the Rule of Thirds grid.

The article has been edited and updated.

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READ: Quick Guide to the Rule of Thirds for Artists and Photographers

Photo: Stock Photos from PicMy/Shutterstock
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Over the course of history, the way artists have painted—and the mediums they use—has evolved. New technology and changing tastes mean that the paints used by artists have continued to diversify. But how do you know which is the right type of paint for you? Many of us are familiar with watercolor, oil, and acrylic paint, but there's so much more out there for artists to explore.

While some types of painting, like fresco and tempera, aren't practiced quite as frequently, others are seeing a resurgence. For instance, a renewed interest in hand lettering and sign painting has made enamel paint trendier than ever.

As an artist, how can you decide on the right type of paint for your artwork? Having a good grasp of the characteristics of each paint and the aesthetic they provide will help you narrow down your choices. Some painting techniques are easy for artists of all levels to pick up, while others may require more advanced technical skills.

Learn more about different kinds of paint to see what works best for you. Who knows? You just might be inspired to try a new type of painting.

Discover more about 11 different types of painting mediums that help artists express their creativity.

Oil Painting

“Night in Venice” by Leonid Afremov. Oil on canvas. (Photo: Leonid Afremov)

For centuries, artists have been using oil paint to create their masterpieces. This slow-drying medium is made from color pigments suspended in oil. Due to its long drying time, artists can take their time producing work. Oil paint is often used to create wonderful textured effects thanks to its thick consistency. Though it can be messy to work with and requires care when working with mediums like linseed oil or walnut oil, it's still beloved by artists for the rich colors it produces. So, it should come as no surprise that it's one of the most popular types of painting.

Learn how to pick the right type of oil paint in our handy guide.

Acrylic Painting

“Diamela” by Alice Pasquini. 2018. Acrylic on canvas. (Photo: Alice Pasquini)

There are a wide array of acrylic paints in terms of texture and drying time. This water-soluble paint dries quickly, is non-toxic, and is cost-effective, often making it a go-to choice for painters of all skill levels. Over time it holds up better than oil paint, as it's not prone to cracking or yellowing. There are innumerable acrylic paint techniques and by combining the paint with different mediums, artists have flexibility in the final look. Though acrylic is water resistant when completely dry on the canvas, its water-soluble nature when damp makes for easy cleanup.

Learn more about the difference between acrylic paint and oil paint, as well as the best acrylic paint for artists of all levels.

Watercolor Painting

“White Ships” by John Singer Sargent. Circa 1908. Watercolor. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Typically painted on paper, watercolors are made from pigments suspended in a water-based solution. Known for the transparent layers they create, watercolor paint remains soluble even when dry. This means that artists can make some corrections even when the painting is dry, but this also means that the finished work must be protected carefully. There are many watercolor techniques that artists use to create different works of art, from realistic portraits to washed-out landscapes. Although paper is the most common support, watercolors can also be used on surfaces like fabric, wood, leather, and vellum.

Looking for watercolors? Check our guide to the best watercolor sets.

Gouache Painting

Jacques Joseph Tissot, “Young Woman in a Rocking Chair, study for the painting ‘The Last Evening',” ca. 1873, brush with gouache and watercolor, over graphite (Photo: Getty Museum, Public domain)

While gouache is similar to watercolor in that it can be re-wetted, this type of paint dries matte and is a heavier paint due to the chalk that's incorporated into it. Gouache also has characteristics similar to acrylic in that it's an opaque paint. It's often used together with watercolor, and since it's water soluble, it requires a varnish over the top to seal the finished painting. A newer variation is acrylic gouache, which uses an acrylic-based binder that allows the paint to become water-resistant when dry.

Want to try gouache paint? Check out our guide to the best gouache sets.

Pastel Painting

Mary Cassatt, “Sleepy Baby,” 1910, pastel (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Sometimes known as “dry painting,” the use of pastels has been popular since the 16th century. Their stick form and lack of drying time make them an easy and portable solution for artists. The most popular pastels—known as soft pastels—have chalk incorporated into them, but oil pastels with a waxy consistency are also available. Colors are typically blended straight onto the support and if you're looking for a watercolor-type effect, there are also water-soluble pastels. These paintings are fragile, as the pigment can lift from the surface, so should be framed under glass.

Learn more about how to paint with pastels

Encaustic Painting

Portrait of a woman from Al-Faiyum, Egypt, ca. 100–150 C.E., encaustic (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

This complex technique dates back to ancient Egypt and involves adding pigment to hot beeswax. The resulting paste is then typically applied to prepared wood, though canvas can also be used. Special tools are then used to shape and sculpt the liquid prior to cooling. Contemporary artists often use heat guns to extend the workability of the paint. Though encaustic—or hot wax painting—can be difficult to master, it is possible to create complex paintings full of dimension and color.

Find all the supplies you'll need to get started with encaustic painting.

Fresco Painting

Michelangelo, detail of the Sistine Chapel ceiling 1505–1508 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Fresco is an ancient technique that is perhaps best known thanks to Michelangelo's iconic Sistine Chapel Ceiling. Buon fresco involves mixing pigment with water and applying it to a still-wet layer of plaster. Used for ceiling and wall decorations, the water helps the pigment merge into the plaster, creating a permanent bond when dry. Buon fresco—or true fresco—requires artists to work quickly, as the surface is no longer paintable once the plaster dries. Another method—fresco secco—requires a binding agent such as egg, glue, or oil to attach to a dry plaster surface. This method works better on a rougher surface but is less durable.

Discover more about the history of fresco painting.

Spray Painting

Work in progress by Brus, 2013 (Photo: Jessica Stewart)

Aerosol paint—or spray paint—was first invented in 1949 and became popularized in the 1970s, when graffiti artists took advantage of this new technology. Adhering well to nearly any surface, it's most commonly used by mural artists and graffiti artists on plaster, brick, and metal. Spray paint dries quickly and is fairly weather resistant, making it a durable choice for urban artists. Today, there are many spray paint brands specifically for artists, such as MTN, Ironlak, and Belton. Available in an array of hues, artists pair the cans with special caps that control the width of the spray. It's possible to find spray paint with different effects and finishes, as well as different pressures and coverages. As spray paint does contain toxic substances, it’s always recommended for outdoor use with a mask. Several companies have also created water-based spray paint more suitable for working indoors and on canvases.

See how spray paint helped graffiti artists transform their passion into art.

Ink Wash Painting

Hasegawa Tōhaku, “Pine Trees,” 16th century, ink on paper (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Also known as literati painting, ink wash finds its origins in China and East Asia. The use of black ink in calligraphy led to the popularity of brush painting using the same ink. Artists achieve different tonalities by varying the amount of ink on the brush and the pressure with which the stroke is applied. Brushstrokes are carefully studied, with calligraphy masters spending years perfecting their strokes. Though today colored inks are widely available, black is still the most common ink used.

Check out what you need to start practicing in our handy guide to hand-lettering supplies.

Tempera Painting

Sandro Botticelli, “The Birth of Venus,” ca. 1486, tempera (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Though less commonly used today, tempera is one of the oldest types of painting and was traditionally created by grinding pigments into a binder. The most common type of tempera is egg tempera, which typically uses egg yolks mixed with a solution of vinegar or water as a binder. Tempera was quite popular until oil paint came into wide use in the 16th century. The fast-drying paint is applied in thin, transparent layers and is notable for its lack of color deterioration over time. Tempera continued to be used by select artists throughout history, though most people know it from Medieval and Renaissance art. Today, it is still used in the Greek and Russian Orthodox church for religious icon paintings. In the US, poster paint is sometimes called tempera, though the binders are not the same.

Intrigued by tempera? Sennelier Egg Tempera is “the authentic formulation used since the Renaissance.”

Enamel Painting

 

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This oil-based paint is most often used by sign painters or for decorative painting and pinstriping. It dries to a hard, high-gloss finish that is weather resistant. Enamel can be used on different surfaces like glass, ceramics, metal, wood, and canvas. Due to its toxicity, it's always suggested to work in a well-ventilated area with a mask on. There are also water-based enamels that can be used on heavier papers like cardstock. Aside from decorative work and sign painting, many fine artists have incorporated enamels into their work. Picasso and Jackson Pollack were both known to use commercial enamel paints in their work.

1-Shot, one of the most well-known types of enamel, has been a favorite of sign painters since 1948.

This article has been edited and updated.

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Stock Photos from Africa Studio/Shutterstock
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You’ve got a lot of choices for tools when it comes to drawing. Pencils are the most popular, simply because they are so ubiquitous. But the more you get into drawing, the more you’ll want to experiment with media to figure out what you like using the best. Charcoal, for instance, is a popular tool for artists—especially those that like to sketch and do it fast.

Why Should You Try Charcoal Drawing?

Charcoal is a smooth yet brittle material that has similar properties to chalk pastel. The dark substance comes in different forms—some are hard while others are soft—but overall it offers a quick sketching experience. Lighter, less dense charcoal is particularly adept at flying over the page and is great for casual sketches. But, don't underestimate the incredible depth it can achieve. If you are working on a drawing that has deep shadows, charcoal will have the rich black tones you want to convey that sort of intensity.

Photo: Stock Photos from Burhan Bunardi/Shutterstock

Different Types of Charcoal

There are three popular types of charcoal. All are used for drawing, but each has special qualities that make them appropriate for different points in your art.

Willow Charcoal and Vine Charcoal

Willow and vine charcoal come in long, wispy strips. It is the most delicate charcoal, and you don’t have to press very hard on your page to use it. This makes it best for quick sketches, where you’re trying to capture something as it’s happening; your hand will glide across the page.

Because vine charcoal is so delicate, (you can easily crush it between two fingers) you can’t get as dark as you would with other types of charcoal. If you’re going to use it for a more polished drawing, you’ll want to reserve it for lighter values.

Try this: Winsor & Newton Artist Vine Charcoal Sticks

Compressed Charcoal

Compressed charcoal has a very similar structure to chalk pastels. It is powdered charcoal held together with a binder of gum or wax. This type of charcoal is harder than willow and vine, and it will maintain its shape as you draw. Because of this, it’s great for details in a charcoal drawing with well-defined lines and textures.

Compressed charcoal comes in sticks or its more popular pencil form. The pencil is very handy because you can sharpen to get a nice point.

Try this: General Pencil Compressed Charcoal Sticks or Mont Marte Woodless Charcoal Pencils

Powdered Charcoal

Vine and compressed charcoal are both in stick form and can be held in your hand. Powdered charcoal, in contrast, is exactly how it sounds—it’s dusty. To use this, you’ll want to have a paintbrush or cloth handy and be prepared to get messy. This type of charcoal is great for filling in larger areas.

Try this: Coates Willow Powdered Charcoal

Other Charcoal Drawing Supplies

Before you start drawing, you will need some more charcoal drawing materials.

Charcoal Paper 

Choose your paper wisely. You'll want to select something with texture to it, meaning that when you run your hand over the paper, you will feel tiny bumps. Drawing onto a toothy surface will help to extract some of the charcoal onto the paper. Look for a paper that's above 100 pounds so that it can absorb all of the layers of charcoal. However, don't feel limited to white paper. Black charcoal works well with different tones as well such as gray, brown, and tan paper.

Try this: Legion Paper Stonehenge Multi-Color Paper Pad

White Eraser

Charcoal is messy! If you’re working on a finished drawing, you’re going to want to erase any smudges or stray marks made. Grab a white vinyl eraser to get rid of them.

Try this: Staedtler Mars Plastic Vinyl Eraser

Kneaded Eraser

In a charcoal drawing, a kneaded eraser is another way to give your work depth. This special type of eraser looks like putty and is soft, too. It can be pulled and stretched into all different shapes, making it easy to dab it on the paper to pick up the charcoal powder.

A popular technique with a kneaded eraser in charcoal art is called reductive drawing. In this style of drawing, you are using the eraser to take away the powder and build form. This is great for highlights.

To clean a kneaded eraser, simply pull it apart until it returns to its natural gray color.

Try this: Prismacolor Kneaded Eraser

Chamois

If you’d prefer to keep your hands as clean as possible, try using a chamois cloth to blend your charcoal. You can wash this with water once it gets too full of charcoal.

Try this: Natural Artist Chamois

Tortillon

A tortillon, also known as a blending stump, is another way to smudge your charcoal without having to dirty your fingers.

Try this: Lowell-Cornell Blending Stumps 

White Charcoal (or Pastel)

White charcoal, sometimes referred to as white pastels, offers another way to define highlights in your drawing. Its composition is similar to that of compressed charcoal and it comes in stick or pencil form. In most cases, you’ll want to use it sparingly as an accent.

Try this: General Pencil White Charcoal Pencil

Fixative

One of the downsides of working with charcoal is that it won’t permanently adhere to your drawing surface. Some particles are bound to fall off when moving your paper. Use fixative to solve this problem. There are two types: one is called workable fixative, which allows you to go back in and draw on your paper. The other is a final fixative, which is permanent and should only be used if you’re not planning on changing your art.

Make sure that these are used in well-ventilated areas.

Try this: Krylon Workable Fixatif and Krylon Matte Finish Spray

Charcoal Drawing Techniques

Photo: Stock Photos from joannawnuk/Shutterstock

If you’re sketching with a pen or a pencil, you’ve got a ton of drawing techniques at your expense. Those materials aren’t as prone to smudging, so it’s easier to create hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and more. Charcoal, because it has a chalky finish, doesn’t lend itself as well to those more precise techniques. You’ll want to focus on blending and layering charcoal instead.

Blending allows the substance to be pressed into the paper and gives it a better chance of sticking to your page. In doing this, however, the tone will become lighter. So, as you blend, it’s important to layer and build up your tones. First, use the back-and-forth approach to cover the area of your paper with charcoal. Once you’ve coated it, use your finger, a chamois, or a tortillon to press it into the page. Repeat this step until you’ve reached your desired intensity.

When creating your charcoal drawing, don’t be afraid to mix types of charcoal. This will help build tone as well and allow you to define detail in your drawing. Start with the vine charcoal to depict large shapes and set the overall tone of your drawing. Once the lighter and mid-tones are created, use the compressed charcoal in areas of deep shadow or edges that need defining. As you draw, be sure that you don’t go too dark too fast. Charcoal, especially compressed, can be unforgiving and hard to completely erase. By starting lighter you’ll be able to control how much charcoal is on the page and avoid going overboard on tones.

Once you’re done using the compressed charcoal, consider your highlights. White charcoal is ideal for this, as is using a kneaded eraser for reductive drawing.

Charcoal Video Tutorial

Books About Drawing With Charcoal

Charcoal Drawing Ideas

Before you pick up a piece of vine charcoal, get inspiration from artists working with it.

 

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This article has been edited and updated.

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New to Drawing? Make Sure You Know These Basic Techniques Before You Start

READ: Learn the Basics of Charcoal Drawing To Capture the Intensity of Life With Art

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Nothing beats the excitement of opening a brand new LEGO set and unloading those shiny bricks. Sometimes, that happy commotion leads to misplacing a key part of the building process—the instructions. If that's happened to you, then you may want to check out the Internet Archive. They have a database of over 6,800 LEGO set instructions for models from many different eras and types.

This means that if you've come across an old kit from your youth and are hoping to build it once again, it's very likely that you'll find the manual in this repository. For those who feel adventurous, you could also browse the instructions for any vintage set, figure out the pieces you need to build it and go on a hunt.

Among the instructions featured are some of LEGO's most famed sets from recent years. For example, the manuals for the LEGO Architecture Empire State Building set or the detailed LEGO Ideas Fiat 500 are available here. Additionally, instructions for licensed sets are also listed, such as Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter or the coveted Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. Even the booklets accompanying the colorful Classic sets can be browsed on the site for all-ages inspiration.

While LEGO has always encouraged people to be imaginative with their blocks, there's nothing wrong with relying on instructions for a smooth assembly. After all, a beautifully finished set is only part of the fun—the true joy lies in taking pleasure in the building process. To browse the LEGO instructions database, visit the Internet Archive.

Internet Archive holds a collection of free LEGO set instructions.

Photo: dalivl@yandex.ru/Depositphotos

The database features over 6,800 LEGO sets from many eras and types.

Photo: OlesyaKuzina/Depositphotos

h/t: [Open Culture]

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READ: You Can Download Instructions for Over 6,800 Lego Sets For Free at the Internet Archive

Photo: Joanna Kosinska

Always wanted to learn how to paint, but were afraid to enroll in a class? Free online painting tutorials may be right up your alley, helping you get comfortable with both basic and advanced techniques right from home. Whether you are interested in acrylic or oil painting or learning how to use watercolors, there is no shortage of excellent YouTube channels to help you get started.

Learning from an experienced artist is a great way to start your painting journey, and luckily there are plenty of creatives out there willing to help. From tips on the best brushes to how to work with solvents to showing how to move from sketchbook to painting, there are an endless amount of lessons to learn. And once you've learned these new skills, you can also watch video tutorials to give you new painting ideas for your next project.

Some of the YouTube channels we recently covered that help you learn to draw also have painting lessons, but here we've curated our list of specialized teachers to help you learn to paint. Some teachers prefer short lessons broken into a lengthy playlist, while others publish long-form tutorials and demonstrations. And the nice thing is, with so many teaching options available, you can browse around until you find that style that fits your needs. By spending some time with these videos, you'll come away with a solid foundation on how to paint.

What are you waiting for? With these free online painting tutorials at your fingertips, even if you're a beginner, there's no excuse not to start painting.

Acrylic Paint Tutorials

Once you find the best acrylic paints to get started, you'll want to figure out how to best tackle your new craft. There's a wide variety of acrylic painting tutorials, ranging from the basics of color mixing to tackling how to paint specific elements like an eye or a tree. Most channels have different levels of lessons for both beginner and advanced artists.

Will Kemp Art School

Acrylic Painting Techniques

The Art Sherpa

Painting with Jane

Createful Art

Suraj Fine Arts

Oil Paint Tutorials

Oil painting can seem daunting, but there's nothing more satisfying than understanding the technique of great masters like Rembrandt or van Gogh. With a little practice, you may even be able to paint your own Starry Night! These free online tutorials will take you through the necessary materials to safely get started with oil painting, as well as detailed lessons on anatomy, landscapes, or even palette knife painting.

Lena Danya

Daria Callie

Robin Clonts

Sergey Gusev

Michael James Smith

Watercolor Paint Tutorials

Some of our favorite watercolor artists, like Mateusz Urbanowicz and Kelogsloops, have YouTube channels where they share tips for how to achieve their signature styles. Or, if you are looking for a more in-depth course, there's no shortage of watercolor artists with a complete range of videos to help you master watercolor painting. Just stock up on a watercolor set, press play, and you are ready to go.

Kelogsloops

Mateusz Urbanowicz

Matthew White

Watercolor Misfit

The Mind of Watercolor

Mr. Otter Art Studio

Nitin Singh

Gouache Paint Tutorials

Many people have never heard of gouache paint, but the powerful medium might just become your go-to pigment. Gouache is like both watercolor and acrylic paint, as it has to be mixed with water in order to spread across your canvas or paper. It's made up of a high ratio of color pigment and a solid white pigment (such as chalk) and produces a rich, velvety texture. Discover how to use it by checking out the artist videos below.

Jess Chung

Visual Mind

Myriam Tillson

arleebean

Mary Sanche

When you are ready to take the next step and dive into paid lessons, check out My Modern Met Academy's online painting classes.

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READ: 23 YouTube Channels To Teach You How To Paint for Free