With bold, black lines and blocks of color, Justin Bunting‘s paintings are extremely striking. Similar to the abstract works of Pablo Picasso, they reimagine everyday scenes with a new perspective and sense of dynamism.

One of Bunting's most recently completed pieces depicts an art exhibition attended by numerous quirky visitors. “Since galleries won’t hang my work I’ve resorted to painting galleries IN my work. Take that Big Art,” he writes in the post. Bunting goes on to unpack what is happening in the composition. “The scene shows a chaotic moment unfolding in the middle of an artist's retrospective exhibit. The horse sculpture on the top left is angrily eyeing the painting thief in the bottom right as the figures in the bottom left watch in shock that the sculpture is conscious.”

Like other works, the painting of the art exhibition features a limited color palette. In this case blues, yellows, and browns. While it focuses on one interior scene, the space is framed by the bodies of a horse and stylized human figures. “To the right in the painting, you see the main ‘painting’ in the exhibition being guarded on either side by security,” he tells My Modern Met. “But they watch on as the figure from the painting climbs out into the ‘real world’ to reach for the painting thief, knocking over a couple of attendees in the process.”

Bunting incorporates many influences into his art, ranging from famous works of art by masters to elements of design and architecture. “I’ve recently bought some mid-century modern graphic design and ‘60s furniture books,” he adds. “Keep looking for new avenues of inspiration though, or things will go stale which is gross. You don’t let your bread get stale, you keep looking for new loaves, that sort of thing. Mid-century is my favorite bread right now.”

You can keep up to date with Bunting's latest art, including how to purchase your own, by following him on Instagram.

Artist Justin Bunting creates striking abstract works of art.

Inspired by Pablo Picasso, Basquiat, as well as mid-century design, he creates mesmerizing compositions.

Stylized human figures occupy interior scenes.

Bold black outlines divide the large swatches of flat color.

Justin Bunting: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Justin Bunting.

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READ: Modern Artist Imagines His Own Art Exhibition Within a Painting

 

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Una publicación compartida por National Portrait Gallery USA (@smithsoniannpg)

Trailblazing Americans have their likeness hanging on the walls of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. The latest to join the company of presidents, entertainers, and athletes with a brand new portrait is Oprah Winfrey. The entrepreneur and TV personality recently unveiled the life-size painting, created by Shawn Michael Warren, in the Washington, D.C., museum.

“As I stand here on the eve of my 70th birthday, to have a portrait included in the National Portrait Gallery, alongside all the greats: Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln and Ida B. Wells, Michelle and Barack Obama, Lena Horne, John F. Kennedy… Oprah Winfrey,” Winfrey said during a speech at the unveiling of the portrait.

Finding the right artist to paint the portrait was a five-year endeavor before Winfrey personally selected Warren. Speaking about this task, the artist told Oprah Daily, “I wanted to carefully represent her, but I also thought about how she would be depicted to the generations that aren’t here yet—who will see it long after we’re gone, 100 years from now, when it starts to cross over into a piece of art history.” The painting sees Winfrey holding an olive branch on a sunny day on the grounds of her Montecito, California, home.

In the portrait, Winfrey dons a floor-length taffeta gown that represents a watershed moment of her career. In 1985, she starred in an adaptation of Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple, which earned her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, cementing her as a star and media personality. Later, with her role as a producer of the Broadway musical in 2005 and an upcoming 2023 movie adaptation of the musical, Winfrey's relationship with The Color Purple has come full circle, representing her reach behind and in front of the camera.

“Of all the dreams I’ve had, I didn’t even know there was a national gallery to dream and aspire for,” Winfrey wrote on Instagram. The painting is now on view on the first floor of the National Portrait Gallery, and has been added to the museum's permanent collection. The TV personality concluded her message thanking those who made the portrait possible, and invited her fans to go to see it at the museum. She exclaimed, “I can’t wait for y’all to visit the portrait and meet her!”

A new Oprah Winfrey portrait was unveiled at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Shawn Michael Warren (@warrenart)

The life-size painting was created by artist Shawn Michael Warren, and is now part of the museum's permanent collection.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Oprah Daily (@oprahdaily)

Oprah Winfrey: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Today]

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READ: Oprah Winfrey Is Honored With a Painting Permanently at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery

Many painters use a grid to transfer drawings to the canvas. Rather than hide this artistic tool, Stelios Pupet takes it a step further. The Greek artist uses grids to construct both figures and landscapes with squares of different hues, highlighting how color can create forms.

While this system appears organized, Pupet says that he cannot always predict how a piece will turn out. “Starting from the grid, I create and choose shapes during the process, color them, change them, etc., without having a clear plan,” Pupet tells My Modern Met. “Everything happens during the process, so there is a surprising feeling, which I like.” Although the pixelated areas are noticeable, he also blends the geometric sections with a traditional approach to painting.

The softened effect of the grid gives these compositions a peaceful, almost dreamlike, atmosphere. There are no harsh black lines delineating the forms, so the eye follows the panels of colors—all of which have hues that go harmoniously together. “The theme of my artworks is mostly figurative, and sometimes with women in ‘mysterious' poses. Other times, I focus on nature and animals, with a tendency to distort reality,” Pupet adds. “My main focus is on creating a nice image, different or contemporary, and easy on the eye.”

You can purchase prints of Pupet's paintings via his online store, and keep up to date with the artist's latest works by following his Instagram.

Greek painter Stelios Pupet creates captivating paintings contained in a grid.

Both figures and landscapes are constructed from numerous colorful squares.

The softened look of these geometric shapes gives these works a peaceful atmosphere.

Instead of dark outlines, it is the difference in hues from the shapes that creates the forms on the canvas, paper, or sometimes, in murals.

Stelios Pupet: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Stelios Pupet.

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READ: Peaceful Paintings of People and Landscapes Using a Grid of Colorful Squares

Michael Obermeyer, “Laguna Light,” 2023 Best in Show (Photo: Tom Lamb)

Just as the Impressionist painters took their canvases outside to create art in nature, many painters today follow this tradition of working outdoors. Every year, the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational hosts selected artists to partake in a weeklong event that honors the California town's history as an art colony. For the 25th anniversary, over $55,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to the winning artists at the Collectors Gala.

For 2023, 34 plein air artists were invited to attend. Taking home “Best in Show,” and $10,000 in cash, was Laguna Beach-based artist Michael Obermeyer for his painting Laguna Light. Rather than the water, it depicts a scenic hill of the coastal community while bathed in hazy morning light. The Laguna Plein Air Painting Association (LPAPA) gave the Award of Excellence and $5,000 to Connecticut-based artist Zufar Bikbov for his painting Precious Time. In this piece, a small gathering of people huddle around a campfire along the nighttime beach. San Diego-based artist Mark Fehlman's work, Lunar Laguna, was awarded the Jean Stern Distinctive Merit Award and $2,500, featuring another beautiful depiction of the coast after dark.

In addition to the prestigious awards, the festival also hosted a range of events and smaller competitions. The Future Generation Paint Out included students between grades 4 and 12 to paint with college students from the Laguna College of Art + Design. Additionally, every night after sunset, the LPAPA hosted the Plain Air After Dark Paint Out, which included painting and a “Just Plein Happy Hour” celebration.

See more of the award-winning paintings from the Collectors Gala, below.

In October 2023, the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Debra Huse, “Evening Glow,” 2023 Irvine Museum Award (Photo: Tom Lamb)

34 plein air artists were invited to attend the weeklong event.

Suzie Baker, “There is No Frigate Like a Book,” 2023 Laguna Art Museum Award (Photo: Tom Lamb)

Over $55,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to the winning artists.

Geoff Allen, “Heart of Laguna,” 2023 Hilbert Museum Award (Photo: Tom Lamb)

The $10,000 prize for “Best in Show” was granted to Laguna Beach artist Michael Obermeyer for his painting Laguna Light.

Michael Situ, “Helsler Park Sunset,” 2023 Moutlon Museum Award (Photo: Tom Lamb)

LPAPA strives to preserve and honor Laguna Beach's rich history as an artist colony founded more than 100 years ago.

Mark Fehlman, “Lunar Laguna,” 2023 Jean Stern Distinctive Merit Award (Photo: Tom Lamb)

Zufar Bikbov, “Precious,” 2023 LPAPA Award of Excellence (Photo: Tom Lamb)

Laguna Plein Air Painters Association: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.

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READ: 25th Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational Celebrates Town’s Art Colony Heritage

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Claude Monet (1840–1926), “Le bassin aux nymphéas,” c. 1917–1919. (Photo:
Christie's)

Claude Monet's dreamy paintings of water lilies are some of the most recognizable works of art ever created. The series Water Lilies depicts scenes from Monet's garden and pond at Giverny in France, rendered in expressive blends of blues, greens, and purples. However, while many can be viewed in Paris's Musée de l'Orangerie, others are less well known. In an exciting recent auction at Christie's, a Monet which had been held in a private collection for 50 years came to light, selling for an impressive $74,010,000. Known as Le bassin aux nymphéas or Water lily pond, the work was painted between 1917–1919, and “hails from an important period of renewal and experimentation in Monet’s painterly visions of the lily-pond,” according to the auction house.

This work was created in Giverny, depicting that iconic pond. It bears all the hallmarks of Monet's groundbreaking Impressionist style, which was influential on his contemporaries like Alfred Sisley and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Monet's work came to define the genre as it played with light and color. The style was rendered especially impressive on the large mural canvases Monet preferred to use later in life for documenting his beloved pond.

The new water lily painting's exciting emergence after five decades provides another glimpse into the private world of the artist a hundred years ago. It sold alongside works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne, Arshile Gorky, Frida Kahlo, and Vincent Van Gogh—altogether, these masterpieces amounted to a total of $640,846,000 in sales at The 20th Century Evening Sale. Who knows if other masterpieces from private collections will emerge sometime soon, and what they will reveal about these great artists' legacy.

A painting by Claude Monet as part of his Water Lilies series, which has been unseen by the public for over 50 years, recently sold at Christie's for $74 million.

The 20th Century Evening Sale on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo:
Christie's)

h/t: [CNN]

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READ: Long-Unseen ‘Water Lilies’ Painting by Monet Sells for $74 Million

Since we first interviewed artist Dimitra Milan as a teenager, we've been able to see her artistry stretch and grow. From creating her own distinct style called abstract realism to teaching others how to harness their own creativity, Milan has consistently pushed her own boundaries. And now, she is back with her first new series of paintings in several years—Miracle in Bloom. This collection of abstract florals is a beautiful dive into Milan's life, as she recently became a mother.

“Becoming a mother is a transformative journey, punctuated with moments of profound love, patience, and resilience,” she writes. “The Miracle in Bloom series stands as an artistic testament to this deeply personal experience, inviting viewers to connect with the raw, unfiltered emotions that lie at the heart of each piece.”

The work uses Milan's signature mixed-media techniques, which she teaches in My Modern Met's online class Abstract Realism: Introduction to Mixed Media Painting. Lush blooms emerge from misty backgrounds as bumble bees and moths perch on the flowers. Taste and See, the largest painting in the collection harkens back to classical still life and flower paintings but with Milan's distinct twist. The work is particularly personal for Milan, as it evokes her faith during times of uncertainty.

This faith was tested when Milan's son Zion was born via a C-section, turning her hope to have a home birth on its head. While her disappointment was quickly replaced with love for her son, this change of plans prepared her for just how unpredictable children can be. And now, uncertainty is something Milan is still embracing as she navigates the highs and lows of motherhood.

“The series is a beacon for all mothers and parents, shining light on the miracles that unfold daily in the challenges and celebrations of raising a child,” the artist explains. “With every brushstroke and hue, it echoes the weight of experiences, bearing testimony to a mother's indomitable spirit and love.”

See the full collection on Milan's website and, if you want to get a step-by-step tutorial on how she works with mixed media, enroll in her online art class on My Modern Met Academy. Not only will you learn how to create an evocative layered background for your paintings, but Milan provides drawing and painting tips and lets you watch as she completes a mixed-media masterpiece.

Miracle in Bloom is artist Dimitra Milan's ode to motherhood after her son was born this year.

The abstract florals use Milan's signature mixed-media techniques, which she also teaches in her online art class on My Modern Met Academy.

The work chronicles Milan's experiences as a mother by using flowers to express her hopes, fears, and emotions.

Milan's evocative paintings are, in this way, a powerful tribute to all parents.

Dimitra Milan: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Dimitra Milan.

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Human figures appear to merge with their surroundings in the paintings of Austin Howlett. The New Mexico-based artist explores people's connection to their environment in surrealist depictions of men and women converging with natural settings.

In some of these pieces, portraits are overlayed with the branches of a large tree, and in others, figures appear to become one with the mountains they are perched on. “I believe that nature allows us to be vulnerable and encourages us to grow. This is why I feel the need to illustrate the human form blended with nature,” Howlett tells My Modern Met. “The complexity of the human spirit at times needs the support of its natural surroundings in order to find balance and peace. The goal of all of my artwork from the beginning has been to ask viewers to do the terrifying work of addressing our deepest emotions so that we can better understand ourselves and shift our outlook on the world to a more empathetic viewpoint.”

Surrealism allows Howlett to explore the connection between people and environments with greater versatility. Rather than portray what figures would actually look like, they represent feelings, memories, and other ideas in relation to nature. Larger/than-life women who appear to sleep on top of tree-dotted valleys and icy lakes seem at peace with where they are and completely attuned to nature. “When I started to illustrate the human form myself, I immediately gravitated towards physicality that showed emotional vulnerability and self-reflection,” the artist explains. “One of the most important traits that I value in myself and in others is emotional vulnerability and I chose to explore this trait as a single through line in all of my work.”

You can purchase prints of Howlett's paintings via his online store, and keep up to date with his latest project by following the artist on Instagram.

Artist Austin Howlett creates stunning surrealist paintings.

He explores peoples's connections to nature.

The people in his paintings appear to be at one with their surroundings, sometimes even blending in with the landscape.

Their convergence with nature evokes strong emotional ties between people and nature.

Austin Howlett: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Austin Howlett.

Related Articles:

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What’s the first thing that pops into your head when you think of the Renaissance? Is it Pokémon? Probably not, but a series of paintings by artist Jochum Van der Woude (aka Joccum) might change that. The Netherlands-based painter has set out to recreate the original 151 Pokémon as Renaissance paintings, and the results are very promising so far.

Van der Woude’s ongoing Pokémon oil painting series has now earned him a lot of attention on Reddit, but the whole project was actually started by accident. “It all began when I was painting my second cat in the same style as my earlier Cat with a Pearl Earring,” he tells My Modern Met. “Then, I segued into Pokémon while waiting for the cat painting to dry.” He first tried his hand at painting Pikachu, giving him a red beret and an elegant shirt atop his realistically rendered yellow fur. “While doing Pikachu, and trying to paint Bulbasaur, I was like, ‘Man.. I should do them all!’” the painter recalls. He became so devoted to the project, that he has joked that he hasn't seen his girlfriend since.

Like many, Van der Woude’s love for Pokémon dates back to when he was little. “The initial attraction to Pokémon was pretty simple: I watched the first episode when it aired as a kid and got hooked on the Game Boy titles,” he admits. “They were often the birthday gifts I'd hope for.” Given the years he has spent following the franchise, it's hard for him to pick a favorite. “That's like asking to pick a favorite child,” he quips. “As a kid, it was all about Articuno and Dragonair. Now, my allegiances are more spread out, but those two still hold a special place.”

Although Van der Woude had some artistic training in the past, he says that most of his development has been self-guided. “I watched a lot of YouTube tutorials to learn about oil painting,” the artist says. The results are certainly commendable. Not only has he given a regal twist to these creatures, but he has done so by recreating the light, composition, and tone of centuries-old works. The artist shares that each painting takes him about 10 hours to complete, plus an hour for finishing touches such as varnishing.

So far, Van der Woude has completed five paintings—Lapras, Chansey, and a struggling Psyduck have joined the club. Confident in his endeavor, he describes his journey as going “from isolated artist to Palet Town's Picasso.” Overwhelmed by the positive response to his paintings, the artist has set up a newsletter to keep those interested in purchasing the original paintings as well as prints on the loop. To stay up to date with his creations, you can also join his painting livestreams on Twitch and follow him on Instagram.

Jochum Van der Woude (aka Joccum) has set out to recreate the original 151 Pokémon as Renaissance paintings.

“While doing Pikachu, and trying to paint Bulbasaur, I was like, ‘Man.. I should do them all!’ ”

So far, Van der Woude has completed five paintings—Lapras, Chansey, and a struggling Psyduck have joined the club.

Although Van der Woude had some artistic training in the past, he says that most of his development has been self-guided.

He has given each Pokémon a regal twist while also infusing each piece with the light, composition, and tone of centuries-old works.

Confident in his endeavor, he describes his journey as going “from isolated artist to Palet Town's Picasso.”

Joccum: Newsletter | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Jochum Van der Woude.

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READ: Artist Reimagines Original 151 Pokémon as Renaissance Paintings

California-based artist Elyse Dodge is known for her signature geometric landscapes. Filled with brilliant color, her paintings transform mountains and other geological features into sleek, contemporary polygon shapes. While her work is executed using acrylic paint, they are often so precise that they appear digitized. As her career continues to blossom, Dodge has extended her work to include murals and installations that play with her love of color and light.

Dodge shares her entire creative process with students who sign up for her online class through My Modern Met Academy. In this contemporary landscape painting class, Dodge unveils the secrets of her style and how she uses both digital and traditional techniques to bring her canvases to life.

Starting with a real-life inspiration, Dodge breaks down the landscape into geometric forms with the help of a computer. Then, she transfers her image to the canvas and works with acrylics to build up her jewel-toned landscape. Her impressive technique is a modern, forward-thinking take on landscape painting that mixes the cozy comfort of the natural world with a dazzling geometric aesthetic.

“My artwork aims to bridge the gap between art and design—finding a fresh and new perspective on how we enhance our environment through the use of color, form, and meaning,” she shares.

Get inspired by more of Dodge's recent work, and then sign up for her class to discover how you can create your own geometric landscape paintings.

Artist Elyse Dodge creates incredible landscape paintings with jewel-toned polygon shapes.

Her geometric aesthetic is a fresh take on traditional landscape paintings.

In her course on My Modern Met Academy, Dodge shares the secrets of how she creates these works of art.

Sign up today to learn this innovative acrylic painting technique.

Elyse Dodge: Website | Instagram | Facebook

All images via Elyse Dodge.

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READ: Artist Creates Contemporary Landscape Paintings Using Jewel-Toned Polygons

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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

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Merge two of your favorite animals into one

 

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

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Hide a person's face in an unusual way

 

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Imagine that you're that you’re a giant

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A person whose skin cracks like porcelain

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Create your own fairytale

 

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Fuse day and night into a single scene

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An easy quote

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Metallic abstract

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Geometric art

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Splatter art

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

Photo: Marina Kusraeva

A landscape inspired by an enchanted forest

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Life in the future

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Combine a realistic subject with abstract elements

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

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

Personal self-portrait inspired by Frida Kahlo

 

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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!

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