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Home / Guides /

12 Easy Oil Painting Ideas: Fun and Simple Painting Projects for Beginners

Last updated: March 4, 2022 by Wayne Crossland

Oil painting can be a fun and relaxing hobby, but it can also be quite challenging. If you are new to the world of oil painting, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this blog post, we will discuss some easy oil painting ideas that are perfect for beginners! We will talk about different painting projects that you can try, as well as some tips and tricks that will help you get started. So if you are interested in learning more about oil painting, keep reading!

What Is Oil Painting?

Oil painting is a type of painting that is done with oil paints. Oil paints are made of pigment and linseed oil, which is why they are often referred to as “oil colors.” Oil paintings usually take longer to dry than other types of paintings, but the finished product often has a more intense color.

Easy Oil Painting Ideas

1. Tribal Art

Tribal art is a style of painting that originated in Africa and Australia. It is characterized by simple geometric shapes and bold colors. If you are interested in trying tribal art, start by studying some examples of this type of painting. Then, try to recreate the shapes and colors in your own painting. The patterns are easy to follow, and the results can be really impressive.

Instagram: @thecosmosof_art

2. Winter Landscape

When most people think of oil painting, they imagine landscapes with rolling hills and bright blue skies. Winter landscapes can be a great subject for beginning painters since there are fewer colors and less detail to worry about. You can create a beautiful winter landscape with just a few simple steps.

Instagram: @nasertopia

3. Sunset/Sunrise

One of the most beautiful things about oil painting is the way that you can create a sense of depth and realism with just a few strokes. A great way to try this out is by painting a sunrise or sunset. Pick a scene with bold colors and focus on capturing the light in your painting.

Painting a sunrise or sunset is a great way to experiment with different colors and light techniques. The sky is full of constantly changing shades, so don’t be afraid to try out new combinations. And, of course, have fun with it! Oil painting is supposed to be enjoyable, after all.

Instagram: @bisma_ahmed_66

4. Fruits and Vegetables

When you are first starting out in oil painting, it is a good idea to try some simple still lifes. Fruits and vegetables are a great subject for beginners because they are easy to paint and you can use a variety of colors. Choose your favorite fruits or vegetables and have fun experimenting with different color combinations.

Paintings of fruits and vegetables can be really beautiful and make for great decoration in your kitchen or dining room. They are also a great way to practice your painting skills.

Instagram: @momwithapaintbrush

5. Space Scenes

Space scenes can be a great subject for oil painting, especially if you are interested in science fiction. Start by doing some research on different planets and galaxies. Then, try to recreate these in your painting. You can use a variety of colors and techniques to create a realistic or abstract space scene.

Instagram: @lunalightchild

6. Night Sky

The night sky is a beautiful and mysterious thing. It is also a great subject for oil painting. You can use a variety of colors to create a realistic or abstract night sky. You can also experiment with different techniques, such as light painting, to create a unique and stunning painting.

Instagram: @nasertopia

7. Human Silhouettes

One of the most classic and easy oil painting ideas is to paint a human silhouette. You can use black paint to create a stark contrast against the white canvas or use a range of colors to create a more muted effect. Try painting your silhouette against different backgrounds for extra interest.

Instagram: @malakadel303

8. Flowers And Plants

Flowers and plants are another great subjects for oil painting. They are easy to paint and you can use a variety of colors. You can also experiment with different techniques, such as painting wet-on-wet or using a dry brush.

Instagram: @artin.around_

9. Water Scenes

Water scenes can be a beautiful and relaxing subject for oil painting. You can paint a seascape with rolling waves or a still lake surrounded by trees. You can also experiment with different techniques, such as using a palette knife to create interesting textures.

Water scenes are a great way to experiment with different colors and light effects. They can also be very calming to paint.

10. Full Moon

The full moon is a beautiful and mysterious sight. It can be a great subject for oil painting. You can use a variety of colors and techniques to create a realistic or abstract moon scene.

11. Abstract Landscape

Abstract landscapes can be a great way to experiment with oils for beginners. They can also be very beautiful and evocative. Start by choosing a landscape that inspires you and then try to recreate it in an abstract way.

You can use bright colors to create a fun and vibrant landscape or use muted colors to create a more somber effect. You can also experiment with different brushstrokes and techniques to create a unique and interesting painting.

12. Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are a beautiful and mysterious natural phenomenon. They can be a great subject for oil painting. They are also a great way to learn about science and the natural world.

You can use a variety of colors to create a realistic or abstract Northern Lights painting. You can also experiment with different settings and landscapes. If you live in a place where you can see the Northern Lights, be sure to take some reference photos.

Final Words

As you can see, there are many different oil painting projects that you can try as a beginner. And with some practice and patience, you will be able to create beautiful works of art! So what are you waiting for? Grab your supplies and get started today!

Table of Contents

  • What Is Oil Painting?
  • Easy Oil Painting Ideas
    • 1. Tribal Art
    • 2. Winter Landscape
    • 3. Sunset/Sunrise
    • 4. Fruits and Vegetables
    • 5. Space Scenes
    • 6. Night Sky
    • 7. Human Silhouettes
    • 8. Flowers And Plants
    • 9. Water Scenes
    • 10. Full Moon
    • 11. Abstract Landscape
    • 12. Northern Lights
  • Final Words

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Filed Under: Guides, Paints Tagged With: oil

About Wayne Crossland

I am an experienced painter and editor of Drawing Fan. Here I share my advice and experience in painting and drawing.
About Wayne Crossland

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