33 Easiest Art Ideas for Beginners in 2024

Most adults haven’t done an art project since they were a kid or helped their own kids with art ideas, but tuning into that creative part of your brain can be very relaxing and rewarding once you get into things! In recent years, with more time off work or spent at home, adults have begun exploring art ideas to occupy their minds or destress.

Participating in arts and crafts has some great benefits for your mind and mental well-being, according to Smithsonian Magazine. From helping to make sense of emotions or trauma to simply putting your mind in a meditative-like state, everything from doodles to painting and working with your hands can make a real difference in your day-to-day life and overall health. 

The first time you pick up a paintbrush, you might feel like your mind is void of any and all art ideas and you’re not sure where to start. Guided classes can help with this, but it’s important to remember that there’s no wrong way to make art! The more you tap into your creative side the better and more comfortable you will feel. 

If you feel the itch to create some art but are wondering “What are some creative art ideas?”, consult this list as a guide for the best art ideas to get you started. 

Jump to Section

• Canvas Art Ideas
• Unique Art Ideas
• Clay Art Ideas
• Abstract Art Ideas

Canvas Art Ideas 

1. Join a Paint and Sip Session

Even though art is supposed to be relaxing, sometimes not knowing where to start or where to go with your project can add an element of stress. Take the pressure off and have some fun as you unwind with a glass of wine and a laid-back painting experience at paint and sip in Portland, paint and sip in Chicago or paint and sip in Houston to name a few — or check out paint and sip near you for the closest one!

There are always online painting classes available too that you can do from the comfort of your kitchen or back patio. When most people think of art ideas, painting is one of the first things that comes to mind as a great place to start. 

2. Rain Painting

When it comes to canvas art ideas, specifically painting, it’s easy to think that painting has to be super literal and accurate to real life. Rain painting is a fun way to put brush to canvas with a little more relaxed vibe.

Painting a rainy scape means lines are blurred and colors melt together, so there’s no need to be precise. You can achieve this by mixing colors or by actually sitting out in the rain while you paint and seeing the effect that has on your finished product. 

3. Hand Sketching

One of the easiest art ideas to start with that requires no special materials is drawing. You can definitely invest in some special art paper and pencils or even colored pencils down the line, but just to get those creative juices flowing all you need is a simple piece of paper and a pencil (or pen) and a bit of inspiration.

Wondering what to draw for an art project? Start by sketching the flowers on your kitchen island, your pet or even the landscape from your bedroom window. Art ideas are all around us — it’s up to us to bring them to life!

4. Finger Paint

This art idea is a childhood classic: using your fingers instead of brushes to create art. This canvas art idea is just as fun for adults and using your fingers to blend lines and colors can create some spectacular results. Be sure to set up a wet towel for when you’re done for an easy clean-up. 

5. Watercolor

Speaking of rain painting, watercolor painting for beginners is a great art idea for teens or adults to dip their feet (and brush) into the water. Soft pastel colors spread and create beautiful designs without much effort with this medium.

This one is helpful when you’re wondering how to find your art style because you can’t help but be inspired by one aspect of your design. You might find that the melding of colors in funky shapes leads you in more of an abstract direction, or you might find you prefer something that gives you more control of lines and fine details. 

6. Collaborative Canvas

This idea is a great way to teach kids the power of collaboration and they can have fun doing it. Each student gets a turn adding their own special touch to a group canvas project and when the project is complete, hang their masterpiece in the classroom or a public area for them to enjoy. This works great at home for siblings and friends as well!

7. Pour Painting

If you’re new to the art of pour painting, you’re in for a treat. While this art idea can get a bit messy, it’s one of the more fun ways to paint because you get to make a mess on purpose!

Take a big canvas and pour, drip and splatter paint of all colors until you reach the desired effect. The outcome is surprisingly beautiful and you may even find yourself hanging it somewhere in your home. The style is reminiscent of Jackson Pollock and it’s super easy to do. 

8. Abstract Image Recreation

This is the ultimate expression of arts and crafts for adults, plus it works as a great art idea for teens as well. Perfect for parties, you’ll need to do a bit of preparation for this one.

• Print a large photo of something you love (the family pet is a great choice).
• Using a ruler, cut the photo into equal rectangles by creating a grid of 4, 6, 8 or more on the photo.
• With a mini canvas and an array of paints and brushes, each person paints out their interpretation of that square.
• Finally, everyone sets their tiny canvas together to re-create a hand-painted (and slightly abstract) version of the original photo.
• Turn that creation into a beautiful tray or glue them together and hang it on your wall. 

9. Melted Wax Canvas

You can mix this idea with another style like drawing to create some fun and colorful works of art. You can either glue crayons on a canvas and use a blow dryer to melt them down into long colorful drips, or you can break up chunks of crayon and melt them onto the canvas in small pieces all over the place.

If you search melted wax art, one of the classic canvases that comes up is a drawing or painting of a girl holding an umbrella with a rainbow of melted wax raining down onto her, but of course, you can use your imagination to create whatever you like.

10. Micro Art

This art idea doesn’t actually result in super tiny art, although if you really wanted to you could. The idea is you take something small — think a single petal of a flower, an eyeball or your pet’s nose — and you paint or draw that subject in as much detail as possible.

Take your time and look at all the tiny fluctuations in color and texture and try to convey that on your canvas. This is a great technique for adding details to your works of art down the line. 

Unique Art Ideas

11. Take a Local Art Class

If you feel confident bringing your art ideas to life but are interested in perfecting your techniques or even learning some new ones, art classes near you are a great option.

Check out art classes in San Diego, art classes in Chicago or art classes in NYC to get started. You get the opportunity to learn from experienced art teachers who can help you get into a medium for the first time or master your skills.  

12. Make Floral Art

Who said art ideas could only be paint or clay? Floral bouquets often look like works of art and you can create your own with virtual flower arranging classes.

Much like a beautiful sunset might inspire a painting, wildflowers or a trip to your local farmers market can inspire you with your newfound skills to create a gorgeous arrangement to display in your home or to gift to family and friends. 

13. Wall Mural

This idea may not be for the complete beginner, but if you feel confident enough to paint some basic things you can create a cool wall mural in one of your spaces.

Florals are a great starting place and a bit simpler to paint than say an animal, but this is your mural! Spare bathrooms, art rooms and even kids rooms are perfect locations for your new project. 

14. Foot Pig

Perhaps you remember making hand turkeys back in the day when you were in elementary school? The latest art idea for kids is foot pigs! A fun summer art activity that the kids can do barefoot, have your child step their foot into pink paint and set it on a piece of white paper.

After the paint dries, flip the foot upside down and place cut-out paper ears on the heel area and a curly pipe cleaner tail down near their toes. Googly eyes and maybe even some glitter make this craft complete. 

15. Embroidery

This idea requires you to have some equipment already on hand, but once you do you can work on your project anywhere. It's a great way to pass the time while traveling or sitting at the beach. 

Colorful threads, a needle and canvas and your own imagination (or a painted design!) and you are free to zone out and create something beautiful anywhere you bring your supplies. 

16. 3D Wall Art

Another fun art idea for kids or teens and adults, too, is to create your own three-dimensional wall art out of a recycled shoebox.

Create any sort of art scene you like inside the box, whether it’s a doll house or a terrarium. This is another great use for polymer clay as you can create so many shapes and designs.

Anything you have around the house from plaster to foam to cotton balls and more can be turned into something funky and cool in this 3D art box and you’ve got yourself the perfect wall art idea. 

17. Paper Art

Most people are familiar with creating snowflakes out of paper to hang on a string, but there are so many art ideas using paper and some cutting tools that you may have never thought of.

Using just colored construction paper and your choice of cutting tools, you can craft anything your mind can dream up. Go beyond regular household scissors and grab X-ACTO knives to carefully create a movie scene or a 3D bird with fluttering wings just from a stack of colored paper. 

18. Petal Paper Art

This art idea is a bit more involved and potentially messy, but the whole process is fun. Easy arts and crafts for adults especially to commemorate a special occasion like a wedding.

• You’ll need a bunch of old newspapers, shredded up as thin as you can get them and let them soak in water overnight.
• Then, take a kitchen whisk and mix everything up until it forms a pulp-like consistency.
• Grab a handful, squeeze out the excess water and form a ball.
• On a flat surface, use a rolling pin or something similar to mash the pulp down so that it’s flat and about 3mm thick.
• Take flowers or flower petals and carefully press them into the pulp mix and let the whole thing dry overnight or for a few days.

Voila! You are left with a gorgeous, rustic piece of DIY art that can hang on your wall or be mailed to friends or lovers with nice words written on it. 

19. Pom-Pom Tree

Walking through a craft store you may pass by a giant container of brightly colored puff balls and wish you had use for them. Well, now you do with this fun art idea where you glue colorful pom-pom balls onto a foam cone shape and create a multi-colored tree. This can be a fun winter holiday activity but it can really be done any time of year. Once you've created your pom-poms, you can use them as a feature in your Crazy Hair Day ideas for Spirit Week.

20. Make Resin Paper Weights

This art idea is definitely for adults and it’s fairly involved, but the process isn’t too complicated. You can preserve things like flowers, coins or almost any other beautiful trinket that you like in a clear resin mold that makes a cool coaster or a paper weight.

You’ll need resin, molds and whatever you’d like to pop inside. Most craft stores sell all the supplies you’ll need in a kit. 

21. Portraits

This art idea is painting and date night all in one and it’s the perfect couple painting idea. Go for gold and paint a portrait of your partner then give it to them at the end of the night. Or, if painting a person seems a bit intimidating, you can both paint your dog or cat and compare results at the end. 

Clay Art Ideas

22. Take a Pottery Class

Chances are good you don’t have all the necessary supplies in your home to create a beautiful clay masterpiece, but that doesn’t mean clay art ideas are off the table.

Check out pottery classes near you to get your hands in the mix with all the equipment you need from a pottery wheel to glazes and a fiery hot kiln to seal your finished work.

Pottery classes in Minneapolis, pottery classes in the Bay Area and even pottery classes in NYC await you. Pottery making is both an art and a science and with practice and guidance, it can become an amazing lifelong creative hobby. 

23. Homemade Mugs

Mugs are beginner-friendly, easy art idea that’s easy for kids, teens and adults alike. Help your kids form and paint their own mugs and keep them or gift them to grandparents or parents.

After using their hands to form the soft clay into whatever size and shape mug they like, it’s on to a rainbow of glaze color choices to add a little extra flare to their design.

24. Garden Stones

This is a great mosaic art idea for kids and adults alike. You’ll need some supplies, like a plastic mold and some quick dry concrete, plus you can add glass beads or other colorful things to bring your design to life. You can purchase some colorful polished rocks to make a cool rock art idea come to life.

Mix the concrete, pour it in the mold and encourage your child to leave a hand or footprint in it. Then, pepper in the glass beads or other objects and trace out any words you’d like to have on there. Once it dries, it makes for a great gift for parents or grandparents and it looks lovely in the garden. 

25. Polymer Clay

Did you know there’s more to clay art ideas than just free-form pottery clay? Polymer clay comes in colorful tubes, sort of like super long crayons.

It can be baked in your oven at home and shaped using your hands or various clay tools to create anything you like. Think of claymation movies for some inspiration! 

26. Make a Pinch Pot

This is a perfect clay art idea for beginners because it’s super approachable and you really just need your hands. If you’ve never made a pinch pot, you’re in for some fun.

This is probably the best clay project for introducing beginners to the medium and you can still show your creative side. The end result is a cute little dish for storing jewelry or other knick-knacks. 

Abstract Art Ideas

27. Sketch a Mandala

This is a cool art idea for adults because it is a fun spin on a classic children’s coloring book. Get a piece of paper, a fine-tipped black pencil and if you have them, a ruler and a compass.

Begin by sketching out nesting circles, getting bigger as they go outwards on the page. Next, add in some lines, followed by small circles or other designs along those lines.

The goal is for this to become meditative, so put on some relaxing music and focus on re-creating these small designs over and over across the page. You can finish by adding color or leave it in black and white.  

28. Pin Art

You probably have these supplies on hand so you’re never more than a few minutes away from an incredible art idea to get you into the creative zone.

All you need is white paper and colored seamstress pins — a variety of colors helps you create more differentiation in your creation, but it’s not completely necessary.

Place the paper over something soft, like some paper towels or magazines with a towel and place pins in the shape of whatever design you’d like to create. 

29. Origami

Practice the fascinating art of origami and learn how to create beautiful birds, flowers, butterflies and other fun creations by simply folding a single piece of paper in just the right places.

30. Embellish Your Thumbprints

This unique art idea is a fun project to tackle over the course of a few weeks, or you can turn it into a group project for children or teens. You’ll want a large poster board and a rainbow of colors.

Each student dips their thumb in a color of paint and presses it on the board, creating a rainbow ombré effect from red to purple. After the thumbprints dry, each person can go in with pens or markers to embellish their thumbprint(s) into tiny people or animals of their choosing. The combined effect is magical!

31. Paper Cut-Out Cityscape

This is a fun, easy art idea for a classroom full of kids to add some color to the walls without paint. Cover the wall in black construction paper and go to town cutting out all sorts of sculptures and skyscrapers from brightly colored paper and gluing it onto the black backdrop for a brightly colored masterpiece. Other details like the sun and clouds or people and dogs walking on the street make for a fun addition. 

32. DIY Rorschach Art 

No, this abstract art idea doesn’t come with built-in psychological testing, but the funky Rorschach designs are super fun to recreate. All you need is a piece of paper, folded in half and some paint to create something special.

Encourage kids to paint on one side of the folded paper and add globs of paint in different colors. After folding the paper in half to spread the paint, the grand reveal is the best part.

33. Tie Dye T-shirt

This cool art idea is the perfect summer activity. You can tie-dye anything from t-shirts, shorts, socks and even cute bucket hats and this art idea is a great activity for birthday parties as well. Supplies are relatively inexpensive and it can be done right in your backyard.

Art is for everyone — it’s relaxing, rewarding and ultimately beautiful because it’s a true expression of whatever is going on inside your head. 

Maybe you’re wondering, "How do I get ideas for my art?" Inspiration is all around you and it doesn’t have to be complex. Start by re-creating your favorite painting or just mixing colors on paper and feeling how various brush strokes feel.

There’s no wrong way to make art, and you will learn and find preferences as you go, but we hope this list of inspirations has motivated you to get started on your creative journey.

For even more fun art ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!