As artists, we've all experienced that moment when we sit down to paint, but nothing comes to mind.
You've cleared your schedule and prepared your materials, yet the question lingers: What should I paint today?
It's frustrating, but don't worry. I've been there and want to share five painting ideas that always help me overcome the creative block.
These ideas can help you return to your canvas and start creating without the stress.
Contents
The Struggle with Finding Inspiration
The Painter's Dilemma: Excited but Blocked
It's a beautiful morning, the sun shines, and you feel pumped to paint. You've set up everything – your brushes, paints, and paper are ready.
But then, you pick up your brush, and the excitement fades. What should I paint?
That question keeps running in circles in your head. You feel stuck, with no inspiration coming your way.
This scenario happens more often than we'd like to admit. We plan our day around painting, but we hit a creative wall the moment we sit down.
We all know how this feels: waiting for the perfect idea, only to find ourselves in the same spot all day, unsure where to start.
The Trap of Endless Scrolling
To break the silence, I often turn to my phone. I start scrolling through Pinterest or Pixabay, hoping a painting idea will magically appear.
But instead of getting inspired, I find myself endlessly scrolling, losing hours. Sound familiar?
The problem with this approach is that it doesn't spark true creativity. I waste time searching for anything to paint without really getting into the groove of painting itself.
I struggled with this until I realized that the best inspiration doesn't come from my phone but from other places – places that give me real ideas and excitement.
Getting Inspired Beyond the Screen
Pre-Pandemic Inspiration Walks
Before the pandemic, I often took a break from my indoor studio and stepped outside.
Sometimes, I'd take my dog for a walk in the park or visit a nearby beach to get some fresh air. Nature is full of color, light, and textures that instantly inspire me.
The beautiful thing about stepping outside was how easily I could find something to paint by observing my surroundings.
The soft colors of the sky, the textures of leaves, or the movement of water—it was like the world was giving me endless ideas for my next painting.
The Reality of Restrictions
However, with the pandemic, outdoor inspiration wasn't always possible. Many of us were stuck indoors, unable to visit our favorite spots or enjoy nature as we once did.
In these times, finding new ways to spark creativity was essential, even when the usual sources of inspiration were unavailable.
5 Painting Ideas to Try When You Feel Stuck
Let's dive into the five ideas I turn to when unsure what to paint. Each one has its way of breaking through the creative block and helping me get back into the painting zone.
Idea #1: Paint What Makes You Happy
When I'm stuck, I paint something that makes me happy. It doesn't have to be complicated or something I'm good at.
For me, I love painting expressive, loose florals. It's a subject that flows easily for me, and all I need to do is choose colors based on my mood.
Maybe I'm in the mood for pinks today, or perhaps yellows are calling my name.
The key here is to enjoy the process. When you focus on happiness, the pressure of perfection fades away. Painting should bring joy, not stress.
So, paint what feels right—a random doodle, a cute pet portrait, or even something abstract. The goal is simply to have fun.
Sometimes, I find myself doodling just for fun. Others, like my friends, enjoy painting pet portraits. I know a few people who find it therapeutic to focus on the details of fur, brushstroke by brushstroke.
What makes you happy to paint will always be personal. Whatever sparks your joy, go for it. You don't have to worry about it being a masterpiece—just create what feels good.
Idea #2: Paint What You're Good At
Another way to tackle a creative block is by painting what you're good at.
When I paint subjects that align with my strengths, I feel more confident and much more likely to enjoy the process.
It feels natural, and there's a sense of satisfaction in knowing that you're good at something.
Whether it's landscapes, still lifes, or florals, painting something you're skilled at can really boost your confidence.
Plus, you'll feel motivated to keep painting and pushing yourself to refine your technique.
To level up, I often look for other artists with similar strengths. I study their styles and techniques, noting what I like about their approach.
Maybe they use a different brushwork technique or uniquely mix colors. Watching how others paint with similar strengths can give you new perspectives and ideas to apply to your work.
There's always something to learn from other artists!
Idea #3: Paint What You're Not Good At
Sometimes, when I feel stuck, it helps to tackle something I'm not particularly good at. For example, I've always struggled with painting humans.
But painting people can bring my landscape paintings to life. Adding figures can make a scene feel more vibrant and full of energy.
Recognizing your weaknesses is the first step toward improving them. Focusing on what you're not great at opens up opportunities to grow as an artist.
It's all about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
If you're like me and want to improve in a specific area, consider taking online courses or studying artists who excel at that skill.
There are plenty of online classes that can teach you how to paint more realistic portraits or work with figures in a way that adds depth to your landscapes.
Practice is essential, and with the right resources, you can improve in areas that once seemed intimidating.
Idea #4: Paint Your Surroundings
If you're in a place where you can go outside, painting your surroundings is an excellent way to find new inspiration.
I love painting the little things I see when I'm out at a café: a steaming cup of coffee, a delicious pastry, or even the plants in the café's window.
These small, everyday subjects can make for beautiful, simple paintings.
Whether at a café, in a park, or on a walk, the world around you is full of interesting details. Painting what you see can be incredibly grounding and rewarding.
Another great way to break free from creative blocks is to paint with friends. If you know someone who shares your love for art, invite them to paint together.
You can take your art supplies to a café, get a cup of tea, and just paint whatever catches your eye. Having a companion makes the process more enjoyable and less stressful.
Idea #5: Paint Something Simple
When in doubt, I always turn to something simple. I love painting small, uncomplicated subjects like leaves, single petals, or a simple potted plant.
While it might seem tedious, I find that simplicity can open up a world of creative possibilities. These small subjects give me room to play with composition and colors without overwhelming myself.
Before diving into a large painting, I often create a small thumbnail sketch or A5/A6-sized painting. It's a great way to test compositions, lighting, and moods.
I can quickly sketch different versions and explore new ideas without the pressure of a big project.
Simple paintings can also be a fantastic warm-up. When feeling stiff or disconnected from my brush, I'll do a quick, easy painting to get back into the flow.
It helps me practice my brushstrokes and water control without pressure to create something complex.
Closing Words
Try one of these five ideas next time you're wondering what to paint. Whether you're painting something that makes you happy, tackling a weakness, or exploring the world around you, there's no wrong way to get creative.
Painting should be fun and freeing. If you're still unsure, just start with something simple—it's the best way to warm up and get into the groove. What's your go-to painting idea when you're stuck? Share it in the comments—I'd love to hear from you!