So, if you’re ready to get planning your next event as a paint and sip business owner, we’ve put together some sip and paint drawing ideas below…
31 Best Abstract Painting Ideas for Beginners in 2023
If you’re looking for simple abstract painting ideas, there are tons of fun projects you can choose from. Whether you’d like to use pastel watercolors or vibrant acrylic paints, there are a variety of materials that can go into creating a unique abstract masterpiece.
Tate Modern describes abstract art as not representing an accurate depiction of reality, but rather the use of shapes, colors and forms to visualize the world around us.
So, how do you come up with abstract art ideas? If you’re looking for fun abstract painting ideas, check out our list for some of the best ideas to get started.
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- How Do You Make an Abstract Painting for Beginners?
- Easy Abstract Painting Ideas for Beginners
Learn in Art Classes
How do you make an abstract painting for beginners? Why not check out art classes to learn to paint from talented artists? If you’re looking for the best way to learn abstract painting ideas for beginners, book art classes for a creative experience.
Dedicated instructors will lead you step-by-step through a beautiful piece you can take home or gift to a friend. Find art classes in Houston, art classes in Portland or art classes in Boston to level up your skills. Explore a variety of art classes near you for a fun activity.
Try Paint and Sip
What’s another way to learn abstract painting? Level up your skills with exciting paint and sip classes. Sit back and relax with your favorite adult beverage while you learn from a skilled painting instructor.
With tons of excellent abstract art examples to see in class, engaging with an instructor is one of the best ways to learn. Invite your friends to paint and sip in Atlanta, paint and sip in NYC or paint and sip in Los Angeles for a fun and creative activity.
Wherever you’re located, there are tons of paint and sip near you options to learn abstract painting from the pros.
Join Online Painting Classes
If you’re looking for a virtual way to start an abstract painting, check out online painting classes. Take a class in your home studio while the instructor leads from a live, digital setting where you can ask questions and engage with the other participants. Discover fun online painting classes to get started.
Easy Abstract Painting Ideas for Beginners
1. Paint Like Your Favorite Artist
Replicate your favorite artist’s paintings for fun abstract painting ideas. Whether you’re a big fan of Kandinsky’s style or you resonate more with a classic Mondrian masterpiece, trying to repaint their work can be one of the best ways to have excellent abstract art examples and elevate your own painting skills.
2. Black and White Ink
Strive for simple yet elegant abstract painting ideas with black and white ink. From designing calligraphy to a mysterious silhouette image, the options are endless for a fun black and white ink painting for your wall.
3. Watercolor Painting
What makes a good abstract painting? Why not start with watercolors for a beautiful masterpiece? Paint simple shapes and use a variety of colors to create abstract artwork.
From lovely pastels to vibrant hues, your watercolor painting will be one-of-a-kind.
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4. Gold Leaf Canvas Painting
If you’re looking for unique art ideas for teens, use a gold leaf to bring your artwork to life. For one of the most simple abstract painting ideas, this technique will give you nothing short of a masterpiece.
All you need is gold foil, a wooden canvas and acrylic paint to create this fun painting.
5. Puddle Pour Acrylic Painting
Discover pour painting for beautiful abstract acrylic painting. Select complementary shades of acrylic paint and simply pour them across the canvas.
Move the canvas around gently to encourage the paint to create fun squiggles and shapes for an interesting piece.
RELATED: Mastering the Art of Pour Painting
6. Oil Pastel Shapes
What makes a successful abstract painting? Having unique and colorful shapes can make a beautiful masterpiece for your wall. Use a variety of pastel shades to add depth to your work and elevate your piece. It’s a super-simple way to start oil painting for beginners.
7. Air-Blown Acrylic Painting
For a vivid abstract acrylic painting, use canned air or a hair dryer to add texture to your artwork. After pouring the acrylic paint, slowly brush air across the canvas to create fun shapes.
Start from the middle and blow out towards the edge of the canvas. A pro tip is to use cold air so it doesn’t dry out the paint.
8. Blooming Ink
Create big blooming designs on canvas for stunning abstract artwork. Simply drizzle paint onto the canvas and use air to push the paint into a flower blooming design. These abstract flowers will truly be one-of-a-kind in your home.
9. Alcohol Ink Abstract
For trippy painting ideas, use alcohol ink for beautiful and wispy abstract painting ideas. Pour a little bit of paint on your canvas and mix it with rubbing alcohol.
Use a hair dryer or blow through a straw to spread the ink around the material. You can also seal it with resin to create a shinier piece and protect it from surface damage.
10. Neon Patterns
Grab your bright highlighters for fun abstract painting ideas. As one of the easiest abstract painting ideas for beginners, draw vibrant patterns and shapes with this tool for a funky masterpiece.
11. Self Portraits
From watercolor paint to acrylic paint, there are many options for creating a unique abstract self-portrait. Or, if you’re looking for fun couple painting ideas with your partner, select a different tool and see how each portrait is designed.
12. Abstract Gouache
Gouache is a reliable paint that is resistant to fading over time. Select a variety of colors for beautiful abstract painting ideas. From painting shapes and lines to unique patterns, this artwork is sure to stand out in your home.
13. Use Household Objects
If you’re looking for the best way to start an abstract painting, why not use household objects to create your piece? As excellent painting tips for beginners, you can use virtually any object in your home to create fun shapes for your artwork.
From hair combs to toothbrushes to dishware, using these objects can be one of the simplest and most unique abstract painting ideas.
14. Abstract Watercolor Landscape
Painting a landscape is one of the easiest abstract painting ideas. Create a beautiful impression of the piece, without trying to copy every line and detail.
This aesthetic painting idea can be a great way to bring beauty and inspiration to your walls.
15. Calligraphy
Use Sumi ink from East Asia for beautiful canvas abstract painting ideas. The brushstrokes and style create a unique multi-dimensional abstract artwork.
Whether you design your piece with English phrases, Asian letters or traditional symbols, calligraphy is a fun medium to play with for abstract art ideas.
16. Flower Collage
Paint a stunning collage for one of the best flower painting ideas. Use a variety of materials, such as paint, newspaper clippings or photographs to create a personalized abstract flower.
17. Oil Paint and Cold Wax
If you’re looking to try unique painting techniques that are perfect for beginners, mix oil paint and cold wax for a cool texture.
Paint the thick combination over the canvas to create a masterpiece with gorgeous tone and depth.
18. Geode-Inspired Painting
Mimic natural rock textures for one of the best abstract painting ideas. Mix acrylic paint, resin, glass, crystal and other materials on canvas for this beautiful artwork. Add glitter and metallic paint for a shiny finish.
19. Geometric Design
Create defined shapes for one of the best abstract painting ideas. Select a large canvas and use watercolor or acrylic paint to create geometric designs to complement each other in a variety of vivid or pastel colors.
20. Embroidered Canvas
Combine paint and embroidery for one of the best canvas abstract painting ideas. As one of the most simple ideas, this blend of art materials creates more depth and texture to your abstract artwork.
21. Diamond Wall Art
Play with lines and a fun design for unique abstract painting ideas. Grab a plywood board, latex paint and painter’s tape for this simple project.
Use the tape to create perfectly straight lines to form the shape of triangles and diamonds. Paint along the tape and remove when complete.
22. Fired Alcohol Ink Art
If you’re looking for a simple project that’s slightly more challenging, try this as one of the best abstract painting ideas.
Find a picture frame and remove the glass. Place several drops of paint and rubbing alcohol on the glass. Swirl the material around to create a unique design and use a lighter to set it on fire.
When the flames are out, set the glass back in the frame. Make sure to keep a fire extinguisher close by for safety measures!
23. Epoxy Resin Galaxy Painting
Combine epoxy resin with your paint pour for a stunning galaxy artwork. Find a plywood board, epoxy resin, acrylic paint and glitter to create this simple project.
Combine your paint with the resin and a touch of glitter. Pour onto your painting and customize the design with a hair dryer.
24. Watercolor Abstract Triangles Design
For more fun watercolor painting ideas, play with triangles to create a unique design. Whether you choose to improvise or use a ruler for a more regulated pattern, this geometric abstract art will look good anywhere in your home.
25. Fruit Collage Art
For fun and simple abstract painting ideas, select vibrant colors to create a beautiful fruit collage. Use geometric shapes to add dimension and intrigue to your artwork.
Whether you paint bananas or strawberries, this colorful masterpiece will look great in your kitchen!
26. Progressive Watercolor Painting
Use simple shapes and pastel watercolors for beautiful abstract painting ideas for beginners. Improvise with your paintbrush or create a few sketches beforehand for a basic and thought-provoking design.
27. Paint Splattering
Get inspired by Jason Pollock’s work and create an imitation of his work for one of the best abstract painting ideas. Find a drop canvas and acrylic ink to create this colorful wall art.
Use your paintbrush to throw paint at the canvas. This project can get a little messy, so this is perfect for summer painting ideas outside.
28. Ink Dropper Painting
For especially unique abstract painting ideas, grab an ink dropper and vivid watercolor paint for a funky design. Drop hints of paint on your canvas and use a brush to extend the color.
For a bonus, use an ink pen to add an extra transparent design above the ink dropper background.
29. Abstract Wall Mural
Why not turn an entire wall into a beautiful piece of art? For mural abstract painting ideas, grab at least two different paint colors to create a gradual design flowing from your ceiling down to the floor. This masterpiece will captivate anyone who sets foot in your home.
30. Holiday Decorations
Upgrade your holiday decorations for fun and simple abstract painting ideas. Elevate your Christmas tree with beautiful abstract ornaments or design a small canvas with red and green watercolor paint.
This project is perfect for fall painting ideas or Christmas painting ideas to get your home into the holiday spirit.
31. Digital Painting
Get creative with Procreate or Illustrator for digital abstract painting ideas. Whether using an Apple Pencil as a paintbrush or a Wacom tablet, the options are limitless for the projects you can design using these tools.
From seasonal holiday decorations to geomatic designs, there are tons of fun abstract painting ideas perfect for beginners.
Whether you’re looking to use watercolors or want to learn how to pour paint, there are plenty of creative materials you can use to create unique artwork for your home.
For even more fun art ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
Sip and paint drawing ideas for beginners
The best thing about a sip and paint is that no paint experience is required — nor is sip experience! It’s not about talent, skill, or painting the best piece, it’s all about having fun and enjoying creative expression.
Here are some curated ideas for your next sip and paint event (suitable even for complete beginners).
Animal acrylic paintings
Acrylics are a versatile, water-based paint which makes them the ideal pick for beginners. They can be thinned with water, they dry quickly, and require few accessories.
Choosing animals to paint gives everyone the chance to paint a piece based on their pets or favorite animals — a theme that is almost always relatable. While no experience is necessary, it might be worth starting the evening with a step-by-step acrylic tutorial or general acrylic painting tutorials so everyone can get to grips with how to use the paints.
Flowers
Flowers are another flexible theme where most people have their favorite flowers, scents, and colors as a source of inspiration for their piece. Flowers can also be drawn true-to-life or abstract, giving versatility.
Silhouettes
Drawing and painting with silhouettes is an interesting way of making a beautiful picture come to life. Ask everyone to start with their choice of background colors, let the piece dry and then they can paint over the top with dark colors or black to create silhouettes.
Play with lines
Remember that everything doesn’t have to be linear or perfect. And, being creative with lines can support the creation of abstract pieces. Now, faces and body silhouettes are very much en vogue.
Still life
Stemming back to Egyptians in 1,500 BC, still life paintings have now had a more contemporary and hyper-realistic twist. Ask your group members to draw something they can see in the room, or create a centerpiece for everyone to draw from their individual perspectives.
Beautiful waterfalls
Waterfalls are a universal symbol of beauty, so why not encourage everyone to craft a nature-inspired artwork to hang in their home?
Sip and paint drawing ideas for couples
For couples, a paint date can be a creative, fun, and relaxing way to spend an evening or a way to celebrate a birthday or an anniversary. Research shows that for healthy relationships at home, the 70:30 rule is key; spending 70% of your time together, and 30% apart. So, an evening with a bottle of wine and some canvases can be the perfect way to spend some quality bonding time together without a huge expense.
Draw each other
A great idea is to ask them to draw and paint each other. This could mean drawing each other as they are, as caricatures or even each other’s bodies — of course, this doesn’t have to mean a ‘draw me like one of your French girls’ moments
Remember that there should be complete flexibility with this exercise. Encourage the couple to surround pictures of each other with descriptive words, symbols of love, or shared memories for the ultimate bespoke and perfect handmade gift.
Half and half
Another effective couples painting evening includes working collaboratively on the same piece by sharing half of a bigger canvas each. They could both work on one bigger piece and work together simultaneously, or create two sides of a one-piece artwork on the same theme.
Create something for the other person
Whether it’s a scene, the first place they met, a piece with the couple depicted, or something else that’s important to both of them, ask them to create something that will be meaningful to their partner. Arrange for them to sit together or opposite each other to mesh the date night with a romantic surprise for the final reveal of each piece.
Split up a landscape
Unlike the half and half method, splitting up a landscape piece is another beautiful way of painting together. Rather than drawing on the same canvas, use two smaller canvases to create a whole piece. It starts with sketching an outline across the two pieces, agreeing on colors, and then they can begin!
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The pieces can be hung together or with a slight gap between them for a modern way of displaying the artwork on the wall.
Sip and paint ideas for adults
A super-fun idea for the ultimate night in for adults, a sip and paint provides a party atmosphere (with delicious snacks and drinks) while letting the imaginations run wild and the creative juices flow. Remember to save some time for the students to share their masterpieces with each other.
| Activity | Notes |
| Self-portraits | Self-portraits give everyone the ability to depict how they see themselves on a canvas. Some may paint theirs true-to-life, others hyperrealistic, or even as cartoons. |
| Wine inspired | With wine forming a significant portion of the ‘sip and paint’ model, try taking inspiration from the wines you’re enjoying. That could be as straightforward as painting the wine bottle itself or some grapes, or you could take inspiration from the area the wine has originated from. |
| Interpret the same picture | If you’re in need of some inspiration, try adding a picture to the middle of your area, and have everyone try to replicate it. While you don’t necessarily want this to turn into a competition, everyone having their own version of the same piece of art hanging in their home can really bring your friend group together. This could also include all following the same step-by-step tutorial. |
| Paint your future | To combine painting with visualization, perhaps ask everyone to paint their dream future. Whether that’s a future house, car, job, pet, family, or more. |
| Theme | Coming up with an overall theme is a great way to encourage everyone’s imaginations. Themes could be flowers, weather, seasons, destinations, the sunset — really, they could be made up of anything you can think of! |
| Color theme | Another simple option is a color theme. Think bold reds, muted blues, or sunflower yellows. A color theme is another opportunity for everyone’s works to be cohesive while giving them the chance to creatively express themselves as they wish. |
| Follow a tutorial | Alternatively, follow an online painting tutorial. Plenty of these can be found on YouTube, including videos from the go-to paint expert of all times Bob Ross. Beginner online lessons can be found in abundance on YouTube. |
| Bring in some expertise | If you are not an artist yourself and you’d like to add an extra special touch, consider contacting a local studio. Often, they’ll be able to put you in touch with local artists who may be able to facilitate the evening, give a step-by-step painting guide, and provide easy canvas painting ideas or help everyone perfect their brush strokes. |
