My favorite part about this pumpkin patch tutorial is that it’s so moody and symbolic of the season. I could totally see this one on a larger canvas or even done on a piece of wood to put on your front step with a few pumpkins! Just don’t forget to seal it for the weather.
Easy Fall Painting Ideas for Beginners
Meet Sara, a 30-year acrylic painting veteran. Specializing in paint mixing to create stunning new colors, she’s not only undertaken numerous commissions but also independently sold her captivating art. With over a decade of art gallery management, Sara’s profound understanding of the art world shines. Dedicated to helping her new painting pals find success along their artistic journey, she is committed to staying up-to-date with techniques and trends, making her a valuable resource for beginners to acrylic painting.
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It’s that time of year again! Time to come up with some super easy fall painting ideas so we can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in style.
As an artist, it’s hard to beat the beautifully vivid colors of leaves against a deep blue sky. It’s the one season where the motto is “the brighter the better”.
Having a gallery wall full of fall paintings that you created is such a personal way to decorate for the season and, if you happen to know a fall lover who was lucky enough to be born in the fall, what a beautiful gift a painting of Autumn in all of her glory would be!
There are so many autumn painting ideas out there but I want to stick with easy beginner friendly tutorials so you can relax and have fun playing with all of the bright colors. I tried to add images of each finished piece but, if not available, I’ve linked the video so you can get a feel for each painting.
Be sure to check out all of the easy fall painting ideas listed below. Each one is different and equally stunning. So relax with a cozy blanket, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and start planning your seasonal gallery wall!
In This Article.
- Floating Fall Leaf – The Art Sherpa
- Shades of Autumn – Joni Young Art
- Vibrant Autumn Tree – Painting with Jane
- Easy Autumn Forest Landscape – Angela Anderson
- Turn the Page to Autumn – Michelle the Painter
- Autumn Waterfall – Colors by Feliks
- Painting an Autumn Pumpkin Patch – Stay Creative Painting
- Color Walk Forest – The Art Sherpa
- How to Paint a Lamppost in Autumn – Joni Young Art
- Pumpkin Spice – Eevee Maria
- Harvest Garden Gate – Painting with Jane
- Final Thoughts On DIY Autumn Paintings
Floating Fall Leaf – The Art Sherpa
This is an excellent tutorial that shows you how to paint a fall leaf up close and personal. It’s a re-creation of a popular image by Bernie Kasper (you can enjoy more of his amazing photographs on his Flickr account).
I thought this would be a pretty easy fall painting idea for you because it focuses on painting the fall leaf. In my experience, painting something on a larger scale helps to cement the process in your mind. You can easily see the different shapes that make up the actual subject, in this case the leaf, and it kind of connects the dots on how you go from a bunch of willy-nilly shapes to an actual thing (leaf). Plus, for some reason, I find painting the different shapes of leaves challenging. Anyone else?
Cinnamon Cooney has a ginormous YouTube playlist of what she calls “one hoot” paintings, and this tutorial is included in the list. One hoot tutorials are meant for absolute beginners so they’re easy and fun. In fact, this tutorial is just shy of 43 minutes so it’s the perfect length for a chilly autumn Sunday afternoon.
Shades of Autumn – Joni Young Art
This is an absolutely magical autumn scene and I would expect nothing less from Joni. She has a way of making the “everyday” look like you’ve stepped through a secret portal where everything is bright and full of mysterious enchantments.
In this easy fall painting tutorial, Joni shows you how to create a gorgeous pathway through a brightly colored forest. She uses easy techniques to get the job done while introducing a unique method of removing paint to achieve a subtle glow.
It’s hard to narrow down what my favorite part of this step-by-step autumn painting is but I am a huge fan of Joni’s use of neons and metallics, not to mention, the colors she chooses to paint shadows. I’m pretty sure that’s where some of her magic comes from.
- If you don’t have the brush she uses to paint in the background, you can use a large flat brush to get the job done
- The trick to painting in the glow is to use more paint than you really need so you can strategically remove some of it and keep it from drying too quickly
- You can use small pieces of sponge to dab on the leaves
- You could also a round, flat, or angle brush to paint the leaves (a palette knife would work too)
- One of the colors Joni uses is Quinacridone Blue Violet but you could also use Quinacridone Magenta if you don’t have it
- If you don’t have gold metallic paint you could use yellow ochre/oxide (although, I do recommend you give metallics and neons a try. They’re so much fun to paint with!)
27 Most Fun Fall Painting Ideas for Beginners in 2023
From pumpkin spice lattes to apple picking, fall is full of fun, fresh activities waiting to be explored, which makes it the perfect season to pick up a new hobby — why not try some fall painting ideas?
As the colder, darker months appear on the horizon, it’s important to discover new ways to feel happy to reduce the chances of seasonal depression and a creative outlet like learning to paint is a great way to do just that.
According to an article by the Whole U, a program launched by the University of Washington to promote community and holistic wellness, exploring art ideas at any skill level or through any medium can reduce stress, lower the risk of depression and boost self-esteem.
In this instructional guide to perfect your fall painting ideas, you’ll learn how to use various materials, techniques and fall inspirations to study the wonders of the autumn equinox.
Whether you’re looking for painting tips for beginners or a fun project for the experienced, these fall painting ideas are perfect for the solo creative, the partnered inventive, and the family oriented.
Jump to Section
- Fun Fall Painting Classes
- Easy Fall Painting Ideas for Beginners
1. Seasonal Paint and Sip
Unwind, hang out and craft through the autumn season at a paint and sip near you. Local artists will guide you through the step-by-step painting process of bringing your fall painting ideas to life as you enjoy your favorite beverages and snacks.
2. Fall-Themed Art Classes and Craft Workshops
This fall painting idea will improve your artistic abilities in no time. Try out art classes near you to uncover a whole new world of creative vision.
Experienced artists will share the best tips and tricks behind creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Art classes in NYC, art classes in Chicago and art classes in Los Angeles are just a few of the hundreds of cities to choose from.
3. Online Painting Classes
Learn to paint from your kitchen, living room, bedroom or rooftop if you wish! Online painting classes offer all the creative comforts of the brush adventure from the coziness of your own home.
With an arsenal of top-rated instructors from around the world you can learn how to paint no matter the season.
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4. Pottery Painting
Try painting off the canvas with this fall painting idea. Swap the canvas for a ceramic bowl and give fall pottery painting ideas a go.
If you’re feeling creatively blocked, sometimes changing the medium can help bring that artistic spark back. You’ll use the same tools you would to paint on a canvas, it’s that easy. Find pottery classes in Chicago, pottery classes in NYC, pottery classes in Los Angeles or pottery classes near you.
Easy Fall Painting Ideas for Beginners
5. Paint the Strings
If you’re more creative in the musical sense, try combining one passion with a new hobby for an especially unique fall painting idea that’s sure to ignite your inner artist.
Paint your very own wooden ukulele along with paints and stencils to customize the body of your instrument however you’d like. Take it home to hang on the wall as a piece of décor and take it home to play.
6. A New Kind of Grind
If you’re looking for things to do when you’re bored, consider this fall painting idea that you can pull off using ingredients you probably have in your cupboard.
Use coffee to create a watercolor-like paint that brushes on smooth and looks great on the canvas. After taking this class you’ll be able to bring the fun home with you and paint with coffee time and time again.
7. Linocut Painting
Turn a linoleum block into a beautiful work of art with linocut painting, also known as relief painting. This fall painting idea is the perfect opportunity to try something new for an explorative fall date idea.
Carve any design you’d like into a linoleum block for a customizable experience you won’t forget. This is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the person you love. And who knows, maybe it’s a new hobby you’ll learn to love together.
8. Put Some Pep in Your Step
Art ideas for teens can make great creative outlets for those trying years of growing up. If your teen isn’t interested in painting on a canvas, try swapping out the canvas for something they’re interested in.
If they have a closet full of sneakers then this fall painting idea may be the perfect fit. In fact, shoe painting is so enjoyable, they’ll be running back to the paint supply store in their new shoes.
9. Lean Into Fall
Get your porch fall time ready and make a porch leaner with your friends or turn it into a solo date idea for a night of relaxation. Let your neighbors know your autumn-ready and become the talk of the neighborhood.
10. Pour Painting
Paint on a canvas… but with a fall painting idea twist! Pour painting is an abstract technique for the innovative painter, but one you’ll master in no time. Watch as the colors of autumn form a striking pattern for a piece you’ll want to hang up at home.
11. Bottle Painting
Looking for a creative, couple painting idea to reconnect with your partner? Try wine bottle painting for a night of crafts you and your partner can enjoy together.
Use your beautifully painted wine bottle as a stylish centerpiece or a sophisticated light fixture for as a fall painting idea for your Thanksgiving table.
12. Wine Glass Painting
Fun paint party ideas for adults are hard to come by, but this fall painting idea is sure to become a regular addition to pals’ night. Customize your own wine glass however you’d like — tap into your creative vision and cheers to a fun fall painting idea for adults.
13. Flower Pot Painting
Add some inventory to your fall décor. Anything can become a canvas if you want it to be as long as you have the imagination! Pumpkin spoons, autumn coasters… the opportunities are endless. You can even practice flower pot painting ideas for some festive fall décor.
14. Van Who?
Find your inner Van Gogh for trippy painting ideas for fall that will have you seeing a starry night. Channel the spirit of Van Gogh himself as you bring the spirit of autumn to the canvas in this fall painting idea. Simply mimic the classics but use an autumn-leaf-colored palette.
15. The Aspens of Colorado
As the season changes, it’s time to turn over a new leaf, so why not learn how to paint one? In this fall painting idea, you’ll take inspiration from nature herself by painting the beautiful fall season trees.
The wilderness brings with it an inspiration like no other and Colorado Fall Aspens stand tall in the face of a hindrance.
16. Get in The Halloween Spirit
If your favorite holiday of the year is Halloween, this fall painting idea is just for you. The greatest symbol of spooky season has got to be the jack-o-lantern so paint one for yourself and ring in the Halloween season.
17. Pick Ups and Pumpkins
Painting pumpkins can be just as fun as picking them. Get a load of this quant, small-town scene and get in the mood for fall by bringing it to life! Paint an adorable truck full of pumpkins and welcome the solaces of autumn.
18. Autumn Wreath
Paint an autumn wreath featuring sunflowers, pumpkins and accent flowers and greet the golden tones of fall. Hang the finished project on the front door for a wreath you can use year after year.
19. Pumpkin Painting
If you’re looking forward to pumpkin, pumpkin and more pumpkin this autumn season, take the obsession to a new level and turn it into a hobby by learning to paint one.
From large pumpkins to small pumpkins, from white ones to blue pumpkins, these gourd-like fruits make wonderful muses!
20. Autumn Lakeside Landscape
Painting a landscape is perfect for beginners, and it’s a fun process to learn and a fall lakeside makes for a tranquil experience. Capture the chilly notes of a fall breeze, the vibrant colors of an autumn tree and relax the night for a soothing creative session you can share with your friends, your partner or enjoy on your own.
21. A Simple Autumn Sunset
As far as fall painting ideas go, there’s nothing more inspiring than painting an autumn sky. Discover the fall rainbow of oranges, reds, pinks, greens and blues as you take from nature to bring new life to a blank canvas.
22. Favorite Fall Florals
You may associate sunflowers with summer, but they make wonderful centerpieces for a fall festive painting. In fact, sunflowers bloom into the middle of fall and once they’re ready to go, you can harvest the seeds for planting next season.
23. Fall Pet Farm Fun
If you’re over painting human portraits, try an animal portrait instead! Bring fall to the petting farm and create new furry friends like a flower-wielding llama. Use bold colors to bring your favorite animals to life and honor the bold critters of the world.
24. Escape the City
City landscapes come to life in the fall, which makes it the perfect backdrop as the season changes from green to orange. On the outskirts of the hustle and bustle of the city grind rests an autumn sanctuary that you can escape to through canvas with this fall painting idea.
25. “The Scream” (Revised)
If you’re a fan of the movie Scream, you’ll love this fall painting idea. Put a Halloween spin on one of Edvard Munch’s most beloved and recognized paintings, “The Scream.” Even after 130 years, Munch’s painting still makes an impact today, so why not give it a new kind of charm?
26. An Autumn Desert
What do the desert and autumn have in common? A similar color pallet! Explore their similarities and their differences in this simple fall painting idea for beginners.
27. Magic of the Moon
There’s something magical about the moon in fall as it pears through the flaming leaves of autumn, surrounded by twinkling stars, shining its pale light onto an otherwise lightless night. Consider musing on the moon this fall.
Painting can help process emotions by providing “a direct connection between the mind and the body to help with the healing process.” So, apart from simply enjoying a fun pass time, by exploring these fall painting ideas you’re doing something good for your mind, body and your soul.
We hope you found some fun inspiration to get a little crafty and creative this season. Learn to paint a masterpiece step by step in unique fall painting classes, then take what you learned to create some of these beautiful fall painting ideas for your home.
For even more fun art ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
Painting Pumpkins
No easy fall painting idea would be complete without featuring a quintessential symbol of the season—pumpkins. From the vibrant orange to the unique textures, painting pumpkins can be a fun and rewarding challenge. Let’s break this process down into three key areas: painting 3D objects, adding highlights and shadows, and creating realism.
Painting 3D Objects
First off, remember that a pumpkin isn’t just a flat circle—it’s a 3D object. To make your pumpkin leap off the canvas:
- Start with a Basic Shape: Begin your pumpkin with a simple circle or oval. You can refine the shape as you go along.
- Add Dimension: Add curved lines to represent the segments of the pumpkin. This will give it the ribbed texture characteristic of pumpkins.
- Don’t Forget the Stem: The stem is a small but essential part of the pumpkin. It should be thicker at the base and taper towards the top.
Adding Highlights and Shadows
The secret to making your pumpkin look 3D is the clever use of highlights and shadows. Shadows go on the underside and the deepest parts of the pumpkin, while highlights hit the top and the bulging parts of the pumpkin. With these touches, your pumpkin will start to look as round and plump as the real thing.
Creating Realism
Lastly, for a touch of realism, incorporate imperfections. Real pumpkins have blemishes, color variations, and sometimes even a bit of dirt on them. A small brush can be helpful for adding these details. And voila! You’ve got yourself a realistic, three-dimensional pumpkin.
With the fall leaves and pumpkin sorted, we’re almost there. Next up, we’ll dive into how to convey the overall atmosphere of fall in your painting.
Conveying the Fall Atmosphere
Now that we’ve covered individual elements like leaves and pumpkins, let’s talk about the bigger picture—creating that overall cozy, autumnal atmosphere in your easy fall painting ideas.
Using Warm Colors
One of the best ways to capture the essence of fall is through color. Warm, earthy tones like reds, oranges, and yellows can instantly evoke feelings of crisp fall air and cozy sweaters. Here’s a quick tip: try mixing your own fall colors for a more personalized and unique palette.
Creating a Moody Scene
Autumn can also be a time of quiet reflection as nature prepares for winter’s rest. To capture this mood, consider adding elements like a setting sun, bare trees, or a foggy morning. The trick is to balance the vibrant colors of fall with softer, more subtle elements.
Adding Fall Elements
Beyond pumpkins and leaves, there are many other elements that can make your painting scream “fall”. Think scarecrows, hay bales, or a steaming mug of hot apple cider. Remember, it’s the small details that often make a big difference.
Once you’re happy with your fall scene, it’s time to add the finishing touches. These final steps can truly make your painting stand out from the crowd.
Finishing Touches
When you’ve captured the essence of autumn in your painting, it’s time to bring it all together with some final touches. These last steps can help to enhance the overall effect of your easy fall painting ideas and bring them to life.
Cleaning Up Edges
After immersing yourself in the creative process, you might notice that some of your painting’s edges could use a little cleanup. A small brush is your best friend here. It can help you define the edges of objects, add sharpness to details, or smooth out any areas where the colors may have bled together.
Adding Highlights
A great painting isn’t just about the main objects or the general scene—it’s also about how the light interacts with those elements. Adding highlights can really bring your painting to life, making apples glisten, leaves shimmer, and pumpkins gleam. Remember, light usually hits the top of objects, so keep that in mind when adding your highlights.
Signing Your Artwork
Last but definitely not least, don’t forget to sign your artwork. Your signature is like the cherry on top of a sundae—it’s the final touch that says the piece is finished and it’s yours. Plus, it adds a professional touch to your easy fall painting ideas. You can sign your name, initials, or even create a unique artist symbol, as long as it represents you.
And there you have it! By following these tips and techniques, not only will you enhance your painting skills, but you’ll also create some memorable easy fall painting ideas. Remember, art is a journey, not a destination. So, pick up that brush and let’s paint the town red—or better yet, let’s paint it fall!
If you enjoyed our blog on easy fall painting ideas and are looking for more creative techniques to try out, make sure to check out Noah Ennis’ workshop, ‘Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items’. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning abstract art using everyday items you can find around your home. Happy painting!
