Easy and Free Art and Painting Tutorials

I believe everyone can create and paint. It’s not so much about talent as it is about skill building. When I teach workshops in my Lisle art studio, I really try to emphasize that making art is about learning and growing. Not everything we make is going to be the best, but we can still be proud of the effort we made. Sometimes we are also really hard on ourselves too! I’ve had many students tell me they didn’t feel great about what they made when they left, but after they put it away for a while and then pulled it back out, they liked it! They were so hard on themselves, they didn’t give themselves the grace to see the good in what they had done. So let’s make art! Some of these tutorials are in acrylic and others in watercolor. Let’s try and keep trying! If you love to make hands on and crafty items, make sure you check out the rest of the website! If you’re ready to dive in, here are some fun and easy projects to give a go!

This agate-inspired artwork is not only fun to paint, but can be used with craft paint or medium body acrylic paint: How to Paint Agate-Inspired Art Work

Canvas painting with blue, white, and gold agate-inspired patterns displayed on a shelf with candles; text reads, "How to paint a fun and easy acrylic agate art painting.

2. Poinsettias are a pretty flower to paint! Once you have the tutorial down, try painting this in different colors! How to Paint a Poinsettia in Acrylic Paint

Add white paint to highlight the poinsettia bract edges of the poinsettia

3. This how to Paint a Nest tutorial is a great spring painting project for newbie and experienced painters.

A painted canvas shows a bird nest with blue eggs on a branch. Text reads, "How to paint a bird's nest, No art skills required!!! Jennifer Rizzo.

4.How to Paint a Winter Scene uses craft paints and stencils to create a fun painted project in acrylic paint.

Instructional image on how to paint a winter scene with snowy trees and a deer. Text reads: “How to paint a winter scene. Art skills not required! Step by step. jenniferrizzo.com.”.

5. How to Paint a Pumpkin on Canvas is a great fall painting project and pumpkins are great subject matters for beginners.

Hand painting a white pumpkin shape on a green canvas with the text: "How to paint a pumpkin, Art skills not required!!!!! Step by step, Jennifer Rizzo. Perfect for DIY wall art and decor projects!

6. How to Paint a Pine Branch in Watercolor is a fun beginner’s painting project. This uses a wet on dry watercolor method of painting.

How to paint a pine tree branch in watercolor on mixed media paper

7. Forsythias are a favorite first flower in the spring and pretty to paint with pretty yellow flowers in this easy tutorial. How to Paint Forsythia Branches in Acrylic Paint

Add yellow ochre paint over brown to paint forsythia

8. This acrylic sunflower painting uses one brush and even water to paint this pretty artwork

How to Paint an Easy Sunflower with One Brush in Acrylic

Paint the next layer of sunflower petals a with bright yellow

9. Hydrangeas are another summer flower that are bright and happy to paint. Painted on a canvas board this very framable when finished! How to Paint a Hydrangea in Acrylic Paint

A person paints green leaves onto a canvas with three white hydrangea flowers on a cluttered wooden table.

10. Painting a ghost on a thrift store painting was super popular on Tik Tok. It is also a great way to upcycle an old painting or print. How to Paint a Ghost on an Old Thrift Store Painting

A hand paints black eyes on a white ghost figure on a black canvas, demonstrating how to paint a ghost on an old thrift store painting. The artist’s signature, “Jennifer Rizzo,” is visible in the corner.

11. Tape is a great tool to use in painting! Use acrylic paint and tape to make this fun How to Paint an Abstract Painting with Tape tutorial.

A woman stands on a patio painting a landscape on a canvas easel surrounded by lush greenery, her small table with drinks and sunglasses nearby—offering inspiration for how to paint an abstract landscape painting outdoors.

12. If you want to learn to paint scenery and the sky, painting clouds can be a fun way to add texture to a sky painting.

See how to Paint Clouds with these easy steps.

Step-by-step guide on how to paint clouds on a canvas, featuring four stages from background preparation to adding cloud details with a brush. Perfect for beginners looking to learn how to paint clouds realistically.

13. Paint pouring is a really fun and versatile way to create art no matter what the skill level! Try Paint Pouring for Beginners

Mixing DecoArt Pouring Medium with Paint in a plastic cup

14. Have you ever painted with air? This tutorial is a fun way to create something different and looks very impactful on a large canvas! How to Paint Abstract Art with Air

Painting abstract art with air so easy and fun!

15. This is a great painting project to do with non-toxic craft paint and the kiddos if you are looking for a fun afternoon activity! How to Paint Sting Pull Art

A table with abstract floral paintings in blue and mauve, a paint palette, a bottle of teal paint, a roll of twine, and hints of Paint Pulled String Art techniques.

16. While punch needle embroidery can be a little tricky to paint, this faux punch needle painting on a wood slice has the look of the craft without all of the stress of learning it! If you can “dot” paint, you can make this! How to Paint a Wood Slab to Look Like Punch Needle Embroidery

Make Punch Needle Embroidery Painting Wood slice

17. While you could paint this on a lampshade, this same technique could be used on a canvas to paint beautiful, floral abstract art! How to Paint an Artist Inspired Lampshade

A glass lamp with a floral, artist’s palette-inspired lampshade sits beside pink tulips; a painted artist’s palette hangs on the wall. Text shares how to paint an artist's palette inspired floral lampshade for your own creative space.

18. If you are a stationary person, use this simple watercolor technique to create one of a kind watercolor painted note cards. How to Paint Watercolor Note Cards

19. This pine tree watercolor tutorial uses a small round brush and wet on dry technique for creating a sweet pine forest. How to Paint Watercolor Pine Trees

A hand uses a paintbrush to add green watercolor details, demonstrating how to paint an evergreen pine tree on white paper. The name "Jennifer Rizzo" appears in the bottom right corner.

20. For a fun pop of color in the kitchen or in the summer, try painting this tomato painting in acrylic paint on canvas. Paint a Tomato Canvas in Acrylic Paint

Two square canvases painted with red berry branches sit on a table next to a paint palette with green, pink, and red paints and a paintbrush.

21. Unconventional art materials are what makes art fun. This is a great beginners abstract painting project.

DIY Painting with a Putty Knife in Acrylic paint

Applying gold paint in a DIY abstract painting tutorial Jennifer Rizzo

22. If you want to make a fun and unique gift or practice stamping on fabric, try this stamped tea towel project. Hand-painted and stamped tea towels

White cloth with a gray wood grain pattern, created using techniques like how to make a wood grain stamp, and two red hearts—one smaller and one larger—printed near the center. The name "Jennifer Rizzo" appears at the bottom.

23. Wood bowls from the thrift store and acrylic craft paints can have a new life in this fun project.

How to Paint Boho Trays

Four decorative jewelry trays shaped like leaves, adorned with bohemian flair, displayed on a surface with jewelry inside. Text reads: "Boho Chic Jewelry Storage from Thrift Store Finds." Perfect for those who love a touch of DIY charm.

24. If you want to try your hand at monoprinting, these faux sun prints uses a gelli plate and painting to create unique art. See more about Mono Printing Sun Prints

DIY blue sun prints made with paint taped on a wall

If you love all of these tutorials make sure to check out more of our craft projects!