I LOVE being a furniture artist. I am so crazy proud of that title and the community that I’m a part of, because it is truly something special. But, uh… there is only so much room in my house, y’all, and Matt (AKA #MoreMatt AKA my wonderful husband) has made it very clear that we are at capacity for furniture…
So, naturally, I’ll be taking over the walls with some canvas art!
I love painting on canvas just as much as I love painting on furniture, even if I haven’t been doing it for quite as long. It’s a very validating experience for any artist, I think, to be able to create something and think Yeah, that could definitely be in a gallery somewhere!
I still remember the first time I was proud of a canvas that I created and so it’s been my goal to give that feeling to as many artists as I can, whether your surface of choice is wood or canvas or something else altogether.
That said, this art guide is specifically for canvas painting! I’ll be doing an Art Guide for Furniture Painting soon, though, so keep your eyes peeled!
How to Paint on Canvas
Canvas Painting Supplies
Before you get started painting on canvas, you’ll want to set yourself up for success! That means easy access to all your art supplies. Here’s a sample list to get you started…
- Brushes
- Palette Knives
- Paint
- Spray Bottle
- Dropcloth
- Rags
- Apron
Click here to order your supplies today!
You’ll also want your environment conducive to painting. Throw down a drop cloth so you spend more time being free with the paint than you do worrying about what it might stain. If you can, let in some natural light!
Canvas Painting Ideas
Once you’re ready to paint, it’s time to decide what it is you’ll be painting. Will you be going for realism or do you prefer something more abstract? What will your subject be? If you’re following a tutorial, that will be an easy question to answer! Even with a tutorial, though, I sometimes like to look at reference photos before I begin so I have a feel for what the actual thing looks like before I begin.
If you need an extra dose of inspiration (and it’s possible), try painting outside! I always recommend nature as the source of inspiration. Even if you’re stuck in a creative rut, a little walk outdoors can cure most anything.
Canvas Painting Tutorials
Tutorials are great because someone can watch it once and then recreate it in their own style or they can follow along and copy everything the artist does, step by step, to learn new techniques. There is no right or wrong way to follow a tutorial. What matters is making some art!
Here are some of my paint tutorials, to get you started…
Here are some YouTube videos for you to follow along with!
- How to Paint Easy Texas Blue Bonnets
- How to Paint Basic Trellis Roses on Canvas
- Easy Snow Trees
- Easy Lilacs
- Easy Cosmos Flowers
- Landscape Background
- Canvas Painting – Woman
- Finger Painting for Adults
- Flowers on Canvas
Just looking for a little inspiration? These two blog posts are a good place to start.
- Abstract Art for Beginners – Blog Post
- How to Paint Flowers (The Dionne Way) – Blog Post
Where to Find More Canvas Tutorials
I’m no Bob Ross, but I do offer a lot of options in the way of canvas (and furniture!) tutorials.
Email List
This blog has a lot of great content but I share even more exclusive content on my mailing list! Everything from early access to sales to new color recipes and, yes, tutorials are available to my subscribers.
Groups
Creativity At Your Fingertips
This entry-level painting group focuses on finger painting on canvas! It’s a magical place where creative exploration is highly encouraged but basic concepts and techniques for scale, balance, color, and execution are included. Join Us
The Creative Connection
This group is for those who want to make a career out of their art! Not only is there a group-exclusive tutorial every month, but I also include guest experts and host other artists to share their work and teach their techniques! This group is designed to push you out of your comfort zone and into the GROWTH zone. For example, just look at our August schedule! It is JAM-PACKED with opportunities to learn, grow, stand out, share, and connect! Join the Waitlist
Workshops
Looking for a little more connection and some more specific feedback? Consider joining me for an in-person workshop! You’ll get to spend a few hours with some of the BEST people you’ll ever meet… Plus, you’ll walk away with a ton of knowledge and some paint under your nails! Best of all, you’ll have the support of an incredible community. Oh, and did I mention that there will be dancing?! Check the Calendar
The Turquoise Iris Journal
Need a steady stream of inspiration? This quarterly digital magazine is filled with all sorts of inspiration, from flea market tours to canvas tutorials. Each article is accompanied by stunning photos, exclusive videos, and links to each artist’s social media or websites for more information. Subscribe now for the latest issue!
Did you paint a canvas?
Follow me on social media to see more tutorials and be sure to tag me in any of your completed projects! I love to support other artists as often as possible.
