Oil Painting Ideas

Inspiration can strike at any time, but sometimes it rarely strikes at all. If you love to paint but have been struggling to pick up a brush, this article is for you. Oil painting is a skill that anyone can master with enough patience and practice. These oil painting ideas will guide you through some helpful ways you can enhance your craft.

01 of 10

Practice Basic Skills if You're a Beginner

John Lund / Marc Romanelli / Getty Images

We think it's helpful for beginners to familiarize themselves with the basics of oil painting before taking up the practice. Even if you've painted with oils before, the following article can serve as a helpful refresher. If you feel intimidated after you read the article, consider starting off with some acrylic paints or watercolors and then return to oils when you're feeling more comfortable.

10 Oil Painting Tips for Beginners from The Spruce
02 of 10

Learn How to Paint a Tonal Portrait

Lee Studios

If you've painted still lifes and portraits in a true-to-life-way, you might enjoy mixing up your technique by painting a tonal portrait instead. This lesson from Lee Studios will guide you through the process of using many different tones of the same color to create a special piece.

Tonal Portraits in Oil from Lee Studios
03 of 10

Figure Out How to Paint Waves

Samuel Earp

Some artists might argue that landscape painting is a lost art, but Samuel Earp couldn't disagree more. His work is inspired by 19th-century masters and incorporates modern techniques to make the art his own. He loves teaching students of all skill levels how to gain confidence and increase their skill set. Check out this post that will teach you how to paint a masterful breaking wave. If you love it, be sure to look for other tutorials on his website or Youtube page.

How to Paint a Breaking Wave from Samuel Earp
04 of 10

Master the Art of Painting Clouds

Art Studio Life

If you want to paint landscapes using oil paints, one of the first things you should learn how to paint is clouds. This tutorial from Art Studio Life will teach you how to make realistic clouds with a warm undertone.

How to Paint Clouds from Art Studio Life

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05 of 10

Work on Painting Like Your Favorite Artist

chloecconway / Getty Images

If you've run out of oil painting ideas, think about your favorite artist and try to learn how to paint like them. For starters, the article featured here will show you how to paint like Monet, one of the most well known Impressionist painters.

How to Paint Like Monet from The Spruce
06 of 10

Set Up a Simple Still Life to Paint

The Will Kemp Art School

Anyone can paint a still life using objects found in their home, but there are certain tips and tricks that will make the process significantly easier. This step-by-step oil painting tutorial will show you how to set up an elegant composition that will look good and be easy to paint.

How to Paint a Simple Still Life from The Will Kemp Art School
07 of 10

Try Out Advanced Techniques Like Chiaroscuro

Florent Farges

If you want to expand your skill set, try out a technique you've never tried, like Chiaroscuro. The following course from Florent Farges will cost you some money, but it will teach you several techniques that will be helpful as you're trying to advance your artistic endeavors.

The Practical Guide to Oil Painting Techniques and Materials from Florent Farges
08 of 10

Paint a Simple Landscape

Draw Paint Academy

Landscapes can be as simple or as complex as you want them. This particular tutorial from Draw Paint Academy is designed for beginners and is easy to follow. The artist offers several tips along the way that you'll be able to apply to future paintings as well.

Step by Step Oil Painting Tutorial for Beginners from Draw Paint Academy

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09 of 10

Try to Paint Your Favorite Flower

The Virtual Instructor

The Virtual Instructor offers several art lessons that you can try out with a free trial on their platform. However, this particular rose lesson is available for free, and you don't even need a subscription. This oil painting tutorial will walk you through the steps of setting up a small painting study.

White Rose with Oils from The Virtual Instructor
10 of 10

Use a Palette Knife to Create Texture

Dan Totilca / Getty Images

Do you want to try out an unconventional yet popular way to create a painting? Learn how to paint with a palette knife. The more you practice, the more realistic you'll be able to make your paintings using this tool.

How to Paint with a Palette Knife from The Spruce

10 Oil Painting Ideas

Practice Basic Skills if You're a Beginner

Learn How to Paint a Tonal Portrait

Figure Out How to Paint Waves

Master the Art of Painting Clouds

Work on Painting Like Your Favorite Artist

Set Up a Simple Still Life to Paint

Try Out Advanced Techniques Like Chiaroscuro

Paint a Simple Landscape

Try to Paint Your Favorite Flower

Use a Palette Knife to Create Texture

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