What to Paint.
Below are suggestions for subject matter after you’ve completed your first three required projects.
Animals
Animals help you develop lots of skills that expand on what you learned from the previous paintings. They have hair! Or feathers. Or scales.
Everyday Objects
The possibilities are limitless. Find the beauty in the mundane.
Special places
Paint a building or location that has meant something to you.
Fruit. Again.
Take your time to do a more involved painting of fruit or vegetables.
Clouds
They are really fun to paint, and are a big crowd pleaser.
Botanicals
Painting any kind of plant in detail will be an excellent learning experience.
Street scene
If you’ve got the patience, a view from the avenue is a fun challenge.
Reflections
They’re not as challenging as they seem!
Seascape
Odds are you did a land photo for your first landscape. Try a beach pic this time.
White on White
Or any monochrome combination. This offers the best experience at practicing with contrast.
People, Not Portraits
You have to take the portrait workshop before I allow you to do portraits in class, but in the meantime, you can paint simple images (maybe from behind) of people.
More architecture
Try something striking and different from your last architecture piece.
Still life
Choose objects from home, and with your newfound composition skills, set up a well-laid-out still life. Photograph it, or bring the real objects to class. Ask about lighting tips if you’re not sure you’ll get a good photo.
Something Personal
Paint your dog, a favorite item from home, your house…something meaningful to you.
Ramp up the color
Use a photo manipulation filter to change your usual photos into something wild. Ask for help with photo editing. It’s easy!
Your Vacation Photos
It’s always fun recreating your exciting trip.
A favorite corner
The interior of your home (or another place you like) can make a thoughtful painting, especially when photographed at the right time of day. Sun shining in a window gives good contrast and atmosphere.
Get Creative
Try things outside your comfort zone. It’s always a good learning experience, and it informs your work in the future.