“What should I paint?”

We’ve all been there. You finally carve out a bit of time for yourself, sit down with your paints… and suddenly your mind goes completely blank. This is a rite of passage for all creators, especially when you’re just starting out.

We’re here to help and tell you that you absolutely do not need a ‘big idea’ to get painting. Even just playing with colour is worth doing!

1. Still life: just start with what’s around you!

You don’t need to come up with something wildly original every time you paint. Some of the best inspiration comes from everyday life.

A coffee mug on the bench, a bunch of flowers, your pet asleep in the sunshine, or the view from the kitchen window are all great starting points. Painting things around you helps take the pressure off because they feel familiar, rather than trying to invent the illusive “perfect” idea.

2. Try intuitive painting

Have you heard of intuitive painting? It basically means painting without planning everything beforehand. Instead of sitting down and thinking “what should I make?”, you’re not really trying to paint anything specific – you’re letting the colours, brushstrokes, and your impulse to create lead the way.

Maybe you feel like playing with some calming blues after a long day, or maybe your brain is drawn to bright colours and messy shapes. You might make soft flowing marks, blend colours together, or just see where your brush naturally takes you. There’s no right or wrong direction, which is what makes it so freeing.

The nice thing about painting this way is it takes the pressure off. There’s no clear vision to compare yourself to – you’re just giving yourself space to unwind, experiment, and enjoy the process of creating.

3. Keep a list of easy painting prompts

One of the easiest ways to avoid creative blocks is to keep a running list of simple painting prompts nearby.

Whenever you think of something that could be fun to paint, jot it down in your phone or sketchbook. That way, when you finally have time to create, you’re not stuck trying to think of ideas on the spot.

Your list could include things like:

-     Textured florals

-     Clouds at sunset

-     Pop art animals

-     A pic from a holiday

-     Abstract colour blocking

Think of it like a little backup plan for when your brain is a little tired.

4. Ask someone else for an art prompt

Sometimes it’s easier when the decision isn’t yours.

Ask a friend, partner, or even your kids to give you something random to paint. Having someone else choose for you removes the pressure of coming up with the “right” idea and can lead to some surprisingly fun results. It also makes painting feel more playful and less serious.

5. Look up new painting techniques

If no subject is jumping out at you, focus on trying out a technique instead.

Why not look up:

-     Watercolour blending

-     Dry brushing

-     Palette knife texture

-     Splatter techniques

-     Colour mixing exercises

-     Glazing

When the goal becomes “I want to try something new” rather than “I need to make something amazing,” it’s much easier to relax into the process. Plus, experimenting with new methods often sparks fresh ideas naturally.

6. Try painting together

Painting can feel much easier to start when someone else is creating too.

Set up a casual paint session with a friend, sit alongside the kids while they craft, or simply share your progress with someone you trust. No need to work on the same thing, it’s more about bonding over art and having someone to share the experience with.

A little bit of accountability (and encouragement) can go a long way!

Not every painting session needs a grand idea or even an outcome. Sometimes a quick sketch, striking colour combo, or just getting hands on with paint is all you need to get out of it.

So next time you catch yourself wondering what to paint, try not to overthink it. Pick a colour, a prompt, or a simple subject nearby and just begin. The ideas usually follow once the brush hits the page. And if they don’t, who cares! At least you took some time to create.

If you do make something, send us a pic! Just tag us on Instagram or Facebook @montmarteart or use #montmarteart to show us what you create.

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