Ideas for Painting Subjects
In the history of painting, every imaginable subject has been covered, from portraits to landscapes to abstracts. Given the limitless array of choices, selecting a subject for your painting can be daunting. As you consider the possibilities, keep in mind your skill level, the size you want to work with and what is available. There are pros and cons for any subject; the key is to find something you will enjoy painting and that will keep you engaged.
Portraits
Painting a portrait can be a great project. It is very satisfying to paint a picture of someone close to us or of an interesting visage. The challenge of capturing some of the personality of the subject in paint is wonderful. There are some things to keep in mind, though, beginning with technique. If you haven't had some experience drawing the figure, it can be frustrating; capturing facial features takes practice. Because understanding the face is so important, standards of verisimilitude can be high. Also, getting a sitter to pose for the many hours a finished portrait can take may not be feasible. Working from a photograph may be an acceptable alternative but such paintings can run the risk of appearing less vibrant.
Landscapes
Landscapes are a good option if the weather is decent. You won't need to worry about the subject moving too much, although you may have to account for changes in light because of cloud movement and the like. Transporting your materials can be a problem if you don't have a portable easel or similar conveyance. Use a rectangle window cut out of cardboard (cut to the proportions of your canvas) to look through; this will help you lay out the scene in your drawing. Another option is to take a lesson from the Impressionists, who frequently began a landscape in the open air and took it back to the studio to finish it.
Abstract
If you have a penchant for this kind of painting, why not give it a go? You will have a lot of freedom in the design because you are creating the composition out of your head. On the other hand, you will not have a subject such as a figure to work from. Consider abstracting from a still-life, photograph or other scene so you can return to a source for inspiration and ideas.
