Below are 200+ pet painting example ideas that you can use as reference photos for pet art. These art ideas are intended to provide you inspiration for a pet art painting of your own. After the photos, I have included a list of tips for painting pet scenes for beginners and pet painting tutorials for beginners to learn from.
Pet Painting Ideas for Inspiration
Acrylic Cat Art Ideas






















































































Watercolor Cat Art Ideas












































Acrylic Dog Art Ideas






















































Pet Painting Tips for Beginners
- Start with a simple sketch – If you are a beginner, my advice before you dive into painting is to begin with a basic outline of your pet on the canvas. This sketch helps guide your painting and ensures that the proportions and placement are accurate. You don’t need to detail every fur strand – just get the general shape and main features down.
- Pay attention to the eyes – The eyes are often said to be the window to the soul, and this holds true for pet art portraits as well. Make sure to capture the expression in the pet’s eyes. It can really bring your painting to life. Take your time with this part, as getting the eyes right can make a big difference in the overall feel of your artwork.
- Select a meaningful scene or background – The scene you choose to place your pet in can add a lot of personality and context to your painting. Think about a pet’s character or favorite places. A playful pet might be best represented at a park or beach, while a more relaxed pet might suit a cozy indoor couch scene. Obviously, the type of pet you choose to paint can impact this also.
- Experiment with the texture for the fur: Different pets have different types of fur, so capturing the texture is crucial. Use specific brush strokes to mimic the length and texture of your pet’s fur. This takes practice. Short, quick strokes can represent short fur, while longer, fluid strokes can mimic longer fur. Don’t aim for an exact replica, but try to convey the overall feel.
Pet Painting Tutorials for Beginners
Painting a Dog in Acrylics | Easy Beginner Tutorial – This tutorial is designed for beginners, showing how to paint your dog using basic acrylic techniques. The instructor guides you through the process in a simple and engaging way, ensuring you can follow along and create a beautiful portrait of your pet. View Tutorial
How To Paint An Acrylic Dog Tutorial – Learn to paint a vibrant and colorful puppy with this easy-to-follow tutorial. The video is perfect for those looking to add a pop of color to their artwork, with detailed guidance on blending and color choice. View Tutorial
How To Paint a Dog in Acrylic – This tutorial breaks down the process of painting a dog in acrylics into simple, manageable steps. It’s ideal for artists seeking to capture the likeness and character of their dog with clarity and depth. View Tutorial
How to Paint Watercolor Cats for Beginners – This tutorial is perfect for beginners looking to dive into the world of watercolor cat art. This tutorial breaks down the painting process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, making it doable and fun even if you are a beginner. Click here to view.
4 Step Easy Watercolor Cat Tutorial – I like this watercolor cat tutorial because it simplifies the painting process into four simple steps. The end result is a beautiful watercolor cat image that adds a pop of color to the eyes to make them stand out. Click here to view.
How to Paint a Siamese Cat in Watercolor – My advice for this tutorial is to think of it as a specialized guide for those interested in painting Siamese cats. Its focus on a specific breed allows for an in-depth look at the unique characteristics that define a Siamese cat, providing a more specific learning experience. Click here to view.
How to Paint a Cat Acrylic Painting Tutorial – This tutorial guides viewers through a step-by-step process to paint a cat using acrylics. It is designed to be accessible for artists of all skill levels, focusing on basic techniques and easy-to-follow instructions. View tutorial
Painting Your Cat in Acrylics | 30-Minute Beginner Painting – This tutorial is for beginners. It is a 30-minute tutorial that offers a quick and straightforward method to paint your cat in acrylics. It emphasizes simplicity, making it ideal for those looking to complete a project in a single sitting. View tutorial
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