10 Easy Wildlife Acrylic Painting Ideas for Beginners

Wildlife paintings have a magical way of bringing nature to life on canvas. Whether it's the piercing eyes of a wolf, the vibrant feathers of a parrot, or the graceful stance of a deer, painting animals can be incredibly rewarding—even for beginners! The best part? You don’t need to be an expert to create stunning wildlife art.

If you’re just starting out with acrylics, here are 10 easy wildlife painting ideas that will help you explore color, texture, and brush techniques in a fun and approachable way.

1. Wolf Howling at the Moon

There’s something powerful about a lone wolf silhouetted against a glowing moon. This is a great beginner-friendly piece because you mainly work with a gradient night sky and a simple black wolf silhouette. Focus on blending deep blues and purples for the sky and adding a soft glow around the moon.

2. Colorful Parrot on a Branch

Parrots are full of personality, and their bright feathers make them a great subject for experimenting with bold colors. Try a side-profile pose with a mix of reds, blues, yellows, and greens. The key here is layering—start with a base color and gradually add details using short, feathery brush strokes.

3. Deer in a Misty Forest

A peaceful deer standing in a foggy forest makes for a stunning yet simple painting. Work with earthy tones and soft grays to create depth in the background. Using a dry brush technique can help achieve a soft, misty effect. The deer itself can be kept simple with minimal detailing.

4. Hedgehog on a Leaf

If you’re looking for something cute and easy, a tiny hedgehog curled up on a leaf is perfect! Start with a round base shape and use short, quick strokes for the spiky fur. A limited color palette of browns and beiges will make the little hedgehog look cozy and natural.

5. Hummingbird in Flight

Hummingbirds are fascinating because of their iridescent colors and rapid wing movement. Try painting one mid-flight, using smooth blending techniques to show motion. A blurred background of soft greens and yellows can make the tiny bird stand out.

6. Dolphins Jumping in the Ocean

Dolphins are easy to paint because of their simple, streamlined shape. A deep blue ocean with gentle waves and splashes of white foam can add movement to the scene. You can paint the dolphins as silhouettes against a sunset or add some shading for a more realistic look.

7. Mystical Owl with Big Eyes

Owls have an air of mystery, making them a fun subject for beginners. Focus on their large, expressive eyes and feather details. Start with a basic owl shape and gradually build up the texture with different shades of browns, grays, or even purples for a more mystical feel.

8. Arctic Fox in the Snow

A white Arctic fox against a snowy backdrop is not only beautiful but also a great exercise in working with light and shadows. Since the fox is mostly white, use cool blues and grays to create definition. A soft, blurred background with hints of falling snow can enhance the wintery feel.

9. Flamingo in a Sunset Lake

Flamingos are all about elegance and vibrant color. Their long, curved neck and bright pink feathers make them a joy to paint. Pair your flamingo with a warm sunset reflection on the water for an extra touch of beauty.

10. Butterfly on a Flower

Butterflies allow you to play with patterns and symmetry. Choose a bold color like orange for a monarch or blue for a morpho butterfly, and experiment with fine detailing on the wings. The background can be as simple as a soft blend of greens to suggest a garden setting.

Getting Started with Wildlife Painting

To bring these wildlife paintings to life, having the right materials makes all the difference. Drawlish Acrylic Paints offer rich, vibrant pigmentation and a smooth texture, making blending and layering easy for beginners. For fine details like an owl’s sharp gaze or a butterfly’s delicate wings, Drawlish Paint Pens provide precision and control. Whether you're adding highlights to a dolphin’s splash or defining the tiny quills of a hedgehog, these tools will help you achieve professional-looking results with ease.

You can find Drawlish Acrylic Paints and Drawlish Paint Pens on Drawlish.com or Amazon UK.