Looking for creative cartoon ideas to paint? Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned artist, or a parent planning activities with kids, cartoons offer endless inspiration! Why are cartoon characters so fun to paint? They’re colorful, whimsical, and full of personality. Plus, they allow you to explore different styles—from cute animals to action heroes. What if you could create artwork inspired by your favorite shows or come up with a character of your own?
Below, you’ll find 15 cartoon painting ideas, each with a description of why it’s perfect for certain artists and occasions, and easy, step-by-step instructions to bring them to life.
Fast-Track Your Drawing Ability!A pencil drawing course that specializes in taking beginners and teaching them how to draw in a realistic style. The course itself is online video, so you can access it from anywhere in the world...  |
1. Classic Mickey Mouse
Why? This nostalgic character is perfect for Disney lovers and beginners. Its rounded shapes make it a simple design to recreate.
Description: Paint Mickey in his iconic red shorts and yellow shoes, with a cheerful smile.
Can I Use Canvas Painting Techniques to Create Cartoon Paintings?
Yes, you can use canvas painting ideas cartoons to create fun and whimsical cartoon paintings. By incorporating various canvas painting techniques such as blending, layering, and outlining, you can bring your favorite cartoon characters to life on canvas. Let your creativity flow and experiment with different styles to achieve the desired effect.
Steps:- Draw a large circle for the head.
- Add two smaller circles for the ears.
- Sketch an oval for the nose and two curved lines for the smile.
- Draw ovals for the eyes and add pupils.
- Add the body with rounded arms and legs.
- Paint the red shorts, yellow shoes, and black ears.
- Outline in black to define the edges.
2. SpongeBob SquarePants
Why? SpongeBob’s quirky design and bright colors are great for a playful painting session.
Description: A yellow, square character with big blue eyes and a happy grin.
Can the Step-by-Step Drawing Instructions for Editorial Cartoons be Adapted for Painting Cartoon Ideas?
Yes, the step-by-step editorial cartoon drawing instructions can definitely be adapted for painting cartoon ideas. By following the same structure and process, artists can easily translate the drawing instructions into painting techniques, allowing them to bring their editorial cartoon ideas to life in vibrant color and detail.
Steps:- Draw a large square for SpongeBob’s head and body.
- Add two big, round eyes with pupils.
- Sketch a small nose and a wide grin with two buck teeth.
- Add wavy lines along the edges for his sponge-like texture.
- Draw arms, legs, and his iconic red tie.
- Paint his body yellow and pants brown.
- Add black shoes and a white shirt, finishing with outlines.
3. Tom and Jerry
Why? Perfect for painting duos and practicing expressions, as both characters are expressive.
Description: Tom, the gray cat, chasing Jerry, the brown mouse, in a playful pose.
Steps:- Draw Tom’s head with a long nose and pointy ears.
- Sketch Jerry’s smaller body beside him.
- Add large, expressive eyes for both characters.
- Draw their limbs in running poses.
- Paint Tom gray and Jerry brown.
- Add details like whiskers and pink noses.
- Outline the figures to make them pop.
4. The Powerpuff Girls
Why? A great idea for kids and fans of bold, graphic styles.
Description: Paint Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup flying with determined looks.
Steps:- Draw three large heads with round eyes.
- Add small bodies with simple limbs.
- Sketch Blossom’s bow, Bubbles’ pigtails, and Buttercup’s short hair.
- Paint each character in their signature colors (pink, blue, and green).
- Add black outlines for a cartoon effect.
- Paint motion lines to show them flying.
5. Pikachu from Pokémon
Why? Easy for beginners and perfect for Pokémon fans.
Description: Pikachu standing upright with rosy cheeks and a friendly smile.
Steps:- Draw a round head with two pointy ears.
- Add large, round eyes and a small nose.
- Draw its body, arms, and feet.
- Sketch the zig-zag tail.
- Paint Pikachu yellow with black-tipped ears.
- Add red cheeks and black outlines.
- Paint its tail brown at the base.
6. Adventure Time’s Finn and Jake
Why? Their simple design is great for practicing clean lines.
Description: Paint Finn and Jake on an adventure in the Land of Ooo.
Steps:- Draw Finn’s head with his hood and round face.
- Add Jake beside him with big eyes and floppy ears.
- Draw their limbs in playful poses.
- Paint Finn’s clothes blue and Jake’s body yellow.
- Add background elements like clouds and grass.
- Outline both characters in black for a finished look.
7. Looney Tunes Characters (Bugs Bunny)
Why? Classic characters with playful expressions, perfect for vintage cartoon fans.
Description: Bugs Bunny holding a carrot with his signature grin.
Steps:- Draw Bugs’ head with long ears.
- Add large eyes and a mischievous smile.
- Draw the carrot in one hand.
- Paint Bugs gray and the carrot orange.
- Add pink in his ears and paint his eyes.
- Outline the figure to enhance the cartoon style.
8. Scooby-Doo
Why? Ideal for painting animal characters with expressive faces.
Description: Scooby-Doo with his curious expression and blue collar.
Steps:- Draw Scooby’s head with long ears and snout.
- Add big eyes and a goofy smile.
- Draw his collar and body.
- Paint Scooby brown with black spots.
- Add blue to the collar and outline in black.
9. Charlie Brown and Snoopy
Why? Perfect for beginners who love Peanuts comics.
Description: Charlie Brown and Snoopy sitting together, smiling.
Steps:- Draw Charlie Brown’s round head and Snoopy’s oval head.
- Add eyes, noses, and smiles.
- Draw their bodies sitting next to each other.
- Paint Charlie’s shirt yellow and Snoopy’s body white.
- Outline the figures for a comic-style look.
10. Hello Kitty
Why? Cute and simple, suitable for kids and beginners.
Description: Hello Kitty with her iconic bow.
Steps:- Draw a round head with small ears.
- Add two black dots for eyes and a yellow nose.
- Draw her red bow.
- Paint her body in soft colors.
- Add outlines to complete the look.
11. Minions
Why? Fun, expressive, and perfect for practicing facial features.
Description: A cheerful Minion wearing overalls.
Steps:- Draw a round head with goggles.
- Add small arms and legs.
- Draw the overalls and boots.
- Paint the Minion yellow with blue overalls.
- Add outlines to enhance the details.
12. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Why? Great for practicing action poses.
Description: A turtle in action with a weapon in hand.
Steps:- Draw the turtle’s head with a mask.
- Add the body and limbs in a fighting pose.
- Paint the turtle green with a colored mask.
- Add weapons and outline the figure.
13. Simpsons Family Portrait
Why? A fun idea for painting multiple characters in one scene.
Description: The Simpsons family sitting on their iconic couch.
Steps:- Draw each character’s head and body.
- Add details like hair and clothing.
- Paint the couch and characters in their signature colors.
- Add outlines to finish the portrait.
14. Winnie the Pooh and Friends
Why? Perfect for creating a warm, nostalgic scene.
Description: Pooh and friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.
Steps:- Draw Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet together.
- Add their features and playful poses.
- Paint them in soft, pastel colors.
- Add outlines and a woodland background.
15. Rick and Morty Portal Scene
Why? A great idea for fans of sci-fi cartoons.
Description: Rick and Morty emerging from a glowing green portal.
Steps:- Draw Rick and Morty’s heads and bodies.
- Add a swirling portal behind them.
- Paint the portal green and characters in their colors.
- Outline everything for a bold look.
These cartoon painting ideas are perfect for artists of all levels, offering fun ways to explore creativity while practicing different artistic techniques. Whether you’re working with kids or just relaxing with a paintbrush, these characters will bring life and color to your canvas!
4o