If you are hunting for cartoon painting ideas, this is my running collection of easy designs to paint on canvas, from Bugs Bunny to SpongeBob to the Pink Panther. Cartoon art is one of the most beginner-friendly things you can paint. The shapes are bold, the colors are flat, and the characters are already burned into everyone’s memory.
Below are some of my favorite cartoon paintings from artists around the web, each one credited, followed by 16 fresh prompts to spark your own canvas.
A quick note: none of the artwork below is mine, and I have no affiliation with the artists. I credit each one and link their socials where I can. If your work is featured here and you would like it removed, email me at the address at the bottom of the page and I will take it down.
🎨 BEGINNER TIP
Start with a character that has a simple silhouette and flat color blocks, like SpongeBob or the Pink Panther. Sketch the outline in pencil first, block in the big shapes, then add the black outlines last so they stay crisp.
Easy Cartoon Characters to Paint
Nothing beats the classics. Recreating a scene from a favorite childhood show is the fastest way to a painting you will actually be proud of. Here is the gallery.
Bugs Bunny Painting Ideas
Few characters are more fun to paint than Bugs Bunny. His clean lines and gray-and-white palette make him forgiving for beginners.
Art by artesthetic_supremacy
Art by acrylic_artattack
“Bugs and Daffy on Stage,” original oil on canvas by Chuck Jones, 1988 (also appears in Stroke of Genius). Instagram and website.
Art by _kingz_art_
This last one mixes spray paint and acrylics into a piece called “Paper Chaser,” all about the hustle.
Art by sekanhandart
Gossamer, Bugs and Lola Painting Idea
A compact 4×6 canvas featuring Gossamer, Bugs, and Lola Bunny. Great if you want a Looney Tunes group on a small surface.
Art by geeking4art
SpongeBob Painting Idea
SpongeBob is the perfect first cartoon to paint. He is basically a yellow square with a big smile, so the proportions are easy to nail.
Art by crazy_curly_doodler
Pixar Luca Painting Idea
A warm, seaside scene from Pixar’s Luca. The Italian Riviera palette makes this one a joy for color lovers.
Art by juliemarianiart
Minnie Mouse Painting Idea
A soft watercolor take on Minnie and her famous polka dots. Lovely for a nursery or a gift.
Art by surabhi.hgowda
The Simpsons Painting Idea
Springfield’s bright yellow cast is instantly recognizable and very paintable. Try a single character or the whole couch gag.
Art by benziequeen
Little Mermaid Painting Idea
Ariel’s underwater world is all flowing lines and ocean blues. A great pick if you want to practice blending.
Art by leonelas_art_studio
Nightmare Before Christmas Painting
Tim Burton’s spooky-sweet world is built for dramatic, high-contrast paintings. Jack Skellington alone makes a striking piece.
Art by saritas_boutique_shop
Smurfs Painting Idea
The little blue Smurfs and their mushroom village are pure cozy charm, and the limited palette keeps things simple.
Art by chris51official
All Dogs Go to Heaven Painting Idea
A heartfelt nod to the animated classic. Charlie and Itchy carry a lot of emotion for a simple design.
Art by liquid_dreaming
Hey Arnold Painting Idea
A 90s nostalgia hit. Arnold’s football head and the city skyline make a fun, blocky composition.
Art by tattoojay1020art
Courage the Cowardly Dog Painting Idea
Perfect for fans of the weird and spooky. Courage works beautifully on a UV or blacklight canvas.
Art by dankpaintz
Dragon Ball Z Painting Ideas
For anime fans, nothing beats the energy of a DBZ power-up. Bold colors and dramatic lighting do the heavy lifting.
Art by przemo_tattoo
Art by won_ov_won
Dick Dastardly and Muttley Painting Idea
The villains from Wacky Races, complete with Muttley’s snicker. A fun retro pick.
Art by patrickowsley
Pink Panther Painting Ideas
That single block of hot pink is a gift for painters. The Pink Panther is one of the easiest cool-looking pieces you can make.
Art by eleerreguerena
Art by zsoldosjenni.art
The Jetsons Painting Idea
Take a trip to Orbit City with The Jetsons. The space-age shapes make for a clean, retro-futuristic canvas.
Art by geeking4art
16 More Cartoon Painting Ideas to Try
Out of characters to copy? Here are 16 prompts to push your cartoon art somewhere new:
- The multiverse mash-up. Merge your favorite cartoon worlds into one epic crossover scene.
- The modern renaissance. Reinterpret a famous painting with a cartoon twist, like The Last Supper with SpongeBob.
- Animal kingdom. Gather a cast of cartoon animals, from Wile E. Coyote to Winnie the Pooh, in one frame.
- The 3D effect. Use shadow, light, and texture to give a flat character real depth.
- Your cartoon autobiography. Turn yourself into a cartoon and paint a scene from your own life.
- Cartoon-ify your hometown. Give your local landmarks a playful animated makeover.
- Time travel tales. Drop cartoon characters into a historical moment, like the Flintstones at the moon landing.
- Food for thought. Paint characters enjoying a feast, like the Ninja Turtles and a pizza party.
- The art of emotion. Do a series of close-up portraits showing different feelings.
- Cartoon crossovers. Put characters who never met into one scene, like Scooby-Doo and Sherlock Holmes.
- A tribute to animators. Paint the animation process itself, from sketch to final frame.
- The art of sound. Work musical notes, speech bubbles, and sound effects into the piece.
- Cartoon parodies. Reimagine a movie or show with a cartoon cast.
- The changing face of animation. Paint one character in several era styles, from hand-drawn to CGI.
- The cartoon olympics. Have characters from different shows compete in a made-up sporting event.
- Cartoon nature. Blend the lush worlds of Studio Ghibli or Rick and Morty into one landscape.
Related Reading
- The Best Cartoon Characters of All Time
- Bugs Bunny
- The Jetsons Characters
- Wacky Races Characters
- Hanna-Barbera Characters
