Even a tiny little pebble can mesmerize us with simplicity and fill our minds with innovative craft ideas. If you are someone who is dealing with similar musing, then you are at the right place. In the easy Rock painting ideas 101, you will find unique ideas for rock painting, steps on how do you paint rocks and what to paint on rocks.
So without any further ado, let’s begin this adventurous journey and learn how to paint a rock to create artistic painted rocks!
What paint to use on outdoor rocks? – Paint for rocks
- Acrylic paint: Acrylic paints are the affordable paints that come in various shades, can dry quickly, add a smooth finish, and are water-based. As these paints come in various types, it is important to choose the right one for your rock art.
- Paint pens: The easy to handle paint tools that will make this art a breeze for everyone, including kids. These paint pens are available in acrylic paints, oil paints and glitters, providing us the convenience of a marker with vibrancy and durability.
- Oil paints: Oil paints are the unique paint option that can add a glossy appearance to your rock painting designs. These paints are water-resistant and long-lasting, which makes them an ideal paint for rock artwork.
What to paint on rocks?
1. Smiley faces:
Painting rocks, an interesting activity for kids and adults alike! One cute rock painting idea is creating smileys on rocks. Begin by painting a bright yellow base on a rock, once the paint dries, add two dots and a curved line.
2. Polka dots:
Polka dots are the easy and basic pattern that can convert any rock art into a rocking art. Polka dots with white and different hues can create a perfect rock art for your garden. To create it, tools like q-tips, paintbrush and dotting tools can be used.
3. Rainbow stripes:
This design is perfect for those who are looking for a simple and colorful design. Section the rock in stripes using masking tape, and then color the stripes one by one to avoid color blending. Once completed and dry, remove the tapes from the rocks that are painted.
4. Hearts and stars:
Create light sketches of hearts and stars using a pencil. Then paint the elements with the colors of your choice. You can also use patterns and decorative details to make the rock drawings pop out. Fill the shape with any solid color and add decorative details.
5. Words:
Writing words or phrases on painted rock can also enhance the charm of your craft while making this activity even more special. For precise lettering and neatness, paint pens or stencils can be used.
6. Nature cute rock art:
Nature is an amazing source of inspiration when it comes to art. When colouring rocks, you can start with the basic designs like flowers, leaves or single elements like sun, cloud, etc. You can paint rock with a different color, and after the paint dries, create nature rock designs.
7. Animal faces:
Painting animals on rocks ideas are also fun and easy to make. And the amazing part of drawing such an adorable creature like an easy pig rock painting is that you can keep it both basic or detailed.
How to paint rocks?
→ Gather rocks, paint, brushes, sealant for sealing painted rocks, and other necessary materials for rock crafts.
→ Clean the rock and use sandpaper to smooth rough surfaces.
→ Apply a base coat of any solid color or any other pattern of your choice.
→ Sketch the designs and add finishing touches with a brush.
→ Apply sealant to ensure your rock paintings are well protected.
Things to paint on rocks
Simple easy rock painting ideas for beginners
1. Weather icons
A bright yellow sun or fluffy white clouds, these cute symbols are a fun way to begin with your easy painted rocks ideas. Using different hues, you can paint your own weather rocks for your garden decor. You can create a rainbow, sun, thunderstorms and paint winds on the rocks.
2. Puzzle pieces
The puzzle pieces painting rocks ideas not only helps you create an innovative decoration but it also helps you create a puzzle that you can unravel in your leisure time. Select a design for your puzzle and draw the shapes on the rocks, once completed, assemble the puzzle to make sure the figures are correctly drawn. Then you can complete your puzzle by painting.
3. Mini landscapes
Rolling hills with a sun setting behind it or a beach scene with waves, landscape art makes a beautiful piece of art. When painted on small rocks, it will make a mini landscape art that will complement your garden decor.
4. Galaxy rocks
The galaxy designs are the designs that are easy to create. For this, you have to paint the rock with a dark background – for the background, you can either use black or deep purple. To add the neon effect, you can add pink and blue hues. After this layer dries, you can add elements like stars, planets or other celestial bodies.
5. Footprints
A garden with a trail of animal, human footprints or claws will add an element of adventure and playfulness. These rock art ideas are easy to create and quick to do, with this, you can give a charming look to your painted rock ideas.
6. Fun food painted on a rock
If you are looking for quirky ideas painting rocks, then food painting on rocks is the perfect idea for you. Paint a garden stone in the form of strawberries, pizza slices, eggs, breads, oranges or any other food item of your choice. These cool rock painting ideas easy make perfect gift options and decorative kitchen items.
7. Abstract painted rock faces
Abstract faces, an art that adds a modern twist to traditional portraits by simply using basic shapes and lines. In order to abstract paint a rock, use flat rocks for painting, as it will make the process of rock painting easy. And remember, while using such painting rock ideas, you do not have to be perfectly precise.
8. Faux Gems
Painted gem rocks as art for gem lovers! Begin painting on small stones in jewel tones such as deep blue, emerald green, or ruby red. Then apply metallic paints or glitter to complete the appearance of the gemstone. Also, add highlights and shadows, to create 3D painted stones.
9. Tiny Houses
Painting tiny houses is one of the many suitable ideas for rock painting. You can paint small cottages with thatched roofs, tiny windows, and cozy chimneys. You can also paint a series of houses with which you can create a little village display for your yard or home.
10. Bubble rock art painting
To create this art, gather the ideal rocks for rock painting and some pictures of rocks painted in bubbles for reference. Begin by applying with a base coat, then paint circles in different shades of the same color to create depth. Use glitter paint to decorate rock, this final step will give a sparkling effect to your simple rock painting ideas.
11. Flower rock painting ideas
Flowers painted on rocks are a beautiful way of portraying nature. Such garden rock painting ideas showcasing simple blossoms and intricate flowers can be used as garden decor, paperweights and can be given as gifts. These paintings can also be used as kindness rocks to brighten someone’s day.
12. Story Rocks
Creating story rocks arts by painting images and scenes related to a story is a fun activity that encourages creativity and storytelling. Such rock painting ideas for kids motivate children to use their imagination to create unique stories based on the stone drawing or the cute rock paintings.
13. Monogram rocks
Monogram rocks artwork or monogram paintings on rocks are a wonderful way to personalize your outdoor rock painting. To create one, you can check some pictures of painted rocks and choose designs that match your preference. Once you have gathered the materials, adjourn your artistic journey.
14. Night Skies with Silhouettes
Painting night skies are the perfect rock painting ideas for adults, as these silhouette paintings can be easily created. To begin this craft, find suitable rocks to paint and start by painting a gradient sky with dark hues. Then use white to paint stars and moon, such designs for painted rocks look beautiful when displayed outside.
15. Comic speech bubbles
Another cute rock painting ideas – rocks converted into comics! Begin by painting a bubble with a fun phrase such as “Yay!” or “Wow!” in a comic book-style font, or add the text from your favorite comic. These paint rock ideas are colorful and dramatic, giving your rocks an animated look. Such rock paint ideas are perfect for kids’ rooms or play areas.
16. Doodle designs
Doodle – A simple and fun paint design on rocks that can be created by anyone, irrespective of their age. Whether it is swirls, zigzags, spirals, or random scribbles, doodles allow you to create unique painted garden rocks. Moreover, doodles can be painted on any rock, so you do not have to look for specific rocks for crafts.
17. Mermaid scales
If you are looking for unique things to paint on a rock, then you should create cute painted rocks with mermaid scale designs. Such ideas for painting rocks can be created using colors like teal, purple or blue. Once your colored rock is ready, all you need to do is create scales using metallic or glitter paint. Such fantasy-based ideas for painted rocks are perfect for ocean theme decor.
Wrap Up!
Now you are fully equipped with the information on how to paint on stones and rocks. In this guide, you found ideal rock painting for beginners, rock painting for kids, and rock painting ideas for adults that will make your painting journey a breeze.
The best part of rock decorating ideas is that rock or stone painting ideas do not require any expensive supplies or advanced skills, due to which you can create your own outdoor painted rocks.
Also, if you are looking for things to draw – check out Art of Paint by Numbers 100 cool and easy things to draw when bored!
