If you’ve ever opened your art journal only to stare at a blank page, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions artists ask is, “What should I paint in my art journal?” Whether you’re just beginning an art journaling practice or looking for fresh creative inspiration, having a collection of simple prompts can help you move past creative blocks and enjoy the process of making art again.
At The Turquoise Iris Journal, we believe an art journal is more than a sketchbook; it’s a place to experiment, explore new techniques, and create without the pressure of perfection. In this article, artist and founder Dionne Woods shares where she finds inspiration along with 30 art journal ideas to help you build a creative practice one page at a time.
Dionne here! The Turquoise Iris Journal founder and CEO checking in to say that the latest volume of The Turquoise Iris Journal is filled with stories, tips, and tutorials on trusting the creative process. While reading our final digital proof before sending it off to the printers, I was reminded again and again of just how integral to my creative process art journaling has become. A simple journal can become your safe space to practice, play, and explore without trying to be “good” or creating something share-worthy. And yet… I have had sooo many artists tell me that they haven’t committed to a daily art journal practice because they just aren’t sure what they’d fill it with! That’s why I’m sharing all of my suggestions so you’ll always know what to paint in your art journal.
Where to Find Inspiration For Your Art Journal
I often get asked what someone should do when faced with a blank journal page, and my answer is always the same: just try anything that excites or speaks to you in that moment. Art journaling is the ultimate no-judgment zone! You can make it as abstract or detailed as you want, letting your creative intuition guide you. You can get halfway through a piece and give up, or turn it into something else. The truth is that I never have to wonder what to paint in my art journal because, usually, I’m so overflowing with ideas that I’m itching to get my hands on some paint so I can try them out. That’s not because I have some magical artist brain that can generate ideas at will, but because I’ve made it my intention to seek out inspiration.
Here are some of the places that I look for inspiration:
- Nature
- Art books & magazines
- Artists I admire
- Old buildings and doors
- Retail store window displays
- Social media and Pinterest
- Music
- Galleries and museums
- Interesting textures
- Revisiting old work
Why Every Artist Should Keep an Art Journal
An art journal isn’t about creating finished masterpieces. It’s about building confidence through consistent practice. When you remove the pressure to make every page perfect, you give yourself permission to experiment with new colors, techniques, compositions, and ideas.
Many professional artists return to their journals again and again because they’re a place to test ideas before they become paintings, develop new techniques, and reconnect with the simple joy of creating.
Whether you paint every day or once a month, every page is another step in your creative journey.
What to Paint in Your Journal: 30 Ideas to Spark Your Creativity
Still not sure what to paint in your art journal? I’ve put together a list of prompts for you to try over the next month. But first you have to promise that you’ll trust the process. Before you look at the prompts below and convince yourself that you don’t know how to do whatever it is I’m suggesting, here is my reminder: your art journal is the best place to practice new techniques! Not only that, but trying something you may not normally be interested in (like fashion sketches or collage) can help you learn new skills and be inspired by new shapes, textures, colors, and techniques. Think of it like the cross-training that athletes do… Your creativity is a skill, after all.
Self-portraits – Try this one a few times to experiment with styles, techniques, colors, and expressions.
Your favorite flower – Try it in every style you can think of.
Your childhood home – What do you remember? What childhood memories inspire you?
Patterns you love – Geometrics, florals, or abstract shapes, whatever draws you in!
Your current mood – Use colors and brushstrokes that represent how you feel.
Animals – Simple shapes or detailed sketches, try it all.
Fashion sketches – Design outfits you’d love to own or maybe even something you’d never wear.
A place you want to visit – Cities, beaches, mountains, iconic destinations… Where will your art take you?
Abstract color studies – Play with different color combinations!
Your favorite song – Paint the energy or vibe of the song.
Mandalas – Create intricate designs and patterns for a meditative painting experience.
Collage with paint – Combine torn paper and paint to create a mixed-media masterpiece.
Your morning brew – A still-life moment of something simple and familiar.
Words of affirmation – Paint a quote or affirmation that feels right to you.
Favorite food – Paint your favorite dish or a table full of delicious options.
Portrait of a loved one – What do you see when you look at them?
Your art supplies – Sketch the tools that bring your art to life.
Birds in flight – Create a simple scene of birds soaring across your page.
Seasonal landscapes – Try the same landscape in all four seasons or try something totally new each time.
Fairytale illustrations – Recreate scenes or characters from your favorite story.
Your favorite piece of furniture – Can you give it a 2D makeover?
Hands – Hands are famously difficult — even AI struggles with them — so here’s your chance to try.
Plants – Paint detailed or abstract interpretations of plants.
Sunsets or sunrises – Experiment with the colors of the sky.
Underwater scenes – Will you paint water? Sea creatures? Sand?
Butterflies – Explore the delicate details and vibrant colors of these insects.
Reinvent a book – Design a new cover for your favorite book.
A doorway or window – Create a view looking out or in, real or imagined.
The night sky – Paint the moon, stars, or constellations.
A rainy day scene – Can you recreate the moody atmosphere of a storm?
Creative Tip
Remember, you don’t have to finish every page. Some of my favorite journal spreads started as experiments that looked completely different by the time they were finished. Give yourself permission to paint over something, layer new ideas, or simply turn the page and begin again. Every mark teaches you something.
Art journaling is such a personal, evolving process. Some days, the paint flows effortlessly, while other times, it’s a little messy. But that’s the point—it’s all part of trusting the journey. Just as I mention in the Journal’s latest volume, “embracing the chaos” is where the magic happens. Every page of your art journal is a new opportunity to express yourself, to play, and to experiment. Make sure you’re subscribed to The Turquoise Iris Journal, it’s filled with articles that guide you through the messy, beautiful process of creation. And, now that you know what to paint in your art journal, I hope you commit to a 30 day practice! Just 10 minutes every day can change everything.
Be sure to follow us on social media @TheTurquoiseIrisJournal for more ideas and inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should beginners paint in an art journal?
Simple subjects like flowers, leaves, favorite objects, color studies, abstract shapes, and everyday moments are wonderful places to begin. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s building a regular creative habit.
Do I need to paint every day?
No. Even spending ten minutes in your journal a few times each week helps develop confidence and keeps your creativity flowing.
What supplies do I need for art journaling?
A journal, a few favorite paints, brushes, pencils, collage papers, and curiosity are enough to get started. Many artists gradually add stamps, stencils, inks, and other mixed media supplies over time.
What if I don’t like my journal page?
Turn the page—or paint over it! One of the greatest gifts of an art journal is the freedom to experiment without worrying about the outcome.
Every Page Is an Invitation to Create
An art journal isn’t about filling pages with perfect paintings; it’s about creating a space where ideas can grow. Some pages will become favorites, others may simply teach you something new, but every page is part of your creative journey.
Whether you’re exploring new techniques, testing color combinations, or simply making time for yourself each day, your journal becomes a record of your artistic growth over time.
If you’re looking for even more creative inspiration, The Turquoise Iris Journal is filled with artist stories, thoughtful tutorials, and practical encouragement to help you trust your own creative process.
Become a subscriber and discover a community that celebrates creativity in every season.
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