Pretty Painting Ideas to Make you a Rock Star

These are the last set of rocks I painted over the Summer using "Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble" by Denise Scicluna as my inspiration.

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Quaint heart designs will transform cold stones into heart-warming treasures.

Love Hearts: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

I love these charming folksy designs painted on pebbles.

Get Folksy: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

And this colorful, folksy design is my favorite!

Get Folksy: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

You don't have to paint a detailed butterfly to create a pretty butterfly on rocks.

Flutter By Butterfly: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If ...

You have ever:

• Wanted to try your hand at rock painting, or
• Thought that making art is not for you, or
• Needed fun projects for kids and grandkids, or
• Searched for easy art therapy projects for both children and adults, or
• Been at a loss for creative inspiration...

Then...

"Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble" by Denise Scicluna is the perfect resource for you!

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

This is how "Rock Art!" inspired me over the Summer.

 
Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Useful Links

• "Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble"
• 5 imaginative rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 fun rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 creative rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 easy and colorful ideas from "Rock Art!" 
• A Rock Painting Book Perfect for Beginners (Blog Post of May 19, 2015) 

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks 

5 Imaginative Rock Painting Ideas

"Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble" by Denise Scicluna inspired me for a 5th week of rock painting.

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

An imaginative idea is painting a colorful circle first and then adding the mandala design. (I need more patience & practice to make mandalas on rocks! They always end up lopsided and become doodles instead.)

Making Mandalas: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Your imagination can run wild because colorful ladybugs are one of the simplest designs to paint on any shape or size of rock.

Brilliant Bugs: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

These pebble messages are tokens of faith, peace, and love and can be carried in a pocket. Any meaningful words, names or quotes can be painted on pebbles.

From Me to You: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Black and white paint gives this imaginative owl design a clean, graphic look and complements the pebbles' natural colors.

Hoot Your Pebbles: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

These colorful fish rocks used two of my favorite things - dots and metallic paint.

Fish Tails: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Useful Links

• "Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble"
• Pretty rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 fun rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 creative rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 easy and colorful ideas from "Rock Art!" 
• A Rock Painting Book Perfect for Beginners (Blog Post of May 19, 2015) 

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks 

5 Fun Rock Painting Ideas

I painted these 5 fun projects and used "Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble" by Denise Scicluna as inspiration.

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Metallic paint makes these rock stars shine.

Rock Stars: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Simple, celestial moons were painted on oval pebbles.

The Man in the Moon: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Simple sun designs are painted on various rock shapes.

Sunny Side Up: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Triangle designs contrast with oval stones or follow the form of a triangular rock.

 

Try Triangles: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

  Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Two flat, medium-sized rocks were the perfect shape for these colorful, humble abodes.

Rocky Road: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Useful Links

• "Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble"
• Pretty rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 imaginative rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 creative rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 easy and colorful ideas from "Rock Art!" 
• A Rock Painting Book Perfect for Beginners (Blog Post of May 19, 2015) 

 
© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks 

5 Creative Rock Painting Ideas

I just can't stop painting the projects in "Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble" by Denise Scicluna.

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What could be simpler than white paint and repetitive strokes like these?

Keep It Simple: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

I love bright colors and this simple, colorful pop art design is one of my favorites from the book. The color and design possibilities are endless.

Color Pops: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Another favorite of mine are these decorative, stylized flowers painted with only 2 colors.

Flower Power: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

I used both smooth and pitted stones for stylized, leaf-inspired painted rocks.

Fall Leaves: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A study in opposites - lightweight feathers painted on heavy stones. 

Light as a Feather: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Useful Links

• "Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble"
• Pretty rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 imaginative rock painting ideas from "Rock Art"
• 5 fun ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 easy and colorful ideas from "Rock Art!" 
• A Rock Painting Book Perfect for Beginners (Blog Post of May 19, 2015) 

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks 

5 Easy and Colorful Rock Painting Ideas

In my last post, I recommended a rock painting book for beginners called "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna.

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I found the projects so enjoyable (even for an experienced rock painter like myself), that I painted these 5 sets of colorful pebbles using the book as inspiration.

Color, pebble shape, and line drawings transform stones into a simple fruit combo.

Fruit Salad: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Who can resist quirky owls painted on stones?

 Wise Owls: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Criss-cross lines and dots can be painted on any shape of rock. Mix up the colors and designs for your own pebble crossing.

Let's Get Linear: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Your imagination can run wild with painted mushroom rocks.

Mushrooms: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The color and design possibilities are endless for painting fish fins and scales on rocks.

Fish Out of Water: inspired by "Rock Art!" by Denise Scicluna

Useful Links

• 5 Imaginative Rock Painting Ideas from "Rock Art"
• 5 Creative Rock Painting Ideas from "Rock Art!"
• 5 Fun Rock Painting Ideas from "Rock Art!" 
• Pretty rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!"
• A Rock Painting Book Perfect for Beginners (Blog Post of May 19, 2015)
• "Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble" by Denise Scicluna

 Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

A Rock Painting Book Perfect for Beginners

If ...

You have ever:

• Wanted to try your hand at rock painting, or 
• Thought that making art is not for you, or 
• Needed fun projects for kids and grandkids, or
• Searched for easy art therapy projects for both children and adults, or
• Been at a loss for creative inspiration...

Then...

"Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble" by Denise Scicluna is the perfect resource for you!

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This recently-published rock painting book gives tips for getting started such as:

• Where to find rocks
• What to look for in a rock
• How to find inspiration
• Rock painting tools and supplies
• Preparation
• Finishing touches
• How to use your painted rocks

And includes:

• 40 Simple step-by-step projects with several variations
• 250 full-color illustrations

I'm not a newbie to rock painting but I found the projects in this book helpful for practicing my line strokes. And, it was a fun way to decompress between my detailed painted rock projects.

Here's a sample of 5 projects I painted using "Rock Art!" as inspiration:

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

At the Zoo

Bicycle Wheels

Under the Sea

Rock Garden

Into the Woods

I had so much fun painting these simple and colorful rocks using "Rock Art!" as inspiration, I'm going to paint more!

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Useful Links

• "Rock Art! Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble"
• See 5 easy and colorful ideas from "Rock Art!" 
• See 5 creative ideas from "Rock Art!"
• See 5 fun rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!" 
• See 5 imaginative rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!" 
• See pretty rock painting ideas from "Rock Art!" 

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks 

Rock Painting Tips for Beginners

Where to Find Rocks

For many of us, rocks are plentiful in our environment and free for the taking. If you have difficulty finding stones to paint, you can:

• Enlist the help of a friend  
• Purchase bags of stones
• 1 to 2" Caribbean Beach Pebbles
• 3 to 5" Caribbean Beach Pebbles
• Check out the Garden Department at local stores

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stones purchased from Home Depot

I do not condone removing rocks from government lands or parks or a residence or business which has been landscaped with rocks. 


How to Prepare Rocks and Stones for Painting

You will need to clean and (in some cases) prime your rocks prior to painting. Read more about this tip.

Learn how to prepare stones for painting

 
How to Make Stones Stand Upright

If your rock is wobbly and you would like it to stand upright, read this tip for adding a base.

Learn how to add a base to stones

 
What Are the Best Brushes for Rock Painting?

You can use any brush to paint rocks (and I have many) but I keep returning to the same three brushes. Learn about my favorite brushes.

Learn about my favorite brushes

 
What Type of Paint is Best for Rocks and Stones?

Acrylic paint and craft acrylic both work well on rocks. The difference between them is the craft acrylic is thinner and more paint applications may be necessary. Learn about specialty paints you can also use on rocks.

Learn about specialty paints for rocks

 
Can I Use Sharpies on Painted Rocks?

Regular Sharpie markers smear and change color when a sealer is applied. Learn about paint pens suitable for rocks.

Learn more about these paint pens

How to Correct Mistakes on Painted Rocks

Learn how to fix a mistake while painting a rock and after it's finished (but before it's been sealed).

Learn how to fix mistakes on painted rocks

How to Seal and Protect Painted Rocks

Painted rocks beg to be picked up and admired and by applying a sealant, the colors remain true and the life of the painted rock is extended.  

• Learn about brush-on sealers
• Learn about spray-on sealers 

How to Display Painted Rocks - Store-Bought and DIY Solutions

You can display painted rocks by using wooden, metal and plastic display easels, a plate stand, or DIY stand made from drapery slip-on hooks. Learn how to make your own display stand and see other options here.  


Optional Household Items

• These inexpensive household items make rock painting easier and less messy
• DIY Paint Palettes

Can't Draw? No Problem
Create colorful painted stones with this no-draw technique.

Learn how to paint these stones - no drawing required

You  can trace a pattern onto a rock and paint it.

Learn how to trace a pattern onto a rock

 
Where to Find Rock Painting Ideas

• Tutorials
• Free Lessons
• Rock Art!: Painting and Crafting with the Humble Pebble
• Lin Wellford Rock Painting Books

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My Favorite Tools and Supplies

I use these tools and supplies regularly to paint rocks and recommend them. (I may receive a commission for the purchase of products when you click on certain links in this post.)

• Caribbean Beach Pebbles - I love painting on these semi-smooth, white stones
• Liquitex Super Heavy Gesso - Primes my pitted stones
• Nail Art Brush Set - These are great for getting paint into the tight spaces of my design(s)
• Royal & Langnickel Script Liner Brush - My go-to brush for painting thin lines and detailing
• Sakura Pigma Micron Pen - I use the 08 size for writing on stones
• Posca Paint Pens - The best markers for painted rocks
• Embossing-Stylus Set - For tracing a design onto a rock with graphite transfer paper and also used as dotting tools
• Paint Eraser - A handy tool for wiping away mistakes while the paint is still wet
• E6000 Glue - Attaches stones together
• Americana DuraClear Satin Varnish - My favorite brush-on sealer
• Pink Soap - Conditions my brushes to extend their life

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks