Choose painting designs for your group

The right design is one your painters can enjoy finishing in the time you have. This guide covers how much detail suits a group, whether everyone paints the same design, and what to check before you decide.

How much detail suits your group

Forgiving subjects, with bold shapes and some open space, let first-time painters finish something they like.

Design feature Often suits Watch for
Large open areas Children, first-time painters, shorter sessions Confident painters may want more to do
Many small shapes Confident painters, longer sessions Small brushes and patience; can frustrate beginners
Lettering Names, dates, short phrases Letters need enough room to paint inside
Simple background A quicker finish Large areas still take time to cover; keep the main subject distinct from the background
Detailed background Painters who enjoy detail Takes noticeably longer

One design or a choice

One design for everyone is easy to explain, and every painting still looks different because people choose their own colors.

A choice of designs helps when ages or interests differ. One order can include several designs, each with its own quantity, and each canvas carries one design. Two to four choices are usually enough; ask people to pick ahead so you can order the right number of each. Buying for a group covers quantities.

Size and orientation

Custom canvases currently come in 8 × 10 and 11 × 14 inches, portrait or landscape. The smaller size suits bold, simpler designs and shorter sessions; the larger one leaves more room for detail and lettering. See choosing a canvas size and orientation.

Questions to ask before you choose

About the group

  • How old are the painters, and have most of them painted before?
  • Will anyone need larger shapes, more time or a different seat?
  • Does the theme suit everyone attending?

About the time

  • How long is painting time once arrival and cleanup are taken out?
  • Do people need to take canvases home at the end?

About the design

  • Are the shapes big enough for your smallest brushes?
  • Is any lettering spelled correctly and large enough to paint?
  • Do you have permission to use any logo or character?

When you want your own design

You can send a finished outline, photo, sketch, logo or idea through the custom order form, or email info@canvaspaintparty.com to arrange your request. We turn your reference into a paintable outline as needed; viewing or approving a preview is optional. Online self-service ordering is not available yet. See names, wording and logos for lettering and artwork considerations.

Themes that fit the occasion

Some groups need imagery their community has approved, such as faith groups (church and faith groups) or schools. Characters, team logos and brand marks need permission from whoever owns them.

Seeing real designs

Compare designs side by side before you decide: look at how open the shapes are and where the detail sits.

Online ordering is not available yet.

Keep planning

Canvas Paint Party supplies physical pre-outlined canvases and optional paint kits. Your organizer arranges the venue, facilitation and other event supplies. Ask about a custom canvas or contact us about group supplies.

Choose your next planning task