35 Fun + Creative Rock Painting Ideas for Beginners

Every summer, my family collects rocks from the beach and brings them home to paint. We sign our names, write the date, and leave our rock art outside as a reminder of every great summer that passes.

Painting rocks is a great way to have fun with the whole family and create lasting keepsakes. It helps you connect with nature and can honestly be a therapeutic way to express creativity. You'd never guess that rocks would make the perfect canvas!

After years of painting rocks, we sometimes need a little inspiration for new rock ideas. In this post, we're sharing 35+ of the best rock painting ideas to start with!

Our Favorite Rock Painting Supplies

Here's what you'll need to get started with this fun project:

Rocks: Part of the fun of rock painting is finding the rocks! Smooth rocks work best for this fun activity. Look for smooth stones in nature or buy them at your local craft store. We can usually find perfect rocks by the ocean or lake, but you can also buy bags at your local home improvement store.
Paint or Acrylic Paint Pens: Acrylic paint works the best for rock painting. I love using acrylic pens for precise control. If you're not sure which paint to buy, check out my guide on the best paints for rock painting! Pro Tip: Use bright colors to make your rocks pop!
Dotting Tools: Great for mandala rocks
Paint Brushes
Sealant

Basic Steps for Rock Painting

Honestly, there's no wrong way to paint rocks. Here are the basic steps to make sure you can design the perfect rock that lasts for years!

1. Prep

- Give your rocks a quick wash and let them dry in the sun to help your paint stick better.

- Apply a base coat of white acrylic paint or mod podge. Using a base layer is the best way to make sure you have a smooth surface for your rock art.

2. Design

- For best results, sketch your design using a pencil. This will help you visualize the different colors and layers you'll need before starting.

3. Paint

- Layer: Start by painting background colors or large areas with a paint brush. Let each layer dry before adding another.

- Detail: Use paint sticks or dotting tools to add smaller lines, details, or features of your design.

- Seal: In order to protect your rock art from the elements, it's a great idea to seal them. I like to use Mod Podge but you can also use a spray-on sealer like Rustoleum spray. For detailed instructions on sealing your rocks, check out this post.

35+ Creative Rock Painting Ideas for All Skill Levels

One of the best things about rock projects is that they're fun for all ages from young children to adults. There's something for everyone on this list of easy painting ideas

Animal Rock Painting Ideas

If you're an animal lover, these fun ideas are great for kids of all ages. Younger children will love to paint rocks with their favorite animal! You can even keep them as rock pets or use them with a rock farm.

Penguin Rock

With a little black and white paint you can create an adorable penguin! This is an easy rock for beginners to start with.

Ladybug Rocks

This fun design is a popular choice for rock painting. Flat rocks make the perfect ladybug shape! I love the extra touch of the googly eyes.

Birds

There's something about these birds that are just so cute! I think it's the big, expressive eyes. If you make a lot of these cute painted rocks you can have a whole flock!

Stylish Giraffe

This cool giraffe is the perfect choice for older kids that like to express their style. Add sunglasses to any animal for a fun twist!

Colorful Fish

I absolutely love the bright colors used in this fun rock idea. These fish rocks are also a great way to practice blending!

Magic Snake Rock

If you collect lots of rocks, try this fun rock snake. Paint all of the stones black and then add colorful designs using paint markers. For a realistic looking snake, make sure to use a different size rock for the head and tail.

Food Rock Painting Ideas

If you've been following along for a while, you know I love making miniature food with my art students. I can't wait to try one of these food rock ideas with them!

Watermelon Painted Rocks

Watermelon is the perfect summer snack and these watermelon rocks are so much fun to paint! A great project for younger kids to start with.

Garden Marker Rocks

I love the idea of painting rocks to use as garden markers or for a rock garden in an outside play area. A garden is the perfect place for painted rocks!

Ice Cream Painted Rocks

How cute are these ice cream rocks? Painting ice cream is one of those easy ways to get kids excited about an art project.

Burger Painted Rocks

This burger looks so realistic, you could almost bite right into it! This is a great craft for older kids.

Donut Painted Rocks

I make clay donuts with my students all the time, but these rock donuts would make great additions to our art lessons.

M&M Painted Rocks

If you have a lot of small rocks, these M&M painted rocks are perfect. I love how it looks like a bite is taken out of them.

Character Rock Painting Ideas

If you want to take your rock painting to the next level, try making a colorful rock inspired by your favorite characters! You're guaranteed to have a great time.

Star Wars Rocks

These star wars rocks are so cool! I love the small details.

SpongeBob & Patrick

Are kids still watching SpongeBob? If so, these character rocks are sure to be a hit.

Monster Rocks

This is the best idea for young children because you pretty much can't mess it up. The monsters turn out so cute and the googly eyes give the best touch!

Emojis

Teenagers will love making emoji rocks. Then they can trade them back and forth like they're "texting" - how fun!

Minions

Minions are honestly the perfect shape for rock painting and these look so fun to make!

Cactus Pet Rocks

If you're not ready to get your little one a real pet yet, encourage them to paint a pet rock. These pet cactus rocks are super cute but there are tons of other ideas too!

Holiday Rock Painting Ideas

I always love doing crafts with my whole family around the holidays, so here are some holiday rock ideas to add to your list.

Jack-O-Lantern Rocks

These are one of the most simple ways to make rock painting super fun. Paint some jack-o-lanterns and set them out on your front porch!

Sugar Skull Mandala Rocks

We celebrate Day of the Dead in art class by making sugar skulls. Maybe this year we'll paint them on rocks!

Snowman Painted Rocks

How cool is it that you can mix and match these snowmen? This doubles as a craft and a fun game or educational activity!

Turkey Painted Rocks

Using painted rocks in mixed media projects is one of my favorite tips, and these turkey rocks are a great way to do that.

Grinch Rocks

Celebrate Christmas by painting a Grinch inspired rock.

Valentine Painted Rocks

Looking for a creative Valentine's Day gift? These cute rock ideas from Messy Little Monster make the perfect gift.

Kindness Rocks

Have you heard of the kindness rocks project? People paint rocks with words of encouragement or an inspirational message and leave them for others to find when they need them most. It is such an awesome way to use painted rocks!

Positive Word Rocks

Paint some positive phrases to motivate someone on a rainy day.

Inspirational Quotes

Draw inspiration from some famous quotes that always motivate you.

Notes to Self

Remind yourself of how awesome you are - because you are totally awesome!

Be Brave Mandala Rock

Mandala rock painting is a big thing right now. It's so therapeutic and makes beautiful rocks - check out my beginner's guide to get started with this design inspired by Artisto.

Thinking of You Metallic Rock

Give this rock to someone to let them know they're on your mind.

Throw Kindness Like Glitter

As an artists, I love glitter. Why not add it to our rock art? Plus, it reminds us to be kind!

More Creative Painted Rock Ideas

There are honestly endless rock painting ideas. Here are some of my favorites that fit into their own category.

Galaxy Painted Rocks

These rocks remind me of the view of the starts you get when visiting national parks. The galaxy effect is so cool and easier to achieve than you'd think!

Tic Tac Toe Rocks

Turn small rocks into an interactive tic-tac-toe game. This design just uses "X" and "O" but you can paint different animals, smiley faces, or anything really!

Domino Rocks

Going camping soon? Paint yourself a set of domino rocks to play at the campsite!

Color Block Rock Magnets

Use black lines and bright colors to create really unique color block rocks. This tutorial from Alisa Burke also shows you how to turn them into magnets.

Pour Paint Rocks

Have you ever tried pour painting or hydro dipping before? The results are so cool!

Heart Mandala Rocks

There's just something I love about mandala rocks, especially this one from The Painted Pebble with a little heart.

What to Do With Your Painted Rocks

Not sure what to do with your rocks now that you've painted them? Use them as DIY home decor on you front porch, as a rock garden or farm for your toddler, or give them as a meaningful present. Painted rocks make great gifts!

Check and see if your area has a local rock group you can join where you can share your rock art designs.

Happy Crafting

Painting rocks is a fun art activity that’s easy to get started with, especially using the best rock painting ideas we’ve shared. Whether you’re crafting for home decor or for fun, these projects will bring so much creativity and joy.

Don't forget to check out my tips & tricks for rock painting for beginners and the best supplies to use for rock painting.

35 Fun + Creative Rock Painting Ideas for Beginners