Shorter days. Longer nights. As we start hibernating through the season, winter offers a wonderful opportunity to embrace creativity and bring in a little cosy glow of light. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your sketchbook, crafting projects, or simply something fun to do on a chilly day, this blog has 12 winter art prompts for you to try.
These prompts are perfect for artists, crafters, and anyone looking to bring a little extra creativity into their winter days. You can sketch, paint, sculpt... there are no rules as to how you create and the prompts are simply a launchpad for your own unique expression. There will also be a 👉Beginners Starting Point note with each one - so if a prompt seems too much, feel free to simplify. Grab a warm drink, your favourite art supplies, and let’s get started!
12 Winter Art Prompts
1. Frosty Forest
Draw a woodland scene covered in frost. You can make this as magical looking as you like, or keep it realistic. You might want to include some delicate icicles, snow-covered branches, and perhaps a shy winter animal, like a fox or hare, peeking out from behind a tree.
👉Beginners Starting Point: Draw a tree covered in frost or snow. Add simple details like snowflakes falling around it.
2. Cosy Corner
Where would you like to cosy up this season? Illustrate your dream cosy corner for winter. You might include warm blankets, steaming mugs, fairy lights, or books piled high, it's up to you!
👉Beginners Starting Point: Sketch a steaming mug of tea or hot chocolate on a table.
3. Winter Sky
Winter skies are like no other - ranging from crisp and bright to cloudy and grey. Capture the beauty of a winter sky: whether it be dramatic clouds, a pastel sunset, or a starlit night with shimmering constellations.
👉Beginners Starting Point: Try drawing a simple sunset or a starry night sky. Use dots and soft shading for stars.
4. Festive Wreath
Do you hang a wreath on your door at this time of year? Design a unique winter wreath, with whatever makes you smile. Will you go for adding natural elements like holly, mistletoe, pinecones, or dried orange slices, or take it in a new direction, adding things only you can think up?
👉Beginners Starting Point: Draw a circle and decorate it with simple shapes like leaves, berries, or bows.
5. Favourite Films
Do you love watching particular movies at this time of year? Pick a favourite and think of a detail which reminds you of it - then draw that. For example, I love Muppet Christmas Carol and there's a moment where Rizzo says "Mother always taught me. "Never eat singing food"". So, I could draw some singing vegetables!
👉Beginners Starting Point: Pick some words which remind you of a favourite film. Use these words to practise lettering - try out different fonts and play!
6. Seasonal Treats
Sketch your favourite winter treats, whether you enjoy mince pies or hot chocolate with marshmallows. Add some creative toppings or garnishes for extra flair!
👉Beginners Starting Point: Sketch a winter treat, like a mince pie or a candy cane, focusing on the shapes and patterns.
7. Snow Globe
Create a design for your own snow globe. What scene would you capture inside—an idyllic village, a bustling ice rink, or something completely unexpected?
👉Beginners Starting Point: Draw a simple snow globe with one item inside—like a tree, snowman, or tiny house.
8. Knitted Cosiness
Draw a knitted scarf, hat, or jumper with intricate patterns. Bonus points for experimenting with textures or bold colour schemes!
👉Beginners Starting Point: Create a pattern of lines and loops to represent knitting. You can draw a scarf or a small square piece.
9. Chilly Critters
Explore the wildlife of wintery landscapes: polar bears, snowy owls, wolves, reindeer, or penguins. Add a touch of personality to your creatures - whatever that means to you!
👉Beginners Starting Point: Choose a single animal, like a penguin or polar bear, and focus on its basic shape. Keep it playful and cartoonish.
10. The First Snow
Illustrate a moment when snow starts to fall, whether it’s in a peaceful countryside setting or a busy city street. Is anyone trying to catch a flake on their tongue? Or watching from a window?
👉Beginners Starting Point: Draw a snowy ground with snowflakes falling from the sky. Use simple dots or stars for the flakes.
11. Candlelit Glow
Draw a collection of candles casting a warm glow, surrounded by wintry shadows and reflections.
👉Beginners Starting Point: Sketch a single candle with a glowing flame. Add a circle of light around it to show its warmth.
12. Winter Folktale
Try and picture a scene from a winter-inspired story. It could be from your imagination or from a well known folk-tale like The Snow Queen.
👉Beginners Starting Point: Think of just one character from your story. Draw them in the middle of your page, and perhaps add snowflakes or stars floating around them.
I hope these 12 winter prompts spark some ideas and bring a little extra creativity to your season. Whether you’re sketching, painting, sculpting or making, I’d love to see what you create! Share your drawings or crafts with me on Instagram (tag me @gemmathepen).
What else inspires you during winter? Perhaps the crunch of snow underfoot, the twinkle of lights in the dark, or the warmth of a roaring fire? Let me know your favourite wintertime muses and let's share some creative inspiration ❄️💛
Thanks for reading,
Keep making happy,
Gemma
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