I don't know for sure what kind of painting I want to do yet. This is a new idea for a hobby for me, any ideas? I also would like a link for a nice sample picture to do. I want some kind of scenery w/o houses or animals or anything like that. I want it to look kind of, untouched by anything. I would really appreciate some advise on this! Thanks for your help!

EDIT - reread your post so here is an updated response:

I really suggest taking a ride to find scenic images to photograph....maybe some mountains or a prairie...OR just do a google search for large images of mountains, oceans, scenes you like.....there is SO MUCH out there, it would be so tough to pick something that really appeals to you personally it has to be personal to you.

I do not think you should replicate another artists work....whats the point? Replicating the STYLE or technique is OK but not the exact work.

If you would like to really get into painting, here are some other tips for you on creative unique works of art:

I'd start off doing a still life...pick something you like in your house. Get a table. put a nice cloth on the table, put the object on the table (this could be a flower, a candle, whatever!). Add some lighting that gives good light/dark contrast and some nice shadows.

Then sketch it out first in pencil, OR do paint wash and "sketch" your still life into the wash.....slowly add layers of paint....

What kind of paint are you using? You shouldn't just go and copy a picture, what kind of satisifaction is that? You should try to create or compose something new that doesn't exist!

I'd start w/ still lifes, then move on to something else....

YOU COULD take different pictures you like and put them together in a nice composition on your canvas too...

AND a third idea to keep it real: Go take some pictures w/ your own camera (or borrow a friends if you don't have one)....of subject matter YOU LIKE...then get them printed and pick one or a few to use as reference for painting!

*You will get much more satisfaction out of creating an original work of art, rather than recreating a picture, or artwork someone else has done.

Have fun! Painting is the BEST!

**Also if your finding your having a tough time, maybe find time to take a painting class, it really helps make a world of difference in what you can learn!