animal crossing basic painting

Ever walked into Blathers’ museum and stared at a canvas wondering, “Is this just a fancy rectangle or actual art?” Well, friend, you’re not alone. The animal crossing basic painting—known in-game as the "Common Painting"—is your first brush (pun absolutely intended) with fine art in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Unlike its flashier cousins like the Mona Lisa or The Scream, this one’s the quiet kid in art class who somehow ends up on everyone’s wall. It’s a modest portrait of a dude in Renaissance garb—think ruffled collar, soulful eyes, and zero drama. The animal crossing basic painting isn’t rare, but it’s iconic in its simplicity. And honestly? That’s kind of beautiful.

Blathers might call it “unremarkable,” but Jolly Redd’s got a soft spot for this one—and so do we. The animal crossing basic painting is among the most frequently restocked artworks at Redd’s sketchy boat shop. Why? Because it’s low-risk, high-reward for him: cheap to “acquire,” easy to pass off as legit, and villagers? They’ll slap it on their walls like it’s a Banksy. In terms of game mechanics, the animal crossing basic painting is classified as a genuine piece—no fake version exists. Yep, you read that right. While other paintings come with sinister twins sporting extra eyebrows or missing eyes, this one’s 100% authentic every. single. time. So if Redd’s hawking it for 4,980 Bells, just say, “Aight, bet.”

“Basic” doesn’t mean “boring,” y’all. In the wild world of Animal Crossing interior design, the animal crossing basic painting is like your trusty white tee—neutral, versatile, and goes with literally everything. You won’t find collectors scrambling to trade turnips for it, but don’t sleep on its aesthetic charm. It’s the only painting that never comes counterfeit, which, in a sea of forgeries, feels like a quiet act of rebellion. Plus, it’s free real estate in your museum if you haven’t donated it yet. Think of the animal crossing basic painting as your starter Picasso—humble, honest, and always in style.

Here’s the kicker: you can’t get a fake animal crossing basic painting. Unlike the Wistful Painting (watch those eyes!) or the Twinkling Painting (check that star count!), the Common Painting has no counterfeit counterpart. So if you see it in Redd’s lineup, buy it with confidence. The game literally coded it as “always real.” That means zero stress, zero art fraud anxiety, and 100% peace of mind. In a game where even your coffee beans could be haunted, the animal crossing basic painting is the one thing you can trust like your grandma’s cornbread recipe.

Whether your vibe is cottagecore, industrial chic, or “I threw furniture at the wall and called it decor,” the animal crossing basic painting slides right in. Hang it above a vintage sofa for old-money energy, pair it with a globe and typewriter for writer’s den realness, or go full maximalist by stacking it with mismatched frames. The neutral tones—creams, browns, soft blacks—make it a palette chameleon. And since it’s small (1x1), you can tuck it anywhere: a hallway, a bathroom nook, even your BFF’s house as a passive-aggressive housewarming gift. Honestly, the animal crossing basic painting is the unsung hero of wall decor.

Redd’s inventory rotates daily, and while it’s not guaranteed, the animal crossing basic painting shows up more often than your neighbor asking to borrow sugar (or in this case, Bells). On average, players report seeing it once every 2–3 visits. Since Redd appears randomly—usually once every week or two—that means you’ll likely spot the animal crossing basic painting at least monthly if you’re checking regularly. And because it’s always genuine, it’s worth snagging even if you already own one. Got a friend still rocking bare walls? Hook ‘em up. Be the art angel your island deserves.

The animal crossing basic painting is modeled after Portrait of a Young Man by 17th-century Dutch painter Gerrit Dou—a student of Rembrandt, no less. Dou was known for his meticulous detail and luminous realism, and while the in-game version simplifies it (thanks, Nintendo polygon budget), the soul remains. It’s wild to think your tiny pixelated island hosts a nod to Golden Age Dutch art. So next time you pass that painting, tip your cap—this ain’t just decor; it’s a centuries-old flex disguised as “basic.” The animal crossing basic painting bridges 1650s Leiden and your 2025 virtual backyard, and that’s kinda poetic.

Heck yeah, you can! Drop an animal crossing basic painting in a villager’s mailbox or hand it to them directly, and watch their eyes light up like you just handed them a golden watering can. Most villagers—especially snooty or normal types—go gaga for classic art. Raymond might call it “quaint,” but trust us, he’ll hang it above his tiny espresso machine. Gifting the animal crossing basic painting is a low-effort, high-reward way to boost friendship points, especially if you’ve already maxed out on turnips and socks. Plus, seeing it in their homes? Chef’s kiss. It’s like your taste lives on through them.

Let’s break it down real quick. Among the “common” tier of paintings—those that aren’t ultra-rare or museum-exclusive—the animal crossing basic painting stands out because it’s the only one with zero fake variants. Compare that to the Worthy Painting (fake has a halo), the Warm Painting (fake has a weird hat), or the Scary Painting (fake is… well, scarier). Statistically speaking, the animal crossing basic painting is the safest buy in Redd’s entire catalog. Here’s a quick comparison:

See that? The animal crossing basic painting is the only one you can grab blindfolded and still win.

Alright, listen up, design gurus and casual islanders alike. First: don’t underestimate the power of repetition. Line five animal crossing basic painting frames in a gallery wall for a minimalist statement that screams “I have taste, but I’m not tryin’ too hard.” Second: mix it with DIY furniture. A wooden shelf, some potted herbs, and that trusty portrait? Instant #cottagevibes. Third: use it as a placeholder while you hunt rarer art—its neutrality won’t clash with future finds. And hey, if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed by your island’s chaos, just stare at the animal crossing basic painting. That dude’s been calm through plagues, wars, and now your turnip debt. You got this.

For more art wisdom, swing by our Brandon Kralik, dive into the full collection at Paintings, or geek out on dynamic decor with our deep-dive on Animal Crossing Moving Painting Dynamic art.

References

• https://animalcrossing.fandom.com/wiki/Common_Painting
• https://www.eurogamer.net/animal-crossing-new-horizons-museum-art-guide
• https://www.gamesradar.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons-art-fakes-list/
• https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/animal-crossing-new-horizons-switch/