I feel like once upon a time, my Sims would paint a different thing each time they took a turn at the easel. But these days, it's only the same one - a green image, possibly an impressionist painting of a stone bridge with moss growing on it... I'm sure you know the one. And they'll do it over and over again. Did I download some CC at some point that caused this? Is it due to a combo of talent/aspiration/motivation levels? Anyone know what the issue might be? Is there an improved easel that I could be using? I don't have FreeTime, so I get it that my options might be a bit limited.

You can choose custom images for sims to paint by putting images in the Paintings folder (apparently came with Pets, so you should have it).

Or you can use the options to paint portrait and paint still life.

Both unlock at level 5 Creativity.

These are the basic paintings that they'll otherwise paint. https://sims.fandom.com/wiki/Painti...lery/The_Sims_2

Apparently they unlock each set of 3 at a higher Creativity level, so once they're at the top level I'm guessing that they'll only paint one of the top ones.

Cool, good to know.

For every 2-3 points there are spesific pictures sims paint, which alternate between a couple different. I think there are twelve in all. If you keep seeing the same each time, it's likely because they've reached the highest painting level, and keep 50/50-ing between the top two paintings, likely hitting the odds with that spesific one every time.

If you're sick of the same paintings, there are painting defaults you can use (maybe alternate between), or you can do what's suggested above, with using custom images for the paintings, or use the portrait/still life options (works similar to using the BV or Uni camera, but they paint the image on the easel).

If you want to get really creative, there is a Mod from Anoeska, sorry I can't give more, that allows you to make Custom paintings on Horizontal and Square canvases.
It opens up a completely new game.
If you don't know, Custom paintings (standard rectangular) are 3x5 ratio, maximum size 600KB.
I have over 500 Custom paintings ready to go, once you get the hang of it, it's Fun and Easy.

Mod here. https://honeywell-mts.tumblr.com/po...shiftable-jessa