Art For Beginners : Why Learn To Paint ?

Everything you need to know about taking up painting !

Here’s everything you need to know about taking up painting, including how to get started, where to get inspiration from and the tips on doing it from home.

Whether it’s painting, drawing or colouring, art is a wonderful activity to take up. Not only is it very mindful, helping to ease symptoms of anxiety that daily life can bring, but there’s also something lovely about the creative aspect. The satisfaction of having something you’ve painted in front of you, no matter how ‘good’ it is, is truly empowering.

Here are some tips for getting started :

Tip #1 Choosing Your Medium

When it comes to paints, there are many different types you to choose from. The three main ones are watercolours, oils or acrylics. So where do you begin?

It’s all about what works for you and your situation, I am a big advocate of trial and error. If one doesn’t work for you and you have the flexibility, then don’t stress about it; simply move on and try another one.

Some people prefer oils, some acrylic but until you try them you won't know. Oils do tend to be more expensive , so if you're budgeting I'd recommend starting with acrylics or water colours.

You’ll need a set of paint brushes,try to get a variety of sizes. It's also recommended to use art paper rather than printing paper, which tends to be quite thin. You can also try canvas boards or canvases for substrates but starting on paper is always a good way to go .Make sure you are working with the right paper as it can make a difference, especially with watercolours, but these days you can buy pads of mixed-media paper which simplifies things.

Have a look at the description on the pad of paper you are buying to make sure it suits the type of paints you’ve chosen.

Tip#2 - Where To Get Inspiration

Once you’ve got all your materials, putting paintbrush to paper might still seem daunting if you don’t know what to create.

Inspiration can come from everywhere, from the vase of flowers on your table to the view you see out your window .Choose something simple and go for it.

If you have access to a garden or a park then flowers, trees, squirrels and birds are good subjects.

If you are completely restricted in your choices, then a classic still-life composition ,such as your fruit bowl can be very enjoyable.

Scrolling through your camera roll might provide some inspiration too, or even just seeing where your paint brush takes you can be fun!

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” — Pablo Picasso

Tip #3 - Setting Up Your Creative Space

Make some space somewhere comfortable, painting at home is great and doesn't take up much space as you can use the kitchen table or even the floor to work on. Make sure you have somewhere that you can leave your work to dry, watercolours in particular, will need to lie flat for a while.

Also make sure you have a good source of light , if you can set up by a window its perfect !

Tip #4 - What To Do If It's Not Quite Right ?

Painting might be harder than it looks, but it’s about creativity, not perfection. If what you’re working on doesn’t come out the way you want it to, be kind to your self and remember you are learning something new !!!

The final painting is not really that important in the beginning, what matters is how you feel as you create it. If you enjoy it, then it is very successful indeed and can never be considered ‘rubbish’. If it doesn’t quite work out how you intend, then consider it a first draft and therefore part of a work-in-progress.

Painting is a challenge and takes time to learn but theres no wrong or right in art, every artwork is different and unique.Keep persisting and I guarantee you'll improve.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to begin with. Painting is relaxing, comforting and a good hobby to concentrate on.

Tip #5 - When To Consider Taking A Class

If you reach a point that you just need to move to the next level , you desire to better the look of your art , if you feel bored and need a new challenge , you need to push your self further this is the time to consider taking a class or two .

Resources for classes :

I have some great classes & workshops on my site https://www.tanalynn.com/shop

You can also find many fantastic tutorials on youtube!