I want to take up painting and I'm particularly interested on landscape scenes and such. But, I really have no idea on how to get started. I would really rather not take classes but try to work it out on my own and I really don't mind the trial and error part. Anyone have any ideas on how I could start? Materials? Methods? Books?
PS: I've seen some prices in stores and everything seems expensive...how do i keep costs down?
2006-08-06 14:37:26 · 6 answers · asked by Kenyath 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
Dabble in watercolors using the appropriate egg-shell paper. The colors are inexpensive, easy to clean up, and require no thinning except water. You have plenty of that.
Sketch out your landscape and provide as much detail as you believe is sufficient. Paint your scenes flat on a table until you get the right consistency of water mix. Don't concern yourself with acquiring an easel until you've developed a grasp at beginning painting.
It would be good to know your primary colors and what combinations make different hues, but you'll learn much as you go along.
Above all, experiment with your scenes and enjoy.
2006-08-06 15:05:04 · answer #1 · answered by Guitarpicker 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can rent videos and cd's of artists' instruction. Or Public Television has a half hour show everyday (1:00 pm in my area), watch and as the artists work, they chat, you'll pick up a gazzilion tips. Just start, don't worry about anyone seeing it, you can gesso over it if you can't stand what has happened. There are no mistakes, only happy accidents! I paint, and I will tell you that each one reaches a point that I say Arrrgh and want to stop, but if I put it where I can look at it for awhile (days, sometimes) then go back to it and let my brain take over and it usually comes out wonderfully. The sub-conscience works on it in the background of your mind. Most of all, don't worry about what you create, everyone is different and art is subjective. Create what You want. You'll learn as you go, I promise! You don't have to paint on canvas, any surface will do. Or use canvas boards, they're inexpensive. Acrylics are cheap and easy to clean-up (they are water based). There are inexpensive brushes in dept. stores and art supplies outlets. Get either soft nylon type or the white-ish chinese bristle brushes, depending on your size that you want to paint. (soft for fine, small detailing) Watch an instruction video of say, Bob Ross, Jerry Yarnell, etc. Good Luck! Go CREATE!!!!!!! It feels GREAT.
2006-08-06 16:39:41 · answer #2 · answered by Rider of Spirit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd strongly suggest a class to get the basics. I know you aren't looking for that response, but believe me, you will be much happier learning how to use those expensive materials rather than wasting them because you have no clue about color theory or composition. That being said, if you still insist on doing it yourself, the link below has a lot of tips and tutiorials that may help.
As far as materials, first read some of the stuff on that site and then go to Utrechtart.com (link below) to buy your paints and brushes. It's a lot less expensive than in a store and the quality is excellent.
Good luck!
2006-08-06 15:55:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Art is pretty expensive so if you're working on the sketches, development etc. etc. use cheaper paints first. Try to focus on the tones and shades (try using only black and water first) rather than onthe colors. Get a good book!
Also decided what kind of style you want to paint. Impressionism, Renaissance, Pointilism, Modernism etc etc. Study those and see how artists painted- brush strokes, use of colors, choice of medium.
Yup! Be creative! Painting is fun!
2006-08-07 00:45:34 · answer #4 · answered by bigfatsmiles 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bob Ross He uses basic brushes and basic colors and makes beautiful landscapes in half an hour with simple techniques. I haven't ventured into landscapes yet but if I did, he'd be where I started. I've took up one stroke painting with Donna Dewberry though and caught on pretty quick, she teaches mostly decor painting, flowers, birds, fruit, leaves, vines, and ribbons.
2006-08-06 16:02:55 · answer #5 · answered by Nancy D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get some training and technical information in http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=31
It is the Landscape Forum of wetcanvas.com a great site for budding artists and its free.
2006-08-06 20:16:02 · answer #6 · answered by ivy_surya 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋