First steps to learn painting?

Question

I want to try a new creative outlet and haven't painted since I was a kid. How do I start out doing this?

Answer 1

Okay, here are some ideas on getting started. Go to your local art store, here's basic materials: canvas pad (pre-made canvas-like material made in a sketchbook format, look for it around the sketchbooks, cheap, frameable), Basic (cheapest, that's the name) and Liquitex acrylic paints (suggestions: titanium white, mars black, crimson red, pthalo blue, cadmium yellow, pthalo green, orange, payne's gray, burnt sienna), set of synthetic bristle brushes (can be found in value packs), books (one on acrylic techniques and another of famous paintings).
Okay, now how to make it fun: don't be focus on mastering the craft. I've been painting for over ten years and have the most fun experimenting with different techniques. In the past, I've painted with the idea to sell and each work turned out less than what I wanted; when I kept an open-mind, I usually surprised myself and others. Break the comfort zone and show yourself what you're capable of.

Answer 2

Open your eyes.

That is not supposed to be sarcastic since painters first need to look carefully before they paint or draw.

Then maybe some would disagree but I would say that you should just start drawing and painting all the time with a variety of materials.

Take classes if possible but be very careful to get flexible not rigid teachers or profs since some do much more harm than good since they do not tolerate a variety of styles and even real creativity.

Answer 3

It's important to get to familiarize yourself again with different materials. Try to find a class, or a book that will teach you the proper basics. Also, have you decided what kind of paint you want to use? Watercolor, acrylic, oil? take it one step at a time, and don't be intimidated or overwhelmed. this should be a fun experience for you. Don't worry about creativity because that will come out naturally. Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

The two answers above me are both right.

But two things here: Learn a little about basic techniques (it will save you a lot of time and wasted paint) and just do it. Don't worry about making mistakes. They can always be painted over. And if you have any problems with certain techniques I'm sure there will be some local artists who will be happy to help you through them.

Answer 5

Other than what most have mentioned already here, I would highly recommend this book,,"The Oil Painting Book" by Bill Creevy, isbn 0-8230-3274-4, especially the chapter on Glazing.

Answer 6

well, in my opinion all you need to have is paint and a canvas or paper or wtv u want to use. you don't actually have to "learn" anything on how to paint because yoou just have to paint anyway you want and everyone who sees it will interpret it a different way. so therefore you can make somehting abstract and it will be beautiful for everyone but in a different way. its really not that complicated.

Answer 7

Get a book on basics. Brushes (sizes, styles, uses, types, etc) Paint (bases, colors, mixing, applications, curing,) and media (canvas, masonite {my favorite}, glass, metal, etc).

Then you can look for the basic styles of art. Realism, surrealism, impressionism, cubism, etc.

Good luck.

Answer 8

Most hobby and craft stores offer good and inexpensive classes,( supplies included) that will help you get started. If you know of someone who paints, better yet.

Answer 9

If you don't have the time or money to take a class, I'd buy a book for beginning painters.

Answer 10

art is anything you want it to be. Art is just "being"..