How can I learn to paint?

Answer 1

You can read anout techniques or get instructed, or both...but to learn how to paint is not the same as being able to paint well. To do that, you must paint, paint, paint. Like learning how to play the piano...you gotta do it. After a hundred or so canvases, and dozens of educated critiques...you'll be getting the hang of it. One of the keys is NOT to try to emulate someone else's style. Apply the paint in the manner that feels right. Learn the medium - how it flows, what happens when two colors are put down next to each other...and remember,..mix the value first, then lay it down..and don't mush it around. Good luck!

Answer 2

Well experimentation has always worked well for me. Just don't be afraid of making a mess. You will get better the more you do.

If you like to draw?...Then I would suggest that you start with a simple drawing in pencil or ink and use watercolours and a largish brush to lay in watery washes to the back ground. Try adding more colours while the washes are still damp. When you have done the back ground try using a medium pointed brush to add smaller washes to the main object in the picture. When everything is dry you can add a few tiny details with a small brush to finish it off.

If you don't want to draw first it is probably wise to choose a simple landscape to start with. One wet wash for the sky up to the horizon (2/3s up from the bottom is fine) and one wash for the ground, adding a bit more water and a bit more water so that the wash goes weaker towards the horizon. when dry try adding a couple of trees and a path perhaps. The little details will bring a simple painting alive - birds in the sky...fence posts receding into the distance...green shrubbery/grass...people etc

Looking at other peoples paintings may help also. You can find lots of artwork on the Internet. Here are some of mine www.artwanted.com/Elizzabeth

There are a lot of 'how to books' on painting. You can borrow plenty of good books for free from your local library.

www.watercolourpainting.com is a really nice step by step painting site that you may like or you could always enrol at a college to learn or ask around to see if you have a local arts club that you could join.

Answer 3

when i was a kid i used to watch my talented sister draw and i wasnt able to draw a straight line without using a ruler well i was able to draw hearts because i was in love anyway years later i drew some paintings (really horrible) i kept on trying and trying and now my brother says that some of my paintings could be sold for more than $1000....or the easy way just attend classes which i dont recommend unless you are really helpless because classes will not teach how to admire what you can do...you'll know that you have a chance in learning how to paint when you draw something which you feel you can never give to anybody thats why my paintings arent for sale

Answer 4

Start with the tools paint, brushes, canvas or board, easel and just stand in front of the canvas and paint as it comes from inside. Find the artist within and let it paint.
Or you could go to evening classes.
Rich

Answer 5

You could go to a painting class.

Answer 6

Start with painting by numbers to build up your hand eye coordination, and then think about a class.

Answer 7

Watch TV there are always shows on painting

Answer 8

I would recommend Not going to a class at first as they can sometimes put off a beginner .Buy some cheap paints (acrylics are easiest as they are water washable, dry fast and don't smell.) look at a few good sites eg http://www.wetcanvas.com - you can post your work here and get freindly feedback from other artists.And have fun , dont be too critical of what you produce at first



http://paint.50webs.com/index.html

Answer 9

Try drawing something different in pencil (doesn't matter what) every day. Keep practising until you get shape, form, scale, light & shade correct. When you're happy with your new skills buy a starter paint set + paper & off you go!

Answer 10

Drawing & painting is such a great way to express yourself, it's so therapeutic, if I were you I'd find an art class, you'll find many different ones, such as water colours, life drawing etc. Good luck.