Painting is a form of art that involves the application of a pigment to a surface using brushes or other tools to produce visually appealing and creative pieces. It can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, from canvas to wood and even walls. There are many different styles of painting, from photorealistic depictions of the world to abstract imaginings of concepts and emotions. Painting is a great way to express yourself and your ideas through visual means, but it requires some practice to get the hang of it.
There are a lot of things to consider when starting to paint, from the medium you use to how you apply the paint to the composition and edges. The most important decision you will make, though, is what to paint. It’s important to pick a subject that inspires you and challenges you. This will help you develop a “big why” for your paintings, and give you a focus that will keep you from getting bogged down in the details of painting.
Once you’ve settled on a subject, it’s time to stock up on supplies. You will need:
A palette* – this could be anything from a plexiglass or plastic one to a simple piece of wood or cardboard. It should be big enough to hold your brush and paints, but small enough that you can easily move it around. A selection of brushes* – it’s best to start with just four or five options, in a variety of shapes and sizes. This will let you experiment and discover the marks each type of brush can make.
Paints* – it’s usually best to stick with acrylics for beginners, as they are easy to work with and dry quickly. However, oils and watercolours are also popular among new painters.
Lastly, you’ll need some paper towels* – to wipe your brushes between strokes. It’s also a good idea to purchase a few different colors of paint, as this will help you find what works for you and how to mix them.
While you’re working on your first few paintings, take note of the things that you like and don’t like about them. This will allow you to identify your biases and focus on improving the parts of your painting that don’t work.
For example, maybe you’re finding it difficult to create a smooth transition between two shapes. You may be able to fix this by adding more practice to your technique or by focusing on mixing your colours more carefully. It’s also worth remembering that a painting is more than just its colours; it’s about how those colours are arranged to communicate the idea behind it. The Mona Lisa, Edvard Munch’s The Scream, and Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night are all paintings that transcend simple mimetic function and become emotionally powerful works of art. This is what makes them so recognizable and memorable.