Many of us would agree that creativity doesn’t have a blueprint and you shouldn’t be defined by following a standard, but what if you’re someone that’s never picked up a brush before, with no peers to help you get started? We are here to help you find the right tools, so you can grow your skills comfortably and confidently. With a few helpful tips, and some vision boarding of your creative goals, you’ll be finding your artistic flow in no time!
Step 1: Define Your Interests
Ask yourself: What inspires you? Are you drawn to nature, human emotion, abstract forms, or cultural motifs? Consider exploring your favorite colors, shapes, or themes to narrow down a starting point. Inspiration could come from your favorite artist, a memory, or even music.
Step 2: Gather Essential Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need to begin painting:
Paints:
Acrylic: Versatile, quick-drying, and beginner-friendly.
Watercolor: Great for softer, transparent effects.
Oil: Ideal for blending and rich textures but requires more setup.
Brushes: Start with a small set of synthetic brushes in varying shapes (flat, round, detail).
Canvas or Paper: Pre-stretched canvas or watercolor paper, depending on your medium.
Palette: For mixing colors.
Easel (Optional): Helps with posture and stability while painting.
Additional Tools:
Palette knives for texture and blending.
A water container and cloth for cleaning brushes.
Step 3: Learn the Basics
Practice mixing colors and understanding the color wheel (primary, secondary, and complementary colors).
Explore basic brush techniques, like washes, layering, and stippling.
Watch beginner tutorials or join local workshops to get a feel for different styles.
