If you’ve always wanted to paint, but you don’t know how to do it or where to start, this is for you.
Painting is not just for “the talented” or those who have been at it since they had the motor skills to hold a brush. It’s for literally anyone who wants to do it. And if you’re on this page, I’m betting you’re one of them.
You can do it. Furthermore, you deserve to do it.
So this is how to begin from zero.
ONE
Go out and treat yourself to some cheap paints, brushes, and surfaces.
You can pick any type of paint that appeals to you, but I recommend acrylic or watercolor (or gouache, a more opaque and fast-drying version of watercolor). Acrylic has an especially easy learning curve and dries permanently and quickly, allowing you to paint over anything you don’t like (i.e. “mistakes”). As for brushes and surfaces, craft brushes and canvas panels are super cheap and do the job.
You can also shell out for nicer supplies if you like, but I recommend cheap or moderately priced paints so you’re less likely to be precious about using them.
TWO
Just start painting! Paint whatever you like. Paint things you see; paint things from your imagination. Play around. Experiment.
Above all, have fun with it.
If you have trouble with perfectionism, just repeat this to yourself: I’m brave enough to be bad at something new.
THREE
After you’ve been having fun for a while and you’re ready to level up, take a beginner course. This could be in person or online, but look for something that uses your preferred medium (acrylic, watercolor, etc.) and will teach the basics of value and color theory in a practical manner. I loved How to Paint from The Great Courses. Very basic and accessible, yet thorough.
Notice I didn’t make this the first or even the second step! It’s important to play around by yourself for a while, so you’re already in the habit and in love with it. Even better, the lessons will be more likely to give you “aha!” moments because they’ll reveal answers to questions you’ve already been wondering about.
FOUR
Share your work!
I honestly could have put this as Step 2.5. It doesn’t matter how “good” you are. Share your creations with people you trust, or start a blog or Instagram account to document your adventures in art.
What if no one looks at it? That’s okay; the point is not to rake in likes and comments and praise. Sharing is essential to art, even if only one other person sees it.
FIVE
Ignore haters and snobs. IGNORE THEM.
No matter how good you are, you will encounter people who don’t like your work. In the immortal words of Taylor Swift, shake it off. If painting brings you joy, THEN PAINT, DANG IT!
You will also encounter artists who snub you, and that will hurt. MOST artists, in my experience, are supportive of each other. They’re happy to help and encourage people who are just starting out, especially if a beginner has a lot of joy and enthusiasm. Listen to those artists. Ignore the others.
At the same time, know the difference between criticism and critique! If someone is just dismissive of your work, drop ’em like they’re hot. But if they’re giving you actual advice… consider it! Advice is often a form of encouragement.
SIX
Don’t stop!
Especially as you start to gain more skills and confidence, you’ll be tempted to become a perfectionist. To worry about what others think. To become precious about your time, efforts, and supplies.
In the immortal words of my partner Q, STOHP THAHT.
Always allow yourself to play. Always.
Remember why you started.
Now get off the internet and go paint!
