Want to get into art? Get started by taking the advice I wish I knew when I first started out as an artist.
1. Watch YouTube tutorials
I watched loads of different artist’s videos when I was starting out as an artist. The first one that I painted along with was Rod Moore. I was scared and excited at the same time, as it was a big step for me to even put the video on. I had to keep pausing the video to catch up – which is totally normal! What I liked about him was that he explained things very simply and kept to a basic pallet.
Check out my blog on tutorials that helped me as a beginner.
2. Keep to a very simple pallet
My first tubes of paint were ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow, yellow ochre and titanium white - So just five in total! Resist rushing out and buying every single colour there is. You can mix any colour with these five.
Early on, I found my favourite acrylic paints which are Winsor & Newton. I would suggest trying out several brands and researching colours to find what suits you best.
3. Manage your expectations
If you’re anything like me, you will want to be amazing straight away! I am telling you now that this won’t happen. Do not expect miracles. If you put these expectations on yourself you won’t enjoy the process. Start slowly and confidently and know that you will get there one day. Focus on what you are learning now and have fun with it.
4. Experiment with your paints
Play with the colours that you have. Learn about the colour wheel, shades, tints and tones. Use your brushes, knives, feathers, sponges, toothbrushes etc to make shapes and textures. This helped me to find my style and then keep evolving it.
5. Have a goal
My goal has always been to sell my paintings. What is your goal?
6. Practice
See tip number 3! You need to do as many paintings as you can. You will not improve if you don’t. When you practice, each painting will teach you something. Every mistake you make is a chance to learn. You will make hundreds of mistakes! Don’t think that you are doing anything wrong. What you learn from your mistakes will make you a better artist. Keep going and start calling yourself an artist - you will begin to believe in yourself.
Best of luck on your art journey! If you would like to follow mine, head over to my Instagram page.
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