Beginners How to Start Painting

beginners how to start painting, beginner painting night sky

Beginners How to Start Painting - With Step-by-Step Instructions

Beginners How to Start Painting, painting is a journey of creativity and self-expression. With these steps and supplies, you’re ready to dive in and create your first masterpiece!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to start painting:

Basic Supplies:

  • Paints: Choose between acrylic, watercolor, or oil paints. Acrylic is recommended for beginners due to its versatility and quick drying time.

  • Brushes: A small selection of brushes, including a flat brush, a round brush, and a detail brush.

  • Canvas or Paper: Canvas boards, stretched canvases, or thick watercolor paper work well.

  • Palette: A plastic or wooden palette for mixing colors.

  • Easel (Optional): A stand to hold your canvas, or you can work flat on a table.

  • Water Cup or Solvent: For cleaning brushes (water for acrylics and watercolors; solvent for oils).

  • Rags or Paper Towels: To wipe brushes and clean up spills.

  • Palette Knife (Optional): For mixing paint or creating texture.

Optional Extras:

  • Apron or Old Clothing: To protect your clothes.

  • Varnish: To seal and protect finished paintings.

  • Reference Image: For inspiration or guidance.


Step 2: Set Up Your Workspace

  1. Choose a Well-Lit Area: Natural light is ideal, but a desk lamp works too.

  2. Protect Surfaces: Lay down old newspapers or a plastic tablecloth to avoid stains.

  3. Organize Your Supplies: Arrange everything within easy reach.


Step 3: Prepare Your Materials

  1. Select Your Surface: Decide whether you’ll paint on canvas, paper, or wood.

  2. Prime Your Canvas (Optional): If your canvas isn’t pre-primed, apply a layer of gesso and let it dry.

  3. Plan Your Painting: Sketch lightly with a pencil or charcoal if needed.


Step 4: Start Painting

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Background First: Begin by painting the background or base layers. Use larger brushes and broad strokes.

  2. Build Layers: Add more details as you move forward, layering light colors over dark ones.

  3. Focus on Details: Use smaller brushes for fine details and finishing touches.

  4. Blend and Mix Colors: Experiment with blending colors on the palette or directly on your surface.

  5. Step Back: Periodically step back to assess your work from a distance.


Step 5: Clean Up

  1. Clean Brushes Immediately: Use water or solvent to clean brushes thoroughly.

  2. Dispose of Waste Properly: For oil paints, follow local guidelines for disposing of solvents and rags.

  3. Store Supplies: Keep paints sealed and brushes upright to maintain their shape.


Step 6: Finish Your Painting

  1. Let It Dry: Allow the painting to dry completely before handling it.

  2. Seal Your Work (Optional): Apply a varnish for durability and a polished finish.


Tips for Beginners

  • Start with simple projects, like landscapes or abstract designs.

  • Practice mixing colors to understand how they interact.

  • Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—every artist learns through experimentation.

  • Enjoy the process and focus on progress rather than perfection.

You’re ready to dive in and create your first masterpiece! Have fun and “voilà!

Scroll to Top