- You are happy to spend hours mixing colors to get it just right.
- You're the kind of person who enjoys seeing an image slowly emerge from nothing.
- You love using your hands to bring your inner world to life.
- You get frustrated quickly when things don't look perfect right away.
- You hate the thought of getting paint on your clothes or hands.
- You prefer activities with clear steps and predictable, fast results.
Your first moves.
Don't start from scratch. Start from here.
Start with Acrylics - A Beginner's Choice
Acquire a basic set of acrylic paints (red, yellow, blue, black, white), a few brushes of varying sizes (round and flat), and a canvas or thick paper. Acrylics are water-soluble when wet, dry quickly, and are forgiving.
Understand Color Mixing Basics
Learn how to mix primary colors (red, yellow, blue) to create secondary colors (orange, green, purple) and tertiary colors. Practice creating tints (adding white) and shades (adding black) to understand value.
Practice Basic Brush Strokes and Techniques
Experiment with different pressures and angles to create various marks. Try techniques like blending, layering, dry brushing, and dabbing.
Set Up a Dedicated Workspace
Designate an area where you can paint without interruption and where mess is not a major concern. Ensure good lighting and ventilation.
Master Painting with online courses
Find the highest-rated beginner courses on Udemy before you invest in gear.
Palette Knives
5 Pieces +3 Pieces Painting Knives Stainless Steel Spatula Palette Knife — A versatile set of five knives with flexible blades designed for smooth mixing and texturing across multiple mediums.
Easel
Sturdy Wooden Field Easel — A sturdy tabletop easel with built-in storage designed for beginners who want a compact and reliable setup.
Related hobbies
Ranked by dimensional and personality compatibility with Painting.