Hello, lovely artists! 🎨
If I had a dollar for every time a friend reached out saying, “I want to start painting—how did you start?” I’d probably have enough to buy a whole new set of paintbrushes (and trust me, I love my brushes!). So, let’s dive into this question and you get you creating...
The Best Advice? Just Start!
First things first: my answer is always the same—just start! It sounds simple, right? But starting can look different for everyone. For some, it might mean signing up for a local art class, while others might prefer the convenience of an online course. I’ve dabbled in both, and they each have their perks!
But let me share a little secret: what really kicked my creativity into high gear was researching artists I adore and trying to replicate their work. Two of my all-time favorites are David Hockney and Edward Hopper. Their styles are distinct and inspiring, so I’d set up my easel and give it my best shot. And guess what? My versions never looked the same! In fact, they often didn’t resemble the originals at all.
David Hockney painting
Finding Your Unique Style
That’s the beauty of it! Instead of feeling discouraged, I discovered my own unique approach to art. Trying to mimic these incredible artists helped me to unearth my style, which I’m still fine-tuning to this day. So, don’t stress about being perfect right off the bat; just let your creativity flow! Once you dive in, the painting bug will bite, and trust me, you won’t be able to stop.
A Little Shopping Tip
Now, before you rush off to the art supply store and spend a fortune on every color in the rainbow, here’s a quick tip: keep it simple! Starting with just a few basic colors can help avoid confusion and save your wallet. Here’s a great starter palette:
Cadmium Red: A red with an orange bias for mixing lovely oranges.
Quinacridone Red: A red with a violet bias for those rich violets.
Cadmium Yellow: A yellow with an orange bias for vibrant mixes.
Hansa Yellow: A yellow with a green bias for those sunny greens.
Cerulean Blue: A blue with a green bias for serene skies.
Ultramarine Blue: A blue with a purple bias for deep, dramatic tones.
With just these colors, you’ll be set to explore a whole world of mixing and creativity! If you’re curious about color mixing techniques, check out this handy guide.
Get Started Today!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some paints, a brush, and your favorite canvas (even if it’s just an old piece of cardboard). Just start, and let your artistic journey unfold!
Happy painting, and remember: the most important part is to enjoy the process. I can’t wait to see what you create!
Happy creating
Jx 🎨
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