So you want to be a painter? Well, here are some simple tips form someone who has been at it a long time, but has not forgotten those early days. Hopefully, they will be a help to you.
1) Just get started! If you don’t go get what you need to get started NOW, you certainly won’t finish your first painting any time soon. Too simple? How many folks have you met who say they always wanted to try their hand at being an artist, yet somehow they never do? Don’t be in that group. Just get started!
2) Go buy some “stuff” – but be conservative. If you are not careful, you will purchase things that will never be used. Get less expensive things to begin (you can always move up). Get a set of basic color paints, a few brushes, a palette knife, and paper of canvas – then STOP! The store will always be open tomorrow if you discover something specific that is needful.
3) Decide on the place where you will paint. Have plenty of light – artificial or natural – otherwise you are painting in the dark. That sound silly, but lots of folks try it. Have adequate space. Painting in a closet sounds silly too – but some folks try it.
4) Pick a subject matter. It really doesn’t really matter what, but stay with it long enough to determine if you are any good at it. Make it something that appeals to you or you will most likely never like the end result.
5) Use the light. It is every artist’s best friend. Use the shadows. they are every artist’s next best friend.
6) Use color. There are a lot more than a few basic colors which come in a tube. You can mix the basics to create an infinite variety of tones. Don’t be afraid to put any color that pleases you where you think it ought to go. You will soon enough find your own “color sense“. This is sometimes what is meant when an artist is said to have a unique style. You just may have one too.
7) Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Even great artists have a pile of things they threw away, or should have. Discards or mistakes don’t represent failure. They represent failed attempts at getting better. Failure is not making the attempt. Frequent attempts usually lead to surprising success.
8) On the other hand, don’t be afraid to succeed. Be your own best critic, but don’t fail to recognize a job well done.
9) Know when you’re done with a particulaer painting. If something is not working – stop – start over. If something has worked, know when to admit it is finished. Someone said it takes at least 3 people to create a masterpiece. One to paint it and 2 more to tie the artist’s hands before he keeps going until it’s ruined. The first time you think “it’s done”, then stop – or at least the second time you think it. This is very hard to do, even for a lot of fine artists.
10) Have fun! If you don’t get some pleasure from painting you no doubt have picked the wrong hobby. If you are having fun, then welcome aboard. Painting should be a most pleasant way to enjoy your time.
Robert Ransley 