How anyone can learn to paint -

Who doesn’t want to be able to paint what appears in their mind? Many of us have the urge, but wouldn’t dare to ever try because of the discomfort of being reminded that we are indeed not talented at the art of painting. However, this assumption isn’t founded in truth. The fact is that most art forms, including painting, are 99% practice and just 1% inspiration. Sure, many of us might have a flair for it, but that doesn’t mean that those of us who don’t can’t be just as impressive if we work at it.

To learn why and how anyone can paint, click through this gallery.

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Let it go -

The most important thing about learning to paint is to just do it. For a lot of us, the journey will be letting go of our perceptions of our lack of abilities, which just hold us back.

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Insecurity and preconceptions -

Our insecurity surrounding painting is often based on misleading notions that we hold regarding what the art form entails.

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It doesn't need to be expensive or perfect -

Many of us think that it requires innate talent or expensive instruction, and worry that we aren’t good enough to do something worthwhile.

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Remember that anything is better than nothing -

Others might simply be overwhelmed by the number of brushes, paints, and other equipment seen on the shelves at shops.

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Be playful -

However, it doesn’t need to be intimidating. We should approach it as children do. It’s for enjoyment, not for the result.

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Anyone who would judge is simply insecure -

We also should come to grips with the fact that there is no right or wrong when it comes to art. There are stronger decisions and weaker decisions, sure, but not really 'terrible art.' Anyone who says so is probably projecting their insecurity.

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Again, try to let go -

It doesn’t need to be intimidating, it doesn’t require talent, and it certainly doesn’t require in-person lessons.

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Practice and time spent -

What it does require is targeted practice, the right frame of mind, and the correct materials to practice with.

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What you will need -

To begin with, you’ll need at least a primary color palette. This means that you might often be working with reds, yellows, and blues.

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Primary colors should do the trick -

With these, you can mix to create a version of every other color (greens, purples, oranges, browns, grays, and blacks). This will help you focus on what’s important rather than searching for the perfect paint.

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Start with a selection of four or five brushes -

The next thing you’ll have to consider is brushes. This should also be considered lightly. A selection of four or five brushes will do the trick.

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You'll learn what you like fast enough -

You’ll learn pretty swiftly which ones you prefer, and you can stock up on more of those in the future.

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Don't be stifled by the unimportant stuff -

In the beginning, it’s important not to let these tiny details be taken too seriously or to stifle you from moving forward and getting the brush on the canvas.

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Start with acrylics -

In terms of the paint itself, acrylics are the obvious choice for beginners. They are simpler to use. But one of the downsides is that they dry fast.

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Move onto oil paints and water colors later -

As you develop and get better, you should move to water and oil paints. These are better suited to some of the traditional painting techniques that you’ll eventually learn.

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Traditional techniques -

Over centuries, painters have been working out and developing systems for paintings. A simple example for human bodies, for instance, would be to place the eyes halfway from the top and bottom of the head.

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Embrace video tutorials -

Free online videos are essentially your best friend in this day and age. You can learn a lot of the basic techniques that you need to learn through YouTube.

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Step by step, you'll learn the techniques -

Some videos you can find will take you through how to create a painting step by step. It may seem like it’s taking the creative stroke out of the process, but there will be time for that in the near future.

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It's like learning an instrument -

An analogy for this may be how musicians learn an instrument. Many musicians will pick up many of their favorite songs and through doing so will learn chords, licks, and scales along the way. Painting is no different.

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There are many approaches -

You might discover that there are a few basic ways that you can start to paint. You can start by drawing and later filling with color, by creating a tonal underpainting, or starting with patches of color.

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Paint real life as much as possible -

A good tip is to try to paint from real life when you can, because painting from photographs means that you won’t be working out the depth and dimensions of objects yourself.

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The painter's eye is observant -

Painting from real life is also a great exercise for developing your observational skills, which is what is going to inform and enrich everything you paint.

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Have fun to stay motivated -

When you’re starting, paint what it is you want to paint. If you fancy painting something with blues and greens, then find a video tutorial that might help you do so. You don’t need to force yourself to paint things you don’t care about–it will kill your motivation.

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All your errors won't disappear overnight -

Keep in mind that you can only improve one painting at a time. Novices are usually their own worst critics. Try not to be too overly critical, and keep in mind that every painter out there was once at your level.

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Stay open-minded -

Be flexible and open-minded with how you learn, but try to avoid gimmicky techniques that will “produce astonishingly beautiful works with barely any effort.”

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Fundamentals -

Focus on the fundamentals–color, value, composition, edges, brushwork, and technique. Don’t compare yourself to other people, and don’t worry about being unique (even in the slightest) at the beginning.

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Some reminders -

As you embrace not taking the criticisms too seriously, why not engage with the artistic community around you? Attend workshops, classes, and visit local galleries.

Sources: (The Spruce Crafts)

See also: Irezumi: the art of traditional Japanese tattooing

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