Art For Dummies: Painting Made Easy

If you're like most people, the thought of painting is intimidating. After all, who wants to spend hours slaving over a canvas only to end up with something that looks like a kindergartner's finger-painting?

Thankfully, painting doesn't have to be so complicated. In fact, with a little bit of instruction, anyone can paint a beautiful work of art.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Choose the right supplies. If you're just starting out, it's best to use acrylic paints. They're easy to work with and clean up is a breeze. As for brushes, opt for a set of synthetic ones. They're less expensive than natural hair brushes and they'll hold up better over time.

2. Start with a simple design. Trying to recreate a Monet painting on your first try is likely to end in frustration. Instead, start with something simple, like a still life or a landscape. Once you get the hang of things, you can move on to more complex subjects.

3. Use a reference photo. It's much easier to paint a realistic image if you have a reference to work from. So, if you're painting a vase of flowers, for example, find a photo of a similar arrangement and use it as a guide.

4. Work in layers. Paintings typically have several layers, each one building on the last. For instance, you might start with a sketch of your subject, then add a layer of color, followed by shadows and highlights. Working in layers will give your painting more depth and dimension.

5. Take your time. Painting is not a race. If you want your painting to look its best, take your time and don't rush the process.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to start painting! Just remember to relax and have fun. After all, that's what art is all about.