Painting for Beginners

by Marcia Burtt

Great news! If you’ve never made a painting before you won’t be hampered by all the “dos and don’ts” that confuse and constrict people who have studied art.

Remember: 1) no one but you can make a painting just like yours; 2) you’ll truly enjoy yourself if you don’t worry about what anyone else would say or do; and 3) if something bothers you about your painting, change it.
Art is the one activity in which you make the rules.

Because they are quick drying and opaque, acrylic paints do not demand planning. Changing your mind constantly is not a problem and in fact can add to the spontaneity and freshness of the end product.
However if you prefer to plan you may draw out your design first in pencil, charcoal, or with thin lines of paint. Just remember that what you liked in linear form may not look as good to you when painted, so feel free to paint outside the lines or completely obliterate them as you go.