Getting started
If you wonder how a person with no art background will start making art…it’s a good idea to keep reading this text. If I’ve learned anything on my own journey it’s that there is no secret, it needs passion and it takes time and patience…learning never ends! But, let’s go back to the first question. How do you learn how to draw or paint? The answer is simple:
Paint…
Keep painting…
Paint some more…
You may read all you can…study techniques…take classes…see tutorials…etc. But reading or watching someone’s techniques…is not the same as putting your brush or your pencil to paper or tablet. Your art journey needs to start somewhere. So, I’ll give you some painting ideas for beginners, who just starting out.
Designs and Shapes
You don’t have to paint anything complicated. Just start drawing shapes and designs and feel free. So, you can sketch abstract shapes and then paint them in whatever colors you like. Consider some shapes to get accustomed to your paper, like hearts…cubes or other three dimensional shapes…stars…circles or clouds.
Plants and Trees
You may have seen many plant paintings…that’s because plants are easy to paint. They don’t have the same structure as animals. They are generally straight and long. Plants have different colors and that’s helps you to test your skills. They also have unique details…spots…stripes or leaves…that you can add as you go. You can start with a simple plant or tree and see how you like painting it. Start with something like a daisy, then work your way up to a rose. As you get more advanced, you can paint complex trees…or even an entire forest.
Cartoons
Cartoons are my favorites! They are a great choice when you are looking for easy things to paint. They can be at any shape or style that you like…there are endless options…so choose what fits to you. Don’t be afraid of mistakes! There are no mistakes in art! You can try to recreate some of your favorite characters…or be bold and invent one of your own.
Holiday or Greeting Cards
Cards are a wonderful choice! Impress your friends and family with your new painting skills and create unique and personal greeting or holiday cards. After all, there is nothing more special than a handmade card! Keep things simple and draw a Christmas tree, or try something more complex like a reindeer. Of course you can add calligraphy text for wishes.
Ending up
So, if you want to practice with your pencil, your brush or your digital pencil, you will need to improve your observation skills. For example, in order to draw a flower you need to be able to see the details. They say that our brains translate shapes into meaning. So think! How petals attach to a flower? What is the shape of a leaf…οr where its shadow falls? You should observe the shapes…the light…and the colors and of course use your imagination!
Pay attention to everything around you and be curious!
And the most important of all…have FUN!
With love,
Dina
