Art by Carol May – How to Paint Art with Tutorials

Q: Should I Start with Oil, Alkyd, Watercolor, or Acrylic Paint?

Oil is the classic, historical paint. It gives the artist time to blend and work the paint before it dries. Alkyd is the modern oil paint that dries faster with the same beauty and richness as oils. Watercolor is often used for light, intricate works. Once their techniques are learned they make wonderful paintings. Acrylic paint is fast drying and popular with beginning artists. Compare the four popular paints by; best colors, ease of use and expense.

Learn to paint beautiful art with step-by-step oil and watercolor tutorials, tips, and inspiration from award‑winning artist Carol May.

New to painting?

Start with How to Paint Art for Beginners.
Learn about essential supplies, choosing between oils & watercolors, what to paint, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Painting tutorials for all skill levels.

Want a project?

Browse the free Painting Tutorials.
Follow detailed step-by-step lessons to paint animals, birds, butterflies, flowers, and landscapes, all skill levels.

Whether you’re new to painting or returning after a break, you can learn how to paint art at home.

I’ll show you how to choose your materials, understand the fundamentals, and follow simple, step-by-step projects so you can create artwork you’re proud of.

Everyone can paint—and I’m here to guide you one brushstroke at a time.

Paint with an Award-winning Artist

Learning to paint is full of discovery, creativity, and joy!

"Country Barns"

Painting has been my passion for more than 40 years.

Learn to paint with an experienced artist.

My work has earned multiple Best of Show awards, including for “Country Barns.”

I created Art by Carol May to share the joy of painting and to help you learn with friendly, step-by-step tutorials.

Gallery & Inspiration

Browse the gallery to see what's possible.

Get inspired by completed works in watercolor and oils, from turtles to landscapes.

How Do We Paint Good Art?

How to use the fundamentals to paint good art.

Tips on using the fundamentals in your art.

Good paintings use the fundamentals; values, color, and a composition with a focal point.

The Fundamentals

In the beginning get a general understanding of the fundamentals.

Then start painting tutorials, these basics are seamlessly incorporated into the lessons to streamline your learning.

Professional tips on creating a composition for a painting.

Professional painting composition tips

Values create impactful artwork.

Focal points attract the viewers.

Color Brings Joy to Our Paintings!

Learn color theory with the artist color wheel.

Learn color theory with the color wheel.

Color schemes create harmonious paintings.

How to mix colors for your paintings.

Frequently Asked Questions

A blank canvas is waiting to come alive with your stories and creativity. A world of possibilities comes with each stroke of color.

Can I Start Painting on a Budget?

Certainly, we don't have to spend a bundle to get into painting. Basically, we need paint, a couple of brushes and something to paint on.

See the budget list of beginner painting supplies.

Should I Start with Oil, Alkyd, Watercolor, or Acrylic Paint?

Oil is the classic, historical paint. It gives the artist time to blend and work the paint before it dries.

Alkyd is the modern oil paint that dries faster with the same beauty and richness as oils.

Watercolor is often used for light, intricate works. Once their techniques are learned they make wonderful paintings.

Acrylic paint is fast drying and popular with beginning artists.

Compare the four popular paints by; best colors, ease of use and expense.

Do We Learn with Student Paint?

It's best to learn with artist paint. It's a pleasure to use and a better buy in the long-run. It contains more color pigments that make lively, juicy colors in our paintings.

Student paint costs less because it has fewer color pigments, so it takes more paint to get good colors.

The best paint for an artist's palette.

What Should I Paint?

Paint what we see in our environment. It's easier to paint things we are familiar with, things we know.

Painting is an avenue of self-expression. That's the joy of painting!

Where can we get more ideas for painting?

How Do I Develop My Own Style?

When you start painting don't be concerned about doing any specific style.

Practice painting some of the different tutorials. As you paint, your own painting style will emerge from what you enjoy the most.

Just follow your heart and enjoy the process.