you want to begin painting: the answers to frequently asked questions are here

You want to begin painting. You probably have a lot of questions.

Artists frequently ask questions about choosing supplies and how to get started painting.

Asking questions is a great way to learn. You will find the answers to many of your most common questions here.

art supplies

what is the best paint for artists?

Always choose professional quality paint. Professional artist paints contain more color pigment.

Good quality paint makes it easier to produce high quality paintings. Even students should use professional paints, if possible.

Answers to frequently asked questions when you begin painting, Springtime a landscape painting by artist Carol May

"Springtime" - An Alkyd Painting

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how long do oil paint take to dry?

Oil paintings may take up to 6 months to dry thoroughly.

Alkyd paints are the same high quality pigments as oil paint combined with alkyd resin.

The alkyd resin speeds up the drying time. This enables alkyd paint to dry overnight or within 24 hours.

The finished paintings look just like traditional oil paintings.

what watercolor paint should you use to begin painting?

Should you use tube watercolors or pan watercolors?

Tube watercolors and pan watercolors both contain the same paint pigments.

Tube watercolors have glycerin and other additives that keep the paint flexible in the tube. Tube watercolors produce more brilliant colors because you don't have to add so much water before you use them.

Pan watercolors are in a dry cube placed in a pan. They are portable and are the favored for painting in the field. Use small brushes to get the paint out of the pan. Large brushes will overlap into the adjoining pan colors.

what do you paint watercolor on?

Watercolor painting of a Florida Anhinga on cold-pressed paper

Watercolor on Paper

Watercolor paintings have been done on paper for centuries.

Watercolor paintings on paper must be framed under glass for protection.

And with a mat to keep the painting from touching the back of the glass.

Modern technology has given us some other choices for today's watercolor paintings.

can you paint watercolor on canvas?

Watercolor painting of a Broadbilled Hummingbird on canvas by Carol May

Watercolor on canvas

Yes, you may purchase canvas specifically made for watercolors. Make sure the label says it can be used for watercolor.

Brush on a good amount of water to the entire face of the canvas to break the surface tension.

Let the water soak in before you start painting. This will prevent the paint from beading up or sliding around.

After the paint is thoroughly dry spray the painting with a protective UV resistant spray. The painting may be framed with or without glass.

what is aquabord, claybord or gessobord?

God's Promise watercolor lighthouse with a rainbow by artist Carol May

Watercolor on Claybord

Aquabord, Claybord and Gessobord are made by Ampersand. They apply ph neutral Kaolin clay to one side of Masonite panels.

Aquabord is textured like cold pressed watercolor paper. Claybord is smooth.

Either one may be used for watercolor paintings.

Spray the dried paintings with a fixative to seal the paint. Then they may be framed without a mat or glass.

An often overlooked painting surface is Gessobord. It is an ideal surface for traditional and water-based oils, alkyds, acrylics, collage, and mixed media.

Why do I paint watercolors on Aquabord?

what light is best for painting?

Good lighting is important when you begin painting. You need good light to see the colors properly.

North light shows true colors. The ultimate studio lighting is to have north facing windows in your painting area. Many of us don't have that luxury.

Regular incandescent bulbs we use in our homes are warm. Paintings done under regular bulbs look dull in natural light.

Florescent tube lights are cool. We tend to over compensate and make the paintings too warm. So what should we use?

Daylight bulbs provide a balance of warm and cool light that is perfect for painting. They use about 75% less energy and last about 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

When you are getting your supplies to begin painting, you can find daylight bulbs at building supply stores.