you want to learn how to paint?

Each of the painting tutorials have a list of the colors used in that particular painting.

Generally, I lean toward a limited palette using the least number of colors possible. 

See what sample colors look like on the Best Paint for Artists page.

Student quality paints are less expensive and certainly good for learning to paint.

Artist paints (professional paints) are actually a better buy. They cost more than student paints because they contain more color pigment. So, they cover better and produce more vibrant colors.

Learn to paint watercolor on watercolor paper. Later you may try aquaboard or canvas made especially for watercolor.

Aquaboard is my favorite painting surface for watercolor.

Acrylic and oil paintings are traditionally painted on cotton or linen canvas.

Stretched cotton canvas is a good option for learning. It is convenient and ready for painting. 

Linen canvas is more expensive. It has a fine texture that is perfect for portrait paintings.

Canvas boards are less expensive and great for practice and learning. They may however warp over time. You may also use a tablet of canvas paper.

Hardboard panels have a smooth surface that's great for detail work. They are more expensive, but a great option when you plan to keep or gift the finished painting.

Begin with a couple of brushes to get the feel of the brushes and paint. We use different brushes for the three main types of paint. 

You can learn to paint art with a couple of brushes, specifically labeled for the medium of your choice.

Watercolor brushes; #7 round and a 1" flat, "labeled for watercolor"

Oil brushes; #8 and #12 flat bristle brushes, hog hair is good. You may also use synthetic oil brushes.

Acrylic brushes; #6 round and a 3/4" flat, synthetics are best for acrylics because natural fiber brushes retain water. 

Acrylic and watercolor brushes clean-up with water.

Swish the brushes in a container of water. Acrylic may require some mild soap the get all the paint out.

Be sure and clean your brushes before the paint dries in the brush!

Oil paint is cleaned up with odorless mineral spirits. Gamsol is the recommendation for painting indoors.

Lay the cleaned brushes flat, horizontally to dry.

Don't put them upright to dry, stuff will run down into the ferrule and eventually ruin the brushes.

Artists mix our colors on a palette. There's no need to purchase a palette to begin painting.

Watercolor can be mixed on an old kitchen plate that will wash after painting.

Oil and acrylic artists may use plastic or Styrofoam plates that can be trashed after the painting is complete.

Art paints keep very well in their original manufactured containers. Out of the sun and in regular household temperatures, they are good for years.

Keep any open, unused paint in a covered palette box between painting sessions.

Oil or alkyd paint in a palette box can go into the freezer. Take it out of the freezer to thaw, about an hour before painting time.

Tube watercolors may be kept in a covered palette.  Before painting, give the colors you intend to use a spritz of water to freshen the paint.

Good light and ventilation are a must for painting with all mediums.

Where is a good place to paint? What furniture do we need?

Get tips on setting up your home art studio.