you want to learn to paint art?

You may actually try different types of paint to decide which one you prefer. Any of these three paints are great for learning to paint art.

Acrylic paint is fast drying and relatively inexpensive. It can be painted on various surfaces. One of my art friends does little landscape scenes on rocks and she sells almost every rock.

Oils dry slower, allowing the artist time to blend and rework passages before it dries.

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

Visit an extensive explanation of the 3 popular paint mediums.

Student quality paints are less expensive and certainly good to begin painting.

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

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.

You can visit the Best Paint for Artists page to see what the colors actually look like.

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

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

Stretched cotton canvas is a good option. They are 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 to paint. They may however warp over time.

Hardboard panels are another option that has a smooth surface that's good for detail work.

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. You can add more later.

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

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 recommended odorless mineral spirits for indoor painting.

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.