Dive in and don't be afraid!
Creative
Space
Make a
creative space; leave it set up and ready to use. I know this goes
against what some minimalists/clean freaks would want, but it's
probably one of the most important things for me personally. When I
get a creative urge, I need to act on it right then. If my space
isn't ready, the motivation could be lost. Just knowing that I need
to clean up or set it up is enough to deter me from that creative
moment. In between painting I like to try and keep that area neat and
fee of random clutter. When I'm done painting for the day I clean my
brushes, palette and replace the water in my jar. That way, I am
totally ready for next time. I just need to show up!
Brushes
I'm a
cheapskate. I don't like to spend more than I have to on supplies,
but brushes are one of those things that you get what you pay for. I
don't buy the most expensive brushes ever, but I don't buy the ones
in the bargain bin either. I've slowly bought these through the
years, usually during a sale using a 40% off coupon. I'm not saying
you have to have 50 brushes before you start painting, just get a few
of the basics to start. I especially love Loew-Cornell and Royal
paint brushes. A couple brands I really like are Loew-Cornell and Royal.
Palette
I've used so many different types of
palettes through the years, but my absolute favorite would be a glass
palette. They are made of safety glass with beveled sides. These
palettes have a vinyl backing that is white. I love these because
unlike disposable palettes there is no waste and they don't get soggy
from wet paint. When you're done for the day, simply wash it in the
sink! If the paint has dried on, I just use utility razor to scrape
it off. These are heavier than other palettes, but I usually don't
hold it while painting anyway. Sometimes I place it on my lap or on a
table to the side of my easel. I got my palette HERE.
Easel
I use an adjustable stand up easel. My
dad actually made it for me, but you can buy similar models at the
store. It's important for me to have a stand up easel. Sometimes when
my back is hurting I'll raise the canvas tray so I can stand and
paint. Sometimes I'll want to sit, so I just change it to a lower
level. Also a little bonus tip: I have an area rug under my easel
that is specifically there to save the floor from paint spills and
splashes. I'm a really messy painter and have ruined floors in the
past. A rug under the easel also keeps the easel in place so it won't
slide around.
Lighting
Good lighting is so important. I
always use daylight bulbs in my studio. They don't have the yellow
tones of regular light bulbs. I also use an OttLite TrueColor clip on lamp for right over my canvas. It's energy efficient, shows colors
accurately, and reduces glare. The picture above shows the floor lamp version.
Paint:
This is one of those things you just
have to try for yourself and see what types you like. With my
personal painting technique, I like thinner paints. I paint with lots
of translucent layers made with acrylic paints. A lot of people
mistake my art for watercolors because of this. But that's how I
roll! Since I like thin paints, I love to use the cheap craft
paints that come in bottles such as Folk Art and Americana. I also
love using Liquitex Professional Acrylic Inks. This is just what I
use though. Most acrylic painters like the good old tubes. Since I
don't use them very often I can't give a lot of advice in that area.
I have used Blick brand and they were really great! Starting out I would reccomend getting a set of Blick Paint. It's affordable and great quality.
Canvas
Honestly, I paint on whatever canvas I
have. The only thing I don't like are the ones where the staples are
on the side. For the most part stores have stopped selling that kind.
I love how you don't necessarily have to frame canvas. The canvases
with staples on the back are best, allowing you to paint the sides as
well. That way the painting is ready to hang without a frame! I have
also been known to reuse canvas. If someone gives me a used one, I
will gesso over it and make it new! Sometimes using recycled canvases
relieves the pressure of doing a perfect job. It's used so there's
nothing to lose! Some of my best paintings have been on a recycled
canvas
Brush
Care
For years I went through brushes so
quickly. The bristles would get all separated and crazy, rendering
them worthless. I would wash them out, but somehow they weren't
getting clean enough. I finally gave in and bought the Pink Soap I
kept seeing at the art supply store. For years I thought that it was
just an overpriced gimmick, but I've come to find it as an awesome
product! When your done painting for the day, just put a little bit
in the palm of your hand and work into the bristles. This step may
need repeated until the soap remains pink in your hand. Rinse brushes
again. Lastly, put a little more soap in your hand and coat the
bristles of the clean brush. Reshape the bristles and let dry! They
should stay as good as new for a long long time.
Getting Started
Don't be afraid!! So many times I have procrastinated just because of the fear of failure. When you are trying to master anything, you have to practice. Not every single painting you do will be a masterpiece. . . and that's OK! It's valuable practice, so the time is never wasted. Every time you sit down and paint, you are honing your skills and technique, which is so very important. The only failure is simply not trying at all. Just go for it!
Don't compare yourself with others! You are your own artist. You are the only one on the planet like you. . . therefore all the rules of painting are your own. Do what you want. Develop your own method of painting. If it works for you, then do it!
