I want to start painting?

Question

As a beginner who hasn't picked up a paint brush in the last 5 years, what do you recommend i paint ?
Thanks.

Answer 1

If your not familiar with necessary technical aspect of painting, I suggest you'll start your study to that. What kind of paint you are going to use? Do you know how to mix paint? Do you know how to apply paint (there are proper ways)? Do you know how to use paint? If not or in doubt, concentrate on these so that you will not be hindered by these technical aspects in the future.



For this practices, a still life is usually a favorite choice. Your subject does not move. You can arrange your subject however you like. You can leave them and expect them to be the same when you came back. You could paint them in the comforts of your own home. Your subject does not get angry or bored, and they does not ask for payment.



After that you may try venturing off other advance techniques like paint sculpting, color washing, and chiaroscuro and try more demanding subjects like portraits and landscapes. You may also like to study anatomy (make drawings and sketches or small paintings) of people and animals, especially if you like drawing them. Also certain techniques like washes and glazes so that you would be able achieve more effects.



Of course take your time. These things can't be done in a hurry. Just enjoy your journey and you'll be surprised by the distance you have traveled.



As for inspiration, see this artist journey in art from totally crapy beginnings to totally awesome present.



Journey of an Absolute Rookie: Paintings and Sketches :

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=870&highlight=journey

Answer 2

Sit down in a quiet room, open a window, let the breeze come through, listen to the amosphere and create whatever you're led to paint. Get some canvas and an easel or some good painting paper. Grab some acrylic (my favorite medium) and do your thing! The best art is that which was unintended.

Answer 3

If you don't draw already, I would suggest starting with that to get yourself into the right mindset. Draw things you see, variations of things you see, things you don't see but wish you did...

Or if you want to jump right in I think picking up a watercolor set is a good start. It's fairly forgiving and not as final as other paints. Gouache is nice too if you want more vibrant and reflective colors.

The best way to start is just to be a careful observer...something will eventually peak your interest enough to be painted :)

Answer 4

Well, to get back into drawing or painting after an absence, I always find a still life will get my focus back where it belongs. Landscapes and figures move and/or change, so these are better to do once you get warmed up again.



I always like old bottles or jars, plastic fruit, baskets, figurines, stuffed animals, a room setting, small statues, sea shells...just whatever you want to paint that you won't lose interest in.