7 Tips for Learning to Paint

Focus on the details

• Get the details right.

Learning to paint is no different from any other skill: you can't learn what "right" looks like if you don't know what "wrong" looks like. And if you're just starting out, chances are that your painting skills are still in their infancy. It's a good idea, then, to focus on the details of your paintings in order to watch them grow into something spectacular. For example, when painting a landscape, it's important to pay attention to the position and movement of the clouds as well as their form and texture. By focusing on these smaller details first, you'll be able to build a strong foundation for your painting before moving onto larger elements such as trees or figures.

The more you practice with attention to detail, the better you will get at painting (and everything else).

Don't be afraid to experiment

The truth is, an important step in becoming a good painter is learning to be comfortable with experimentation and process. If you're afraid of wasting paint, you're not going to do anything that could possibly be considered a failure. But the thing about art is that it's about the process—and if you need to make mistakes to learn, so be it!

When starting out, don't worry about making your piece perfect. Instead, focus on enjoying the ride. Experiment; try new things; explore different mediums and tools; experiment with style; do something abstract; try out various brushstrokes.

And if something doesn't turn out as well as you'd hoped? Consider why—maybe it was because you didn't have enough background knowledge or experience in that specific medium/style/tool—and try again.

Be patient

Learning to paint can be difficult. You may feel that you are unable to improve, and this can be frustrating. But by being patient with yourself, you can learn to paint better over time and avoid feeling discouraged.

Painting is a skill that requires practice, and it takes time to become good at it. This means that learning to paint is a process of trial and error, with many ups and downs along the way. If your first painting isn't what you'd hoped for—and chances are it won't be—don't worry! Instead of giving up when things don't go as planned, keep trying until you get something you like. Taking breaks from painting can also help keep you motivated because it gives your mind a chance to rest from the task at hand before returning refreshed.

Look at other artists' work

Look at other artists’ work.

Look at the work of other artists. Go to a gallery, a museum or an art show and see what they have done and how they have done it. Research on the internet. See how they have used color, shape, line, etc., and get an idea of what you like about their art and what you dislike about it.

What do you find appealing? What turns you off? You can learn from both of these things.

Practice, practice, practice

Get your hands dirty. If you're new to painting, it's a good idea to take a class or at least hire an instructor for a few sessions. If you're taking an art class in person, ask if there are open life-drawing sessions you can attend. These are usually free and offer great opportunities to practice sketching the human form from real models (instead of photos).

Practice often, even if it's just 30 minutes at a time. Make sure that your practice sessions are focused on learning new techniques or trying different types of art styles. Don't just paint the same old thing—you'll want to make sure that you're challenging yourself so that your skills continue to improve with each stroke of the brush.

Consider your subject carefully

• Consider your subject carefully.

• Choose the right canvas and colors.

• Don't try to do everything at once.

If you're painting a landscape, don't load it with details—that will only make your work complicated. The same goes for the opposite approach: if you're painting portraits, don't be afraid to experiment with splashes of color. By focusing on one aspect at a time, you can achieve a cohesive look that works in harmony instead of seeming sloppy or amateurish.

• Don't get too complicated. If you're painting a portrait, stick to the basics: eyes, nose and mouth are all fine; hands are not necessary. You can try adding some other features (like hair), but keep them minimal so they don't detract from your subject's face or expression.

Try to go easy on yourself

• Give yourself permission to fail. You didn't take up painting because you want to paint the perfect, most jaw-droppingly amazing portrait in the whole universe as your very first try. So go easy on yourself and don’t let perfectionism hold you back from enjoying your hobby!

• Relax, take a break or resume tomorrow if you're feeling frustrated. Sometimes this is the best way to get around an obstacle and start seeing things differently.

• When something seems difficult at first, remember that lots of people have learned how to do it, so it's not an impossible task. Painting can be frustrating at times if things don't go exactly as planned, but practice makes perfect!

If you want to become a painter, be prepared to put in the time and energy.

One of the best things about painting is that anyone can do it. If you’ve always wanted to experiment with your artistic side, pick up a brush and try it out! Just know that if you want to become a painter, be prepared to put in the time and energy. It takes years and years of practice to perfect the craft. Don’t get discouraged if you feel like you aren’t creating masterpieces right away. Even famous artists have been known to have difficulty creating work they are happy with!

It also helps to remember that learning how to paint is a journey and not a race. There isn’t an end goal of being “good enough” at painting—it is all about embracing each stage along the way, even when things don’t go as planned. In fact, some of your biggest mistakes can turn into your greatest discoveries!