Suggestions for a beginner in painting

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Harris on October 27, 2012 at 7:45am

Hi Johnny,

Welcome to the group.  You don't mention what type of painting you want to do, landscape, still life, figurative, etc.  I'm a wood carver and a painter (oils).  I found that with most art a strong drawing background helps tremendously.  If you don't have them I'd suggest Harold Speed's book The Practice and Science of Drawing. Also John H. Vanderpool's book, The Human Figure.  Bridgeman also has some good books, Life Drawing is just one. He also has some on just drawing the features of the face. There are a lot of good ones out there.  These are some I refer to on a regular basis for drawing, sculpting, and painting.

Permalink Reply by Johnny Lee on October 30, 2012 at 6:13am

Thanks Jim!

Permalink Reply by Chris Callen on October 27, 2012 at 7:49pm

Welcome Johnny, you found a great group of folks.  Google  Wilson Bickford, he paints in oils and is great for beginners. He also has tons of videos on You Tube.   He does a lot of landscapes and breaks them down into easy steps. I hope this helps! 

Permalink Reply by Johnny Lee on October 30, 2012 at 6:13am

Thanks Chris!  Glad to be here.  I'll check it out!

Permalink Reply by Deby Dearman on October 29, 2012 at 10:39pm

Johnny, I've been painting for a year now. I found a great art teacher who paints with acrylics. I haven't checked yet

to see where you live, but if you're any where near Franklin, TN you should come and check out my class.

Permalink Reply by Johnny Lee on October 30, 2012 at 6:17am

Hi Deby,

Unfortunately, I am a little far away from Franklin, TN.  I'm in Ohio.  Thanks for the invite though!!!  Have you posted any of your paintings?  I would love to see them sometime.

Permalink Reply by Marisa Ray on December 31, 2012 at 8:11pm

If you like landscapes I have really enjoyed a book by Lee Hammond on landscape painting. It takes you step by step. I refer to it still on occasion

Permalink Reply by Patsy Clairmont on February 4, 2013 at 12:45pm

Hi Johnny. I've been an active member here for 20 minutes and I've been in art classes for 3 months, so talk about a complete beginner. I am using acrylics which I enjoy because they dry fast and they clean up easily. And they are very forgiving...which I need. I am painting with pallet knives which I highly recommend. Even the rhythmic movements in painting is therapy and its a lovely way to express ones emotions. Welcome to both of us...and happy painting.

Permalink Reply by Spencer Meagher on February 4, 2013 at 4:38pm

Hey Johnny, Good to see you here and great to see a budding artist. At the time of my reading this post you have been painting for about four months. I trust your skill level is improving and you are enjoying the process every time you pick up a brush. 

I know you are interested in the opaque mediums of oil and acrylic. Nothing wrong with either one of them. They are both great. Myself, I've been painting in watercolors for 35 years. Just last summer I started in with oils and really enjoy them. I'm not as proficient in oil as I am watercolor, but I find trying something different has improved my watercolor painting.

I will submit for your consideration a single lesson packet I put together on watercolor painting. If you have any interest in trying watercolors this would be a good place to start. I designed the lesson in such a way that  you are walked through the process step-by-step. You can find out more about it at http://smeagher61.fineartstudioonline.com/works/1070844/spring-thaw....

Even if you aren't into watercolor I'd be honored to have you check out my work at http://www.spencermeagher.com.

Happy painting and I'd love to see some of your work if you would like to post it.