[Drawing Power] Art and lack thereof

THEPAIN73

So I decided today that I would like to paint something. Or many things.

I feel creative enough to do this, however I have not ever attempted anything like this since 5th grade art class, and I had a few questions before I jumped head first into it.

-What are some nice things to have while working?

-What kind of money am I looking at that I need to spend to have these nice things?

-What are some common tips for ideas to paint. Good warm ups if you will?

-Best brand of brushes?

I was thinking sketch pad then putting my best idea onto canvas.

iglidante

Have you drawn at all since 5th grade? If not, it might be a little premature to start painting. I mean, maybe just sketch for a while to get a feel for the type of things you enjoy drawing.

Derrick

First off, you don't need the good stuff. You haven't done anything since 5th grade, so don't blow your money.

If you're serious, then I would suggest you get some cheap acrylic paints at your local hobby store along with some cheap synthetic brushes and see how you like it. Paint price varies by the color. Acrylics are water soluble when they're wet, so they're easy to use and they dry fast.

So a simple setup is as easy as paint, paintbrushes, canvas, bottle of water, towel to dry it, and something to use as a palette (sheet of plastic works fine for this.)

NotYou

1. draw for a long time
2. buy cheap acrylic paints and brushes. You will ruin nice brushes and probably aren't good enough to yet tell the difference. Buy a jar for water. and a pallete. And paper towels. And an easel.
3. Buy a cheap illustration board or canvas.
4. setup a still life of something you find interesting. Something simple. Create your own lighting on it. Create harsh contrast. Shadows. Don't rely on daylight since the sun moves. Mark out the location of where your objects are and where your light is with tape in case you have to set it up again later. Keep it simple.
5. Draw in pencil. Continue redrawing until it is perfect.
6. Paint.
7. Repaint until perfect.

blah

First you'll need an easel, cheap small metal ones go for about $30. Then you'll need to put a canvas on it, go cheap and double check that its been pre primed. Paints range from $140 for a 75ml tube of W/N series 7 to $15 for 2L of Cromacryl. You need to keep in mind that a lot of the cheap shit is targeted for school kids and is major depressing to paint with. If you're just starting out go for brands like Artelier, or anything that is around $10 for a series 1. As for brushes, I'd suggest you get a wide range of sizes and qualities to figure out what's what.

Ask for an artists discount, all of the stores in my city have it, 10% off.

Scosglen

You don't need an easel and you really don't need actual canvas either. A stiff paper or board stock with a gesso (a primer layer, essentially) is plenty for beginner practice. Masonite boards cut to size are a very nice surface to work on with acrylics I hear.

You don't need quality materials. Buy a starter palette of liquitex or some other cheap brand ( not too cheap, stay away from like kid's art supplies) and synthetic brushes.

The_Glad_Hatter

Read up on some Artist's corner threads, especially the ones with beginners showing their art.. Some o fthe advices and critiques given there really are golden, and can help any artist.

rts

Yeah maybe just try drawing for a little bit first.

Raneados

blah wrote: »

First you'll need an easel, cheap small metal ones go for about $30. Then you'll need to put a canvas on it, go cheap and double check that its been pre primed. Paints range from $140 for a 75ml tube of W/N series 7 to $15 for 2L of Cromacryl. You need to keep in mind that a lot of the cheap shit is targeted for school kids and is major depressing to paint with. If you're just starting out go for brands like Artelier, or anything that is around $10 for a series 1. As for brushes, I'd suggest you get a wide range of sizes and qualities to figure out what's what.

Ask for an artists discount, all of the stores in my city have it, 10% off.

what the heck no

he's not an artist

hasn't even DRAWN anything for YEARS

don't spend 100-200 bucks on nice stuff or even mediocre stuff

get some cheap shit from walmart and a piece of paper and some 50c brushes and practice

The_Glad_Hatter

i bought dirty cheap stuff to get me started, and once you'v gained exprience, you'll know your own preferences and needs.

But also: what cakemikz said. The best beginner painting supplies are a pencil and some paper.