Most every artist, whatever their preferred art style is, is curious about painting. Our hands are our tools, and we pick what to use with them to create these great ideas we get in our heads- like changing the ends on a vacuum to fit your task. Painting just feel so different than anything else; you're moving this liquid around (and there's different kinds?!) on usually a canvas, and you can create anything from colorful geometric shapes to an incredibly realistic portrait.
As I began my 'art journey' with simple sketches and my drawings started getting more complex, I wanted to try my hand at painting. I started simple- painting pretty and simple backgrounds on canvas, and drawing pictures on top of the painted background. Until one day, it all changed...
My mother took me to a painting class with her for a Mother's Day special. There, step by step, we both painted some sunflowers. I surprised- mine didn't look awful! Thus my love for painting stemmed.
My first real painting was a birthday present for my mother. I have never taken a painting class, I didn't research anything, I was winging everything I was doing.
The first step I took- drawing what I wanted to paint. This was quick, easy, and comfortable- it was what I was used to. However, I can now look back and laugh at how I attempted painting this. If you're an artist or someone who has taken a painting class, I apologize for how much this will hurt you.
I tried painting the stars and background, while weaving around the fence. This is why my shading in the sky looks pretty rough. Fun Fact:: I still do not know how to blend paint colors together with a paint brush. I can to some extent, but I can get it perfectly when I use my fingers. Yes, you heard that right, I finger paint. Most of this painting was finger painted, actually.
As I followed my gut through the rest of this painting, I managed to some what pull it together? I wasn't expecting perfection, I merely wanted to be able to look at it and recognize it was the rose from Beauty and the Beast.
This was important to me, and still is. I firmly believe you cannot do art if your heart isn't in it- good art that is. I' have a pile of half-done paintings that I can't get myself to ever finish because I son't like the image. I physically can't sit for 8+ hours for a painting I don't have some connection to. I believe my rose turned out alright; I'm proud that was my first attempt at a real painting.
My final advice for any new (or old) artist wanting to dabble in painting-
1) HAVE PATIENCE! It won't be perfect on your first, second, or even third try.
2) Only paint something you can connect to. Whether you're painting a self portrait or your grandmother's favorite bird for Christmas, make sure you're motivated. Painting is frustrating, and imaging the face of whoever it's for is what keeps me motivated to not throw the canvas across the room.
Good luck painting!!
