Where to begin? Art Materials for Beginners
Where to begin in your painting journey?
You’ve been toying with the idea of trying painting for a while, but have no idea where to search for materials? You’d like to try an online class, but have no idea if you are purchasing the right paint or canvases? You’d like to give painting a go, but don’t want to spend a fortune on materials in case you don’t like it? Do not fret..This page should answer any questions you have.
When you are just beginning you can use the less expensive materials, until you get to grips with the technique. Once you are a little more proficient it may be worth investing in more expensive paints and canvases, particularly if you start selling or exhibiting your work.
To begin with keep your eye out for beginner’s bundles that include boards or canvases, brushes and acrylic paints. This one from The Works would work well and has a good selection of colours –
Or this one on Amazon has brushes and paints, but no canvases –
The most important colours you need to purchase are white, red, yellow and blue (of any shade). Other colours that I use a lot are brown (raw umber), raw sienna or yellow ochre, burnt sienna, process cyan (or a light blue) and gold. Sometimes the white paint in the less expensive ranges can be very transparent. If you find that is the case it may be worth purchasing a separate white. Daler Rowney System 3 acrylic paint in any size would be fine.
You will need a wide flat brush to lay down some washes. These are not included in the beginner’s packs. I recommend something like this –
https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/acrylic-brushes/wide-flat-paint-brush-set/5052089269057.html
But these need to be in addition to the smaller sized brushes that come with the beginner’s pack. If you are purchasing everything separately something like this would be fine –
Other than that, you will need:
- A water container (jam jar/recycled plastic
- Some rags or kitchen towel
- A pallette to hold the paints (ice cream tubs lined with damp paper towel will keep the paint wet for longer).
- A mixing pallette (ice cream lids, takeaway boxes, any flat recycled plastic)
Once you are more proficient you can purchase an easel (standing or table) and take a trip to Hobbycraft or The Range to browse all of the wonderful materials that you are now suddenly very excited about.
The most important thing is to have fun, relax and enjoy the process. There really is no wrong or right in art. You just need to show up and allow all the creativity to evolve. I wish you much joy and magic on your creative journey.
“All you need to paint is a few tools, a little instruction, and a vision in your mind” – Bob Ross.
